The best hot tub steps put the top tread at a comfortable reach below the rim, give you a tread wide enough to stand square on, carry more than the heaviest person who will use them, and give you something to hold if you want it. Measure your tub first, then pick the number of steps, the width, the weight rating and the handrail. Below we walk through each choice and compare the four sets in our hot tub steps range.
Start with the height of your tub
Measure from the ground where the steps will stand to the top edge of the tub. Use a tape measure on site. Do not rely on the spec sheet for the spa, because a pad, deck boards or pavers change the number.
There is no single standard for how tall hot tub steps should be. What you want is a top step that leaves a comfortable reach to the rim, so you can swing a leg over without lifting your knee high, and step down on the way out without hunting for the tread. A quick test: stand on a sturdy box at the height of the top step you are looking at and lift your foot to the rim. If it feels like a stretch, look at a taller set or a third step. If your knee nearly hits the rim, the step is too tall for that tub.
Check the listed height against your number. Our two 2 step sets without rails stand just under 15 in. The heavy duty 600 lb hot tub steps are 14.96 in tall and the lightweight 2 step spa steps are 14.37 in. On the handrail models the listed heights of 51.57 in and 53.15 in include the rails, so they tell you how high the grip goes, not where the top tread sits.
2 steps or 3 steps
Two steps suit lower tubs. They take less floor space and are easy to move when you clean around the tub.
Three steps make sense on a taller tub, where a 2 step unit leaves a big gap between the top tread and the rim. A third step breaks the climb into shorter rises. The 3 step hot tub stairs with handrail are made for taller square spas. The tradeoff is space: they measure 38.98 x 29.72 in at the base, against 24.96 x 21.26 in for the heavy duty 2 step set. Measure the area beside your tub before you order.
Width: the best hot tub steps let you stand square
A wider tread lets you plant both feet side by side, which helps when you are wet and stepping down. Treads on our sets run from 23.6 in to 32.3 in wide. Also check tub shape: the 600 lb set, the 3 step stairs and the 23.6 in lightweight set are all made for square tubs, so a round spa needs a closer look at how the unit sits against the curve.
Weight rating: what the best hot tub steps carry
Pick a rating well above the heaviest person who will use the steps. Wet feet slip and shift, and someone may be carrying a towel or a drink. Here is how our four sets compare.
| Model | Steps | Tread width | Weight rating | Handrail | Unit weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy duty hot tub steps | 2 | 25 in | 600 lb | No | 29.1 lb |
| Dual handrail hot tub steps | 2 | 32.3 in | 550 lb | Both sides | 27.4 lb |
| 3 step hot tub stairs | 3 | 25.2 in | 550 lb | Yes | 30.2 lb |
| 2 step spa steps | 2 | 23.6 in | 320 lb | No | 11.9 lb |
Hot tub steps with handrail or without
A handrail gives you something to hold on wet treads, on the way in and on the way out. If anyone who uses your tub is unsteady on their feet, or you like to steady yourself at night, a rail is worth the extra space. Hot tub steps with handrail also help kids and guests who do not know your setup.
The dual handrail hot tub steps have a foam covered rail on each side, so you can hold with either hand, and the widest treads of the four at 32.3 in. The 3 step set has a single handrail. If your tub sits against a wall or fence, check which side the rail needs to be on before you choose.
Material
All four of our sets use molded plastic treads. The differences show up in the frame, the weight and the feel.
- HIPS plastic. The 600 lb set has a solid HIPS body at 29.1 lb. It is heavier to move but feels planted.
- HIPS steps on a steel frame. The dual handrail set pairs HIPS treads with a Q235A carbon steel frame. Carbon steel is not stainless, so wipe it dry and touch up any chips in the finish.
- PP and fiberglass. The lightweight 2 step set weighs 11.9 lb, easy to lift for cleaning or storage, with a lower 320 lb rating.
The 3 step stairs come in a brown and black finish and weigh 30.2 lb. Whatever you pick, keep the treads clean, because leaves, algae and spa chemicals all make a wet surface slicker.
Set them on level ground
Steps need a flat, firm surface. If the unit rocks when you stand on one corner, it is not sitting right. Move it to a flatter spot, or level the ground under it with a solid paver or pad, rather than wedging loose objects under one foot. Set the steps close enough to the tub that you are not stepping across a gap, and check them again after you move them for cleaning.
Steps for inflatable spas
All four sets list inflatable pools and spas as a use. Measure an inflatable tub the same way, ground to the top of the wall, and expect a soft rim. The steps should stand on their own on the ground. Do not let them lean on or press into the inflatable wall. For an inflatable tub, the best hot tub steps are often a low 2 step set, and a handrail helps because the rim gives you less to hold than a hard spa shell.
Shopping for a pool rather than a spa? Our guide to above ground pool steps covers wall height, weight ratings and handrails for pools.
FAQ
How tall should hot tub steps be?
There is no set standard. Measure from the ground to the top edge of your tub, then choose steps whose top tread leaves a comfortable reach to the rim. If a 2 step set leaves too big a gap, go to 3 steps.
Do I need a handrail on hot tub steps?
Not always, but it helps. A rail gives you a hold on wet treads, and it makes sense for anyone who is unsteady, for kids, and for night use. Compare models in our hot tub steps collection.
Can hot tub steps stay outside in winter?
These steps are sold for patios, decks and other outdoor spots, but ice, snow and cold are hard on plastic treads and steel frames. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for your model. Clear snow and ice off the treads before you use them, and store the steps out of the weather if the instructions say to.
