What Are The Best Hot Tub Accessories?

Once you have chosen your hot tub and had it installed you will no doubt want to enhance your hot tub experience by adding accessories. The best hot tub accessories can make the difference between having an average soak in your hot tub and having a really great hot tub experience.  What accessories are best for your hot tub will depend on how you use it. If it’s a place where all the family gathers together then maybe some hot tub entertainment or games would be fantastic. If the children use the hot tub to socialize with their friends then maybe an audio system would be a great idea.  On the other hand, if it’s primarily used as a place to relax and unwind for the adults, maybe investing in some really nice mood lighting or aromatherapy oils would be a good place to start.

Whatever your hot tub is used for and whatever your particular lifestyle is like there are bound to be ways in which you can enhance it by adding some well thought out and chosen accessories. Here are some ideas:

Hot Tub Accessories for Practicality and Comfort

Let’s start of by looking at how you can make your hot tub more practical, safe and comfortable. Let’s face it, if using your hot tub isn’t comfortable or you don’t feel safe and secure then there’s little point in having it and you will use it less and less!

Privacy and Weather protection

Often by privacy and weather protection go hand-in-hand. If you’re lucky the privacy screen or protection that you are thinking of installing to prevent neighbors from overseeing the hot tub will also give you some weather protection as well.  If you can achieve both privacy and weather protection with a solution this is also cost-effective and stylish then it really is a win-win situation or round. Here are some ideas to get you started for ways of providing a bit of protection:

Screens and fencing –  There’s a huge number of options for screening off your hot tub or adding fencing. You could go for a simple wooden barrier or maybe you want a more permanent brick wall or more heavyweight fence. Consider using a natural barrier as well as this can blend into the landscape better and look really appealing. Careful planting, particularly of bamboos and similar plants can go a long way to screening your hot tub from prying eyes and also offer some weather protection as well.  

Bear in mind that it can also be hugely advantageous to have your hot tub screened away from the prevailing wind. This will keep the hot tub area warmer and cozier and make it more comfortable when you are in it. Screening off the prevailing wind also has the added advantage of insulating the hot tub from the elements which will make the hot tub and more energy efficient and save on your electricity bills.

Sunshades – If you want to shade your hot tub from the sun and also give a little protection from the elements as well then you have a few options.  The simplest is to go for a shade sail which is basically a large piece of canvas suspended above the hot tub. Shade sails tend to have ropes which attached to each corner of the canvas and you will need to tether the other end of the rope onto a building or a post.  Shade sails are relatively inexpensive and quite effective and have the added advantage of looking rather cool as well.

If you want something a little more sturdy then side umbrellas can be a really good idea. These are basically like patio umbrellas but often little bit larger and they also are specifically intended to stand with the umbrella in a more vertical position to throw shade over the hot tub.  Some side umbrellas are freestanding and others will fasten to the side of the hot tub or sit with their feet underneath it.

If you really want some proper weather protection then you might want to go for a tent or temporary gazebo structure. This is basically like erecting a tent over your hot tub and, depending on the model, you will probably be able to choose to have sides on it or not. It might also be possible to zip the sides up and down depending on how much ventilation you need. Temporary gazebos can be left up for a season or so and are quick and easy to take down and assemble.

If you fancy looking for some gazebos, canopies or shades and a little weather protection for your hot tub you can have a look at my top recommendations on what to buy here.

Surrounds and landscaping – The ultimate luxury in hot tub installation has to be for you to build a custom-designed deck or landscape around your hot tub.  This could include a permanent gazebo structure over the top as well as maybe integral decking, seating and storage around the hot tub area. You can buy some permanent gazebo structures and you can check some of them out on my page here. They come in kit form and are relatively straightforward for home DIY assembly.  You might also, if you’re handy at DIY, considered building the decking area also.  Remember that your hot tub is extremely heavy, particularly when full of water and bathers, and that the deck will need to be considerably reinforced to carry the weight. Often it’s a good idea for the hot tub to be placed on asolidd concrete or raised brick base and then for the decking to be built around it.

If you are considering landscaping in the area around your hot tub it might be worth thinking very seriously about employing both a professional designer as well as tradesmen to actually do the work. It’s likely to be a demanding job and a professional designer will be able to incorporate all sorts of details into the design which will help with the flow and feel of the hot tub area within the design of your garden as a whole.  Someone with experience in this area should be able to create something extra special. It’s the sort of project that you only undertake once and is obviously worth getting absolutely right from the outset so calling in the professionals can be a very worthwhile option to consider.

Steps and handles –  From a pure safety point of view it’s very important that you have a sturdy and reliable method of getting in and out of your hot tub.  The rim of the hot tub could be 2 or 3 feet off the ground and it can be very difficult to gain your grip on the hot tub when it’s wet.  Slipping in or out of a hot tub can be extremely painful and puts you at risk of injury so it’s a very good idea to invest in a solid set of steps.

You will want some steps that fit in with the design of your hot tub and preferably fairly closely match the color of the cabinet.  Also bear in mind that they need to be strong and very sturdy so that they do not move as you are climbing out of the hot tub when your weight may not be distributed particularly evenly. It’s also important that the steps have a good non-slip grippy surface so that your feet do not slip off them when they’re wet. Some steps also double up as storage boxes so they can have a practical application as well.

You will also most likely need something to hold onto when you are climbing in and particularly out of your hot tub. A specifically designed hot tub handle will give you something solid to grip on and help you with the stability that you need as you carefully get in or out.  Again, your safety getting in or out of the hot tub shouldn’t be put at risk. You need to make sure that you are as stable as possible during the transition period from in to out minimise the risk of injury.

I’ve spent a lot of time researching the best steps and handrails for our hot tub and you check out my recommendations here.

Cushions, seats and pillows

You will probably find that after sitting in even the best designed hot tub for a long time that you start to feel uncomfortable.  Hot tub shells are obviously rather hard and uniform in shape and sometimes don’t always fit perfectly to our soft and sensitive bodies.  You might find that your bottom becomes a bit numb after a while or equally as likely that you can’t quite lay back and relax without your neck or shoulders becoming a bit scrunched up or feeling as though they need extra support.  Sometimes it might just be that you feel that you are sitting too low in the hot tub and that the jets aren’t quite hitting the spot where you really need that hydrotherapy massage relief.

If this sounds like you then you could probably benefit from using some hot tub cushions and pillows from the wide range available. Many hot tub brands make their own cushions and pillows and your hot tub might have been supplied with a basic set. However, if you need more or haven’t got any at the moment it’s also possible to get universal cushions and pillows that will improve the comfort of any brand of hot tub.

Hot tub cushions –  Primarily you would use a hot tub cushion for sitting on to increase the comfort between your bottom and the hot tub shell.  The secondary benefit of a cushion is that it will raise you up in the hot tub which may well give you a better position and also change the position of the jets on your body.  Most hot tub cushions can be filled both with air and water and it makes sense, if you are going to be sitting on it, to fill it with water so that it has some weight to it. Before buying a cushion check to see what the outer surface is made of as it’s not particularly pleasant sitting on a plasticky, polythene feeling surface for a long time – it will soon become sticky and uncomfortable. Better quality cushions have more comfortable surfaces.  Check the inflated size as well to make sure that it will be a snug fit for both your hot tub and your bottom!

Hot tub pillows –  Hot tub pillows and neck supports come in a wide range of of styles and sizes.  Some are just simple inflatable neck supports while others provide neck and shoulder support and are attached to your hot tub with suction cups.  Have a think about the specific type of support you need whilst in your hot tub and look for a pillow to match. Again quality is important as a low-quality pillow won’t feel particularly nice next to your skin particularly when it gets wet.  The better quality pillows have a softer touch and also will last longer and be less prone to puncturing and damage.

Hot tub covers and cover lifters

You really can’t manage without a good quality hot tub cover. Your hot tub may well have been supplied with one from the manufacturer but it’s well worth checking to make sure that it’s still serviceable and is of a good enough quality to be both protecting the hot tub from the elements and insulating it so that it’s cost-efficient to run.  All hot tub covers start to retain moisture after a while and become extremely heavy and awkward to use and significantly less energy efficient. You will also find, particularly if you haven’t maintained your hot tub cover on a regular basis,  that hot tub covers are susceptible to moles and algae growth. Once a hot tub cover becomes saturated with moisture, dirty, mouldy or damaged it really is time to consider a replacement.

You can check out the details of how to choose a great Hot Tub Cover and how to measure up for it accurately in my post here. But in essence, it’s really important to choose a good quality and correctly fitting cover from the outset.  A good quality cover will pay for itself over time in the amount of energy it saves. If you think about it, the cover is the primary means by which the hot tub keeps warm and prevents heat escaping.  The main part of a hot tub cover is a foam core and the more expensive the cover is generally speaking the higher thermal insulation properties the foam core will have. It’s also important to check out the durability of the moisture or vapor barrier which is a moisture retardant covering which wraps around the foam core and prevents it from soaking up moisture from the steam that comes from the hot tub.  The better quality the vapor barrier is the longer the core will remain un – waterlogged and thermally efficient. To a certain extent once a hot tub cover’s foam core becomes heavy and saturated with water it is essentially time to replace it with a new one. You also need to look very carefully at the quality of the outer cover of the cover as cheaper ones will rip and wear more quickly. Similarly, the hinge on the hot tub cover takes a lot of strain and wear and tear and the better quality ones will last much longer.

Hot tub cover lifters –  You have probably already noticed that your hot tub cover is relatively heavy and awkward to maneuver.  A hot tub cover lifter can relieve this problem and hopefully encourage you to use your hot tub more as the hassle of removing the cover is made much simpler.  

There are a number of different types of lifters. The most common type use a pivot system whereby the weight of the cover is reduced by using a simple lever. These are relatively inexpensive and easy to fit to most hot tubs and really are worth considering as they make life so much easier.  The only real drawback to these lifters is that on most models cover parks in a vertical position at the end of the hot tub once it’s lifted off. This can be great if you want to create a barrier for privacy or to keep the sun off the hot tub but you will need quite a lot of room to accommodate it.  

The ultimate in hot tub cover lifters uses a hydraulic system whereby you really hardly need to put any effort in at all. The cover is lifted using a similar pivot system to above but all the hard work is done by hydraulics. Some of these hydraulic models have the added advantage of stowing the cover in a horizontal position which can be more convenient although again it does take up quite a lot of room at the side of the hot tub.

Hot tub towels, towel rails and warmers

It can be a nice idea to have a specific set of towels especially intended for use with your hot tub.  Of course you can use any household towels at all but there is something really nice about having special thick luxurious towels to wrap around you all ready for when you get out of the hot tub. They feel even better if they are oversized too!

Have a think about where you will store your towels whilst you are actually in your hot tub as well.  You don’t really want your thick luxurious towel kicking around on the deck getting splashed with water or on the side of the hot tub at risk of falling in.  Similarly, it’s often not great to hang your towel over the fence or over nearby bush! Consider getting a special outdoor towel holder so that you can keep your towels off the ground, nice and dry and conveniently to hand.  For the ultimate in luxury, you could also think about getting an outdoor towel warmer so that when you get out of your hot tub you have a lovely toasty warm towel waiting for you. This might seem like only a small luxury but it’s the sort of thing that will encourage you to use your hot tub more during the winter months.  Winter hot tubbing is a delight all of its own and the more you use your hot tub throughout the year the more enjoyment you will get from it and also the more value for money you will be getting from your investment.

Hot tub robes and slippers

Of course, you don’t need specific hot tub robes and slippers but again it can be nice to have both of these specifically set aside for use in your hot tub. Thick, full-length robes will again encourage you to use the hot tub more and particularly all the year round and just make it a more pleasant experience stepping out of your house into the cold before getting in the hot tub. Slippers, or comfy,  easy to get into outdoor footwear makes a big difference to your enjoyment as well. Choose some footwear where it doesn’t matter if they get a bit dirty and where they preferably have some grip on the under soles when wet.

Hot Tub Entertainment, Eating and Drinking Accessories

What could be nicer than a nice relaxing soak in your hot tub complete with some nibbles and snacks, a nice drink and some games and entertainment to while away the hours? Here are some ideas to get you started.

Toys and games

If you have kids you probably already have an array of toys and games that are suitable for playing within the bath, pool and of course the hot tub. There are literally hundreds of toys available that are designed for, or are suitable for playing with in water, but less in the way of actual games. However, you can get a number of versions of waterproof card games. It’s easy to get a standard set of playing cards in waterproof format and there are other card games available as well.

Hot tubs are great for families and are one of the rare times that everyone gets together with an opportunity to chat without distractions of phones, TVs and technology.  The relaxed atmosphere in the hot tub is great for family bonding and, if you can find some appropriate games to play together as well, this will add to the sense of communal pleasure.  You don’t even need to have any equipment. Some of the best games to play in a hot tub are word games and you might well find that your children will enjoy these more, and more happily participate in them in the hot tub than they would if you were just sitting around together in the house. There are some great word games for you to try here.

Hot tub music accessories

Listening to your favourite music whilst in your hot tub is a great way to enhance the relaxed, fun and chilled atmosphere.  You can of course just take out a battery operated CD player or radio to the hot tub but the chances are that most of your music collection is either online or on your phone.  If this is the case then what you really need, especially for the super cool factor, is a floating or at least splashproof Bluetooth speaker so that you can play from your phone or device.  There is something wonderfully cool about having the speaker floating around in the hot tub with you!

If you fancy having a little more privacy with your listening then you can also get waterproof Bluetooth headphones. Don’t be tempted to use ordinary non-waterproof headphones or even corded headphones as the chances are that they will get wet and potentially ruined or, if they are attached to your phone, there is a high risk of your phone ending up in your hot tub as well!

Hot tub lighting

Depending on the model of your hot tub it’s may already have  a lighting system installed. However, in many ways you can’t get too much of a good thing so,  even if you have some lights already, why not consider purchasing some more! There really is something magical about sitting in your hot tub at night all warm and cozy in the darkness with your lighting system adding to the atmosphere.

Hot tub lighting systems are generally LED and battery operated and are simply submersible or floating LED lights that usually change color over time. A lot of the lighting systems have a remote control whereby you can set and adjust the lighting sequence to your hearts content.

Don’t forget that it can also look fantastic at night night to have some fairy lights or similar draped around trees or your gazebo within the general vicinity of your hot tub.

Hot tub TV

I have to be honest and say that I don’t really think it’s a great idea to watch TV while you are relaxing in your hot tub.  I suppose I can see the attraction, but for me at least being in the hot tub is great time to either be alone with my thoughts and relax or to chat and catch up with friends or family.  Inevitably, once the TV comes into the equation then my attention is drawn elsewhere. Heaven forbid I should be tempted to watch the news or current affairs whilst in the hot tub – it really doesn’t seem like a particularly good combination!

However, if you do fancy having a TV near your hot tub then it will need some careful thought and planning.  Assuming that your hot tub is outside you will need a proper electrical connection made for it. You will probably also want to have either an internet, satellite dish or aerial connection setup as well. However, you could avoid this by potentially just using the TV to watch CDs from a CD player to stream from your phone or mobile device. It’s really important that the TV is a little distance away from the direct heat and steam of the hot tub and that it’s fixed to a permanent structure so that there is no risk of it falling into the water. As the TV will have to be permanently outside it will need to be weatherproof and it’s possible to buy weatherproof covers for a wide variety of sizes and shapes of TV screens.

Hot tub cup and refreshment holders

Having refreshments in your hot tub is a rather lovely luxury and you can buy all sorts of interesting holders and trays that will either attach to the side of a hot tub or float in water.  It can be rather fun and entertaining having your drinks floating around in a sort of mini desert island holder in the middle of your hot tub! It’s always worth buying special cups and holders for the hot tub and not using anything made of glass as the risk of breakage is high as is the possibility of injury on broken glass.

Hot tub food storage

Is your hot tub a little way from your house? You might want to think about the possibiloty of a mobile drinks chiller or coolbox or, in the winter, a method of keeping drinks and food warm. What about having a small food storage cupboard near the hot tub for keeping drinks and snacks in to avoid them becoming wet or attacked by flies and bugs?

Hot tub aromatherapy

So far we have covered fairly much every single one of the human senses in our quest forr the perfect hot tub experience. We have cushions to ease our sense of touch, lighting to enhance the look of the hot tub,  music to create the right mood and food and drink to delight the taste.

Finally, how about some aromatherapy oils to add to your hot tub to inspire your sense of smell? You can get a wide variety of essential oils that inspire a number of different moods and are intended to help you feel romantic, refreshed, revitalized, relaxed and a number of other desirable states!

It’s important that you use aromatherapy oil specifically designed for use in hot tubs.  You can’t just splosh in a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil as this will potentially create problems with your hot tub components. Filtration systems and pumps aren’t designed to filter out oils and they can also cause problems with your pH levels and water chemistry. Aromatherapy oils specifically designed for using hot tubs are readily available.

Hot tub maintenance accessories

There are a number of essential “must have” hot tub maintenance accessories which are generally used for cleaning and maintaining good water chemistry.  You can find out which chemicals you need for your hot tub by reading my post here. Apart from these essentials you might want to consider some of the following helpful hot tub accessories:

Sump pump – You can use a sump pump to speed up the process of draining your hot tub.  It can be a bit laborious waiting for nature to take its course and for the water to drain out on its own accord.  Similarly, you might find that all of the water doesn’t disappear on its own and it needs a bit of help. Having a sump pump handy will prevent you having to dry up the water by hand and will speed up the process considerably.

Floating thermometer – It’s really helpful to know exactly what temperature the water is in your hot tub at any given time.  You might have a sensor that gives you a readout on the control panel of your hot tub but you will probably find that a dedicated floating thermometer is more accurate.  You can also get floating thermometers that will connect to your phone via wireless so that you can keep an eye on your water temperature even without being near the hot tub.

Spa vacuum – A spa vacuum is basically a vacuum cleaner that you can use underwater.  This is great if you notice dirt and grit accumulating at the bottom of your hot tub as it’s extremely difficult to get out without completely draining the hot tub. With the spa vacuum all you do is simply vacuum it up in a matter of moments keeping the bottom of your hot tub clean and grit free.

Hot tub hose attachments – There are a number of hose attachments that you can purchase that will help clean your hot tub. However, a couple of the most useful ones include a wand attachment that will make cleaning your hot tub filter much easier – it allows you to aim the water in between the pleats of the filter much more easily.  Also, getting a filter attachment for the end of your house is a great idea when you are refilling your hot tub as, when the water passes through the filter it will remove any excess metals and calcium from the water. Both metal and calcium in the water can cause problems with the clarity of your water as well and as potentially damaging the components of your hot tub.

Summary

You really don’t have to go out and buy a load of accessories to enjoy your hot tub.  However, the experience can be greatly enhanced by some thoughtful purchases and in some cases, your safety can be improved as well.  Have a think about what you use your hot tub for and what you actually want to get out of your hot tubbing and then have a think about which accessories would give you the most benefit and pleasure. Often it’s not about how many accessories or gadgets you have but actually picking the right ones for the ocassion. Luckily, in the case of hot tubbing there’s plenty to get you thinking and plenty to choose from!