9 Hot Tubs That Will Soothe Your Aches and Pains in a Hurry
Have you ever dreamt of heading out into your backyard, slipping into a warm, bubbling hot tub, and letting all of the day’s stressors — not to mention your nagging aches and joint pains — melt away? If that sounds like an unattainable fantasy, we’re here to tell you that a good hot tub is not out of reach. In fact, there’s a wide variety of options on the market that range from the affordable to the lavish, meaning there’s a model out there for everyone — yourself included.
Hot Tub Health Benefits
There are plenty of health benefits that go along with hot soaks, particularly for those who suffer from the aches and pains from conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, or low back pain.
According to WebMD, the heat from the water widens your blood vessels, which in turn allows blood to make its way through the body, bringing oxygen and nutrients to affected areas. It can also lessen swelling and loosen up any knotted muscles.
Then, there are the mental benefits, as hot tubs have been known to decrease anxiety and stress. Not only does research indicate that the warmth from a hot tub can help you to relax, the massage you receive from its jets can “reduce stress hormones and promote the body to release endorphins, which are natural mood elevators and painkillers,” according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
As if those weren’t reasons enough to invest in one of these delightful machines, a 2016 study also showed that an hour-long soak in a hot bath burned just as many calories as a 30-minute walk, since warm water makes your heart beat faster.
However, for that reason, hot tubs should be used with caution or avoided by those with heart issues. They may also be unsafe for pregnant women, as they increase body temperature.
The Best Hot Tub for Your Home
Unlike swimming pools, the majority of hot tubs on the market today are above-ground — all of the models we’ve selected below are plug-and-play options, which means there’ll be no costly installation fees. More importantly, there’ll also be no need to dig up your backyard.
Before deciding which hot tub is right for you, you’ll want to consider a short list of factors. First up? Price and portability. If you’re looking to spend $500 or less, an inflatable hot tub ($339.82, Amazon) will be your best option. Yes, inflatable. Unlike an inflatable kiddie pool, these models are sturdy, weather-proof, and feature many of the same perks of a traditional hot tub (including massaging jets!). Plus, they come with the added bonus of being easy to move around and store as needed — simply deflate and pack them up!
If you’d prefer a more traditional hot tub, you’ll likely need to be ready to shell out a few thousand dollars. From there, you’ll select the material you prefer (plastic, wood, fiberglass), how many people you want your hot tub to seat, the shape you like most (circular, square, etc.), and whether you want it to plug into an outlet or have it heated by fire.
If energy efficiency is especially important to you, that may also factor into your decision. Depending on where you live and how cold the winters are, you’ll also need to pay close attention to the temperatures your chosen hot tub can withstand. While some are specifically-designed to be enjoyed during the most frigid months (think -49 degrees Fahrenheit!), others won’t be able to brave such elements.
Ready to find your perfect match? Keep scrolling to shop FIRST for Women’s recommendations for the 9 best hot tubs on the market.
