Hot tub accessories range from genuinely useful additions that improve the daily ownership experience to marketing-driven products that add cost without adding value. Understanding the difference helps you build out your spa setup with items that earn their place.
TL;DR
- A cover lifter is the single highest-value accessory for daily convenience
- Steps specifically designed for hot tubs improve safety for entry and exit
- Floating thermometers, test kit holders, and caddy trays add practical convenience
- Towel storage and hooks near the spa are low-cost, high-impact additions
- Aromatherapy and specialty water additives vary widely in quality and value
Cover Lifters: The Highest-Value Accessory
A cover lifter is the one accessory that most significantly improves the daily experience of hot tub ownership. It makes removing and replacing the cover a one-person, one-handed operation rather than a two-person, back-straining procedure.
Cover lifters attach to the spa cabinet and use a mechanical assist to lift and fold the cover back in a controlled motion. They protect the cover from damage caused by dragging it off the side, and they encourage consistent cover use — which directly affects operating costs and water quality.
If you purchase one accessory, make it a cover lifter.
Steps and Handrails for Entry
Hot tub entry steps designed specifically for spa use provide a safe, stable platform for stepping in and out of the spa. They are typically designed to integrate with spa cabinet dimensions and provide a non-slip surface at a height appropriate for most spa models.
In New Brunswick, where stepping into a hot tub from a wet, potentially icy deck is a winter reality, good steps with non-slip surfaces and optional handrail attachment are a safety investment as much as a convenience. Falls from spa entries are one of the most common spa-related injuries — quality steps and handrails address this risk directly.
Water Care Accessories
A floating thermometer provides a simple visual check of water temperature without reading the control panel. Test strip storage in a waterproof container near the spa makes weekly testing more convenient. A chemical caddy or portable case keeps water care supplies organized and protected from moisture.
These are minor additions individually but collectively reduce the friction of maintaining a weekly water care routine.
Towel Storage and Convenience Fixtures
A dedicated towel bar, hook system, or cabinet within reach of the spa is an underrated quality-of-life addition. Being able to reach a dry towel without stepping away from the spa makes the experience of exiting much more comfortable, particularly in cold weather.
A small weather-resistant side table or tray at spa entry height holds water bottles, phones, and small items without risk of them falling into the spa. These are simple, inexpensive items that improve the day-to-day experience.
Aromatherapy and Water Additives
Spa-formulated aromatherapy products — crystals or liquid formulations designed specifically for hot tub use — can enhance the sensory experience. Products designed for hot tubs are formulated to not affect water chemistry or damage equipment components.
Regular bath bombs, essential oils, and bubble bath products are not appropriate for hot tubs. They introduce compounds that cloud the water, affect chemistry balance, and can damage equipment. Always use products specifically formulated and labelled for hot tub use.
Spa Pillows and Headrests
Replacement or additional headrests improve comfort during longer soaks, particularly for therapeutic use where lying back in a lounge position for extended periods is typical. Look for headrests designed for your specific spa model that attach securely and can be removed and cleaned.
Spa pillows degrade over time from chemical exposure and UV — replacement on a schedule as they show signs of degradation keeps the spa feeling fresh and well-maintained.
Lighting Additions
Floating LED lights, underwater glow lights designed for the spa footwell, and ambient lights mounted on the cabinet or adjacent structure can all enhance the evening experience. Look for products specifically designed for wet environments with appropriate IP ratings.
Many Arctic Spas models already include integrated LED lighting systems with color options. Additional lighting accessories work best as supplements to the built-in system rather than replacements for it.
What Not to Spend Money On
Some spa accessories add little practical value: elaborate cup holders attached to the spa rim (a small side table is more flexible and less intrusive), excessive water toys designed for pools but marketed for spas, and single-function gadgets that duplicate what your control panel already does.
The best accessories are those that reduce friction in your actual daily routine — making it easier to get in, get out, maintain water, and use the spa consistently. Evaluate each addition against that standard.
New Brunswick Perspective
After years of seeing how New Brunswick hot tub owners actually use their spas, the pattern is clear: the accessories that get used every day are the ones that make the routine easier or safer. The fancy accessories that get used twice and then ignored are the ones that were solutions to problems the owner did not actually have. Start with a cover lifter and good steps, and add from there based on what your actual routine reveals you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
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