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11 Best Hot Tub Features Your Home Spa Must Have

So, you’re shopping for a hot tub, and you want the best of the best. You’re looking for quality, something that’s tuned and perfected. State of the art.

 

But what does that look like when it comes to hot tubs and hot tub features? All of them seem to have jets and seats sculpted and designed for comfort. So what is it that makes one hot tub better than another?

 

The truth is, it doesn’t boil down to just one thing. There are many hot tub features to consider that blend together to create a high-quality experience.

 

Here are a few of the best hot tub features to consider when deciding what’s best for you.

 

1. Materials

 

Hot tub shells come in a range of materials, each with its own benefits. For example, acrylic shells are popular for their durability and longevity, but they are more costly and heavy, meaning they can be difficult to transport.

 

Vinyl is a more affordable hot tub shell material. It’s easy to move, too—but it’s not as durable as acrylic and is more likely to crack or fade in the sun.

 

Another popular hot tub material is rotomolded plastic, a plastic powder that is melted into a mold. This option lasts longer than vinyl, but it is not as energy efficient.

 

2. Construction

 

 

From sports cars to golf clubs, the highest quality brands and items all have something important in common. They’re well designed and solidly constructed. This principle also applies to the best spa features in the business.

 

Look at each hot tub’s base, frame, plumbing, and insulation before deciding on a spa.

 

Base/Frame

 

The best hot tubs use frames that are constructed with ABS polymer or composite materials that don’t include wood or metal.

 

When constructed in this manner, the base and frame will never rot or corrode, keeping your hot tub sturdy and sound for years to come, even in extreme climates.

 

Insulation

 

There are a few insulation options when it comes to hot tubs, but the best option is full foam insulation.

 

Full foam insulation seals in the heat that your spa produces, increasing its energy efficiency and reducing the cost of running your spa over time. Don’t settle for a cheap perimeter insulation system that will waste your money and energy.

 

Plumbing

 

When it comes to energy efficiency, it’s also important to consider a spa’s plumbing.

 

The fewer pipes running through your hot tub, the better. Less piping means less friction, which means that not only will your hot tub be more energy efficient, but it will also have more powerful jets.

 

Bullfrog Spas, by building their hot tubs with the patented JetPak Therapy System™, eliminates up to 90% of the plumbing and piping used in conventional spas.

 

3. Customizable Jets

 

 

One of the most important features to consider when purchasing a hot tub are the jet options. You’re going to want to find something that tends to your specific needs, whether you have lower back pain, neck pain, or tense shoulders that could use help relaxing.

 

If you have guests use your spa, chances are they’ll also prefer one variety of jets over another, so it’s important to have a good mix of jet types across the different seats.

 

For example, Bullfrog Spas features 17 different Jetpaks, which are modular and interchangeable jet packages, that allow you to place your favorite jet type in your favorite seat and switch them out at any time.

 

 

4. Advanced Filtration

 

Maintaining a hot tub doesn’t need to be a hassle. Thankfully, there are a handful of innovative systems that allow you to spend more time enjoying your spa and less time worrying about chemical levels.

 

Ozone System

 

Ozone is a water purification system that utilizes oxidation to cleanse your spa water so you don’t have to use nearly as many chemicals to keep it pure. This type of system generates ozone gas which sanitizes the water, then deconstructs the residual O₃ gas when it’s finished. This is a great option if you want to save on the cost of chemicals and reduce maintenance time.

 

Self-regulating System

 

A self-regulating system slowly distributes chemicals such as bromine or chlorine into your spa water to keep it fresh and pure. This way you don’t have to administer the chemicals manually, which is a major convenience.

 

For example, Bullfrog Spas features the unique FROG® @ease® Water Care System. This system was designed specifically for Bullfrog spas and utilizes SmartChlor® technology which uses up to 75% less chlorine than traditional methods and reduces shock treatments to only once per month.

 

Salt System

 

With a salt system, rather than adding chlorine to your hot tub, you add salt. The salt is then processed by a salt chlorine generator which converts the salt into a moderate and balanced amount of chlorine.

 

While it’s softer on the skin and eyes, a saltwater care system comes with trade-offs, such as a high cost and a risk of the saltwater corroding components of your hot tub.

 

5. Audio System

 

Whether you’re retreating to your hot tub for an evening of solitary relaxation or throwing a party with some of your closest friends, you may find that one of the spa features you most appreciate is a quality Bluetooth audio system that allows you to enjoy your favorite tunes while soaking in your spa.

 

6. Water Features

 

Looking for a way to add that wow-factor to your hot tub? Many hot tubs come with soothing waterfalls or exciting laminars that shoot water into the air. These help to enhance your relaxation and create lasting memories with your friends and family.

 

7. Ample Seating

 

What’s a hot tub without plenty of space for your friends and family? Ample seating is a must-have hot tub feature for anyone who likes to host guests regularly.

 

Want the most seating you can get from a Bullfrog Spa? Look at the M Series Spas. You can add the SwimDek surface package to maximize your cushioned, non-slip seat to the fullest. You can even coordinate the seating with your cabinet finish for a luxury look that will bring the greatest enjoyment every time you use your hot tub.

 

8. Easy Entry

 

When you’re rating the best hot tub features, be sure to consider safety for everyone using the hot tub. No matter your age or physical abilities, it’s important to have a hot tub that offers easy entry and exit. High-quality steps will make your hot tub experience safer and more relaxing, without detracting from the aesthetics of the experience. For the greatest enjoyment, choose steps that have a durable, non-slip surface, durable construction, and rust resistance.

 

9. Cover Lift

 

A hot tub cover is essential for protecting your hot tub from the elements when not in use, and a cover lift will make the process of getting in and out of the hot tub even more seamless. The best cover lifts are functional and nice to look at. You’ll be able to prolong the life of your hot tub and avoid heavy lifting, too. Look for mechanical cover lifts or lifts with high-quality hydraulics for the ultimate ease of use. Aluminum is an ideal material for any hot tub cover lift.

 

10. Remote Control App

 

With the Bullfrog Spas CloudControl app, you can control every element of your spa from lighting to jets to water care. Whether you’re across the country or simply sitting too far away from the control panel, it comes in handy to have the controls in the palm of your hand. The app will even remind you when your filters need to be cleaned or changed, and suggest when it might be time for a maintenance check-up on your spa.

 

Shop for a remote control app with a variety of Wi-Fi capabilities. Ideally, you should be able to use the app on any smartphone or tablet so you can start your spa, turn on lights, or change the temperature from afar.

 

11. Lighting

 

Many spas feature an adjustable lighting package, which is great for setting the mood as you soak your stresses away.

 

Lights might not be the first feature you think of when you’re looking for a hot tub, but a range of customizable LEDs can improve your experience dramatically. It doesn’t matter if you’re resting after a workout, having a romantic evening with a special someone, or even throwing a house party, lighting can help make your hot tub the perfect space for the occasion.