The 10 Best Hot Tub Steps
This wiki has been updated 22 times since it was first published in March of 2018. Adding a hot tub to your home is one way to make it feel like your own personal heaven. But if you've installed it above ground, actually getting into your new spa might be a bit of a challenge, as high sides can be tricky to climb over. Our selection of specially designed steps alleviates that issue with a variety of sturdy support structures for when it's time to get in and out. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
Editor's Notes
May 14, 2020:
During this round of updates, we removed the XtremepowerUS Safety Ladder and LifeSmart Mahogany due to availability issues, and eliminated the QCA Spas Red Wood – noting that our rankings already included a better-priced model that was virtually identical. Our new additions this time around include the Highwood Two Tier SPASTP-IA1 – a two-step offering with a maintenance-free design, the Stromberg Carlson EHS-102-R – a three-step model originally designed for use with fifth-wheel campers, and the SpaEase Diamond Series – a solid, plastic option with a 700-pound weight capacity.
A few things to look for in this category:
Height: This is an especially important consideration for users outfitting hot tubs that are frequently used by small children and/or people with mobility issues. While average, two-step options in this category typically have heights in the neighborhood of 14 inches, other models will provide users with a bit of an extra boost, even if it comes at an inflated cost. The three-step Stromberg Carlson EHS-102-R has a top-step height of 21 inches, while the four-step Confer Curve CCX-AG reaches a height of nearly four feet.
Grip: Naturally, things tend to get wet around hot tubs, and when they get wet they tend to get slick, and when they get slick people can slip. So, it’s in your best interest to select an option that isn’t likely to send you for a fall. While models with smooth steps – like the Leisure Accents Deluxe or Spa Sure II – may pose a hazard in the form of a fall risk, other options – like the Pooline Economical and Cover Valet SSSRW – feature textured treads that are easier for wet feet to grip. Choices like the SpaEase Diamond Series have rubber grips across each step that make it easier to get a good foothold.
Handrails: Furthering the notion of fostering fall prevention, a handrail is a major asset that the designs of most of these steps overlook. Two notable exceptions are the Stromberg Carlson EHS-102-R and Confer Curve CCX-AG, which both feature integrated handrails.
Note that we also maintain a separate page ranking handrails for pools, which contains some selections that might be viable additions to certain hot-tub installations.