Best Hot Tub For Cold Climates
One effective way to escape the frigidity of cold weather is to soak in warm, soothing water.
But if harsh rain, snow, and wind are present where you live, you'll need a heavy-duty hot tub to withstand it!
Today we're reviewing the 3 best cold-weather hot tubs on the market. You'll be able to enjoy durability and energy efficiency for years to come with any one of our recommended brands.
Let's dive in.
Not sure which hot tub to get? Let us help you!
Top Cold Climate Hot Tub Manufacturers
Bullfrog Spas
Bullfrog Spas is the top hot tub manufacturer for cold weather hot tubs on the market today. One of this company's biggest selling points is their top-notch energy efficiency.
Cold-weather hot tubs have to work harder to retain heat, meaning that high-end insulation is an absolute must. Luckily, excellent insulation is one of Bullfrog Spas' main priorities.
Every Bullfrog Spas hot tub comes with full-foam insulation for year-round energy efficiency. Compared to traditional hot tubs, Bullfrog Spas tubs also use 90% less plumbing.
The pipes that deliver water to the tub sit submerged in water, keeping them away from cold air at all times in a Bullfrog Spa.
Each model comes with a durable cover that can handle the harshest snow and windstorms. In the end, if you're looking for a durable and energy-efficient hot tub model, look no further than Bullfrog Spas.
Arctic Spas
Arctic Spas is a Canadian hot tub manufacturer that was born out of the desire to build hot tubs for inclement weather.
Regardless of the harsh weather, you can enjoy soaking year-round in an Arctic spa, as they were meant to endure the coldest climates in the world.
Each of these units comes with a Mylocvac hot tub cover, a Forever Floor, Western Red Cedar Cabinetry, and a Perimeter Heater Lock.
You won't find the same innovative features that come with Bullfrog Spas, such as the proprietary JetPak system, but you will find
rugged and long-lasting hot tubs from one of the toughest hot tub brands on Earth.
Canadian Spa Company
Canadians know a thing or two about cold climate spas. The beauty of Canadian Spa Company hot tubs is that they come with high-end features, yet remain ultra-affordable. A perfect combination for new buyers.
Every component found in Canadian spas is North American-made, providing peace of mind in knowing that you're getting access to some of the longest-lasting materials on the market.
You'll get the proprietary Canadian Spa Company full-foam insulation system, which the company calls its high-end Blackout insulation.
With quality, high-density closed-cell foam, your hot tub will retain hot water much better than most hot tubs built for standard climates. And to take its energy-efficient qualities even further, the team at the Canadian Spa Company added foam curtains and infrared-reflective material.
Beyond durability and functionality, hot tub models from Canadian Spa Company include a number of luxury features, such as adjustable directional jets, no-float loungers, MP3 audio systems, LED mood lighting, and cascading waterfalls.
Overall, these are some of the absolute best outdoor spa models for cold climate dwellers.
What to Look for In a Cold Weather Hot Tub
Construction
Many hot tub companies still use antiquated materials like metal or wood to build their models. However, if you live in a region with plenty of snow or rain, these materials aren't the most durable. Over time, metal can corrode, and wood can rot.
When looking for a great cold-climate hot tub, you want to look for one with advanced Materials, such as study ABS frames that aren’t susceptible to rust or rot.
The idea is to look for the highest quality materials that you can enjoy for many years.
Energy Efficient Materials
The most important thing to look for in a cold climate hot tub is energy-efficient features. When you're soaking in colder weather, you don't want your hot tub to have to work extra hard to maintain a high water temperature. That extra work equates to more energy, which can burn a hole in your bank account.
There are many things to look out for in the realm of energy-efficient features, though two of the most important are plumbing and insulation.
Plumbing
Most traditional spas use hundreds of feet of tubing to move water through the jets. This antiquated design wastes tons of energy, which is why many modern hot tub companies invest in designs that use far less plumbing. These types of hot tubs are extremely energy efficient, as they can get water through the system and back out the jets without having to work as hard.
Hot tub builders such as Bullfrog Spas make a big point about using less tubing in their tubs.
Insulation
One of the most important elements to look for if you want to enjoy winter hot tub use is quality insulation. Your hot tub is just like your house. If you live in a house with poor insulation, you're going to have much higher energy bills and a far less comfortable living situation.
You'll often find one of two insulation types in spas, including full foam and perimeter. Don't let any spa company lead you to believe that perimeter systems will work the same as standard full-foam systems. Yes, a full-foam insulation system will cost you more upfront, though it’ll save more money in the long run.
Studies show full-foam insulated spas perform 200% better than perimeter insulation spas. In addition to maintaining water temperature better than perimeter insulation, full-foam spas also add structural support to outdoor hot tub models, lengthening the life of the components for many years down the line.
On top of that, full-foam wraps around your spa components, reducing unwanted vibrations that arise from the jets, pumps, and spa motor. With this added benefit, you won't have to worry as much about plumbing or component failure compared to other hot tubs.
Hot Tub Cover
A strong and durable cover that can handle harsh, inclement weather is paramount.
We recommend going with a cover that's exclusive to the manufacturer, as it will have the most precise fit to keep frigid air out and warm air in. While you can certainly purchase a well-insulated cover from a third-party manufacturer, it likely will not be able to maintain high water temperatures as well.
Bullfrog makes some of the best tight-fitting covers, on top of its quality components and energy-saving features, that the market has to offer, allowing for year-round enjoyment, no matter the outside temperature.
Final Thoughts - Finding the Best Outdoor Hot Tub for Cold Climates
The most crucial features to look for in a hot tub that can hold up in harsh climates is plumbing that can transfer water without too much energy, quality construction materials that will hold up for many years, and a durable, tight-fitting cover.
We have no doubt that following these rules will allow you to find right hot tub that fits your needs and keeps your electricity bill down.
Stay warm and happy hot tubbing!
About The Author
Bobby Gifford // Staff Writer
Bobby Gifford has over 17 years of experience with hot tubs and swimming pools. He has owned one pool and several hot tub brands over the years and has a wide scope of knowledge including buying information, maintenance and industry trends.
