Running costs updated 1 October 2026. Every electricity figure on this page is costed at the Ofgem price cap average electricity unit rate of 26.32p per kWh, which applies from 1 October to 31 December 2026. Your own tariff may be higher or lower, so check your latest bill before relying on these numbers.
Hot tub accessory lists are often padded out with gadgets nobody uses. This guide sorts the genuinely useful extras from the nice-to-haves, so you spend on what makes the tub safer, cheaper to run or easier to look after.
The short answer
The accessories worth buying first are a ground mat, spare filters, test strips and chemicals, and safe steps. If you use the tub in cold weather, add a thermal lid or cover cap. Most other extras are about comfort.
Accessories ranked by priority
| Accessory | Priority | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Insulated ground mat or foam tiles | Essential | Protects the floor and cuts heat loss into cold ground. See what to put under an inflatable hot tub |
| Spare filter cartridges | Essential | Rotate two sets so one is always clean. Clogged filters mean cloudy water and strain on the pump |
| Test strips and starter chemicals | Essential | See hot tub chemicals for beginners |
| Steps with a non-slip tread | Highly recommended | Getting in and out of wet, high sides is the most common slip risk |
| Thermal lid or cover cap | Recommended for winter use | An extra insulating layer on top of the standard lid reduces heat loss |
| Hose pre-filter | Useful | Removes some debris and minerals when filling |
| Floating chemical dispenser | Useful | Releases sanitiser steadily between sessions |
| Filter cleaning wand | Useful | Faster, more thorough filter rinsing |
| Padded headrests | Comfort | Make long soaks more comfortable on inflatable walls |
| Drinks holder or tray | Comfort | Keeps glasses off the soft wall, and keeps glass out of the water |
| Gazebo or privacy screen | Comfort | Shelter from wind and rain; reduces heat loss |
The ones to skip, or buy carefully
- Generic "fits all" lids. A poor fit lets heat out. Buy the lid made for your model.
- Glass drinkware. A broken glass in a hot tub means a full drain. Use plastic.
- Pool chemicals. These are often too strong for spa water.
- Extension leads. Most manufacturers forbid them. Fit an RCD-protected outdoor socket instead.
- Gazebos placed too close. Steam and condensation need somewhere to go, so follow the gazebo maker's ventilation advice.
Accessories that cut running costs
Three extras directly affect your electricity bill: the ground mat, a well-fitting insulated lid (plus a thermal cap in winter) and wind shelter. Running cost is usually the biggest ongoing expense, so these come first. Check what you could save with the hot tub running cost calculator.
Does your tub already include them?
Many inflatable hot tubs come with a basic ground cloth, an insulated lid, a couple of filters and an inflation hose. Some include a chemical floater or headrests. Check what is in the box on each product page in our best hot tubs UK comparison before ordering extras.
How we worked this out: this guide is research-led. It draws on manufacturers' published specifications and instructions plus owner feedback, not our own hands-on testing. Prices are typical prices we last recorded and they change often. Always follow your hot tub's manual.
The BestPicks UK hot tub guides
Choosing one
- Hot tub buying guide
- Are inflatable hot tubs worth it?
- Lay-Z-Spa vs CleverSpa
- Inflatable vs hard-shell hot tub
- How long an inflatable hot tub lasts
Setting up
Running and looking after it
- How much a hot tub costs to run
- Hot tub chemicals for beginners
- How often to change hot tub water
- Should you empty a hot tub over winter?
- Using a hot tub in freezing weather
Compare models in our best hot tubs UK guide, or work out your bill with the hot tub running cost calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What accessories do I need for an inflatable hot tub?
A ground mat, spare filters, test strips and starter chemicals, and steps. Add a thermal lid or cap if you will use it in winter.
Are hot tub steps worth it?
Yes. Getting in and out over high, wet sides is a real slip risk, especially for children and older adults.
Do thermal hot tub covers really save money?
An extra insulating layer reduces heat lost through the top, which is where much of the heat escapes. The saving depends on the weather and how well your existing lid fits.
Can I put a gazebo over a hot tub?
Yes, many owners do. Make sure there is enough ventilation for steam, and anchor it securely against the wind.
