Hot Tub Insulation
Choosing the right hot tub involves more than just picking a style—it’s about understanding how features like insulation affect energy efficiency, repair costs, and overall performance. Insulation plays a key role in maintaining heat and reducing running expenses, but it also impacts maintenance, with some types being easier to repair than others.
In this guide, we’ll explain the different types of hot tub insulation, their pros and cons, and what R-value means for energy efficiency. We’ll introduce you to 55 hot tub brands, providing key insights into their construction, insulation methods, and countries of manufacture. Whether you’re searching for a high-end spa or an inflatable model, this post will help you make an informed decision.
Types of Hot Tub Insulation
Full Foam Insulation:
Full foam insulation fills the space between the hot tub shell and cabinet with high-density foam, providing excellent heat retention (R-value: ~12). It also adds structural support, reducing noise and vibration. However, repairs can be challenging and costly, as accessing internal components requires cutting through the foam.Partial Foam Insulation:
Also known as perimeter insulation, this method applies foam to specific areas, such as the underside of the shell or along cabinet walls, leaving other areas uninsulated. While this approach allows easier access for repairs, it offers moderate heat retention (R-value: ~7).Thermal Blanket Insulation:
A modern technique, thermal blankets use reflective barriers to trap heat inside the cabinet. This method is moderately effective (R-value: ~10) and allows for easier maintenance compared to foam-based insulations.Fiber-Based Insulation:
Lightweight fiber materials are gaining popularity for their ease of removal during repairs. With insulation values comparable to full foam (R-value: ~12), they’re an emerging option for manufacturers looking to balance efficiency with accessibility.Air Chamber Insulation:
Commonly found in inflatable hot tubs, this method uses air-filled chambers within the tub walls as insulation. It offers minimal heat retention (R-value: ~2) and is best suited for mild climates or occasional use.Multi-Density Foam Insulation:
This method involves applying foams of different densities in specific areas of the hot tub. Denser foam is used where maximum insulation and support are needed, while lighter foam is applied in areas requiring flexibility or easier access for repairs.
What is R-Value?
All different types of insulation are rated by something called an R-value, which is a measure of a material's resistance to heat flow, specifically its thermal insulation capability. The higher the R-value, the better the material is at insulating and reducing heat transfer. R-values are a critical factor in construction, home improvement, and hot tub insulation because they determine how effectively heat is retained.
54 Notable Hot Tub Brands
This list introduces 55 hot tub brands, highlighting their shell materials, insulation types, estimated R-values, and countries of manufacture. The brands are evenly distributed with Amazon affiliate links spread throughout the list for convenience.
Bullfrog Spas - Acrylic/ABS Plastic, Full Foam Insulation (R-value: 12), USA
Visit Bullfrog Spas
Sundance Spas - Acrylic/Fiberglass, Full Foam Insulation (R-value: 12), USA, Mexico
Visit Sundance Spas
Hudson Bay Spas - Acrylic/Fiberglass, Full Foam Insulation (R-value: 12), USA
Available on Amazon
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Hot Spring Spas - Acrylic/ABS Plastic, Multi-Density Full Foam (R-value: 12), USA, Mexico
Visit Hot Spring Spas
Caldera Spas - Acrylic/Fiberglass, FiberCor® Insulation (R-value: 12), USA, Mexico
Visit Caldera Spas
Lifesmart Spas - Rotomolded Polyethylene, Full Foam Insulation (R-value: 12), USA
Available on Amazon
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Master Spas - Acrylic/Fiberglass, Full Foam Insulation (R-value: 12), USA
Visit Master Spas
Marquis Spas - Acrylic/Fiberglass, Full Foam Insulation (R-value: 12), USA
Visit Marquis Spas
Bestway - Inflatable PVC, Air Chamber Insulation (R-value: 2), USA
Available on Amazon
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Artesian Spas - Acrylic/Fiberglass, High-Density Foam Insulation (R-value: 12), USA
Visit Artesian Spas
Dimension One Spas - Acrylic/Fiberglass, Full Foam Insulation (R-value: 12), USA
Visit Dimension One Spas
Cal Spas - Acrylic/Fiberglass, Partial or Full Foam Insulation (R-value: 7-12), USA
Visit Cal Spas
AquaRest Spas - Rotomolded Polyethylene, Full Foam Insulation (R-value: 12), USA
Visit AquaRest Spas
Arctic Spas - Acrylic/Fiberglass, Partial Foam Insulation (R-value: 7), Canada
Visit Arctic Spas
Nordic Hot Tubs - Acrylic/ABS Plastic, Partial or Full Foam Insulation (R-value: 7-12), USA
Visit Nordic Hot Tubs
Essential Hot Tubs - Acrylic/Fiberglass, Full Foam Insulation (R-value: 12), USA
Available on Amazon
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
PDC Spas - Acrylic/Fiberglass, TemperLok Partial Foam (R-value: 7), USA
Visit PDC Spas
Strong Spas - Acrylic/ABS Plastic, Partial or Full Foam Insulation (R-value: 7-12), USA
Visit Strong Spas
Coleman - Inflatable PVC, Air Chamber Insulation (R-value: 2), USA
Available on Amazon
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
ThermoSpas - Acrylic/Fiberglass, Full Foam Insulation (R-value: 12), USA
Visit ThermoSpas
American Whirlpool - Acrylic/Fiberglass, BlueMAAX Insulation (R-value: 12), USA
Visit American Whirlpool
Four Winds Spas - Acrylic/Fiberglass, Full Foam Insulation (R-value: 12), USA
Visit Four Winds Spas
Dynasty Spas - Acrylic/Fiberglass, Full Foam Insulation (R-value: 12), USA
Visit Dynasty Spas
Viking Spas - Acrylic/Fiberglass, Partial Foam Insulation (R-value: 7), USA
Visit Viking Spas
Sunrise Spas - Acrylic/Fiberglass, Full Foam Insulation (R-value: 12), Canada
Visit Sunrise Spas
Tuff Spas - Rotomolded Polyethylene, Full Foam Insulation (R-value: 12), USA
Visit Tuff Spas
Freeflow Spas - Rotomolded Polyethylene, Full Foam Insulation (R-value: 12), USA
Visit Freeflow Spas
Wellis Spas - Acrylic/Fiberglass, Polyfoam Insulation (R-value: 7), Hungary
Visit Wellis Spas
Beachcomber Hot Tubs - Acrylic/Fiberglass, Full Foam Insulation (R-value: 12), Canada
Visit Beachcomber Hot Tubs
Coast Spas - Acrylic/Fiberglass, Partial or Full Foam Insulation (R-value: 7-12), Canada
Visit Coast Spas
Catalina Spas - Acrylic/Fiberglass, Full Foam Insulation (R-value: 12), USA
Visit Catalina Spas
AquaLife Spas - Acrylic/Fiberglass, Partial Foam Insulation (R-value: 7), USA
Available at The Home Depot
Best Hot Tubs - Acrylic/Fiberglass, Full Foam Insulation (R-value: 12), USA
Visit Best Hot Tubs
Platinum Spas - Acrylic/Fiberglass, Full Foam Insulation (R-value: 12), United Kingdom
Visit Platinum Spas
Viskan Spa - Acrylic/Fiberglass, Full Foam Insulation (R-value: 12), Sweden
Visit Viskan Spa
ThermoWood Spas - Acrylic/Wood Composite, Partial Foam Insulation (R-value: 8), Finland
Visit ThermoWood Spas
Canadian Spa Company - Acrylic/Fiberglass, Partial Foam Insulation (R-value: 7), Canada
Visit Canadian Spa Company
Ohana Spas - Acrylic/Fiberglass, Full Foam Insulation (R-value: 12), USA
Visit Ohana Spas
Luxema Hot Tubs - Acrylic/Fiberglass, Full Foam Insulation (R-value: 12), Slovenia
Visit Luxema Hot Tubs
Tropic Seas Spas - Acrylic/Fiberglass, Full Foam Insulation (R-value: 12), USA
Visit Tropic Seas Spas
Summit Hot Tubs - Acrylic/Fiberglass, Partial Foam Insulation (R-value: 7), USA
Visit Summit Hot Tubs
Sunbeam Spas - Acrylic/Fiberglass, Partial Foam Insulation (R-value: 7), Australia
Visit Sunbeam Spas
Consider Dealership Support and Proximity
When shopping for a hot tub, it’s important to think beyond the initial purchase. Brands with a strong dealership network near your location often provide better service, support, and warranty coverage. If your chosen hot tub requires repairs or replacement parts, having a local dealer can save time and hassle.
On the other hand, hot tubs manufactured in far-away countries may come with challenges related to customer support, replacement parts, and service availability. While these models may seem attractive due to their price or features, it’s important to consider how easy it will be to maintain them in the long term. This isn’t really a concern for the cheapest inflatable models since they are designed to be easier to replaced rather than repaired.
Look for a brand with a dealership nearby, a strong reputation for service, and a proven ability to support customers after the sale. If you have questions or feedback for us reach out at htcleanandcare@gmail.com.
