Buying Hot Tub and Spa Accessories

A variety of accessories are available to make using your hot tub or spa even more enjoyable, many of them at relatively little expense. Read on to learn more about some of the accessories which can be purchased, where to buy them, and how much they cost...

INFLATABLE DRINK HOLDER: Floating inflatable beverage holders offer a convenient way to bring drinks into your spa or hot tub. They are available in a variety of shapes and colors, including round, flamingo-shaped, and palm tree. Some are designed to hold a single can, while others (usually more expensive) can hold several beverages. These useful accessories can be purchased for as little as five dollars (including S/H) on eBay.com.

WATERPROOF/SHOWER RADIO: A radio which is waterproof will enable listening to music and other programs while in the hot tub or spa; with normal radios, you can listen to them in the hot tub, but can't adjust the volume or tuning after getting in. Some shower radios can be bought for under ten dollars on eBay.com, as little as $12 at Target.com, and just under $19 at Wal-Mart stores (with television sound band). Most cover the regular AM and FM bands, but a few waterproof radios, like the Sony ICF-S79V, also feature TV sound and/or weather information bands. Other hot tub entertainment accessories include waterproof speakers or headphones, and water resistant TVs.

SET OF STEPS: A set of wooden or plastic steps makes it easier to get in and out of your spa or hot tub, and some models include a storage compartment or drawer in the top step. SamsClub.com offers a Handi-Step brand spa step for about $48, and Home Depot sells a Keys Backyard model for seventy dollars. Home Depot also offers a more expensive model ($149) with a storage compartment in the top step and no space between the steps.

FLOATING THERMOMETER: A floating thermometer allows the water temperature to be checked, even if the spa or hot tub lacks a built-in temperature display. These accessories are available in both analog and digital models, including some with rubber animals (like ducks, turtles) or objects (like sailboats) at the top. They can be purchased for your spa at prices as little as $8 on eBay.com and $10-35 at Target.com, depending upon the type.

The above-mentioned hot tub and spa accessories can also be purchased at Sears, pool supply shops, Shop.com, and some hardware stores.

Prices and details on these accessories were accurate as of early September, 2007.