A hot tub in your backyard is the ideal way to unwind after a long day at work. In the tranquil waves, de-stress and re-energize yourself. It does, however, pose a threat.
Especially if the terrain surrounding you is wet and slick and you’ve been climbing in and out of the water. Because once you start stretching yourself to go over the edge of your hot tub, you run the risk of slipping and having a bad accident.
Invest in a set of hot tub stairs to solve the problem. The extra height makes getting in and out of your hot tub a breeze, and you’ll discover everything you need to know in today’s article about what to look for when selecting the appropriate set of hot tub stairs.
Steps for your hot tub are undoubtedly an afterthought, and you may not even realise you require one until your new hot tub comes. No one wants to struggle — or be seen trying — to get in and out of the water, much alone make safe entry and departures. Hot tub stairs aren’t cheap, costing roughly $100 on the low end, but they’re a must-have if you want your soaking sessions to be both safe and fun. For your consideration, we’ve compiled a list of the greatest selections on the market, as well as purchasing recommendations and ideas.
Table of Contents
What to Think About
Before you begin your search, determine the maximum amount of space you have and work your way down from there. The best step will be determined by who uses the tub the most. If it’s mostly grownups, for example, you might be able to get away with something simple and inexpensive. If you’ll be include smaller children and others, you’ll want to pay special attention to safety and seek for versions with wider steps, greater traction, and even railings.
Although some are metal, the majority of hot tub stairs are constructed of all-weather plastic that is easy to maintain. Most plastic stairs will bow to variable degrees under the weight of larger people (we’ve listed maximum weight capacity where possible below), especially if they’re exposed to direct sunshine, which causes the plastic to heat up and become more malleable. Metal hot tub stairs are more durable and frequently powder-coated to avoid rust, but they are also more costly.
Some stairs have storage below them for chemicals and other hot tub supplies, but keep in mind that they don’t always have locks, so take caution if you have pets or children around.
Our Best Hot Tub Step Options
This natural wood 2 step option, which comes with anti-slip mats, is our first choice. It will give you the boost you need to make leaping into the hot tub a snap. This is a multi-purpose set of stairs that, while not made especially for hot tub steps in the UK, are an excellent choice for solid wood hot tub steps.
They are available in a variety of colours, including grey, navy, white, black, and coated, as well as the natural wood finish. With a total height of 34.8 cms (13.7 inches), the first step is 17.8cms (7 inches) tall, the width is 37.85cms (14.9 inches) broadest, and the depth is 34.5cms deep (13.6 inches).
This alternative is also fantastic for interior usage, whether it’s to help kids get to the kitchen sink or brush their teeth, or just to help you reach the high shelves, making them a useful and elegant addition to any house.
You will be able to sit, lie, or set your towels and gowns on its inflatable surround, all of which will add to the simplicity of usage and enhance your hot tub experience.
If you decide this is the one for you, you can be confident that it is made of the robust and durable TriTech material and Ibeam structure that Lay Z Spas are known for.
This, like the hot tubs itself, is readily inflated with your spa pump or an air pump; if you decide you want a complete surround for your lazy spa, they are easily joined together; offered separately, you can always add another when you decide or your budget permits.
Each unit spans 2.00 m x 40 cm x 40 cm (78 x 16 x 16inches), providing a great place for friends and family to gather and speak, or simply to dry off after a swim.
This choice will provide the durability and functionality necessary for hot tub stairs, making entry and departure to and from the water safe and secure. Avoid any mishaps with this low-maintenance, fashionable spa step. It’s UV-treated for years of use and has an anti-slip design for further safety.
These warm grey strong plastic stairs are designed to accommodate both round and square gazebos and are 40 cms (15.75 inches) in height, 79 cms (31 inches) in width, and 89 cms (22.35 inches) in depth, making them a perfect size for spa steps.
With this twin step option from Xtremeauto, you’ll never be unsure of your balance again. Safely get in and out of your spa with these robust tubular steel steps with their high grip rubber non-slip tread pads. These stairs have a weight capacity of 150kg thanks to the hardened steel and additional cross members.
With a height of 38cm (15 inches), a length of 43cm 16.9 inches), and a width of 62.5cm (24.6 inches), they are not only convenient but also easy to stow when not in use. With all that this solution has to offer, it’s worth mentioning that they’re also the cheapest hot tub steps in our ratings, providing excellent cost and value.
A great alternative choice is this beautifully curved rattan spa step, which is waterproof and UV resistant and will complement your rattan outdoor furniture wonderfully. What a simple and lovely way to enter and depart your spa, made of eucalyptus tropical hardwood with a natural oil finish.
Not only does it serve as a step, but there’s also enough of area to hang your robes or towels so they’re ready to go when you exit. This vidaXL spa step measures 92 x 45 x 25 cm (36. 2 x 17.7 x 9.85 inches) and is simple to construct and maintain (L x W x H).
This two-step ladder for above-ground pools is perfect for entering and exiting your hard plastic tub, wooden hot tub, or inflatable hot tub.
These CosySpa steps have a non-slip foam stepping surface for improved grip and to lessen the risk of injury when entering your hot tub.
These above-ground swimming pool stairs require no equipment and are made up of only two parts, making them quick and simple to build.
This hot tub pool attachment will assist you in completing your garden spa setup, and the hot tub step ladder will assist you in entering and exiting the spa more safely and elegantly.
What Is the Purpose of Steps in a Hot Tub?
While the smooth curves and seats of your hot tub are ideal while you’re in the water, they might be difficult to navigate when going in and out. It’s especially vital if you have senior guests or youngsters utilising your hot tub; it’s your responsibility to keep them safe.
Many hot tubs will now include a step-in section, similar to a seat, on the interior. Because it is a little flatter, you may utilise it as a platform before totally submerging yourself. However, it is not always obvious to a visitor where this specific platform is located.
Unless, of course, you have a set of steps at the ideal location. You’re not only providing a stable, non-slip platform on the ground outside, but you’re also providing extra advice to help people securely get into your hot tub.
Of course, if your hot tub is built into the ground or has a patio and decking built around it, you may not need any stairs at all. They’re perfect for hot tubs that are freestanding and have sidewalls that must be climbed over.
What Types Of Hot Tub Steps Can You Buy?
- Standard Steps
The standard hot tub steps are exactly what they sound like.
A set of lightweight, independent steps that you can place alongside your hot tub to assist you in entering and exiting the water. Steps are a wise piece of safety equipment that every hot tub owner should have, with non-slip surfaces and ridges to drain water away.
Standard stairs are often made of blow-molded plastic or strong resin and are provided in sections that you “click” together to install in only a few minutes.
You won’t need any special tools to put these stages together, however a rubber mallet may come in handy if the components are a tight fit.
Many items now provide you the option of having a curved or straight trailing edge on the top step. You select the suitable top step based on the style of hot tub you have (round or square) so that it rests as near to flush with your hot tub as possible once it’s installed.
- Storage Steps
Storage stairs are a brilliant alternative for hot tub owners since they offer a second benefit that the other kind does not. There is plenty of room for storage.
You’re undoubtedly well aware of all the many pieces of equipment you’ll need when utilising your hot tub by now. Everything from dry towels to your Bluetooth speaker, as well as a drink or two, is included. Storage stairs are a great spot to put goods like these close at reach yet hidden away. When you’re entertaining, this is ideal.
Typically constructed from heavy plastic, storage steps are usually a little lengthier, which generally results in a more stable set of stairs.
Which Type Is Best?
You should think about how you use your hot tub before deciding on a set of stairs. Storage stairs are an attractive alternative if you want to keep sunscreen and other supplies close at hand but don’t want to have a table nearby.
However, they are more difficult to build and cost more than their simple equivalents. You could be better off getting a set of regular stairs if you only want a safer method to get in and out of your hot tub (and don’t want to sacrifice a lot of ground space.
What To Consider When Buying Hot Tub Steps
Are They Strong And Stable?
Because you bought them as an accessory to assist you get in and out of the water, the strength and stability of your steps is probably the most important aspect. You want them to be firm, with little “give” in the middle.
Examine a product’s weight restrictions to ensure that it can sustain your weight (different products support between 200 to 300 pounds). Rubber footing will be used on several stairs to limit the risks of the product moving, which is also a valuable feature.
I’d also double-check for non-slip tread. You don’t want to slip and fall because your stairs have been accumulating and pooling water, therefore having a sturdy step is important.
Are they simple to set up?
There will be some assembly necessary with each set of hot tub stairs you purchase.
The most basic settings do need “clicking” into place, which is generally a straightforward procedure that takes only a few minutes. Setting up storage steps will take a bit more effort, but it’s not difficult, and the maker will usually include instructions.
It’s also worth noting that most hot tub stairs are self-contained, allowing you to install them anywhere you need them around your hot tub. There will be no need to secure them to the sides.
Are They Compatible With My Tub?
Hot tub stairs are a series of freestanding steps that you place next to your hot tub to help you climb into the water. They may be used with any above-ground hot tub.
However, I must provide a warning. The only way to have a “flush” fit with a round hot tub is to purchase regular stairs with a curve built in. Because storage stairs are meant to sit against a straight surface, they will not be ideal for circular hot tub owners.
Do They Match Well With My Tub?
Because you’ll be gazing at your hot tub steps for years while they sit next to your hot tub, it’s critical to pick a colour and style that complements your hot tub. Most manufacturers provide a variety of colour options, allowing you to pick the tone and design that best suits your lawn.
How Long Do You Think They’ll Last?
Hot tub stairs are quite robust, thanks to their basic construction, and will typically endure more than a few years, even if left outside in the sun.
Of course, the more moving components they have, the more likely something may fail, but a basic set of steps should last several seasons.
FAQs
Q: What Are Hot Tub Steps, Exactly?
A: Hot Tub stairs are exactly what they sound like: steps that are custom-made to suit your hot tub. A pair of hot tub stairs will make getting in and out of your tub more simpler and safer. There are both generic and bespoke steps available. They are available in a variety of sizes, with the majority of them being rounder for use in circular hot tubs. Hot tub stairs will be available in a range of forms and colours to complement your spa.
Q: Why Do I Need Hot Tub Steps?
A: You don’t need hot tub stairs strictly speaking, but that means you’ll be walking over the side of your hot tub and into the water. Even the most capable adult might be in grave danger. The risk of sliding and falling is reduced by using hot tub stairs. Slip-resistant surfaces are not built around a hot tub. When you walk onto the wet side of your hot tub, you run the danger of slipping. The stairs of a hot tub are made to be slip-resistant. With so much water around your hot tub, it may become a very unsafe location to walk in. Steps in a hot tub are excellent for safety.
It’s also simpler to get in and out of your hot tub with the help of hot tub stairs. You can strain and damage yourself if you try to step over the edge of your hot tub. With hot tub stairs, you may effortlessly enter and exit your pool without risking harm. The stairs are also built to support the weight of an adult entering the hot tub. Your hot tub’s surround is not meant to be stepped on, and if you do, you risk ruining it.
If you add stairs to the side of your pool, your hot tub generally comes with some storage possibilities. Most stairs will have storage beneath them, allowing you to store hot tub equipment like chlorine pills and skimmers.