Buying a hot tub in 2026 is a little like buying a car: the “base model” might look fine on paper, but the features you’ll actually love (and the ones you’ll regret paying for) show up in real life—weeknight soaks, water care, comfort, noise level, and your energy bill.
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This guide is here to help you spend money where it counts—on features that make your hot tub easier to own, cheaper to run, and more relaxing to use—and skip the stuff that looks cool in a brochure but doesn’t improve your day-to-day experience.
The 2026 rule: pay for what you’ll feel every week
Before we get into the list, here’s the simplest way to shop:
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Worth paying for = comfort + water care + energy efficiency + quiet operation + safety + serviceability
Usually skippable = “wow factor” extras that don’t change how it soaks, cleans, or runs
Usually skippable = “wow factor” extras that don’t change how it soaks, cleans, or runs
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If a feature doesn’t improve one of those core categories, it should earn its place.
Features worth paying for in 2026
1) Energy efficiency you can prove (not just marketing)
If there’s one upgrade that pays you back over time, it’s energy efficiency—because it affects every single day you own the tub.
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A helpful way to think about this is “standby loss” (how much energy a spa uses just to maintain temperature when it’s not in use). California has long-standing energy-efficiency requirements for portable electric spas (Title 20), including a test procedure and performance standard, and requires models to be labeled with energy performance information. California Energy Commission
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On the federal side, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) established a test procedure for portable electric spas for measuring standby loss, referencing an industry test standard with modifications. The Department of Energy’s Energy.gov
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What to pay for (and ask about):
- Real, tested energy performance (not vague “super insulated!” claims)
- Strong insulation strategy (cabinet + shell + plumbing)
- Efficient circulation/heating design (how it maintains temp matters as much as how it heats)
Simple shopping tip:
Ask to see any available energy performance info and what the spa was tested with—especially the cover (more on that next).
Ask to see any available energy performance info and what the spa was tested with—especially the cover (more on that next).
2) A high-quality cover that seals well (this matters more than people think)
Your cover is basically the “lid” that keeps heat in and operating costs down. If the cover is flimsy, waterlogged, or doesn’t seal tightly, your tub can work harder than it needs to.
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California’s program is very explicit that covers matters: the certification requirements include spa cover model number and manufacturer, and manufacturers can’t just pair any cover with any spa if it wasn’t tested to meet the performance standard. California Energy Commission‘
Worth paying for:
- A cover that feels solid, fits tightly, and seals at the hinge.
- A good locking system (also a safety win).
- A cover lift (not glamorous, but you’ll use it constantly).
Skimping here usually results in higher energy use, increased evaporation, and greater frustration.
3) Filtration that’s easy to access (because you’ll actually maintain it)
In real life, “the best filtration” is the one you can maintain without wanting to scream.
When filters are easy to access, owners clean them more often—which helps water clarity, sanitation, and circulation. Steady circulation is essential for consistent water quality.
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Worth paying for:
- A filtration area you can open in under 30 seconds
- Filters that are common/easy to replace (not weird proprietary sizes that are hard to find)
- Thoughtful circulation design (clean water doesn’t happen by accident)
Quick gut check:
If it looks annoying in the showroom, it’ll be annoying at home.
If it looks annoying in the showroom, it’ll be annoying at home.
4) Water care systems that reduce “gross stuff” (but still keep sanitizer in range)
In 2026, many tubs advertise upgrades such as UV, ozone, or other “secondary” systems. These can be helpful—especially for breaking down chloramines and improving water feel—but they are not a replacement for maintaining proper disinfectant levels.
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The CDC’s hot tub guidance recommends maintaining:
- Chlorine: at least 3 ppm
- Bromine: 4–8 ppm
- pH: 7.0–7.8 CDC
And CDC’s guidance on chloramines notes that ultraviolet light or ozone systems can help break down chloramines. CDC
The CDC’s Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) is also crystal clear that when UV or ozone is used, it does not modify other water quality requirements—meaning you still maintain the required disinfectant residual. CDC
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Worth paying for:
- A water-care system that reduces odor/irritation and helps your sanitizer work smarter
- Clear instructions + easy monitoring
Avoid any feature pitch that sounds like:
“No chemicals needed” or “you never have to test.”
Even the CDC’s basic hot tub safety advice emphasizes checking disinfectant and pH. CDC
“No chemicals needed” or “you never have to test.”
Even the CDC’s basic hot tub safety advice emphasizes checking disinfectant and pH. CDC
5) Jet quality and adjustability (not “more jets”)
More jets aren’t automatically better.
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What actually matters is:
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- Placement (back, shoulders, hips, feet)
- Adjustability (can you reduce pressure or redirect flow?)
- Variety (deep-tissue vs. gentle, and different seat “zones”)
Worth paying for:
- A layout that fits your body
- At least one seat that feels amazing on your tight spots (upper back, low back, hips)
- A footwell that actually gets attention (feet are underrated!)
Usually skippable:
- “Highest jet count!” as a selling point
- Lots of tiny jets that don’t feel like anything
6) Comfort and ergonomics you can “feel” in a wet test
This is one of the biggest purchase mistakes: choosing a tub because it looks nice… only to realize the seating doesn’t fit you.
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Worth paying for:
- A seat depth that keeps you comfortable without floating
- Multiple seat heights (so different body types can soak comfortably)
- A footwell that isn’t cramped
Pro move:
If you can, do a wet test somewhere. If not, at least sit in it and picture a 30-minute soak—where do your shoulders land? Do your knees feel cramped? Can you stretch out?
If you can, do a wet test somewhere. If not, at least sit in it and picture a 30-minute soak—where do your shoulders land? Do your knees feel cramped? Can you stretch out?
7) Quiet operation (this is a lifestyle upgrade)
In 2026, buyers care a lot more about quiet—especially if you’re soaking at night, under the stars, or in a neighborhood where sound carries.
Worth paying for:
- A tub that runs filtration quietly
- A design that minimizes vibration/rattling
- A cabinet built that feels solid (cheap panels can amplify noise)
You’ll notice this immediately once it’s in your yard.
8) Safety features you shouldn’t skip
This isn’t the “fun” part of shopping, but it matters.
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CDC guidance emphasizes keeping hot tubs at 104°F (40°C) or lower. CDC
For operators, CDC also calls out safety measures like maintaining a locked safety cover when possible and preventing entrapment injuries. CDC
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And from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: pool and spa drain covers must comply with federal requirements (16 C.F.R. part 1450), incorporating the entrapment protection standard (ANSI/APSP/ICC-16). U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
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Worth paying for:
- A locking cover system
- Controls that limit overheating
- Proper, compliant drain cover protection
9) Serviceability (the “future you” feature)
This one doesn’t get enough attention. Every hot tub eventually needs something—maybe years down the road, maybe sooner. When a tub is easy to service, it’s less stressful and usually less expensive to maintain.
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Worth paying for:
- Easy access panels
- Clear, organized equipment layout
- A model with a track record of readily available parts
This is also where a local dealer relationship matters: you want help when you need it, not a weeks-long headache.
“Depends on you” features (worth it for some people)
Smart controls / Wi-Fi
If you travel, love convenience, or want to monitor temperature and basic settings remotely, it can be a great option.
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If you’re more “set it and forget it,” it might not matter.
Upgraded lighting
If you use your hot tub at night a lot, lighting can significantly change the vibe. But it doesn’t improve water care or comfort—so it’s a “joy” upgrade, not a “must.”
Extra loungers
Loungers are very “love it or hate it.” Some people float, some people melt into it. Try before you commit.
Features you can usually skip (unless you know you’ll use them)
1) Built-in sound systems
They’re fun… until:
- Speakers age in outdoor conditions.
- You want better sound from a portable option.
- You realize you mostly soak to relax, not blast music.
If music matters, many people prefer a separate outdoor speaker setup.
2) Waterfalls, fountains, “show” features
Pretty in a showroom, but often not used long-term—and some add extra splash/aeration you don’t want all the time.
3) Too many controls / giant touchscreens
Simple controls age better. The more complicated the interface, the more annoying it can be if something glitches.
4) “No-chemical” or “never test” promises
Even the CDC emphasizes checking disinfectant levels and pH for safer hot tub use. CDC
If a feature pitch tries to bypass the basics, treat it as a red flag.
If a feature pitch tries to bypass the basics, treat it as a red flag.
Quick “2026 buyer checklist” to bring to the showroom
Energy + cost to own
- What’s the spa’s tested energy performance info?
- What cover was it tested/certified with (if applicable)? California Energy Commission
- Is it designed to reduce standby energy loss? The Department of Energy’s Energy.gov
Water care
- What does it include (filtration + supplemental systems)?
- Do they still recommend maintaining chlorine/bromine and pH in the CDC ranges? CDC+1
Comfort
- Which seat is for the shoulders/neck? Which is for the lower back? Which is “gentle”?
- Do you float? Do your shoulders stay warm?
Safety
- Does it support safe temperature limits (≤104°F)? CDC
- Does it use compliant drain cover protection? U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Final thought: the best hot tub “features” are the ones that make ownership easy
If your hot tub is comfortable, quiet, efficient, and easy to keep clean—everything else is just a bonus.
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If you want help narrowing it down, Love’s Hot Tubs can walk you through feature packages based on what you’ll actually use—your household, your routine, and what matters most (hydrotherapy, low maintenance, luxury vibe, energy savings, or all of the above).
References
- California Energy Commission (CEC). Portable Electric Spas Frequently Asked Questions (Title 20 energy efficiency requirements, test procedure, performance standard, labeling, and cover-related requirements). California Energy Commission
- U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Portable Electric Spas (final rule establishing a test procedure for standby loss). The Department of Energy’s Energy.gov
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). What You Can Do to Stay Healthy in Hot Tubs (temperature guidance and recommended disinfectant/pH ranges). CDC
- CDC. Chloramines and Pool Operation (ventilation, breakpoint chlorination, UV/ozone for chloramine breakdown). CDC
- CDC. Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) 2023 (UV/ozone use does not modify other water quality requirements; supplemental treatment labeling concepts). CDC
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Pool and Spa Drain Covers (federal compliance requirements and entrapment protection standard reference). U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission