Imagine coming home after a hard day's work and winding down in your very own hot tub. Sounds too good to be true? Not any more. From entry level models to top of the range versions, there's a hot tub to suit every setting and budget.

Hot tubs are by no means a new fad. Thousands of years ago, the Romans and Greeks regularly enjoyed bathing in hot spa water. Today, nothing quite beats the luxury of your own hot tub. They can be used all year round, are easy to maintain and they provide the perfect venue for entertaining friends and family.

Types of hot tub

Entry level hot tubs are ideal for smaller gardens where space is at a premium. Look for features such as contoured seats, multiple jets, walk-in steps for easy access and full depth bathing. Top of the range models have a higher specification with extra functions such as more than one hundred jets, ice buckets and a myriad of sound and lighting options. The larger capacity hot tubs can cater for up to eight bathers.

Choose your setting

It's important to think carefully about the position of your hot tub if you're going to enjoy it to the full. In terms of practical requirements, the hot tub needs a hot water supply, a cold water supply and drainage. It should be close enough to the house to avoid long trips in cold weather. It should also be positioned away from overhanging trees and overhead cables. Make sure it is in close proximity to a tap to enable easy refilling with a hose. To avoid the need for long lengths of cable, the hot tub should not be too far away from a fuse box.

If possible, choose a secluded area of your garden to site your hot tub. If your garden is overlooked and privacy is an issue, consider installing a gazebo over the hot tub. To make the most of both your garden and your hot tub, choose an area with a stunning view or a well-planted part of the garden. When choosing a position for a hot tub, it may be worth re-designing or landscaping part of your garden to accommodate it.

Improve your health

The health benefits of hot tubs have been scientifically proven. They are an excellent stress buster as the warmth and water jets help to relax the muscles and reduce high blood pressure and headaches. If you have problems sleeping, a dip in a hot tub before bed can help to induce a deeper sleep. Hot tubs are especially beneficial to anyone afflicted with a condition causing chronic pain, such as arthritis and rheumatism. As in a swimming pool, the water dramatically reduces the body's weight so there is less strain on joints and muscles. In addition, a dip in hot water raises the body temperature, leading to improved circulation.

Entertain in style

Having a hot tub is the perfect excuse for throwing a party as everyone will want to come! The larger multi-seater hot tubs, which can accommodate up to eight people, are ideal for family parties. Just imagine celebrating Christmas with a dip in a hot tub before lunch! Alternatively, smaller hot tubs can be intimate and romantic, providing a perfect setting to spend time with a loved one.

Easy maintenance

Regular maintenance will ensure the hygiene and safety of your hot tub. They need to be emptied and re-filled with a hose pipe approximately every 12 weeks. The water is sanitised through the regular use of specialist chemical products available for cleaning hot tubs. Products are also provided to maintain the correct water balance of calcium hardness, alkalinity and pH levels.

SHOPPING DIRECTORY

Down East Spas Tel: 0800 783 7834 www.downeastspas.co.uk

Easy Spas Tel: 0800 783 7834 www.easyspas.co.uk

H2X Tel: 0800 783 7834 www.h2xswimspa.co.uk

HotSpring Spas Tel: 0800 085 8880 www.hotspring.co.uk

Hydropool Spas Tel: 01926 495800 www.hydropoolspas.co.uk

Marquis Spas Tel: 01271 378100 www.marquis-spas.com

Master Spas Tel: 0800 783 7834 www.masterspas.co.uk

One Tub Tel: 0800 783 7834 www.onetub.co.uk

1.The six-person hot tub from One Tub is designed to fit all the family with twenty-nine hydrotherapy jets, underwater mood lighting and a deluxe spa surf lounger. Around £4,999.

2. The entry level X-500 from Easy Spas is highly affordable and portable with an illuminated waterfall, twelve jets, lounger and space for five people. Around £2,499.

3. The large Windsor hot tub from Down East Spas can seat seven to eight people and includes seventy-two jets, waterfall feature and LED water line lights. Around £6,999.

4. The Everyday 530 Ultimate hot tub from Marquis Spas can seat five adults and includes premium features such as waterfall, lights and jets, which can be operated remotely. £7,534.

5. The Jetsetter hot tub from HotSpring Spas is ideal for hard to reach areas and smaller gardens. £5,995 including delivery, installation and a chemical starter kit.

6. The ultimate in luxury, the Hydropool 800 from Hydropool Spas has sixty jets and can seat eight people. Optional extras include an audio unit with pop-up speakers. From £12,700.

7. Marquis Spas' Epic seven-seater hot tub provides the ultimate hydrotherapeutic experience with fifty-seven jets and ten hydrotherapy zones. £10,875.

8. With its patented propulsion system and ergonomically-designed hydrotherapy seats, the luxurious H2X Swim Spa from Master Spas can be used for family fun, serious swim training, aquatic exercise or simply for a therapeutic spa massage. Around £20,000.

9. The five-person LS2XFST hot tub from Master Spas features a CD/FM stereo and DVD player, a slide-up 17" flat screen, water's edge LED lights and waterfalls plus eighty-one powerful jets and twin Xtreme seats. Around £11,499.

10. The Hydropool 575 from Hydropool Spas is easy to maintain and has three seating levels including full body lounger, deep maximum therapy seats and child-friendly seats. From £8,495.

11. With a grand total of thirty-eight jets plus a spa audio, the Envoy hot tub from HotSpring Spas is one of the most luxurious available. £11,295 including delivery, installation and a chemical starter kit.