Welcome to What Pool & Hot Tub – The UK's No1 Guide for Choosing a Pool, Spa or Sauna
Our top 20 hot tubs
The choice has been tough in this years edition of What Pool & Hot Tub we have made a selection of good value tubs on the market to suit all tastes and pockets

Ranging from a two person round tub designed to fit in a small corner to an ultimate swim spa with attached six seater hot tub, through to a grand theatre-style hot tub which seats 11 and includes a mini cinema screen! That's the choice when you enter the world of trying to select a hot tub.

The market place can be very confusing.

For the first time buyer it’s about price and value. For the hot tub aficionado it's more about the technology of jets and pumps, how and where they are positioned and its water cleansing and sound systems.

It’s also about warranties and help from the manufacturers and distributors.

Quick tips on hot tub planning
Think long-term
Like a car, a hot tub is a long-term investment. Consider financing your spa – paying a small monthly bill each month, as opposed to a lump sum upfront – to make the acquisition easier on your wallet.

Think location
Keep in mind the additional expenses of hot tub installation. Delivery can add to cost, especially if extra equipment is needed to move the hot tub into place. If you plan to put your spa on a deck, check building codes to ensure that your joists and posts are strong enough. The typical four-person hot tub weighs 4,000 lbs. filled with water. If you don't have a deck, you may need to pour concrete
or purchase a spa pad - a prefabricated, modular and weatherproof product with a sturdy, flat surface to hold and support the tub. Upgrades to the existing electric power at your home may also be required. Have the site inspected by a spa sales representative to find out what home improvements need to be made before delivery.

Test the waters
A showroom soak is the best way to ensure the spa fits your needs, and most retailers are happy to oblige. At the very least, you need to climb into an unfilled spa to ensure it's roomy and comfortable.

Cover up
As with pools, a hot tub cover stops heat from escaping (thus reducing your energy bills), discourages impurities from entering the water and prevents children and small animals from falling in. Look for important cover features like high-density foam for structural soundness, an R-value of 12 or higher and a longer apron (or side flaps) to ensure heat conservation.

Click on the cover above to get free access to the current edition of What Pool & Hot Tub magazine which includes our guide to what we believe to be 20 good value quality spas on the market and which offer a starting point in the search for the right hot tub for you and your family.

Also featured in this years edition is a feature dedicated to Swim Spas.