Initially, you thought buying a hot tub was just a hot tub, but in the process, it turned out to be only half the battle. Well, I completely understand — it can be frustrating. But look at the situation from a different angle — accessories like a hot tub pad will extend the life of your purchase and add to your comfort.
However, the model choice is exhausting because sometimes they are like two peas in a pod. Half of the people give up and buy randomly, but not us. As true hot tub and pool geeks, we found out which models are the best on the market and discovered the differences between them. Our personal favorite is Beeplove Floor Pad (review), but we still advise you to study all three options, because each of them is better than the other in some way.
This table is for you if you are not a fan of long texts or simply want a quick comparison of hot tub pad models. Here is a compilation of the essential information about the products we have researched. For more extensive info, you can read the detailed reviews.
Thickness: 1.8 mm Material: Felt Key benefits: The best material quality and effortless installation ✓ A versatile felt model that is extra easy and convenient to use and can be applied to a variety of purposes. Jump to the detailed review |
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Thickness: 1.8 mm Material: Felt Key benefits: The best-fit size & bottom protection ✓ A perfect pad to fit most hot tubs that will protect the bottom of your spa from wear and tear. Jump to the detailed review |
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Thickness: 2.1 mm Material: Polyvinyl Chloride, Felt Key benefits: The most functional design ✓ The thickest pad (16% thicker than others on the list) with a nice design that will protect your floor from any moisture. Jump to the detailed review |
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Our review is based on the real experiences of hot tub owners who have bought different hot tub pads. Firstly, we studied the market and chose models with high ratings on Amazon and a sufficient number of reviews. Then we studied all the reviews (both positive and negative, more than 200 in total) to choose our top, which we can confidently recommend.
Note: we won’t profit from you buying any particular model, so our review is completely unbiased.
There are five kinds of hot tub bases, and the pad is only one of them. In this article, we focus on pads, but we also have an article where we talk about all the options for hot tub bases. Read it if you’re not sure which one you need.
So, you need a prefabricated pad in case:
Note: Pads are the best fit for inflatable hot tubs, as they are not solid enough for hard-shell ones.
A concrete base for a hot tub is a classic. It is a strong base that will withstand almost any weight. But it is worth bearing in mind that the concrete slab must be designed specifically for the hot tub, not for drainage. Also, don’t forget that you can’t move the concrete, so it will be a permanent place for your hot tub.
However, given that it rarely looks stylish or comfortable, some owners put pads on top of the concrete base. Why? Because it’s easier to get in and out of the hot tub. Also, many pads are water-resistant, which is quite convenient.
Pavers are not a bad option as a base for a hot tub, but you have to be careful with them. You need to make sure that the surface is level because paving stones are not always uniform. After all, if you put your hot tub on an uneven surface, there will be problems with the frame and body of the spa.
The best choice for people looking for an affordable, quality option with a wide range of uses.
Felt material is easy to clean and will preserve your floor if it has a moisture-sensitive material (like wood). So you can soak in and out of the hot tub without the fear of splashing water and getting everything wet.
Warning: do not machine wash this mat, it may lose its shape and not look like it used to.
It has a standard size that will fit most hot tubs (Saluspa Miami owners take it most often). But even if your hot tub is smaller, you can adjust it by cutting off the excess with scissors. Also, you won’t have any problems with installation (after all, it’s just a pad) and a nice bonus will be not slipping in case you have a smooth floor.
Finally, you can use this thing for more than just a hot tub. The pad can also serve for small pools, treadmills, or as a yoga mat. Don’t be afraid to be creative and find new uses for things like this.
The best choice for those who want to protect the bottom of the hot tub in the best way and not spend a lot of time on cleaning.
This pad is almost as good as the previous version, and it even has two advantages over the Beeplove Floor Pad (review):
This mat will fit perfectly on a standard hot tub, but if you need it smaller, you can always trim it with scissors. It will be easy to take care of — if you wish, wash it in the machine or rinse it with a hose, and you can clean it with a brush and soap.
Be careful: this mat should not be bleached.
Also, the photos on Amazon may be a little misleading — the pad is actually a little smaller in relation to the hot tub but will fit it anyway.
The best choice for those who look for a durable mat that will last a long time and will not damage the floor.
The upper part of the pad is classically felt, and the base is made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is non-slip and waterproof. This guarantees you the comfort of use and protection of the surface on which you place the hot tub with the mat.
What differentiates it from the other pads on our list? This one is thicker than the previous ones (2.1 mm compared to 1.8 mm for Beeplove Floor Pad (review) and Meitola Hot Tub Mat (review), so you can take it not only for inflatable hot tubs but also try it for hard shell ones.
Otherwise, this model is as good as the previous ones. It is easy to clean, can be used for various purposes, and will not let moisture onto your floor. Some users still feel it is not thick enough to withstand heavy hot tubs. This is your decision here, but if you’re installing your spa outside your home, keep in mind that you’ll still need to make a base for your hot tub and level it.
Firstly, let us remind you that in this article we are talking about hot tub pads, not bases, which is a big difference.
Pads are rarely the only base for your hot tub. They are mostly made of felt and PVC, and end up varying in thickness from 1/8″ to 1/2″. The “thicker the better” rule doesn’t necessarily work here, because a lot depends on the quality of the material. If you have a sturdy felt mat with a good PVC backing, even at 1/8″ thick, it will do the job.
One of the biggest advantages of hot tub mats in general is that they are easy and quick to install. The most important thing here is to level the surface on which the mat will be installed.
You can put the mat either on a pre-prepared base for the hot tub or on the floor if the installation will be somewhere inside the house.
There are two options for hot tub pads: they come in either whole or in pieces. If your mat comes in one piece, you simply put it where you will then put the hot tub. If, on the other hand, the mat comes in pieces, you can assemble it intuitively or according to the pattern that is in each model.
Now you know all about hot tub pads, and I’m sure you’ve picked your favorite. Yes, this purchase is not vital to your home, but it will provide you with extra comfort and protection against wear and tear on your hot tub. We especially recommend hot tub mats to those who install a spa in their home and have natural wood floors.
But in other cases, too, the pad is a good idea. If you have a concrete base for your hot tub, the mat will serve as an extra layer of insulation. Also, you’ll feel more comfortable getting in and out of your hot tub by stepping on the soft felt rather than the cold, hard concrete.
If you’re still undecided about which model to choose, take another look at our favorites:
The best material quality and effortless installation | |
The best-fit size & bottom protection | |
The most functional design |
Pads are a great idea for what’s best to put under the hot tub. They can serve as an extra layer of insulation and comfort if the base is concrete or pavers, or they can be wood floor protection if you install them in homes.
Pads are not necessary, but desirable for the hot tub. You’ll feel more comfortable getting in and out of the hot tub, and the moisture will be absorbed into the mats instead of the floor.
It all depends on what kind of hot tub you have. If you choose an inflatable one, you’re fine with a prefabricated pad. But if you have a hard shell model, you need something more serious — concrete, paving stones, maybe wood, or other options.
If you have a sturdy felt mat with a good PVC backing, even at 1/8″ thick, it will do the job.
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