Best family spa in New Zealand 2024 (features, pros, cons and more...)

We are often asked what is the best family spa pool? If you are in the market for a family spa pool, you are probably looking for a large, energy-efficient, and low maintenance option.

Most families are buying a spa pool to relax in and connect with each other after a busy day at work. Wondering where to start? We’ve come up with our top picks, tips and things to look for, so you can sit back and relax.

Disclaimer: In this article, we’ve used brand names not affiliated with Spa World™ or Vortex Leisure Pty Ltd, the parent company of Spa World™. You can see the list of the brand owners at the bottom of this article. All information, including product details, was accurate at the time of writing and may change without notice.

What makes a good family spa?

As there’s a huge range of family spa’s available in New Zealand, and so many options out there it can be hard to decide which is best and what features to look out for, so we have narrowed it down for you.

When purchasing a family spa you should look out for:

• Multiple seating options like loungers, twin seats and elevated seating for younger children
• A variety of jets so you can make the most of the hydrotherapy
• Energy efficiency to save you money in the long run
• Low maintenance options like an automatic water care system to save you time and effort
• Long term affordability means considering ongoing running costs as well as the initial price of the spa.
• Quality product Families can be rough on spas with kids jumping in and out on repeat. Make sure to chose a spa that will stand the test of time.

How many people can a hot tub seat?

Selecting a spa with a variety of seating options like loungers and elevated seats for younger children will ensure your spa works for your family.

Twin loungers allow two people to lay back and relax while elevated seats for young kids help to keep their heads above the water.

How many jets are in a spa?

Make sure you purchase a spa with a variety of different jets to make the most of the hydrotherapy experience. Well placed jets can make all the difference in helping relieve aches and pains.

Look for these jet options:

• High-pressure volcano jets - for deep tissue massage
• Twin spinning - for muscle kneading
• Directional - pressure point massage
• Single spinning Jets - rotating massage effect

How much power does a hot tub use?

As spas are an investment you may be wondering about energy use and keeping your costs down. With a little extra investment and caring for your spa, you can easily keep your costs down.

Top tips for keeping costs down:

1. Make sure you purchase a spa with the best insulation possible - the more effective the insulation, the lower the heating cost
2. Invest in a quality spa cover and look after it to help protect your spa and maintain a set temperature
3. Turning your spa temperature down by only a few degrees and clearing your filters regularly will help lower your costs

How do you maintain a spa?

One of the most common questions we get is, how do I minimise the maintenance on my spa? With a little planning and time, you can keep your spa in excellent condition and enjoy it for years to come.

Spa and swim spa technology has come a long way in recent years. By and large, they’re a lot cheaper to run and easier to maintain than those manufactured even just a few years ago.

Top tips for easy maintenance:

1. Use quality spa chemicals to maintain your spa
2. Aim to spend at least 5-10 minutes on spa maintenance per week
3. Consider getting a spa with an automatic water care system that includes ozone and a UV-C sterilizer to save you time and money.

Fisher 5D™ (family of 4-5)

Fisher Spas™ are owned by Vortex Leisure, a design-led wellness company that distributes spa pools, swim spas, infrared saunas and shade products to over 20 countries around the world.

Fisher Spas™ aims to make owning a spa possible for New Zealanders, producing high quality, safe spa pools at affordable prices. Fisher Spas™ spas are made in China with cross ownership between the manufacturer and the importer/retailer – being Spa World™. This does offer more control over quality and design decisions.

Pros:

• Twin loungers
• Two cool down/toddler seats
• Shiatsu massage jets
• Ozone clarifier for maintaining clear water
• 10 year non pro-rata shell warranty, 5 year plumbing warranty and 2 year pump and control warranty
• Price available on the website

Cons:

• Limited colour options
• Lounger seats take up more space.

Hot Spring^® - The Propel™ 5 Person Spa Pool

Hot Spring^® spas is a brand of US-based Watkins Wellness™, the world’s largest manufacturer of spa pools.

Hot Spring^® imports spa pools and swim spas directly from Watkins Wellness™ facilities in Mexico and the US and distributes them throughout Australasia and Asia.

Pros:

• Twin loungers
• 3 XL Directional Hydromassage jets
• In-line sanitising system
• 5 year no leak shell warranty, 2 year shell surface warranty, 2 year no leak plumbing warranty, 2 year component warranty, 2 year No-Fault™ heater warranty,
• 2 year simulated wood warranty, 2 year LED light assembly warranty.

Cons:

• No raised children’s seats
• Price not stated on website
• Lounger seats take up more space

Sapphire Spas^® - MyDream 5 person spa

Sapphire Spas^® is an Australian owned and operated company that has stores in Australia and New Zealand. Sapphire Spas are manufactured in Australia.

Pros:

• Neck and shoulder massage
• LED waterline lighting
• Purewater CD ozone sanitisation
• 10 year warranty on fibreglass structural support, 5 years on acrylic surface, 5 years on timber cabinet / 3 years on duratek cabinet, 3 years on swim spa frames, 3 years on jets, 3 year no leak guarantee, 3 years on equipment, 2 years on headrests and 2 years on a hardcover.

Cons:

• Single lounger
• Price not stated on website

Alpine Spas™ - Vermont 5 person spa

Alpine Spas™ is a Kiwi Family owned and operated spa pool company.

Alpine models are made in China and designed by The Canadian Spa Company based in Canada. A global brand with over 30 years of manufacturing Hot Tubs and other products right through North America, Asia and Europe.

Pros:

• Two loungers
• Neck and shoulder jets
• 3 hydrotherapy seats
• Mountain Pure™ – Ozone Water Sanitizer
• 10 year structural, 5 years acrylic shell, 5 years heater & jets, 2 years equipment
• Price available on the website

Cons:

• No raised children’s seats
• Lounger seats take up more space

In Summary

We hope this article has helped you understand more about family sizes spa pools and the many options available on the market.

When buying a spa make sure to look out for great customer service as well as a quality product so you can enjoy your investment for years to come.

If you are looking for more information on family spas or other spa options you can check out our other articles here.

You can check out our full range of family spas below.