Whats the best St Lucia Hot Tub?

[NeutrinoX74]

Here's what I'm comparing:

Lay-Z-Spa St Lucia (Current / "St Lucia 3")
Lay-Z-Spa St Lucia EnergySense

First off, in terms of core specs these are basically identical:

2-3 person capacity (realistically 2 comfortably)
110 AirJets
Max temp 40°C
Same pump style and controls
Same overall size and layout

So don't expect one to feel stronger or more powerful than the other. They're the same experience once you're sitting in it.

The current St Lucia (what you're calling St Lucia 3) is just the latest standard version of the original design. It's still using the usual AirJet system with 110 bubbles and heats up to 40°C, plus Freeze Shield for colder weather use. ()

Build is the usual DuraPlus material, and it's still designed as a compact spa for smaller gardens or patios. ()

Where things actually differ is the EnergySense version.

The St Lucia 2 (EnergySense) is not a performance upgrade, it's an efficiency upgrade. The key change is improved insulation in both the liner and the cover, designed to reduce heat loss.

In real terms that means:

Holds temperature better overnight
Heater doesn't kick in as often
Slightly lower running costs over time

That's the main selling point. Everything else is basically the same.

The standard St Lucia (your "3") still works fine, but it loses heat faster, especially in UK weather. So if you're using it outside summer, you'll notice it cycling more to maintain temperature.

Noise wise, no real difference. Same pump, same bubble system.

Build quality is also very similar. You're not getting a premium feel with either, just small material tweaks on the EnergySense version.

So it really comes down to usage:

If you're using it casually, weekends, summer only, or just wanted the cheapest option, the current St Lucia is still solid and usually better value.

If you plan to use it regularly or in colder months, the EnergySense version (St Lucia 2) makes more sense because insulation is honestly the biggest weakness on these tubs.

Bottom line:

St Lucia ("3") = same classic model, cheaper upfront, slightly higher running costs
St Lucia 2 (EnergySense) = same experience, but better heat retention and efficiency

Personally, I'd only pick the standard one if there's a noticeable price gap. Otherwise the EnergySense version is the smarter long-term buy

[NatureBoy86]

I love my hottub and recommend getting the better quality and energy saver

[FrostBear]

They cost a fortune in winter if not properly insulated from the base. Insulation foam or boards

[Kev5]

A smaller hottub means easier/cheaper to heat. but expensive if all the heat is going out the sides. energy sense makes sense

[WhatUQuant]

go with your gut, if you can afford the slightly more expensive one

[VidiTechnica]

That is pretty much it. Appreciate it

[PlanetOftheApes]

Cheers for that. That makes sense actually.

Thanks for that

[FridayFeeling]

Cheers for that. Totally get that.

Cheers for sharing

[Emma92]

I would probably do it differently. Same here honestly.

Real experience tends to be more specific and more boring than the advice you find online, which is exactly why it is more useful.

Cheers.

[Rough Reece]

Just buy one already. You'll have missed all the nice weather 🌦�

[Arty Candle]

The St Lucia is a decent little starter tub, especially if space is the main issue. A lot of people look at the bigger models and forget they need somewhere to put them first.

The main thing I would check is how often you realistically plan to use it. If it is just a few evenings when the weather is nice, the cheaper option probably makes more sense than paying extra for features you barely notice.

[Dave_37]

Went through this exact debate last summer. The EnergySense version looked tempting because saving money over time sounds great, but the upfront price difference made me stop and think.

The insulation improvements are useful if you are keeping it warm regularly, but if you are someone who fills it, uses it, then drains it after a weekend, the savings will not be as dramatic. Usage pattern matters more than the badge on the box

[Reuben]

People saying just buy one are not completely wrong

There is always another review, another comparison chart, another feature list. At some point you have to decide whether you want a hot tub or a full research project about buying a hot tub. The St Lucia range is popular because it gets the basics right without needing a garden makeover.

[Rory99]

For a first hot tub I would probably lean toward the standard St Lucia. It is not trying to be something it is not. You get the relaxing part without paying for a load of extras.

The EnergySense model makes more sense for someone who already knows they will use it three or four times a week. Leaving a tub heated constantly is where those improvements start becoming more worthwhile.

[HollywoodHogan02]

One thing that gets missed in these comparisons is the running cost of everything around the tub. Chemicals, electricity, filters and replacing bits over time all add up.

A slightly cheaper tub that gets looked after properly will usually beat an expensive one that gets ignored after the first month. The glamorous Instagram photos do not show the maintenance side

[Puma29]

Had a Lay-Z-Spa before and the biggest advice would be to think about where it is going. The surface underneath matters, access to power matters, and you need somewhere sensible to empty it.

The tub itself was never the difficult bit. It was the little practical things that caught me out. Five minutes planning saves a lot of annoyance later.

[Darren_34]

The St Lucia is probably one of those products where the reviews look more divided than they really are. Most complaints seem to come from people expecting a permanent luxury spa experience from a portable inflatable model.

For what it is, it does a good job. It is a relaxing garden addition, not a replacement for a built-in hot tub costing thousands.

[Estuary80]

Would be interested to hear from anyone who has owned both versions because that is where the useful information is. Specs only tell half the story.

Things like heating speed, noise levels, and whether the insulation actually makes a noticeable difference after a few months are the bits buyers want to know about.

[Emma29]

My neighbour has the St Lucia and it has become the unofficial meeting place whenever anyone visits. Funny how quickly people appear when there is warm water involved

From what I have seen, the biggest advantage is convenience. It is easy enough to set up without turning the garden into a building project.

[SpikeDudley]

The EnergySense version is interesting, but I think some buyers will save more money by simply changing how they use the tub rather than buying the upgrade.

Cover it properly, keep the water maintained, and avoid constantly reheating from cold if you can. Small habits make a surprising difference.

[MemoryWizard]

There is a lot of focus on the technical side, but comfort matters too. The St Lucia is smaller than some options, which can actually be a benefit if you are only using it with one or two people.

A bigger tub sounds great until you are the person cleaning it and paying to heat all that extra water every week.

[ShadowPilot83]

Nearly bought one last year but ended up waiting because I was worried I would use it for a month and then forget about it.

That turned out to be the right choice for me, although friends who bought one still use theirs regularly. The best value comes from people who actually make it part of their routine.

[Murky Courier]

A good point about buying before the weather improves. Every year there is a rush when everyone remembers they want a garden upgrade, then stock disappears and prices move around.

If you know you want one, buying before peak season can make sense. Just do not rush into the wrong model because the sun has appeared for three days

[Hollow Panther]

The St Lucia seems like a good middle ground. Not the cheapest thing you can buy, but not getting into serious hot tub money either.

For anyone new to them, I would spend more time looking at ownership costs than just the purchase price. The first week is exciting, but the tenth month is where you find out if it was a good choice.

[Ryan84]

I think people underestimate how much they enjoy having a small tub nearby. It is not always about big parties or showing it off.

Sometimes it is just sitting outside for twenty minutes after work and switching your brain off. That alone can make it worth it for the right person

[Coastal Amy]

I would probably recommend seeing one in person if possible. Photos make these things look bigger than they feel once you are actually sitting inside.

The St Lucia is compact, which is great for smaller gardens, but it is worth making sure it fits your idea of comfort before spending the money.

[Kai68]

Had a cheaper inflatable model before and the noise from the pump was the thing that annoyed me most. It was not terrible, but it changed the mood when you were trying to relax.

Would be curious whether the newer St Lucia versions have improved on that because everything else was pretty good for the money.

[Layla_61]

No wrong answer really between those two. The standard St Lucia is likely enough for casual users, while the EnergySense feels aimed at people who already know they are committed.

The best hot tub is the one that gets used rather than the one with the longest feature list. That is the bit many buyers forget.

[Merchant94]

Some people are treating this like choosing a permanent luxury spa, but that is not really the market these are aimed at.

For a couple wanting something fun in the garden without spending a fortune, the St Lucia range makes a lot of sense. Expectations are everything.

[Forge45]

The funny thing with hot tubs is the first question is always which one to buy, but the second question is always who is cleaning it this weekend

Make sure everyone enjoying it knows there is some maintenance involved. A relaxing evening starts with clean filters, unfortunately.

[Zenith Baz]

The biggest question is probably whether it will stay assembled most of the year. If yes, the EnergySense option becomes more attractive because insulation starts doing its job.

If it is going away into storage after every use, I would save the money and put it toward decent chemicals, a cover and replacement filters.