best indoor hot tub

When I think of hot tubs, I picture soaking in the hot water and enjoying nature. But many people also enjoy their indoors. So I wondered what the best indoor hot tubs were and what the pros and cons of indoor hot tubs were.

Here’s what I discovered:

An inflatable hot tub gives you convenience, portability, and ease of just plugging it into the wall, and Intex makes some of the best on the market. But for those wanting a “real” hot tub for indoor use, Essential Hot Tubs make some outstanding hot tubs at great prices, many of which also just plug into the wall.

But there’s a lot more to know about the right way and WRONG way to put a hot tub indoors. So let’s dive in deeper!

Hot tubs can be installed both inside and outside your home, with both experiences being an option for those who may want to shake up the traditional outdoor hot tub.

Keep on reading to find out everything related to indoor hot tubs.

Looking to get a quote on a new hot tub?

Save time and receive multiple quotes for hot tubs from all the best-known brands!

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indoor outdoor hot tub pic.twitter.com/Kr33Ysf5dL

— 🌞 Sol Brah 🌞 (@SolBrah) May 2, 2021

Is it OK to put a hot tub indoors?

Absolutely, it is okay to put your hot tub indoors!

You will have to select the right area of your home in which to install the hot tub. You’ll need to make sure you avoid any flooring which could turn slippery when water splashes out of the hot tub.

It’s essential to choose a flooring material that has both good drainage and traction when it gets wet. Since carpet and wood rot when wet, they can’t be used.  Astroturf is also not an option because water can seep under it, causing it to rot too.

Non-slip tiles are your best option. Additionally, consider installing a floor drain around your hot tub. This will allow for easy drainage and clean-up afterward.

Remember that you will need a nearby water source to fill up the tub.

Make sure you have one available indoors. Additionally, because your hot tub is indoors, the damp heat it generates could cause eventual mildew and mold. You will want to use cement walls, cedar linings, glass, or water-resistant drywall to combat this.

Additionally, you should also install an extractor fan.

Make sure you purchase one that is strong enough to get rid of the humidity in your hot tub room, but quiet enough that it won’t disturb your precious relaxation time. This will help you combat mold, mildew, and dry rot.

You may also want to think about choosing a different sanitizer than chlorine for your hot tub.

The smell of chlorine will become strong indoors, and no one wants their home smelling of it. Think about getting a salt water system, a UV sanitizing system, or an ozone system.

Surprisingly, you can convert your hot tub to an ozone system fairly easily and inexpensively.

But it does have some drawbacks. Check out all the pros and cons of an ozone system instead of chlorine or bromine in a recent article.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

My mom is so extra she really put an inflatable hot tub in our basement pic.twitter.com/tU4opXEiLM

— Sidney Raymond (@siddneey4) October 19, 2018

Is it OK to put a hot tub in the basement?

A basement works excellently as a place for a hot tub because the concrete floor can adequately handle the weight of the hot tub. Remember though, that an indoor hot tub does come with its own unique set of problems that can crop up if not handled correctly.

Your hot tub will generate a high level of heat, and the evaporating water from the hot tub increases the basement’s humidity level.

When this moist air generated by the hot tub hits the cool air of your basement, condensation is formed. The condensation builds up on the walls, electrical outlets, windows, and heating ducts of the room.

This can cause mold to grow, or even rot the walls.

If you want an indoor hot tub, it will likely require some slight remodeling of your basement to avoid serious issues in the future. It could even end up being a large-scale project, depending on your house, basement layout, and hot tub you want to install.

That’s why you must hire a professional contractor that is experienced with indoor hot tub installations. This ensures that the best location in your home is identified for where to place your hot tub.

It also ensures that you have proper ventilation and materials such as moisture-resistant insulation to protect your home. If done improperly, an indoor hot tub could cost you thousands of extra dollars in damage repair.

Drainage is important when you place your hot tub in your basement.

There are several different basement drainage systems that homes can have: sewer drains, sewer pit drains, and sump pits.

Do not use a sump pit for your hot tub draining purposes.

This is because it may be a greater volume of water than the sump pit can handle, which can lead to more problems in the future.

It is important to consult with a plumber regarding your current sewer system set up and connection.  If your home isn’t connected to the sewer, then that could turn the installation of the hot tub into a larger job, which would be much more expensive.

Indoor Hot Tub ⚗️ – Pick A Choice 💕 pic.twitter.com/NQ0waoC5CN

— StepCorrectUK🇬🇧🇪🇺 (@stepcorrectuk) April 26, 2020

How do you vent a hot tub room?

Without proper ventilation, your indoor hot tub could cause several problems such as mold, water damage, and mildew.

Additionally, improper ventilation can also cause a rare illness called hot tub lung (source). This is why you must ensure you have proper ventilation for your indoor hot tub.

To begin with, you can purchase powerful ventilation systems for your room. Powerful exhaust fans, forced air systems, and other options can reduce the amount of heat and moisture in your hot tub relaxation room.

If you have a window in the room, then something like the Genesis Twin Window Fan (click to see the current price on Amazon) works really well. You place it in your window just like you would a window air conditioner.

It’s also an Amazon’s Choice product with hundreds of great reviews and well under $50 bucks.

A dehumidifier is also a worthy investment.

It can reduce the humidity around the hot tub, and prevent issues such as condensation from happening. A third, cheaper option, is to open your windows and doors. While this may not be feasible in a colder climate, it is a cheap and effective way to ensure ventilation.

The best-selling dehumidifier on Amazon is the hOmeLabs 4,500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier (click to see the current price on Amazon). Almost 7,000 reviews and almost all 5-star too! Remove mold, mildew, and moisture the smart way!

Always make sure you have an insulated cover for your hot tub.

Insulated covers put over hot tubs keep the heat in when the hot tub is not being used. This prevents the loss of moisture and humidity.

And of course, if you’re splurging, you should also get a hot tub cover lifter.

I detail all the pros and cons and which ones are best for which kind of hot tubs in a recent article on hot tub cover lifters. Just click the link to read it on my site.

Finally, indoor plants can help reduce humidity in the air. This is because they thrive on moisture. They also improve indoor air quality.

Indoor hot tub next to the fire place pic.twitter.com/KNHHo5oFVl

— Luxury Living (@LuxxMoney) August 19, 2014

Is it OK to put a hot tub in the garage?

Yes, you can install your hot tub in the garage.

First, ensure your garage has proper ventilation. Using a hot tub creates a significant amount of steam and moisture. This can damage the interior of your garage and potentially create health risks for anyone who uses it.

Your garage should have a ventilation system or exhaust fan that allows the hot tub steam to escape, but won’t let in cold air at the same time.

Both garages and basements often get moist regardless of if there is a hot tub in them or not.

By getting an exhaust fan, you can help remove any excess moisture. This helps prevent harmful mold and bacteria from accumulating over time.

You should also paint the walls of your garage with a moisture-resistant paint.

This avoids the hassle of dealing with cracking and peeling due to the heat. Also, if your garage floor is not made up of a water-resistant material, ensure you install some. Concrete is a good one to use. This way, there is less chance someone will fall or hurt themselves, or the floor gets damaged by water.

You can even stain the concrete in your garage to enhance the look of the area.

Hot tub on the second floor of our suite. Gotta love an upgrade! pic.twitter.com/qLIAL3GPAh

— Mike hiding in Utah (@ToolManFinn) November 12, 2020

Can I put a hot tub on the second floor?

In theory, you can install a hot tub on the second floor.

But before you do anything, you will need to contact a professional contractor. They will evaluate the 2nd floor and determine if the floor supports can take the weight of a fully-loaded hot tub.

If you’re wondering how much a hot tub weighs, check out this recent article.

I get into the average weights with and without people and water for all the most common sizes. That way you can give your contractor an accurate estimate of what we’re talking about.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

If your house can’t support the thousands of pounds that come with a full hot tub, the contractor will let you know what you need to strengthen or change about your house or floor to install your hot tub on the second floor.

Of course, you also have to figure out how you’d get a hot tub to your 2nd floor too!

Lastly, make sure your floor is waterproof. So hardwood or laminate wood flooring is a bad idea. Use foam or rubber mats, concrete, or some sort of anti-slip tile.

The contractor will be able to tell you everything you need to successfully set up your indoor hot tub.

Inside Justin’s house | Indoor Jacuzzi | pic.twitter.com/lZ8gN2kTPu

— $ (@jdbdollars) June 16, 2013

How much do indoor hot tubs cost?

The average cost for a normal hot tub installation project is approximately $4,000-$8,500. The average customer pays $6,925 for a hot tub that fits 4-8 people.

This includes installation, labor fees, and electrical work.

In general, hot tubs can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $18,000 or more. Of course, there are inflatable options too (more on that below). Especially for indoor use and those on a budget, they are worth considering.

But prices for more permanent hot tubs really come down to a bunch of different factors. Cheaper hot tubs are built with poor materials and workmanship from knock-off overseas companies.

These hot tubs can be ok if you’re looking for a very short-term experience. Most of these cheap hot tubs are poorly insulated; you will end up paying far more to operate them in the future.

As the price goes up, hot tubs start to have more features. Middle range hot tubs usually come with a select slew of features and lacking hydrotherapy options.

They do, however, have reliability and comfort.

Once you get into the $9,000 or $10,000 range, the increase in quality and style is very noticeable.

The quality of materials and build is improved immensely. They come with great quality acrylic shells, in addition to solidly built frames and cabinets. They will come with better hydrotherapy, jets, comfort, and features.

Premium hot tubs will run you between $13,000 to $18,000.

Sometimes, depending on features and technology, they can cost even more. These hot tubs will be well built, with a range of custom options that will allow greater personalization of your hot tub experience.

Many of these hot tubs will come with different styled jets, waterfalls, or other unique massage features. They may also come with sound systems, light systems, and apps that allow you to customize and control your jet’s strength.

You can save on buying your hot tub by waiting!

Believe it or not, just like with car buying, you can save a boatload on hot tubs by waiting until the right time of year. When is that right time and what do you need to know and how much can you save? I’ve got you covered in a recent article.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Beautiful Indoor fireplace and Hot Tub pic.twitter.com/jzFd4XysjP

— r.h. Sin (@byRHSin) January 22, 2014

What are the best hot tubs for indoor use?

Here’s a quick rundown of a few great hot tubs you can use indoors, from least to most expensive.

Intex PureSpa 6 Person Inflatable Hot Tub – Under $700

Before you knock it, just know that inflatable means easy moving in or out of your indoor space.

It also means it’s portable. Think it’s small? This thing holds 6 people? Think it’s cheaply made? It appears multiple times on Amazon and all are between 4 and 5 stars with tons of reviews.

And the best part?

It’s well under $700 and just plugs into a standard wall socket!

Cup holders, drink trays, pillow head-rests and more! 170 high powered bubble jets complete the hot tub. Free shipping too!

CLICK HERE TO SEE IT ON AMAZON

If you’re on the fence about inflatable hot tubs, read this recent article to learn more about them. I get into all the pros and cons and also list out the best-rated ones so you won’t waste your money.

Just click that link to read it on my site.


Essential Hot Tubs 3-4-Person Newport Hot Tub – Under $2,300

Essential hot tubs must be doing something right as their reviews on Amazon are far better than any other brand.

This is their entry-level hot tub and only weighs 350 pounds empty. That means it’ll be easy to move it with a couple of friends.

It also just plugs into the wall making setup a breeze!

Tapered, lockable insulated cover included. Free delivery and the comfort of hundreds of near 5-star reviews and you’ll be soaking in no time!

Perfect for smaller spaces and/or couples wanting the luxury of a hot tub but without the hassle and expense.

CLICK HERE TO SEE IT ON AMAZON


Essential Hot Tubs 7-Person Hot Tub – Under $2,500

This thing also has some of the best ratings of any hot tub on Amazon.

It’s delivered to you for free and just plugs into a standard wall socket making it incredibly easy to get set up. You do, however, have the option to have an electrician wire it up to 220v which can improve the efficiency (and heating costs) a little.

It’s 480 pounds, so while not a one-person job, it is fairly easy to move with 3-4 people.

It has 20 powerful jets to soak to sore muscles. Additionally, the digital control panel inside the hot tub lets you change the water temperature up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Available in Cobblestone or Gray Granite colors. Tapered, lockable insulated cover included.

CLICK HERE TO SEE IT ON AMAZON


If you haven’t guessed by now, I’m a fan of this company.

They have fantastic reviews, quality American-made craftsmanship, and sell their products at a great price too. This one has 50 jets (34 are adjustable), seats 6, and has extra comfy captain’s chains for the ultimate in relaxation.

Unlike their lower models, this one does need a 220-volt connection. As long as you have a breaker panel somewhat nearby and at least 1 open slot that shouldn’t cost you much more than $500.

It’s also 650 pounds, so make sure you have several friends or professional hot tub movers ready to position it where you want it.

As with their other models, it has lots of near-flawless reviews, comes with free shipping, and a tapered, locking insulated cover.

CLICK HERE TO SEE IT ON AMAZON


Also, if you’re interested in speakers for your hot tub, check out this recent article.

While many high-end hot tubs come with sound systems, my article walks you through the best floating Bluetooth speakers, some as cheap as $30 (with great ratings!)

Just click that link to read it on my site.

Did I cover all you wanted to know about the best hot tubs to use indoors?

It is absolutely okay to put your hot tub indoors!

You can put it in your garage, or even your second floor. Just ensure the room you put it in meets these specifications.

The floor must be made of a material that is water and slip-proof. This avoids damage and rot. Additionally, there must be ventilation in the room. You can ventilate the room by purchasing powerful ventilation systems. Powerful exhaust fans and forced air systems can also reduce the amount of heat and moisture.

There should also be good drainage available, and a water source that can be used to fill the hot tub.

Hire a contractor to ensure that your hot tub can be placed in the room you want it to be in. They will make sure the flooring is adequate, that there is drainage, and that the room is properly ventilated.


Photos which require attribution:

Sonnenalp Resort Vail HDR Pool Hot Tub by Dave Dugdale is licensed under CC2.0

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