Hot Tub Steps
Ok, let’s face it. Hot tub steps just aren’t, well, they just aren’t very sexy. Steps are a bit dull, a bit functional. There has to be something much more interesting to do than think about them (or even write about them!). But WAIT!! I think that having a great pair of hot tub steps is one of those things that, once you have got them you will ever wonder how you did without!
Are you currently hopping over the side of your hot tub in an inelegant splits type motion to get in? Have you got some terrible arrangement of boxes or a chair next to your hot tub that you currently are using as steps? If you have I can fairly much guarantee that getting in and out of your hot tub is a bit of a trail. In fact, your are possibly risking injuring yourself in some pretty tender areas if you slip!
Ouch! Let’s move on!
So, let’s start with a good solid basic, sensible, safe, indestructible, completely bog standard but extremely well-regarded pair of steps. The Leisure Accents Handi Step for Spa basically does what it says on the tin. There are two mightily solid plastic steps good for taking up to 35o pounds in weight (it says 300 on the box and 350 on the steps). The steps are 14 inches high when assembled and come in a good range of colors including redwood, three shades of grey (isn’t that a novel!?) and espresso. They also have a handy feature where the top step can be put in either way round to fit either a straight edged or a round-edged hot tub!
Very clever!
The less good bits about these steps is that they are almost universally berated for being difficult to clip together. It’s simple to do but needs a fair amount of effort to get the pieces to clip in. There are also some concerns about the ridges on the steps collecting splashed water as well. But, apart from that people keep these things for years and love them. I guess the mark of a good pair of hot tub steps is that you don’t even notice you have them after a while – they are just so solid and dependable.
Now on to the imaginatively named Leisure Accents Spa Steps With Storage Compartment! These come in either redwood or beige. These are more expensive but come with the rather brilliant addition of internal storage which can even doubles as a cooler. The manufacturer is at pains to point out in the packaging that the internal storage space isn’t intended for hot tub chemicals. I’m not sure why as it would seem one of the most obvious uses for the storage space – maybe because the steps are at ground level and easily accessible by children or maybe, as some owners report the storage compartment isn’t fully waterproof.
These steps are extremely well regarded and owners describe them as solid, hard wearing and that they have a good non-slip surface. They are supposedly ready assembled but some simple assembly is required. Again, as with the steps above this isn’t complicated it just needs a bit of muscle power to get everything to clip into place.
These steps are 36 inches long by 24 inches deep and 14 inches high. This makes them 7 inches wider than the Handi Steps above and an inch wider. They are the same height.
Hot Tub Handrails
There seems little point in investing in a great pair of steps for your hot tub if you are then going to mount them and lose your balance at the top! Again, in the name of safety, having a good solid handrail to grip on to it a great idea. Hot tub handrails need to be sturdy, easily grippable, corrosion proof and easy to install. It also helps if they look good too! I have researched and found the best handrails below:
Firstly, the Guardian Better Hot Tub Handrail. This one slides underneath your hot tub so, assuming your hot tub is empty of water, should be very easy to install. It’s made of stainless steel with a powder coated gray covering for a long and sturdy life of service. The handrail itself swivels around and locks into four different positions. Users really like this handrail finding it solid and reliable.
The Covermate 7930 is fairly much identical except that it will swivel through a full 360 degrees giving you a little more flexibility. It also has a light as an added luxury feature.
If you would prefer to mount your handrail on the hot tub itself then the Carefree Stuff Swiveling Handrail is the obvious choice. In many ways it’s very similar in design and construction to the two handrails above but it comes with the added advantage of being able to double as a towel rail as well. The grip looks a little bit more comfortable but you do have to take the time to assemble it and to screw it onto the side of your hot tub. Users report assembly and fitting as being straightforward though – you just need to be careful that the top screw plate doesn’t interfere with your hot tub cover.
Personally, I don’t find any of the above handrails particularly aesthetically pleasing. They do look a little but functional and utilitarian so, if you prefer something a little sleeker you might take a look at the Smartrail Spa Safety Rail. This just looks a little bit more pleasing to my eye, again it’s sturdily made and very well liked by owners. It attaches to the side of your hot tub abd will swivel away when you slide the cover over. The only disadvantage to this handrail is that it won’t swivel over the hot tub to help you get out as the two handrails above will.