Does Consumer Reports Review Hot Tubs? The answer is NO

Have you tried searching for hot tub reviews? We have too. They don’t really exist, do they? 

Anyone looking for hot tub research quickly finds out that Consumer Reports doesn’t review hot tubs. Neither does Wirecutter, which is a division of the New York Times that reviews products. 

Here’s the truth: There is actually no impartial, fair, objective observer or content creator who reviews hot tubs in the hot tub and swim spa marketplace today. There are no awards which declare the best hot tubs, like the Oscars (wouldn’t that be fun though?) 

You’ll find people giving this advice on Reddit (and on our site at Hydropool), but for some reason many companies are reluctant to spell that out. Some will even give you a list of brands they claim are recognized by Consumer Reports (but notice, there’s never a link to the actual Consumer Reports article). 

In short, it creates a confusing place, when all you want to do is a little bit of research to understand what you’re buying.  

There are lots of reasons for this situation. In this article, we will go over them and give you advice on what you can do instead: 

• Why there are no impartial hot tub and swim spa reviews
• Where you can find information
• What hot tub and swim spa companies are doing about it
• Our best advice on how to research hot tubs and swim spas

Hopefully, by the end, you’ll know your next click!

Why We Think There Are No Impartial Hot Tub and Swim Spa Reviews

A lot of this is just logistics. This is a Wirecutter article we like. We don’t agree with all of it but it’s a decent, fair article and we think 97 percent of it makes good sense. Here’s what it says about reviews:

“In this guide, we’re not going to pick a single “best for most people” model, as we normally do, because every household has its own taste, needs, and budget.” 

Right. We understand that. This is because comparing hot tubs would take a book. You have 3-person hot tubs all the way up to 10-person hot tubs. You have mainstream international companies like Jacuzzi, Hydropool, Sundance, Master Spas, Arctic, Bullfrog, Artesian, Beachcomber, Marquis, Viking and Wellis (there’s many more, those are major ones). Then you have many regional companies like PDC, which makes swim spas in Pennsylvania (and decent ones, too). Sunrise would be a Canadian example of that. 

That’s without talking about the hosts of rotomolded hot tubs. The above brands are acrylic models. The rotomolded ones are made of plastic like DreamMaker. And on top of that, there’s inflatable spas, which are made by brands like Coleman. 

Then you have a host of brands that come from China and a host of brands pretending to be American or Canadian or European that also actually come from China. These are generally brands that are trying to have the lowest price. Some of them have been around for years but many just pop up for a couple of years and then go away. 

How would anyone fairly compare those models? You’d need the expense and depth of something like Car and Driver magazine to test them fairly. You’d need to road test each model and size up who it’s for and who it’s not for and compare it to other models designed the same way, and see how they measured up. 

The cost would be prohibitive. And as much as you would love the research, we suspect the audience for those reviews just isn’t quite there – enough audience for a magazine or publication to actually make money from readership or advertising the results. 

Where Can You Find Information? What Sites Are Out There? 

The lack of anyone independent reviewing hot tubs and swim spas has led to Reddit and Facebook or various sites that say that are written by experts. We often see information we think is great and helpful on Reddit or Facebook. But there are other times we see perspectives that seem to be influenced from companies themselves. We have a similar view of expert websites. 

What Are Hot Tub and Swim Spa Companies Are Doing About This Situation

Ok so there’s no way to get it from anyone completely impartial (we don’t get into mass media bias theories here btw). You’re left with companies themselves. This is why we have a Learning Centre, stuffed with articles like this one. You’ll find many companies do this or something similar and we’re all trying to do the same thing: Get you good information so you can buy the right hot tub or swim spa. 

Can you trust companies? We know that’s what you’re thinking. But here’s the thing: At some point, if you’re going to buy a hot tub or swim spa, you will have to. But we get it’s not ideal. Anyone would prefer to hear an independent, researched view. So would we! 

Here’s Our Best Advice on How to Research a Hot Tub or a Swim Spa

Here’s what you want to know yourself before buying:

• How many spots for people? Do you need a few extra for expansion, if your family is growing? 
• What are you buying the hot tub for? There are hot tubs for relaxing, some built for low cost, some built for durability and low cost, some built for quality massage and hydrotherapy. With swim spas, you can buy what amounts to an above ground pool or you can buy an elite swimming machine. Have an idea of what you’re looking for going in. 
• How long has the manufacturer been in business? Major brands have been around awhile. 
• Where was the hot tub or swim spa made? If it’s made in an area with similar climate to your own, that’s a big plus. If you’re paying to have it shipped from the other side of the world, that might be something you’re not as interested in.  
• Who does the servicing if something goes wrong with the hot tub or swim spa? This is a crucial element people can miss out on if they buy from a home show, for example. The person who sells you the hot tub will matter as much as the hot tub, some people say. 

We have a complete guide to buying a hot tub or a swim spa. Can you trust us? We hope by now you can a little. 

How Can You Research Hot Tubs and Swim Spas?

• Our first step is to find out what brands are sold in your area. Begin with those brands first. In most cases, it’s not likely you’ll need to go beyond that list. 
• Then find out how long the store and the manufacturer has been in the hot tub or swim spa business. If they have a good reputation in the business, so much the better! 
• Use the information you can find that is impartial. A guide to buying isn’t telling you to buy one brand over the other. 
• Decide what matters to you. Massage? Space for the kids? Low price? Ease of maintenance? These are all good qualities to emphasize.  
• Then decide what you’re looking for and see if they have something that is close to what you want. If anything, most manufacturers have too much choice as you try and sort through their product offering. 

At this point, reaching out to a dealer isn’t a bad idea because the next step is to see the model or talk to a saleperson. If that’s where you’re at, then click here for a local retailer. If it’s not, then head here for more information in our Learning Centre.