If you’ve been thinking about adding a hot tub to your backyard (or upgrading the one you already have), 2026 is shaping up to be a really good year. Two of our favorite brands—Artesian Spas and Nordic Hot Tubs—are leaning into better design, smarter hydrotherapy, and easier ownership, without overcomplicating things.
Here’s a closer look at what’s actually new for 2026 and how it can help you choose the right spa for your home.
Artesian Spas: A Fresh Take on the Island Collection
For 2026, the biggest news from Artesian is centered around their popular Island Spas Collection. This line has been refreshed with a new structure that makes it easier to match a spa to your lifestyle, not just your budget.
Artesian has reorganized the Island collection into three trims:
- Essential – Focused on the must-have features, with Artesian’s well-known hydrotherapy and energy-efficient performance.
- Luxury – Adds more powerful performance, richer lighting, and extra comfort features for a more elevated soak.
- Elite – The top tier, featuring DIRECTFLOW™ Personal Control so each seat can fine-tune its own massage pressure, plus premium lighting and details.
Instead of trying to decode a huge list of separate models, you can now think in terms of: How much control, performance, and “wow factor” do I want? Then choose Essential, Luxury, or Elite accordingly.
Updated Island models (like Antigua)
Within this new structure, familiar names like Antigua are getting updated trims and feature sets. Antigua is a 6-person Island spa with an ergonomically designed lounger and open seating—great for couples who like to stretch out and for families who need flexible seating.
Depending on the trim, Antigua is available with different jet counts and performance levels—for example, Antigua Luxury with 44 jets and Antigua Elite with 50+ jets and DIRECTFLOW™ Personal Control for per-seat massage control.
Across the Island Spas line, the modernized features you’ll notice most are:
- More thoughtful hydrotherapy jet layouts, designed to actually follow muscle groups.
- Modern lighting packages that give the spa a more updated, high-end look.
- Durable construction and insulation intended for reliable, year-round use, not just a few warm months.
Bottom line:
If you’re drawn to a more “luxury resort” soaking experience—with lots of control over jets, lighting, and feel—the updated Island Collection is where you’ll want to start.
Nordic Hot Tubs: Modern Look, Same Therapy-First Heart
Nordic hasn’t launched a completely new 2026-only series, but they have gone through a recent redesign that now carries into the 2026 lineup. Think of it as Nordic keeping the soul of their brand, but dressing it in a cleaner, more modern shell.
A redesigned look that’s here to stay
Nordic’s latest tubs feature:
- Sleek cabinet design – more contemporary, more durable, and easier to blend into decks and patios.
- Starlight interior lighting – pinpoint lights inside the spa to create a soft, ambient glow.
- Exterior corner lighting – subtle accents on the corners of the cabinet to elevate the look of your whole backyard.
This redesign started rolling out recently and is now what you’ll see when you look at Nordic’s Luxury, Sport, Modern, Classic, and All-In-110V series going into 2026.
Therapy you can actually feel: Dual Therapy System (DTS™)
Underneath that new look, Nordic is still very much about real, usable hydrotherapy—not just jet counts on a spec sheet.
Most Nordic hot tubs feature the Dual Therapy System (DTS™), which combines:
- High-volume whirlpool flow (for overall warmth and circulation), and
- Targeted direct pressure jets (for those “problem areas” in your back, shoulders, and legs).
Many models use Nordic Star™ stainless steel jets to give a strong, adjustable massage while staying durable over time.
Plug-N-Play options for real-life backyards
If you don’t want to run new electrical lines right away, Nordic’s All-In-110V series gives you Plug-N-Play models (like Crown All-In-110V, Sport All-In-110V, and others) that:
- Plug into a standard 110V outlet (with the option to convert to 220V on many models).
- Still include important features like DTS™, LED lighting, ozone options, and insulation.
- Offer great value if you’re watching your budget but still want a true therapy spa, not just a “big warm bathtub.”
Bottom line:
If you want something simple, reliable, and therapy-focused—with a modern look but without a steep learning curve—Nordic’s current lineup is a strong fit.
Artesian vs. Nordic in 2026: Which Direction Should You Go?
Both brands are stepping into 2026 with meaningful updates, but they’re aimed at slightly different types of hot tub owners.
Choose Artesian Island Spas if you:
- Want a luxury spa experience with more customization over jets, lighting, and overall feel.
- Like the idea of choosing a trim level—Essential, Luxury, or Elite—based on how many features you want.
- Care about design details, mood lighting, and a more “resort-style” soak.
Choose Nordic Hot Tubs if you:
- Want straightforward, powerful hydrotherapy that’s easy to use every day.
- Prefer a more compact or traditional shape (round, square, heart-shaped, etc.) with simpler controls.
- Like the flexibility of Plug-N-Play (All-In-110V) models that can get you soaking sooner.
Ready to Explore the 2026 Lineup?
Whether you’re drawn to the updated Island Collection from Artesian or the modernized, therapy-first tubs from Nordic, 2026 is a great time to start planning your backyard upgrade.
At Love’s Hot Tubs, we can:
- Walk you through the differences between trims and series in person
- Help you compare Artesian vs. Nordic based on your space, budget, and how you actually want to use your spa
- Suggest models that pair well with Idaho’s four seasons, from snowy soaks to summer evenings
Come visit our showroom or give us a call to start designing your perfect 2026 hot tub setup.
We’ll help you find the spa that fits your life—not the other way around.