Single-sheet vacuum formed
This style has probably been around the longest. Some of the first portable hot tubs were simple, single-sheet formed designs with small motors, a few jets and a simple plug. It was actually the popularity of these early designs, along with consumer desire for more jets and larger, more powerful pumps that gave way to the development of the modern 220/240-volt hot tub.
Single-sheet vacuum-formed hot tubs use more of a traditional manufacturing process when compared to the soft tubs mentioned above. Vacuum forming techniques are used to create both the interior seating area and exterior walls out of a single piece of acrylic. These designs are well-established and provide customers with a durable, entry-level product.
Plug-in-play hot tubs in this category range from small, one-to-two person units, to large, four-person models. One of the more popular footprints for this type of plug-in-play hot tub is a two-person oval design, which has been an industry staple for many years.
Typical features include:
- GFCI cord;
- 1.5-hp, two-speed pump with up to six jets;
- Digital controls;
- 3.25 m2 (35 sf) filter;
- Dedicated 1-kW heater;
- Optional LED lighting and waterfall features;
- 473-L (125-gal) water capacity (two-person model); and
- Insulated safety cover.
Rotational moulded
This category has also experienced a large amount of growth in recent years. Similar in nature to the single-sheet design, roto-moulded hot tubs feature hard exteriors and interiors with comfortable formed seating. Most roto-moulded products are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material, making these hot tubs durable and long-lasting.
Roto-moulded hot tub shells comprise a single sheet of plastic and are known for their uniform construction and reliability. Limitations with this hot tub style (e.g. shell size, interior design and exterior finish) are typically related to the manufacturing process, which involves filling a heated, slowly rotating hollow mould with plastic granules. However, as an entry-level product, these hot tubs offer consumers some of the creature comforts typically found in larger models. They also typically feature co-ordinating steps and surrounds that are made from the same material as the hot tub itself.
Although roto-moulded products can sometimes appear monotone in nature, manufacturers are starting to create better designs and products that fit naturally into various outdoor compositions.
Typical features include:
- GFCI cord;
- 1- to 1.5-hp, two-speed pump with up to 25 jets;
- Digital controls;
- Heat recovery system;
- Dedicated 1-kW heater (some brands);
- Optional LED lighting and waterfall features; and
- Insulated safety covers
Traditional designs
Although these hot tubs are built in a more traditional fashion, using vacuum-formed acrylic sheet, along with a wood or faux-wood cabinet, they are still classed as plug-and-play hot tubs.
Most manufacturers have one or two models in their line up that are 110-volt, dedicated plug-and-play units. These models supplement their overall product offerings and are not the focus of their business.
Since these hot tubs are built in the same manner as larger, more expensive units, seating comfort and the range of seating styles are more diverse than what may be available with other styles. These hot tubs are also available in almost any footprint—from traditional round models to square or rectangular designs. They tend to be more expensive than other plug-in-play options but typically offer above average feature sets, including larger pumps, more jets, good filtration and well-developed seating configurations.
Hot tub cabinets usually comprise synthetic or faux-wood exteriors, which come in a variety of colours and textures. Everything that is attached to the hot tub—except for the plug—is similar to what would be included on larger, traditional hot tub designs.
Typical features include:
- GFCI cord;
- 1- to 1.5-hp, two-speed pump with 10 to 25 jets;
- Digital controls;
- Dedicated 1-kW heater;
- Optional LED lighting and waterfall features; and
- Insulated safety covers
