You may think it takes a certain sort of person to buy a hot tub - especially in England - but I’m here to blow those perceptions out of the water.
Unless you somehow managed a timely escape, you, along with the rest of the country, boiled in scorching 40-degree temperatures that made this year’s heatwave a record breaker. What would you have given for a pool, no matter how tiny - heck, even a puddle - to take the blistering edge off?
That’s the beauty of a hot tub. Leave the jets and heating system off and it functions perfectly well as a mini pool, but when cooler temperatures come calling, it’s a warm, tranquil space to relax. Or, you know, sip Prosecco with the neighbours and pretend you’re on MTV Cribs.
As one of the market leaders, Lay-Z-Spa offers hot tubs of all sizes with prices starting at the £500 mark. It sounds like a lot, but if you plan to use it as a year-round investment, the cost-per-splash will soon pay for itself.
There are models to fit from four to seven people with extra features such as LED lighting, massage systems and WiFi controllability. Square and round-shaped, each one is named after a glamorous country. When Lay-Z-Spa offered the chance of trying out its energy-efficient Barbados - how could I resist?
Lay-Z-Spa Barbados key specs
- Measures: H66 x W225cm.
- Four-person hot tub
- Inflatable round design
- Soothing massage with 120 air jets
- Digital display panel
- WiFi control from your phone
- EnergySense™ insulated liner
- Built-in cup holders
- Easy to set up in five minutes
- Energy-saving timer
- Advanced safety features
- Inflatable lid and reinforced insulating cover with safety lock clips
- Comes with chemical starter kit, filter cartridge, repair patch, spa pump, pool liner, ChemConnect™ dispenser
Hot tub checklist
It’s not just a case of having the room; there are a few other must-haves on the checklist.
First off, you’ll need a flat, sturdy surface for set up. A patio or strong deck is ideal; imagine how heavy the unit will be once it’s filled with water and people.
Secondly, for a tub like Barbados where the jet massage system is one of its shining USPs, this flat surface needs to be by an external power supply that’s been professionally installed - that means no extension leads. No power means no heat and crucially, no bubbles.
The set up
You’ll want to be home for delivery; this isn’t the sort of purchase to leave on your doorstep or collect from the Post Office. The deflated tub comes in huge cardboard boxes (easily recycled) that will require you and a helper to move. Each component is rolled and wrapped securely in plastic, so you’re best off unfurling them all before moving the tub to where you’ve decided where it’s going. That’s the hardest part. Once in place with the inner tub securely attached to the exterior protective shell, hook up the tubing to the power system and watch as the inner tub inflates in minutes before your eyes.
The inflatable walls and internal beams are crafted from hardwearing, puncture-resistant DuraPlus plastic, which helps the tub keep the same shape. And in a show of considered design, the Barbados’ EnergySense insulated aluminium liner and lid are 40 per cent more energy efficient compared to its Lay-Z-Spa sisters.
Just add water
Once packed with air, it’s time to sling in your open garden hose and leave water running for an hour (likely two, depending on the strength of your flow) until it’s reached the right level, or around 669 litres. Fit the lid over the top while it’s filling to stop insects and leaves falling in.
As mentioned, filling is the slowest part of the process, but you’re on the home straight, so crack open a cold one and bide your time. If you’re planning to unveil your hot tub at a party, add on a few hours before the big moment to make sure it’s properly filled. No one’s going to cheer for a half-filled tub.
Make a splash
Thanks to Barbados’ rapid heating system, your cold water will climb to a max of 40 degrees before you know it. Turn heating on at the pump; the hub, which has a Freeze Shield to protect it over the winter, is also home to the 120 AirJet Massage System and water filter. It even has two cup holders at the top, making it the ultimate party control unit. As a WiFi controlled unit, you also have the option to adjust features from your phone using Lay-Z-Spa’s app.
The extras
For the full spa experience, Lay-Z-Spa has launched a collection of Tranquil Spa Dead Sea Salts, in Eucalyptus, Coconut & Vanilla, or Lavender scents. These generous 1kg packs are specifically designed for using in the hot tub and transforming it into a relaxing spa. Start with a little and add more to increase the scent.
Other luxury essentials include a bathrobe, pillows, candles, and slippers.
Verdict
While waiting for the tub to fill was agony (such was our excitement on a hot summer’s day), set up was a doddle. It’s a streamlined process and as intuitive as it is, the manual is on hand to answer any queries. Some of the diagrams could, admittedly, have been larger, particularly on the parts relating to connecting the tubes to the pump.
With two adults and a few excitable children splashing, the tub held beautifully, displaying its strength and resilience, somewhat of a surprise when you remember it’s an inflatable design. Once the jets were switched on, it was so inviting that even the resident shy teen was persuaded to have a dip.
You may not think you’re a hot tub person, but the Barbados will challenge that. With minimal setting up faff, laughably simple controllability and more bubbles than you can shake a Champagne flute at, it’s a fabulous - albeit luxury - investment for the garden you’ll want to keep running year round.
Where to buy
- John Lewis - £499
- Currys - £499
- Wayfair - £699
- Lay-Z-Spa - £699
