There’s nothing quite like sinking into your hot tub’s warm, bubbling waters after a long day. But with the right hot tub accessories, you can transform an already relaxing experience into something truly exceptional. Whether you’re a new spa owner or looking to upgrade your existing setup, these essential hot tub accessories offer practical benefits and luxury enhancements that make every soak more enjoyable.
From essential items that protect your investment to luxury additions that create the perfect ambiance, this guide will walk you through the top accessories worth adding to your hot tub.
1. Quality Hot Tub Cover
A premium hot tub cover is perhaps the most important accessory you’ll purchase beyond merely covering your spa when not in use.
A properly fitted cover can reduce your hot tub’s energy consumption by up to 70%, representing significant savings on your utility bills. The insulation prevents heat from escaping, allowing your heating system to work less frequently and consume less electricity.
Hot tub covers also prevent debris, rainwater, and unwanted critters from entering spa water, helping maintain water clarity and reducing the need for chemicals. Additionally, they provide an essential safety barrier, particularly important for households with children or pets.
2. Sturdy Entry Steps
Safe access to your hot tub is non-negotiable, making quality steps one of the most practical hot tub accessories you can invest in. Slips and falls account for a significant number of home accidents, many of which occur around pools and spas. Proper entry steps mitigate this risk while adding aesthetic appeal to your hot tub setup.
Look for steps specifically designed for hot tub use, with non-slip surfaces and weather-resistant materials. Popular options include:
- Cedar steps: Natural beauty with inherent water resistance
- Composite steps: Durable, low-maintenance, and resistant to weathering
- Plastic resin steps: Affordable, lightweight, and easy to relocate
3. Handrails and Safety Accessories
For many hot tub users, particularly seniors or those with mobility challenges, handrails represent an essential safety feature rather than a luxury accessory. Consider placing handrails and grab bars where slipping hazards exist, including the wet surfaces around hot tubs.
Quality handrails provide stability during entry and exit, when surfaces are most slippery. Some models attach directly to your hot tub cabinet, while others integrate with your steps system.
4. LED Lighting Systems
Transform your evening soaks with LED lighting systems, one of the most popular hot tub accessories for creating ambiance. Beyond mere aesthetics, studies suggest that certain light colors may influence mood and relaxation levels. Blue tones, for instance, are associated with calmness and tranquility.
Modern LED lighting options for hot tubs include:
- Underwater lights: Illuminate the water from beneath the surface
- Perimeter lighting: Accent the hot tub’s edges and steps
- Floating lights: Decorative options that drift along the water’s surface
Many systems offer color-changing capabilities, programmable patterns, and remote control operation.
5. Bluetooth Speakers/Audio Systems
Music enhances the relaxation experience, making waterproof audio systems among the most enjoyable hot tub accessories. Research demonstrates that listening to music can reduce stress and anxiety levels by lowering cortisol and triggering the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals.
Modern hot tub audio options include:
- Floating Bluetooth speakers: Portable, affordable, and easy to implement
- Mountable waterproof speakers: Attached to your hot tub cabinet or nearby structures
- Integrated audio systems: Premium options built directly into your hot tub
6. Drink and Snack Holders
Enhance your relaxation time with convenient drink and snack holders, preventing the need to exit the tub for refreshments. These practical hot tub accessories come in various styles including floating trays, attachable caddies, or surrounding furniture.
7. Headrests and Cushions
Extended soaking sessions become much more comfortable with supportive headrests and cushions. These hot tub accessories typically attach to your spa’s shell using suction cups or other fastening systems. Look for materials specifically designed for hot water immersion that resist degradation from chemicals and heat.
8. Water Care Systems
Alternative water care systems represent some of the most beneficial hot tub accessories for health-conscious users. According to research, certain sanitizing systems like UV and ozone can reduce chemical usage while effectively controlling microorganisms in recreational water.
Popular options include:
- Mineral sanitizers: Supplement chlorine/bromine with natural minerals
- Ozonators: Generate ozone gas to oxidize contaminants
- UV systems: Use ultraviolet light to neutralize bacteria and other microorganisms
9. Cover Lifters
Hot tub covers are essential but cumbersome. Cover lifters solve this problem, making them among the most practical hot tub accessories for frequent users.
Cover lifters use mechanical advantage to make removal effortless. Shelf lifters provide a simple solution that slides the cover off to one side, while pivot lifters fold the cover in half and rotate it behind the spa. For maximum convenience, hydraulic lifters employ gas shocks to assist with lifting, requiring minimal effort from the user. Each style offers different benefits in terms of space efficiency, ease of use, and price point.
10. Temperature Controls/Remote Systems
Smart technology has revolutionized hot tub operation, with remote control systems representing the cutting edge of hot tub accessories. Programmable temperature controls can reduce energy consumption by preventing unnecessary heating cycles and allowing strategic pre-heating before planned usage.
Modern temperature control systems include various configurations to enhance convenience. Wi-Fi controllers allow you to operate your hot tub from anywhere using smartphone apps, perfect for pre-heating before arriving home. Programmable schedules let you set heating cycles to align with your routine, optimizing energy usage while ensuring your spa is ready when you want it. The most advanced systems integrate with smart home ecosystems, coordinating spa functions with lighting, music, and other environmental controls for a seamless experience.
Take Your Delaware Hot Tub to the Next Level
The right hot tub accessories can dramatically enhance your soaking experience while extending the lifespan of your investment. From essential items that protect and maintain your hot tub to luxury enhancements that elevate the experience, these additions make every moment in your spa more enjoyable.
Start with the fundamentals—a quality cover, secure access steps, and reliable water care—then gradually add comfort and entertainment features as your budget allows. With thoughtful selection, your hot tub can become the ultimate relaxation sanctuary, perfectly tailored to your preferences.
Still searching for your perfect hot tub? Visit one of our two showrooms in Millsboro and Lewes today to browse our selection of Caldera® and Hot Springs hot tubs!
