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Climbing into a warm hot tub is a great way to relax and unwind at the end of a long day.
But for those suffering from arthritis, it becomes more beneficial still. First off, it can reduce your pain – and that’s significant enough alone.
It can also help you to reduce the stiffness of arthritis, reduce joint inflammation, and it can increase your blood circulation. The result of which is that your joints become looser.
But the real benefit comes not just from a daily soak with hydrostatic pressure, but also from using the opportunity of being in the perfect environment to carry out all those exercises that the physiotherapist recommended.
Doing all your stretches immersed in hot water is far more comfortable than doing them without. We’re sure you’ll agree.
But if you’re yet to get your hot tub for arthritis, by coming here you’re certainly in luck.
We’ve been checking out some of the best hot tubs on the market, and have been reviewing them based on how well suited they are for those suffering from arthritis.
These reviews are coming up very shortly.
Following on from that we’re going to help you further still, by providing you with a brief yet comprehensive buying guide, which walks you through some of the key things you might want to think about before you buy.
Then we’re going to top that off with a bonus section, where we’ll be answering some of your most frequently asked questions.
Let’s go…
Top 5 Best Hot Tub for Arthritis
OUR TOP PICK
Bestway SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub
Now, this SALUSPA is a good, top quality hot tub, and is a leading bestseller with retailers.
This is a very spacious hot tub, designed to comfortably fit up to 4 people. Specifically, the dimensions are 71″ W x 26″ H, and Inner Size: 52″ W.
All this room in your hot tub means it’s easier to climb in, and you get loads of room to do all the arthritis exercises recommended by your physiotherapist.
It’s easy to set up, there are no special tools required, and there’s a video demonstrating how right on the Amazon page. And the video also shows you how to carry out any necessary maintenance on the tub.
The included ChemConnect dispenser takes care of most of the maintenance since it evenly disperses chlorine throughout the hot tub to keep it clean.
And adjusting the settings to your liking is just as easy too. When you activate the heat, you can choose between Celsius and Fahrenheit, whichever you’re more familiar with.
It’s thermostat controlled, and you simply select the temperature you’re most comfortable in for your arthritis exercises. The temperatures go all the way up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are a whopping 60 individual bubble jets altogether, surrounding you with a calming massage – you may even be able to target all your joints at once.
What we want to stress about this particular hot tub is the quality and durability. It’s made from tri-tech puncture-resistant material, and it won’t lose its shape, even if one of the kids were to sit on the wall. And because it’s UV resistant, the color won’t fade over time.
It has a couple of other nice features, you can filter the water, and you can set up a power-saving timer.
There’s a pump included in the price, a cover to keep the rain and leaves off, and 2 water filter cartridges.
When you don’t want to use the hot tub, it deflates very compactly for convenient storage.
Sometimes you will need to replace filters for the tub, but these are reasonably priced and are readily available with online retailers such as Amazon.
Pros:
- Big enough to fit 4 people
- Filters are readily available
- Most affordable option
- Top-quality construction
- ChemConnect dispenser
Cons:
- Some people have found it too cold to use outdoors in Winter
- Some customers have come across the E02 error code, usually a sign that the filters need replacing
EDITORS CHOICE
Woodbridge 71″ Water Jetted and Air Bubble Freestanding Bathtub
If it wasn’t for the high price tag, we’d have made this our number one pick.
The main advantage that the Woodbridge bathtub has over a hot tub is that because it’s built for use indoors rather than outdoors, you can enjoy it all year round, even in Winter.
Plus, being indoors also gives you added privacy, and your neighbors won’t see you in your swimsuit.
There’s also a lot less maintenance required, no time spent pumping the tub up, and no filters that have to be continually replaced.
But what makes it particularly good for arthritis is its combination of both whirlpool jets and air bubble jets.
You can use them together or independently, giving you the option of a simple air bath or a more therapeutic and invigorating powerful hydro massage.
There are 10 whirlpool bubble bath jets, 6 adjustable body massage jets, and a heated air blower.
The air massage option lets you immerse yourself in thousands of tiny air bubbles, which helps to promote better blood flow around your body and joints.
These jets are positioned in such a way that you can get a nice foot massage, which is particularly relieving if you’ve been on your feet all day.
Or you can choose for a back massage, which is great if your arthritis has gotten into your spine, or if you’ve been hunched over a desk all day.
As you relax in the tub, you will feel your joints loosen, and will find it more comfortable to move and stretch.
It’s a nice size and is very easy to get into, thanks to its lowered sidewalls. Specifically, the dimensions are 71″ L x 31 1/2″ W x 29 1/8″ H.
It’s easy to clean and is both stain and scratch-resistant. It also has a quiet motor to ensure no one is disturbed while you bathe.
It also has a very elegant look and looks far more sophisticated than a regular hot tub.
Pros:
- Use it all year round
- Very easy maintenance
- Targeted invigorating massage
- Sophisticated and elegant
Cons:
- Premium product at a premium price
BEST VALUE
ANZZI Walk-In Bathtub
If you’re particularly concerned about getting into and out of the tub, then the Anzzi walk in bathtub might be right for you. Especially if your arthritis is quite bad in your knees, then this may be the tub to help.
There’s no climbing in, you simply open a door and walk in.
And you don’t have to worry about lowering yourself all the way down to the bottom – there’s a built-in seat waiting for you.
And that’s not all that’s waiting for you. Much like with the Woodbridge tub, you get the stunning combination of 12 fully adjustable whirlpool massage jets together with 18 AcuStream air jets. So soothing.
It’s also a very safe bathtub for the elderly. There are 3 grab bars for steady balance and support as you ease yourself onto the seat, and the floor is very slip-resistant, to give you a secure foothold.
And to make the hydrotherapy even more dreamy, you can select a colored light.
We think the blue and the violet options are the most relaxing, or if you wanted a more invigorating ambiance for your physiotherapy you could opt for a green light instead.
There’s also an extendable hand shower, so you can have a refreshing shower either before or after your hydrotherapy massage. Or perhaps use it for more targeted pressure.
The control area is very intuitive, with dials for hot and cold, and jet intensity, and a touchscreen panel.
This bathtub is backed by Anzzi’s limited lifetime warranty, whereby any defective part is replaced free of charge.
Pros:
- No having to climb in
- Built-in seat for comfort
- Perfect for the elderly
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Premium product at a premium price
RUNNER UP
Intex 28439E Greywood Deluxe 4 Person Inflatable Spa Hot Tub
This Intex is a great deluxe outdoor hot tub, a bestseller with online retailers.
It’s a great choice for those with arthritis for several reasons. It has a large size, available in a 4 person or 6 person option, which helps make it easier to get into and out of.
And as you sit back, you can rest your head on one of the 2 premium headrests, and let the bubble jets do their magic.
With a whopping 140 bubble jets working away on your joints, you may well forget that you even have arthritis! So soothing.
With it’s easy to use wireless touch control panel, you can select temperatures from 50 degrees up to a very relaxing 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
What really makes this hot tub different from so many others is its built-in hard water treatment system. It’s a conditioning system that prevents a calcium buildup from your hard water.
This is significant because a calcium buildup would reduce the heating efficiency of the hot tub over time.
So this feature really adds to the longevity of your tub, giving better value for money over time. And it helps keep the hot tub’s ability to heat up really quickly.
With its Fiber-Tech construction, you’ll be well supported as you lean back to relax. And you can rest assured that the material won’t puncture, thanks to its 3 ply puncture resistant make up.
We also love the appearance, with its premium woodgrain pattern – very smart.
There’s a cover to keep the rain off, and the heat in included in the price. And you also get an inflation hose, a floating chlorine dispenser, and even a carry bag.
There’s also a nice color-changing LED light, which can really add to the ambiance of an evening.
Pros:
- Hard water treatment system
- Total of 140 bubble jets
- A bestseller with retailers
- Smart woodgrain appearance
- Durable and efficient
Cons:
- Can’t be used in temperatures under 40 degrees Fahrenheit (about 4.5 degrees Celsius)
RUNNER UP
Coleman 15442-BW SaluSpa 4 Person Square Hot Tub Spa
This little beauty from Coleman is selling like hotcakes – last time we checked there were over 900 individual customer ratings for it on Amazon.
At first, we put this down to the incredible offer that Amazon once had on, but it’s actually a great hot tub all around and has truly earned its 4 and a half stars out of 5 average Amazon customer rating.
It’s designed to accommodate up to 4 people at a time, but that’s not the only thing that makes it such an easy hot tub to get into and out of.
It’s square rather than round so you have more to grab onto as you ease yourself in. (The dimensions are 71 L x 71 W x 28 H inches.)
It can heat up to a very nice 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and you can turn on a whopping 114 individual air jets.
And as you rest on the cushioned floor you can let those warm bubbles loose on your sore joints and let the soreness fade away.
You don’t have to wait long for it to heat up, and you can assure it’s at your preferred temperature before you step in.
It comes with everything you need to get going, including a liner, a cover, 2 filter cartridges, a 6-foot long cord, and even a repair patch in the unlikely event that the Tritech 3 ply walls get damaged.
There’s also a chemical floater included too, designed to keep your hot tub clean, making maintenance a breeze.
Pros:
- Bestseller with retailers
- Total of 114 bubble jets
- Very easy maintenance
- Great customer feedback
Cons:
- Can’t be used in temperatures under 40 degrees Fahrenheit (about 4.5 degrees Celsius)
Best Hot Tub for Arthritis Buying Guide
The perfect hot tub for arthritis
The perfect hot tub for arthritis would have the following features:
- Easy to get into and out of with ergonomic seating
- Powerful pumps for hydrostatic pressure
- Massaging jets to target specific muscle groups
- Easy to use & easy to maintain
Hydrotherapy bathtub vs inflatable hot tub
The most striking difference between hydrotherapy bathtubs compared to inflatable hot tubs is the price. With the bathtubs being significantly more expensive than their inflatable counterparts.
Inflatable hot tubs are quite often much larger than traditional bathtubs too, designed to accommodate several people. This additional room can give you more space to carry out therapeutic exercises for your arthritis.
But you also want to consider where you want your hot tub set up. Many people would prefer to use an indoor bathtub, rather than venture to your backyard, and potentially lose your privacy to your neighbors.
Of course, bathtubs require much less in the way of maintenance, don’t take as much time or effort to set up, and don’t risk puncture from gravel in your backyard.
They can also be used at any time of year, whereas most hot tubs can’t be operated at less than 4 degrees Celsius.
We were sure to include both types in our top 5 picks we showed you earlier.
Number and positioning of jets
If your arthritis goes right through your body, then you may well appreciate a tub with jets that target as much of your body as possible.
The way to achieve that is to have plenty of jets and to have them on both the floor of the tub and on the walls as well. There is no maximum or minimum number of jets we can recommend.
Adjustability
Arthritis is a delicate condition, and while you may want to massage the joints in the heat of a hot tub, on the flip side you don’t want too powerful a jet of air pressing onto your joints.
That’s where adjustability comes in. If you want a tub with adjustable bubble jets, then we can recommend our number 2 pick, the Woodbridge bathtub, and our number 3 pick, the Anzzi walk-in bathtub.
Accessories
It’s certainly worth noting at this point, that if you decide to go for an inflatable outdoor hot tub, then you will need several accessories, a pump, a cover etcetera.
So, before you buy, please ensure that it comes as a complete kit, with everything you need included in the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is soaking in a hot tub good for arthritis?
The answer is Yes, it certainly is. We mentioned this in our introduction, but it bears repeating again…
There is research that suggests that a daily soak can be good for arthritis. Hydrotherapy in a hot tub can help to reduce joint inflammation, and it can increase your blood circulation.
The result of which is that the stiffness of arthritis is reduced, and your joints become looser to give improved mobility.
Moreover, many users feel that the heat helps to ease the soreness of arthritis and alleviate pain. Plus, it’s the perfect environment to carry out your physiotherapy exercises.
Which is better for arthritis hot tub or sauna?
While both options help with arthritis, we could argue that a hot tub is better than a sauna because of the massaging effect of water jets that you can apply directly onto affected joints, and also because of the weightless effect of the water.
