8 Worst Hot Tub Brands To Avoid & Reliable Brands in 2025

“A day off and backyard sanctuary.” What comes to your mind when you hear this? Leaving all the tensions behind and relaxing in a hot tub, right?

Getting a chance to relax in a hot tub after a tiring day is pure bliss. However, for that, it is essential to find the right one.

And that is where the real hunt starts. Many brands claim to provide high-quality hot tubs, but all that glitter is not gold.

To find a high-quality hot tub for your backyard, it is a wise decision to know about the hot tub brands to avoid first.

Once you know which brand you need to avoid, your search for the best becomes easier.

Based on our research and users’ feedback, the list of hot tub brands to avoid includes Life Spas, Jacuzzi Hot Tubs, Futura Spas, Thermospa & Laguna Bay Spas.

So, without further ado, let’s get started.

How to spot the worst hot tub brand?

Hot tubs are some of the most expensive water features in the home. Therefore, you should carefully choose your hot tub, especially when it comes to the brand.

So, here are a few pointers to help you figure out which hot tub brands to avoid.

1. No Service Agreement:

The first and foremost thing that you need to check is whether the hot tubs come with a service agreement or not.

You might be in trouble if you do not have a service agreement.

As you know, hot tubs can break at any time, and sometimes it is too late.

Therefore, you must get a service agreement with a reliable company. 

2. Poor Warranty:

A warranty ensures that your hot tub will be fixed if it breaks. It also ensures that the manufacturer will cover all the repair costs, even after it has passed the warranty period.

3. Negative Customer Reviews:

Negative customer reviews are a clear indicator that something bad is going on.

4. Poor Reputation:

A good brand will always have a positive reputation among customers. They have experienced many happy customers who have a great time while using their hot tubs.

On the other hand, some have never had a complaint.

If you cannot find any positive reviews, then it is probably because the hot tub is not as reliable as it should be.

5. Poor quality insulation:

Insulation is one of the most important things when it comes to a hot tub.

If the insulation is not up to par, then you might not be able to enjoy the hot tub for a long time. It is advisable to get good-quality insulation.

List of 8 Hot Tub Brands to Avoid

Our ranking of the worst tub brands is based on performance, price, efficiency, features, and customer reviews. So, here is the first name on our list.

1. Life Spas

Life Spas is a hot tub company based in Chino, California. It claims to be a leading spa brand.

However, after analyzing consumer reviews, we have concluded that Life Spas is one of the least reliable hot tub brands.

Almost 45% of the consumers have complained that the water heaters in Life Spas’ hot tubs are inadequate. They overheat the water to a level that it can start boiling anytime.

If you start looking for information about this manufacturer, you will notice that their reviews are pretty inconsistent.

This brand is rated 2.5 according to Yelp and 2.8 according to Consumer Affairs.

No matter what you are buying and from where you are buying it, one of the essential factors to consider is customer service. And that is where Life Spas lack the most.

You will find a lot of consumers saying that their complaints are ignored.

Life Spas, for instance, has received feedback similar to certain underperforming hotel chains, highlighting the importance of customer satisfaction across industries.

Before buying, have a look at these common complaints about Life Spas.

• Don’t deliver what is advertised
• Extremely late delivery
• It doesn’t work properly
• Poor quality material is used in the process of making these hot tubs.

2. Jacuzzi Hot Tubs

Jacuzzi Hot Tubs is another hot tub company based in California.

The hot tubs by this brand are pretty excellent and energy-efficient. They work very well.

Jacuzzi Hot Tubs is rated 3.5, according to Consumer Affairs.

Now, you might be wondering why is it among the worst hot tub brands with this rating. Because compared to Life Spas, it has a pretty good rating.

However, let us make it clear to you. Even if it has gotten 3.5 stars, those stars are just for the quality of the hot tubs.

Just like Life Spas, this hot tub maker is also famous for its poor customer service.

Many consumers have complained that they don’t replace the damaged hot tub parts even when they are still within the warranty period.

Let’s check out some of the drawbacks of this brand.

• It comes with limited energy-efficient options
• Made of poor-quality material
• Defective parts
• The heater doesn’t work properly

When examining brands like Jacuzzi Hot Tubs or Futura Spas, one can draw parallels with other household items, such as carpets. Just as some least reliable carpet brands lack quality and durability, certain hot tub brands face criticism for similar issues.

3. Futura Spas

The next worst maker that you should avoid is Futura Spas. This hot tub brand has been rated 2.5 for three years straight, both on Consumer Affairs and Google.

Moreover, some consumers also complain about busted fuses and cracked cabinets. Futura Spas has very poor customer service.

They claim to have a warranty period of 25 years but instead, take money from customers for repairing the defective parts even though the product is still within the warranty period.

Another complaint you will hear from the users is that the product is different from those advertisements.

Below are some drawbacks of this brand.

• Filter pleats are weak.
• Made of cheap quality material
• Confusing control panel
• Rough plastic in some areas of the tub

4. Thermospa

This brand has the lowest ratings based on customer satisfaction.

One of the biggest problems you will see is that Thermospa doesn’t use local dealers.

Many customers have complained about extremely late deliveries. Even one said she got her hot tub after whole three months of ordering.

Thermospa Hot Tubs don’t have good construction both internally and externally. Also, you’ll notice that on Better Business Bureau, it is rated as B.

We have mentioned a few more cons of this brand to make it easier for you. Have a look.

• Unclear instructions
• Foam is produced in the tub
• Not enough information online related to the pricing|
• Leakage problem

Thermospa’s late delivery complaints mirror the frustrations many faces with appliances, where brands like some bad washing machine manufacturers have disappointed consumers with their service and reliability.

5. Laguna Bay Spas

Laguna Bay Spas is yet another unreliable hot tub brand you will find. The products of this brand often come defective.

Many users have complained about heating issues and defective tubs.

Another reason to call Laguna Bay one of the worst hot tub makers is its extremely poor customer service.

They refuse to send any replacement for the defective or damaged part despite having a warranty.

According to Yelp, Laguna Bay Spas has a rating of 2, which signifies that those who bought this product weren’t happy at all.

If you still don’t find it convincing enough to avoid this brand, check out the factors below. 

• Water leaks out
• Weak jets
• Very ill-fitting cover
• Difficult to understand the control panel

Similarly, Laguna Bay Spas’ issues with customer service can remind one of the challenges in the electronics sector, notably in TV brands, where some brands have not met consumer expectations regarding product quality and after-sales support.

6. Dimension One spa

Okay, the next manufacturer on our list of hot tub brands to avoid is Dimension One Spas.

If you happen to check their website, you won’t find any reviews. However, this brand has been rated 3.2 by Consumer Affairs.

Some people have also complained about the lack of support you get from this manufacturer.

They tried to replace their heaters; however, there was no response from Dimension One Spas.

Moreover, many people have also mentioned that only after a few weeks of usage did they notice that the tubs were leaking.

Check out some other reasons why this hot tub brand should be avoided.

• No instruction at delivery
• Poorly designed motor, pump, and hoses
• Water leakage
• Needs repair often

7. Coleman and Bestway Inflatable Hot Tubs

Coleman and Best Way Inflatable Hot Tubs are considered one of the worst hot tubs for a few specific reasons.

The first one is that it will take years to heat water. Well, not years in reality, but it does take longer.

You might be thinking that it is an inflatable hot tub brand. Aren’t these supposed to take a while to heat water? Well, the answer is yes! They do, but Coleman here takes a little too long.

People have also complained about the jets being weak. A user even said that the spa she bought didn’t last long. 

Let’s have a look at some of the drawbacks of this brand.

• Poor quality jets
• Very slow heating
• Made of poor-quality material

8. Aleko Inflatable Hot tubs

Last but not least, we will talk about Aleko Inflatable Hot Tubs, another hot tub brand to avoid. This maker, as compared to others, has both good and bad reviews.

However, the majority of the reviews are bad ones. One of the most common problems people have faced with this brand is that the tubs delivered to them were faulty.

The hot tubs either take quite a while to heat, and when they do, the heat doesn’t stay long.

Just like the brands mentioned above, Aleko is also famous for not providing good customer service.

Check out a few more cons.

• Only 3 months warranty
• The hot tub doesn’t turn on
• Unevenly inflated
• Malfunctioned heaters

4 Most Reliable Hot Tub Brands

Now that you know what hot tub brands you need to avoid, it is time for you to learn about some of the most reliable hot tub brands that you should give a try.

Let’s have a look at them.

1. Masters Hot tub

Having a rating of 4.3 on consumer affairs, Masters Spa is one of the best hot tub brands out there.

No matter what your budget is, you will find an affordable range of prices for 25 products.

The hot tubs by Masterspa come with a noise reduction system which means that the motor and pump vibration will be decreased.

You can also add mobile compatibilities, WIFI, and a fusion air sound system in these tubs.

So, if you like peaceful surroundings and don’t want to disturb the neighbors, then Master Spa is the brand you need.

2. Bullfrog Spa

This brand makes one of the most energy-efficient hot tubs on the market. Bullfrog is quite famous for its customer support service.

It means you won’t have to worry about your complaints being ignored.

Bullfrog Spas’ products are all well-regarded and come in a variety of price ranges. So you can choose the hot tub that suits your budget.

3. Essential Hot Tubs

Essential Hot Tubs is a very high-quality manufacturer of hot tub brands. Its products are mostly rated as 4.7.

One of the most important factors is that they have very comfortable seating. This maker is also very energy efficient.

The heating system of Essential Hot Tubs is quite efficient.

Moreover, it has a great filtering system, so you won’t have to worry about cleaning your water now and then.

4. Marquis Spas

Marquis offers a wide range of hot tubs and swim spas. It is also one of those budget-friendly hot tubs. Marquis hot tubs come with a warranty of 1-5 years.

The best thing about Marquis is that they come with constant clean technology. Each time, you will have a clean and fresh soak.

You can install the audio system and LED lighting in your Marquis hot tub. Moreover, it comes with a wide range of customization options as well.

Lastly, when it comes to customer service, you won’t have to worry as it takes care of its consumers very well. 

Most Common Hot Tub Problems

Hot tubs often have flaws that are not readily apparent to the user. Some of the most common problems in a hot tub include:

# A lack of proper filtration.

Without proper filtration, the water can become cloudy and odoriferous and may even contain harmful bacteria.

# The spa is too small.

Most spas are sold with an “X” marked on the side of the tub. That “X” represents the size of the tub that comes standard with the model.

# The wrong type of jet is installed.

Many spas are sold with a “starter package” of jets.

This means the manufacturer assumes you will eventually add additional jets as your needs dictate.

However, if the jets you receive with the spa are inadequate, you may have a difficult time adding more jets later without replacing the entire unit.

# The wrong type or a number of filters are installed.

If you don’t have enough filters, the water will become cloudy and odoriferous and may even contain harmful bacteria.

On the other hand, if you put in too many filters, it will impede the circulation of the water, and you will start to lose heat faster than you would otherwise.

# The spa does not have a drain.

In some cases, this is intentional on the part of the manufacturer.

However, if it is not, you may find yourself struggling to keep the water out of the tub when you first fill it with water.

After that, you will probably have to keep adding chlorine to the water or start to get sick from the harmful bacteria that develop in the water.

# The water does not get heated to a sufficient temperature.

This can lead to all kinds of problems.

First of all, you may end up with an uncomfortable hot tub that feels like it’s never going to heat up enough for you.

On the other hand, if the water gets too hot, you could get a medical problem from the temperature of the water.

# There is not enough circulation.

Again, this is caused by a lack of filters or by installing too many filters. Either way, the water will not move around enough to keep itself clean.

As a result, there is a good chance some sort of bacteria will develop in the water and make you very sick.

# The wrong type or size of heater is installed.

This is a common problem with spas that are “converted” from a conventional bathtub.

If the heater you have is inadequate, you may find yourself struggling to keep the water at a comfortable temperature or, you may even find yourself with a hot tub that feels chilly to you.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Hot Tub Brand

Buying a hot tub can be overwhelming and expensive. There are so many hot tubs and brands to choose from, and the market is full of scams and lies.

We have done the research for you and compiled a buyer’s guide to assist you in making a good decision.

So, you need to consider the following things before buying a hot tub.

1. Types Of Hot Tub

There are two main types of hot tubs: Portable Hot tubs vs. Custom Spa Hot tubs.

Both have their pros and cons, but there are several key differences to be aware of. First, let’s discuss the differences between a portable and a custom spa hot tub.

A custom spa hot tub

A custom spa hot tub is one that is built into the floor or cement slab of your property.

This type of hot tub will almost always give you a much better, longer-lasting, more comfortable experience than a portable hot tub.

Also, because it is built into the ground, you won’t have to worry about the hot tub getting damaged if you are ever flooded.

However, there are a few disadvantages to having a custom spa hot tub.

• The first is that they are usually very expensive.
• The second is that they require a lot of work to install. 

A portable hot tub:

A portable hot tub is one that is freestanding, either on a trailer or some other type of dolly.

It has obvious advantages over a custom spa hot tub.

• First, it is lightweight, so it is easy to move.
• Second, because it is portable, you can take it with you almost anywhere.

2. Size Of The Hot Tub

The next consideration you should consider is the size of the hot tub you want. There are a few different factors to consider here.

• The main ones are the Length of Time You Will Use the Hot Tub Each Year and How Many People Will Use it.
• If you plan to use your hot tub for only a short period each year (1-2 months out of the entire year), then you probably do not need a very big hot tub.
• If, on the other hand, you plan to use your hot tub for a long period each year (6 months or more), then you should definitely get a larger hot tub.

3. Features You Want In Your Hot Tub

Now, let’s discuss some of the features you want in your hot tub. These are things like:

A Spill Proof Lid– This will keep water from getting into the hot tub, even if the spout is left off. It is especially important for children and pets to be safe when using the hot tub.

An Overflow Drain– This will allow you to empty the water out of the hot tub if you ever need to. It also lets you know when the water level is too high and needs to be adjusted.

A Filtration System – This will remove particles from the water, keeping the water clear and clean.

A Depth Gauge – This will let you know how deep the water is when you are sitting in the hot tub. 

A Shelving Unit Under The Ladder – This will give you extra seating around the hot tub.

An Alternating Current Motor – This will provide an even heating system, which is important for your comfort level.

4. Jet Count And Power Of Jets

The next consideration is the jet count and power of the jets in your hot tub. More jets means a more powerful flow of water over your body.

But, too many jets can make the water stream over your body so strong that it becomes uncomfortable.

You should definitely pay attention to this aspect of your hot tub because it can make a big difference in your overall comfort level.

5. Construction Quality of Hot Tub

The next consideration is how well the hot tub is constructed and how energy efficient it is.

If the hot tub has been poorly constructed, then it could have a number of problems. These problems could include:

• Leaking Air
• Poorly Sealed Joints
• Rust

6. Warranty and Customer Service After The Sale

Alright, now that you have considered all these factors, the next step is to go out and get yourself some hot tub shopping done.

Remember, at this point, you are not buying a car or a toaster oven. You are buying a luxury item.

So, you need to buy from a manufacturer who is offering you a decent warranty with great after-sales customer support.

Pros & Cons of an Electric or Gas Spa?

Electric Spas

Electric spas are becoming more popular for their convenience.

They can be used anywhere without the need to carry out manual labor because they require less maintenance and have a quick setup process.

Pros: 

• They heat up very quickly, which makes them perfect for use in cool weather.
• They run on batteries, which means you can carry them almost everywhere with you.
• You can use them in your home, office, or even on the road.
• You don’t need an electrical outlet to use them, so you can use them practically anywhere.
• They are quieter than traditional spas. You will not hear any annoying gurgling sounds as you do with a gas spa.
• They are easier to clean.

Cons:

• Not all models of electric spas are created equal.
• Others are very expensive.

Gas Spas

Gas spas offer a few advantages over electric spas.

Pros:

• They heat up much more slowly, which allows you to enjoy the soothing warmth of the water for a longer period of time.
• Also, they are easier to clean. Just a quick hose down, and they are ready to go again.
• They have a much longer lifespan than electric spas. Some models have a lifespan of 20 years or more. 
• You can use them in your home, on your boat, or even in an RV.
• And they require no electricity at all, so you can use them practically anywhere.
• Moreover, they are also less expensive to operate and maintain.

Cons:

• Gas spas are not as convenient as electric spas. You have to fill the tanks every time you want to use the spa, which can get tedious.
• Also, you need to make sure you have enough fuel to run the spa for an entire day.
• You will hear loud hissing sounds and gurgling noises. This makes them less than ideal for a home setting.

What should you choose? That depends on your situation. If you want maximum convenience, go with an electric spa.

How to clean your Hot Tub?

The following video will guide you through the steps you need to clean your hot tub.

Related: Worst Toilet Brands to Avoid

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

We hope that our review will be helpful for you whenever you decide to buy a hot tub.

The brands we have mentioned above are a few of the quite famous brands for hot tubs.

However, certain factors have made us conclude to include these brands in our list of hot tub brands to avoid.

After reviewing each brand, the common problems we found were bad customer support service and poor quality of tubs.

Therefore, we recommend you choose a brand that prioritizes its customers and doesn’t compromise on quality.

We have also mentioned some of the best hot tub brands to make it a little easier for you. Have a look at them and choose wisely.

Because at the end of the day, we all want a product worth both our time and money.

Note: A whole company can never be considered worse. A popular brand can produce specific products which compel people to call these manufacturers “worse.” There are also a few factors that affect the reputation of these brands. In this review, the list we have compiled is not based on our personal preferences. Instead, this list has been made based on the feedback from people who have used these makers.

Steven Settles

Steven Settles is an ISCET-certified master in appliance repair. He has aced the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam, showcasing his exceptional diagnostic and repair skills. With an in-depth understanding of the latest repair technologies and a keen eye on evolving industry standards, Steven is a go-to expert for any appliance issue.