What is a portable hot tub and should I buy one? (Features, costs and more)

In this article, you’ll learn about the

-Main features that make up a portable hot tub

-Brands that sell portable spas in the UK

-Price ranges

-How they compare to similar looking products

-And more

This will help you work out if a portable hot tub could be the best product for you. 

In this article, we’ve used brand names not affiliated with Jacuzzi Group. You can see the list of the brand owners at the bottom of this article. All information, including pricing and product details, was accurate at the time of writing (January 30, 2023) and may change without notice.

What is a portable hot tub? 

A portable hot tub is a fully self-contained, freestanding spa that can be taken from one location to another. Important components such as heaters, pumps and plumbing are housed inside the cabinet. 

A non-portable hot tub (commonly commercial hot tubs) are plumbed into a pump room which manages the jets. The key components mentioned above are not contained within the cabinet. 

What is the difference between a portable and inflatable hot tub?

A portable hot tub has a hard shell, moulded seating and jets that create varying types of hydromassage. Portable hot tubs can also be referred to as a ‘hydrotherapy hot tub’ or ‘hardshell hot tub.’ 



An inflatable hot tub has a soft shell, open style seating (in most cases) and yes, inflates, deflates, and can be stored when you are not using it. 

What brands sell portable hot tubs? 

Brands that offer portable hot tubs include; 

Jacuzzi®, Hydropool™, Sundance® Spas, Hot Spring®, Wellis Spa®, Villeroy and Boch™, Sun and Soul™, Master Spas®, Aegan Spas®, Aquavia® Spa, Artesian Spas™, Aspen Spas®, Platinum Spas, Vita Spa®.

To explore the range of Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs available between the three collections we offer, click the button below. 

How much do portable hot tubs cost?

Depending on the size, brand and model, the retail price for portable, hard-shell hot tubs in the UK can range from approximately £2,995.00 to more than £25,000.00,

There are many factors that can influence price. These include -

-Shape 

-Size 

-Features 

-Engineering 

-Quality of materials 

-Design 

-Brand 

-Technology

When searching for hot tubs online you will find that some brands display pricing and others do not.

This price range mentioned above is the best estimate and the most honest one at the time of writing.

Can I use a portable hot tub in winter? 

Yes, you can use a portable hot tub in winter, whether it's soaking for warmth and hydrotherapy on a cold day or relieving muscles after exercise.

If you're asking yourself questions such as "how do I maintain my hot tub when it's cold?" or "can I use my hot tub if it's snowing?", we recommend you read this article. 

What are common portable hot tub features?

Although features vary between brands and models, you will commonly find that many portable spa options are equipped with -

-Hard shell

-Framework

-Cabinet

-Control system

-Filtration system

-Insulation

-Plumbing

-Jets (hydrotherapy jets and/or air jets)

-Moulded seating and/or open barrier seating

Are portable hot tubs easy to use?

Reputable brands strive to make their products as easy to use as possible and should always be happy to talk you through the process as you are learning how to use the hot tub. 



It also depends what aspects of hot tub use you are looking at. Is it using the hydrotherapy jets, the control panel, water maintenance, taking the hot tub cover on and off?

In general, a quality hot tub option should come with features and maintenance requirements that are simple to use, given the higher level of materials and technology that are built into the product, or are available as optional extras. 

Summary

After reading this article, you should have a better understanding of what a portable hot tub is, prices, brands, common questions and more. 

Keen to learn more about the differences between portable, in-ground and inflatable hot tubs? For all the need to know information and help you work out which option may be best suited to you, we recommend you have a read of this article. 

You can also download our Hot Tub Buyer's Guide. 

Disclaimer: The following registered trademarks are owned by companies not affiliated in any way with Jacuzzi Group. 

HotSpring® Prism™ is a trademark owned by Watkins Manufacturing Corporation, Hydropool™ is a trademark owned by Hydropool Inc, Sundance® Spas is a trademark owned by Sundance Spas Inc, Wellis Spa® is a trademark owned by Wellis Magyarorszag Kereskedelmi es Szolgaltato Zrt. CORPORATION HUNGARY, Villeroy & Boch™ is a trademark owned by Villeroy & Boch AG Incorporated Company FED REP GERMANY Saaruferstr, Master Spas® owned by Master Spas, LLC, Aquavia® Spa is a trademark owned by IBERSPA, S.L., Artesian Spas™ is a trademark owned by May Manufacturing, LLC, Platinum Spas is a trademark owned by Superior Spas Ltd, Vita Spa® is a trademark owned by American Bath Group, LLC. 

Affiliations: Jacuzzi® is a registered trademark of Jacuzzi Group. All rights reserved.