Hot Spring Spas

Hot Spring Spas

 2.4/5 (126 reviews)
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About Hot Spring Spas

Hot Spring spas and hot tubs have been manufactured in Vista, California, by Watkins Wellness since 1977. Hot Spring’s portable saltwater hot tubs include soothing massage features and a variety of jet options. The company also offers saltwater systems and energy-efficient models. Find accessories, including replacement covers, cover lifters and furniture, on its website.

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    Overall Satisfaction Rating

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    Pros

    • Customizable features
    • Energy-efficient models
    • Range of price tiers

    Cons

    • Limited warranty
    • Sold only through local dealers

    Bottom Line

    Customers enjoy Hot Spring Spas’ patented technology features, such as Tri-X filters, and its three different water care systems that ensure freshness. All models are customizable.

    Top Hot Spring Spas Reviews

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    Rated with 5 stars
    Verified

    After spending months and months reading about hot tubs and going to dealers, we finally decided to buy the HotSpot Relay. So far (a month in) we are very happy with it. Its jets ...

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    Rated with 2 stars
    Verified

    The first year was fantastic. When operational, this is a fabulous hot tub. However, after a year or so the hot tub began having problems but was covered under warranty. The contr...

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    About Hot Spring Spas

    Hot Spring Spas’ hot tubs use a variety of massage and hydrotherapy features, including rotating and directional jets, to provide owners with a therapeutic and relaxing experience. Those looking to lower their utility costs gravitate to Hot Spring Spas because the company’s SmartJet system is specifically designed to conserve energy. All of the company’s tubs are certified by the California Energy Commission and SpaSearch.

    Hot Spring Spas prices

    Entry-level Hot Spot Spas from Hot Spring start at $6,999 for a two- or three-person hot tub. The Limelight Collection and Highlife Collection cost $8,999 and up for premium and luxury tubs.

    Prices vary based on added features, hot tub size, installation costs and taxes. Hot Spring Spas suggests reaching out to a local authorized dealer for the most accurate pricing.

    Hot Spring Spa hot tubs

    Hot Spring Spa offers three collections of hot tubs: Hot Spot Spas, the Limelight Collection and the Highlife Collection. Available features for the spas include wireless remote controls, large power indicator lights and patented pump shrouds as well as Hot Springs’ dual Freshwater Salt and Ozone systems.

    • Highlife Collection: All Highlife Collection models — Grandee, Vanguard, Sovereign, Envoy, Aria, Prodigy, Triumph, Jetsetter and Jetsetter LX — come with multiple jet configurations, Tri-X filters, customizable lighting and multilayered foam insulation. Hot Springs manufactures the Highlife Collection with polymer and ABS-backed acrylic shells to create a strong and durable product. Select models also include sculpted seating, such as the captain’s chair included with the Highlife Collection’s Envoy model.
    • Limelight Collection: The Limelight Collection features five models: Prism, Pulse, Flash, Flair, and Beam. All models include a variety of jet styles and fit from four to seven people. With a full-color LCD screen, a power indicator light that shows when the hot tub is ready, exterior lighting and optional wireless entertainment, the Limelight Collection offers all of Hot Spring’s best features without the hefty price tag.
    • Hot Spot Spas: The most popular Hot Spot models — Tempo, Relay and Rhythm — come with a variety of seating, lighting and massage jet options. The Relay includes lounge seating, cushioned headrests and LED lights that can be dimmed for a relaxing nighttime soak. Select Hot Spot models can fit up to seven people, and every model includes multiple jet configurations, an insulated cover and the option to add wireless entertainment.

    Hot Spring Spa maintenance

    Hot Spring Spas’ Ozone system with MPS and silver ions makes water care easy — tubs with this system only require weekly maintenance. The saltwater systems found in Hot Spring Spas’ Limelight and Highlife Collection require even less attention and offer up to a full year of sanitation. With the FreshWater Salt System, small amounts of salt are converted into chlorine to flush out any bacteria or germs within the water.

    It’s important to rinse out hot tub filters once a month to avoid any clogging. The company recommends you perform a deep clean every three to four months. The patented Tri-X filters featured in the Highlife Collection are dishwasher safe, which makes them easier to clean. Depending on the amount of use, the company recommends that you drain and refill your hot tub three to four times per year. Once drained, you can clean the spa shell.

    Hot Spring Spas warranty

    Hot Spot Spas come with a five-year warranty on their no-leak shell and a two-year warranty on components, including the MotoMassage jet and no-fault heater. The LED light assemblies in the Tempo, Relay and Rhythm models also come with a two-year warranty.

    The Limelight Collection and Highlife Collection come with a seven-year warranty on the no-leak shell and a five-year warranty on components and Everwood cabinet material. The wireless remote control battery included in the Highlife Collection comes with a one-year warranty. Local authorized dealers can explain additional warranties.

    Hot Spring Spas’ hot tubs must be serviced by an authorized technician or you run the risk of voiding the warranty.

    Hot Spring Spas FAQ

    How much do Hot Spring Spas cost?
    Most hot tubs from Hot Spring Spas start at $6,999. A premium hot tub for four adults with a FreshWater Salt System, multicolor lighting, an LCD control panel and FiberCor insulation costs between $9,000 and $10,000. Hot Spring Spas’ prices vary based on features, size and local taxes.
    How long do Hot Springs hot tubs last?
    At a minimum, most Hot Spring Spas hot tubs last five years. A well-maintained hot tub can last 20 years or more.
    How do I connect my Bluetooth to my Hot Spring hot tub?
    Connecting a Bluetooth to your Hot Spring hot tub is easy — simply select “Blue” or "Bluetooth" as the source on your hot tub’s audio setup menu and pair your device by choosing “My spa” on the device menu. Hot Springs’ Bluetooth speaker system has a range of up to 30 feet.
    How often does Hot Spring Spas have sales?
    Hot Spring Spas offers sales throughout the year. Most authorized dealers clear out their inventory during the fall, which is a good time to shop for deals and promotions.
    What is the ACE Salt Water System?
    The ACE Salt Water System is available in Hot Spring Spas’ Highlife Collection, Highlife Collection NXT and Limelight Collection hot tubs. This system uses small amounts of salt in the water and converts it to chlorine so that the hot tub’s water stays fresh and sanitized without the use of bottled chlorine.

    Are Hot Spring Spa hot tubs worth it?

    Hot Spot Spas offer a value-priced and budget-friendly option with all of the Hot Spring’s best features — energy-efficiency, FiberCor insulation, the Freshwater Ozone System and FROG @ease in-line cartridges. For hot tub owners looking to upgrade their hot tub, the Limelight Collection provides a premium hot tub with dual FreshWater Salt and Ozone systems, colored lighting and FiberCor insulation. The Highlife Collection combines all the best features of these collections into a line of sleek and luxurious hot tubs.

    Hot Spring Spas Reviews

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    How do I know I can trust these reviews about Hot Spring Spas?
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    • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
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    • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

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    Page 1 Reviews 0 - 10
    Rated with 1 star
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: March 12, 2023

    Paid over $12,000 for Hot Spring spa that started leaking 1 month after warranty was up. Called local dealer we purchased the spa from. They came out and told us they would put us on their list to repair the leak and charged us $240.00 for service call with no repair. Checked back with dealer after not hearing from them for 3 months and then they told us the 5 year warranty was up and they don't repair the spas. Checked with all spa dealers in the area and they wouldn't repair the Hot Spring brand because they didn't sell it to us and they are not the local dealer. Called the manufacture to complain. They opened a case file but didn't lift a finger to help. Had to repair the leak myself.

    In less than a year we had the second leak. Again I had to repair the leak. Now after 4 leaks in 3 years, I had enough. Cut the Hot Spring spa up to remove it since it was indoors. No help from the local dealer or the manufacturer. I do not recommend this brand by Watkins Manufacturing. Worst plumbing I've ever seen and way overpriced.

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    Rated with 2 stars
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: March 4, 2023

    Before you purchase the Hot Spring salt water system please be aware the cost to maintain the system is getting really expensive. I went into a HSS retail location last week and spent over $420.00 on three cartridges and one vanishing act to soften the water. I don't mind the system but I am truly rethinking my decision to have purchased the system in the first place.

    Hot Spring Spas response

    Thank you, Sam, for bringing up a great topic. While there is an upfront cost for the salt system cartridges, the box of three will last one year. Other benefits of note are softer and longer-lasting water.

    I am happy to hear you are enjoying your spa, and your feedback is important. Knowing how much it costs to maintain the spa matters. I encourage spa shoppers to discuss this with their dealers; local prices will vary.

    Happy Hot Tubbing!

    Vanessa - Customer Care

    Be the first one to find this review helpful

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      Resolution In ProgressRated with 1 star
      Verified Reviewer
      Original review: Feb. 11, 2023

      I paid for a salt system that I no longer have. I couldn’t keep it running. It kept shutting down. Not good in Wisconsin so I had it disconnected. I paid for a sound system that I no longer have. I was told that it would be $1,100 to fix. Last fall it shut down and I had to have a part replaced; under warranty. That is when I was told that the sound system wasn’t working properly. It never did. I was just too dumb to realize it. Sound was coming out so as far as I knew it was working. Now it has shut down again. February in Wisconsin. After hours so I couldn’t contact anyone. Today I was told to go out and buy a cow tank heater to keep it from freezing. I think that I have one more year of warranty and soon after that I think that I’ll have a piece of junk that will be very expensive to dispose of.

      Hot Spring Spas response
      Gerald, I am sorry to hear about your spa experience. A hot tub should be relaxing and enjoyable; that has not been the case.

      Please look for a direct message from me. I want to know more about your spa and how I can help.

      Thank you for taking the time to share your review, and I look forward to working with you soon.

      Vanessa - Customer Care

      Be the first one to find this review helpful
      Rated with 1 star
      Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
      Original review: Nov. 15, 2022

      12K+ Hot Tub sprung a leak within the first 2 years (even though this Spa has been professionally maintained at my own expense since date of delivery). When I tried leaving an honest review on their website, I received an email suggesting that my review needed to be updated since it violated their Guidelines (i.e. was not supposed to mention how much it cost). I clicked on link to edit it, which took me to a 404 Page not found Error Page. So I submitted a brand new review without specifically mentioning cost. This time I received an email suggesting that my Review was approved and a link provided to view it. When clicking on the link provided, again takes me to a 404 Page not found Error Page. So 1) product is expensive but will fail early in life. 2) Warranty coverage is limited and will not cover Dealer additional fees. 3) Reviews are virtually impossible, likely go into a BLACK HOLE. 4) Customer is left holding the bag.

      Hot Spring Spas response

      We appreciate you reaching out to us with your concerns. I know it can be very frustrating when something doesn't work as it should. The reviews on our website are hosted by a third party and we're working with them to ensure that any issues are resolved as soon as possible so that reviews can be posted without errors. We'd like to hear from you and see if we can help resolve any concerns that you have regarding your experience with your spa and will be following up with you for more details.

      3 people found this review helpful
      Rated with 5 stars
      Verified Reviewer
      Original review: Sept. 23, 2022

      This is our second Hot Springs Spa. We love the new one and the changes they have made. It is beautifully styled and comfortable to sit in. The new jet designs are wonderful and relaxing. The new jets incorporated in the lounge seat feel like you are having a professional massage therapist working on your back.

      Hot Spring Spas response

      Thank you for reaching out with your review. The Sovereign is a beautiful model, we're glad that you are a part of the Hot Spring family. It's wonderful to hear that you are enjoying your new spa.

      Happy Hot Tubbing!

      Kylie - Customer Care

      Be the first one to find this review helpful
      Rated with 2 stars
      Verified Reviewer
      Original review: June 21, 2022

      My heater failed in December and I have been trying to get parts to my dealer for over six months. The answer from Hot Springs is I don’t know when. My spa has been down for over six months. It is only two years old. This is very frustrating and they don’t even have an answer for me. Very disappointing.

      Hot Spring Spas response

      Hi Charles,

      Thanks for reaching out, I'm so sorry to hear that you've had trouble getting the part you need. Being without your spa for so long is frustrating. I'd like to see how I might be able to help get you back into hot water as soon as possible.

      Please keep an eye out for a private message so that I can get a bit more info from you. If you have further questions or concerns please call 800-999-4688 ext 8432.

      Kylie - Customer Care

      6 people found this review helpful
      Rated with 1 star
      Verified Reviewer
      Original review: June 9, 2022

      Top control not made anymore?? I have to replace control board also due to no parts available cost over $2500! Can I get some help $$ from Hot Spring to repair my $15,000 spa. A minor part failure & I have to replace entire electrical control system! Why, is this a design or manufacturing defect?

      Hot Spring Spas response
      Mark,
      We make a commitment to have parts for our spas for at least 20 years. Sometimes, alternatives are used when the original part is no longer available. I understand it's frustrating to replace more than one part, but due to the age of your spa & the availability of the original control panel, this is the best option. I'll send you a PM to get more info on your spa & dealer to see if there's any further assistance we can provide to get you back to enjoying your spa.

      Kylie - Customer Care

      7 people found this review helpful
      Rated with 2 stars
      Verified Reviewer
      Original review: June 3, 2022

      My wife and I just spent a bundle on a Hot Springs spa. All our previous spas were Jacuzzi and were problem free. This time we went with Hot Springs because the local dealer is close by. They delivered the spa, a Prism, on Wednesday and it leaked right off the bat. We were told it was probably just water that accumulated inside the spa from shipment. The looks on their faces though said otherwise. It also seemed curious that the head delivery guy said he would go to bat for us to get a new spa if the leak did not stop.

      Next morning, open to tub to take our first soak and find the water level has dropped by 2.5". Well, we filled up the tub and an hour later got in. During the day, the tub lost another 5" of water. I turned it off last night to make sure the water level did not get so low the tub would be damaged. This morning, checked the tub and it is another 5" lower. That's a total of 12" of water loss in two days. Doesn't Hot Springs test these tubs before they ship them? I'm really worried we made a $20,000+ mistake. Someone is supposed to come and evaluate the situation this afternoon. I am not optimistic.

      Hot Spring Spas response
      Oh no Michael! A leaking spa is never ok and I will contact your dealer to follow up.
      It is true that new spas do have some residual water in the lines from testing before they leave our facility.

      However, if the spa is leaking we will support our warranty. We want you to use and enjoy your spa.

      Thank you for reaching out and I look forward to working with you soon.

      Vanessa - Customer Care

      10 people found this review helpful
      Rated with 3 stars
      Verified Reviewer
      Original review: May 7, 2022

      We have owned several Hot Spring Spas for over 25 years and find their recent spas to be less dependable than ever before. We have owned our 2019 spa for just over 2 years and already 10 service calls to include control panel needing replacement, salt cartridge system sensor housing replaced, moto jets replaced three times (only 2 moto massage elements) and several light covers broken and floating in the tub. I fear for post-warranty repairs.

      I have a case with them but their response is basically "wear and tear is normal". That's insane. They are basically admitting that they are no longer making reliable products. I'm so sorry we spent the extra money upfront, so that now in our retirement we wouldn't have expensive repairs. We now will have the worst of both worlds...expensive tub AND expensive repairs, based on their track record so far. I so wish it were like our old tub that had some "wear and tear" after 10 lovely years of use. I think we have a lemon... or they've gone so far downhill... Sad.

      Hot Spring Spas response
      Barbara, Thank you for being a loyal Hot Spring Spa owner. I am sorry to hear that your present experience is not faring as well as your previous ones.

      I see that you are working with one of our veteran agents; she will be able to address all of your concerns.

      Thank you for taking the time to reach out to us and allow us to work with you and the dealer.

      Vanessa - Customer Care

      7 people found this review helpful
      Rated with 3 stars
      Verified Reviewer
      Original review: Nov. 15, 2021

      After 4 months, I still don't have a spa that's working. Their service communication is terrible. The only contact is from me. They do NOT call me back. The story on why changes every time I call them. Now, I've had to prep an empty spa for winter because they don't have their act together.

      Hot Spring Spas response

      Oh no! That is not ok. I will message you to gather additional information to see how I can help.

      Thank you for taking the time to reach out. I am sorry that you have not been able to enjoy your spa yet.

      I look forward to working with you.

      Vanessa - Customer Service

      9 people found this review helpful

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        Hot Spring Spas Company Information

        Company Name:
        Hot Spring Spas
        Year Founded:
        1977
        Website:
        www.hotspring.com