Year-round spa How Indians use hot tubs all year

“Why would I buy a hot tub when it is 38 degrees outside?” We hear this a lot, and it is a fair question. The honest answer is that a hot tub is not only about heat. In India, people use spas in ways that fit our weather, our evenings and our festivals.

Does a hot tub make sense in India?

Yes, for more homes than you might think. India does not have one climate. A villa in Shimla, a farmhouse near Pune, a flat in Bengaluru and a bungalow in Jaipur all have very different weather, and a spa earns its place in most of them for at least part of the year.

An inflatable hot tub like the Lay-Z-Spa range is also a different thing from a plunge pool. It is a small, warm, bubbling seat for two to six people. You are not trying to cool down in it. You are trying to unwind in it, and that is a need people have in every season.

Season by season: when families actually use it

Here is a rough picture of how use tends to change across the year. It varies by city, so treat it as a guide, not a rule.

Notice that very few cities are truly “hot” all day, every day. Even in the plains, nights cool off, and winter in north India is cold enough that a warm tub feels wonderful.

Using a spa in the hot months

This is where people are most doubtful, so let us be practical.

Choose your timing

Midday in May is not the time for a soak. Early morning, after sunset and late night are much more comfortable. Many owners simply move their routine to the cooler hours.

Lower the temperature

You do not have to run the water at the maximum. Warm, not hot, is a perfectly good setting in summer. Check your model’s manual for the settings and for how to use the bubble function with the heater off.

Give it shade

A spa in direct afternoon sun will heat the water by itself and may be too warm to enjoy. A tree, a pergola or a shade sail helps a lot, and it keeps the cover in better shape too.

Everyday ways Indian households use a spa

Once a spa is in the garden or on the terrace, people find their own routine. Here are the most common ones we hear about.

• A quiet end to a long working day, after the kids are in bed
• Weekend family time, with grandparents sitting on the edge with their feet in the water
• Winter evening get-togethers, with chai and a blanket nearby
• Diwali and New Year gatherings with a small group of friends
• Couples looking for a private evening at home instead of a restaurant
• A relaxing soak after a gym session or a long walk

For villa and farmhouse owners, a spa is also a lovely extra for guests. If you are thinking about it for a stay property, have a look at the full spa range and the models available.

Running it sensibly: water, power and placement

Water

A spa holds far less water than a pool, usually a few hundred litres, so filling and changing it is manageable even in a water-scarce city. India has hard water in many places, so a simple filter routine and regular water checks matter. We cover this in more detail in our weekly water care guide.

Power

The heater is the big power user. A good cover, a shaded spot and a sensible temperature all keep costs down. Plan on a proper, safe power point with an earthing and an RCD, and avoid extension boards. Power cuts are common in some areas, so a spa can lose heat if the cover is left off.

Placement

Choose a level, firm surface such as a deck, a concrete pad or a terrace that can take the weight. A covered or semi-covered area is handy for the monsoon. Keep the cover on whenever you are not using it.

Is it right for you?

If you only want to cool off in summer, a swimming pool is the better buy. Our pools range covers that well. If you want warmth, calm and a place to sit and talk, a spa is for you. Many homes in India end up with both, and use each in its own season.

KOKOKOKO imports genuine Bestway spas to order. You book with a 30% advance, the order takes about 4 to 7 weeks to arrive, and the balance is due when it reaches our Bangalore warehouse, before dispatch. Sizes marked In stock are simpler: you pay in full and get delivery in about 1 week. You get a GST invoice, and delivery is pan-India.

Frequently asked questions