Hot tub deals: when and where to shop for the best offers for your outdoor spa

We teach you how to shop the sales for hot tub deals and make setting up a little bit of luxury at home, that bit cheaper

Best hot tubs graphic with lazy spa and hard shell inflatable options
(Image credit: Future)

Creating a spa set up in your own backyard is the dream for many. What often stands between dream and reality is budget, so knowing where to get the best hot tub deals is a must.

It is worth the effort though, as integrating an outdoor jacuzzi into your landscape design is a surefire way to gain more relaxation time. And it is not just about that luxe life – the best hot tubs can also be therapeutic for various aches and pains, making it a sound investment in your health.

The even better news is that hot tub sales are happening throughout the year. There might be one sooner than you think. So, whether you are looking for an affordable two-person inflatable tub for a romantic dip in the evening, or a Nordic style wooden hot tub, we know where to shop for a deal.


Where to find the best hot tub deals

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Where to shop depends on what type of hot tub you are looking for. If a quick plug-and-play buy is on your list there are plenty of inflatable hot tubs or prefabricated ones to choose from.

Inflatable hot tub deals and portable spas

Looking for a simple plug-and-play spa? Shop from the retailers below:

When are the best hot tub sales?

As with outdoor furniture deals, the biggest savings used to be found in fall, as hot tubs were primarily sold by pool and spa companies and they would put them in their clearance sales. These days, because it isn't just pool companies who sell hot tubs, the sales cycle is less seasonal. Large retailers like Walmart and Lowes get in on the act, and last year, Amazon ran a few hot tub deals in its Early Access Sale in October.

However, you can be sure to find a deal in the many key sales events of the year. Presidents' Day is not the most popular time for hot tubs, but most large retailers will have discounts if they still have stock. Next, you can expect some fairly good Memorial Day hot tub sales as people prep their yards for summer, then mid-season July 4th sales can mean the odd price-cut spa for lucky shoppers. 

Labor Day sales begin in early September, and you are sure to find a hot tub or two on offer as this marks the end of summer. This is followed by Black Friday and the after Christmas sales, both of which are used to shift any remaining stock that didn't get sold before.

Interestingly, the search for 'hot tub deals' peaks around Black Friday, as many consumers have learned about the advances in freeze-protection and thermal covers that make them a great buy for outdoor entertaining in winter. If you're looking to spoil the family over the holidays, an inflatable hot tub deal could be perfect.

Memorial Day hot tub sale

In previous years, we have noticed that Memorial Day seems to be a good sale for buying a wooden or prefabricated hot tub. If you are getting serious about your outdoor spa, this type of hot tub will be a bit more suitable than an inflatable option. Retailers know those planning a permanent spa area into their yard will be looking for offers before summer, so many offer a good range ahead of better weather.

Once you find a good deal, check out our hot tub surround ideas to build your dream vay-cay area at home.

Labor Day hot tub deals

Outdoor retailers see this as a major sale for hot tubs. It is the perfect time to clear summer stock and make way for next year's models. 

If you can wait until Labor Day, you will find a good range of solid and inflatable hot tubs to choose from. Note good availability doesn't necessarily mean this is the cheapest time to buy, so keep an eye on the price of your chosen hot tub throughout the year.

Black Friday hot tub deals

This should be the cheapest sale to buy a hot tub, but as there is high demand at this time of year, retailers have become a little bit more savvy with their discounts. Again, if you have decided to buy a hot tub during Black Friday, always do your research first to know you are getting a good deal. There are great offers if you look in the right places.

Also consider whether you will be able to set it up straight away, or whether the weather in your area means you will be waiting until there is no chance of freezing until you are good to go. If it is an inflatable hot tub, it could mean finding plenty of garage space to store it until temperatures rise. Get a handle on hot tub winter care before you decide whether to buy in fall, or wait till spring.

How do I get the best price on a hot tub?

Start by knowing how much the kind of hot tub you want usually costs. Do some research around the different types and check your expectations are in line with your budget. You can buy a small, but good, inflatable hot tub for under $300/£300. A molded tub will be around 10 times this price though. With your needs and budget decided, read some reviews and start tracking the price for your favorite hot tubs. 

Knowing that there are a few sales on throughout the year, we recommend doing your research, creating a shortlist of your favorite hot tubs, deciding how much you would be willing to pay, then snapping them up at the next sale if the price is right.

To get the best price on a top-range model, consider looking at ex-display hot tubs. There are some bargains if you keep an eye on local and online dealers.

In stock hot tubs

If you're just looking for the cheapest hot tub available to enjoy the most affordable outdoor spa time you can find, then these are the best prices we've come across. They may not be in the sale, but they are cheap. Scroll right to find more options at a gradually increasing price point.

Saluspa and Lay-Z-Spa hot tub deals

Coleman makes some of the most popular hot tubs, known as Saluspa in the US and Lay-Z-Spa in the UK. See their latest deals below.

Molly Cleary
Ecommerce Writer

Molly is the Ecommerce Writer for Gardeningetc and spends her time searching the internet for the next best thing for your garden. When she's not writing, she would most like to be swimming in the nearest sea/ocean or getting through her neverending pile of novels. She's a huge fan of houseplants and loves identifying new plants and trees on walks too. 

With contributions from