We consulted the experts to learn what sets hydrotherapy hot tubs apart from other therapeutic treatments and how to pick out the right one for you. Plus, we analyzed a ton of options and compiled a list of the best hydrotherapy hot tubs out there so you can bring the spa to your own backyard. While hydrotherapy can technically take place in water of any temperature (or by taking a hot bath in your tub), hot tub hydrotherapy is one of the most popular options—and it has quite a few added benefits. The main difference? The jets. “Hydrotherapy conducted in hot tubs uses powerful jets of warm water to offer a variety of health benefits,” explains Seema Bonney, M.D., founder and director of the Anti-Aging & Longevity Center of Philadelphia. “The jets shoot warm water and air to massage different parts of the body like the neck, shoulders, lumbar, legs, and feet. This combination of hydromassage, heat, and immersion reduces muscle tension and repairs damage to areas that need healing by increasing blood circulation.” Injury recovery & improved circulation “A hot tub can be an excellent adjunct for recovery from injury and relief from pain,” explains Cameron Yuen, DPT, CSCS, and director of rehab and training at Bespoke Treatments Physical Therapy in New York City. “Heat causes the dilation of blood vessels, allowing for improved blood flow throughout the body, especially in the periphery. This is where most injuries occur and where aches and pain tend to linger, so improved blood flow to the area can be very beneficial.” Relief from muscle & joint pain Hot tub hydrotherapy may go beyond helping with temporary aches and pains. A collection of studies from 2000 to 2019 found that therapy using warm water had significant positive effects on people with chronic musculoskeletal or connective tissue diseases2. “The increased blood flow from heat helps muscles recover, prevents stiffness, and promotes joint homeostasis,” adds Bonney. Stress relief Regardless of temperature, research has shown aquatic exercise to be an impactful tool for improving mental health3. Yuen says that adding some heat to the equation can trigger a physiologic switch, putting the body in a better position to heal and rest. “Warm water massage helps to stimulate the release of endorphins that reduce stress,” agrees Bonney. “And in addition to stress reduction, hot tub hydrotherapy can dilate blood vessels and improve circulation to help prevent headaches.” Better sleep If timed correctly, the relaxation benefits of hot tub hydrotherapy could help you drift off to sleep. “Many patients [who use hot tubs] endorse improvement in deep, restorative sleep,” says Bonney. Studies align with this, showing that older adults who took a hot bath before bedtime fell asleep quicker4. Weight loss & GI management While it’s not a one-way ticket to weight loss, one 2019 study found that incorporating spa therapy into a weight management program had a positive effect on obese and overweight patients5. In addition to stimulating weight loss, Bonney adds that using heat to increase blood flow to the GI tract can help with chronic bowel issues like constipation. Reduced inflammation If an anti-inflammatory response is your goal, you may consider pairing a hot tub with a cold plunge. “Hot tub hydrotherapy alternating with a cold plunge is a powerful method to detox and lower overall inflammation,” says Bonney. “It’s one of my go to biohacks, to help optimize body function.” If you’re ready to go all in, we have a few suggestions for at-home cold plunge tubs (plus, a mindbodygreen community discount). Diabetes management One recent study from 2022 found that habitual hot tub use was associated with slight improvements in glucose levels, obesity, and diastolic blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes6. A quality option that seats up to 7 people, this hot tub has 65 powerful, adjustable jets for your back and feet, which you can operate using a digital control panel. With foam insulation and a thermal cover to trap heat when not in use, it’s also a relatively energy-efficient pick. Plus, there are a few fun features, like multi-color underwater LED lights and a small waterfall. All in all, for the features and durability, this is one of the best mid-range options out there. Keep in mind, you’ll need to hire external help to set this tub up—unless you live with an electrician! What customers say: Reviewers love the quality and added features of this tub. Take it from this happy customer: “What else do you really need in a hot tub! The build and material makes it very easy to clean. The hot tub is a power house heat-wise and never misses a beat.” Room for improvement? Some reviewers mention that they’d love it even more if it had Bluetooth capabilities and a cup holder. A few people suggest waiting until this tub goes on sale, which apparently happens annually. It has 120 bubble jets, but they all come from the bottom of the tub and aren’t adjustable for targeted massage. Still, for an inflatable tub, this one offers a stimulating soak at a great price, without compromising on durability. It’s not the biggest option, though, and likely maxes out at four people. What customers say: A lot of folks mention being pleasantly surprised by the quality and durability for such a low price. One person has updated their review of this tub over two years, and is still pleased with their purchase, writing, “Update: two years now, we moved and brought the hot tub with us. It survived and we are still using it every night.” The corner-friendly design of this hot tub makes it a great pick for small spaces. It has seating for two people, and offers a different massage experience, depending on where you sit. One side has an up-and-down back massage jet, while the other is focused on targeted massage for your back and shoulders—and both seats have adjustable lower jets across the tub to give your feet some love. Just note, reviewers mention that, if you’re over 250 pounds, this is more of a one person tub. You can customize the look of this tub’s interior shell and exterior cabinet, and it’s available in a 115-volt energy-saving model as well. And, while it’s not a super budget-friendly option (especially for a smaller tub), the brand is well-known in the hot tub space, and offers a solid warranty, as well as a local maintenance provider. What customers say: “We downsized to this fabulous small spa, which is perfect for me as I am the only person who enjoys this therapy. I’m a retired 5'2’’ female and the TX fits me perfectly, delivering great therapy with the Moto Massage for my back and the seat with a full back massage. Foot jets top off the experience,” one person writes. If you want the most spa-like experience possible, this quality tub is a great pick. It’s the most luxury option on our list, using 43 jets to create six hydrotherapy stations for a customizable experience. Depending on where you sit, you can target your lumbar spine, shoulders, upper back, and even that tricky-to-reach mid-back area. Plus, there are plenty of low jets to give your calves and feet some TLC. This hot tub operates on a saltwater system (versus chlorine), and features color-changing lights, a waterfall, and plenty of add-on options like Bluetooth speakers and matching stairs. What customers say: People love the quality of the design and the saltwater system, and several people praise the massaging jets for relieving their back pain. One writes, “We purchased the Seychelles hot tub hoping it would help alleviate some of my discomfort from arthritis and lower back pain. I have to say it provides amazing relief from not only the aforementioned maladies, but also an unbelievably awesome way to unwind and relax.” This inflatable hot tub has a patio-friendly rattan aesthetic and 95 bubbling jets for a soothing soak. It has a dual-operated 2000 watt heater controlled by an easy-to-reach panel, all durable enough to be used year round. Your purchase comes with a clip-on cover, and you can choose to add an inflatable thermal cover (which helps trap heat in when the tub is not in use). While there aren’t any targeted back massage jets on this tub, the bubble jets produce a powerful stimulating sensation from the bottom of the tub—great for massaging feet and encouraging relaxation. What customers say: Several reviews mention preferring the Wave Pacific to other inflatable models they’ve owned. Regarding installation and benefits this shopper says, “Easy to set up, looks great, heats the water quite quickly, and the massaging air jets do actually massage your body if you really relax in the water.” Some reviewers mention issues with their tub setup, but say customer service was quick to help. A few folks warn that while this is sold as a 4-person tub (and technically can fit four) it’s really better suited for two people.
