Brits Are Quietly Swapping The Paddling Pool For The Hot Tub - Here’s What That Means

You might think that the hot and dry summer of 2025 would send paddling pool interest through the roof. However, new research conducted by our team at 1st Direct Pools suggests otherwise.

An analysis of UK search data shows that interest in paddling pools this year didn’t reach the same highs as previous heatwaves, despite the Met Office naming July 5th 2025 the hottest on record.

Instead, hot tubs have quietly held their lead - searches have stayed steadier year-round and are up compared to a decade ago. This suggests that Brits are swapping one weekend paddling pool splashes for planned, all-season relaxing in the hot tub.

With hosepipe bans in some areas this summer, and more people prioritising wellness and smarter energy use at home, the quick-fill paddling pool is losing out to the consistently cosy hot tub soak.

The Data

Here at 1st Direct Pools, we analysed UK Google searches for “paddling pool” vs “hot tub” from 2015 to 2025. Our analysis shows that:

“Paddling pool” interest in summer 2025 is down 59% vs the 2022 heatwave peak.
“Paddling pool” interest in summer 2025 is down 33% vs the 2020 lockdown high.
“Hot tub” interest is higher than “paddling pool” interest in 33 of the last 36 months.
In summer 2025, people searched for “hot tub” 53% more than in summer 2016.
From one summer to the next, paddling pool searches move around 5 times more than hot tub searches, showing paddling pools are a weather-driven fad while hot tubs are a steadier, all-season interest.
“Hot tub” interest averages 12.7x the “paddling pool” interest.
Across 2025 (to August), total “hot tub” interest is 1.65x that of “paddling pool” interest.
60% of interest in “paddling pool” happens between June and August, whereas only 33% of interest in “hot tub” happens between June and August.

Why Are Brits Choosing Hot Tubs Over Paddling Pools?

Hot tubs are a luxurious wellness feature.

A 15 to 20 minute relaxing soak at 38°C in a hot tub helps you switch off, ease post-workout muscles and even sleep better, especially when used with aromatherapy crystals and liquids. They’re a year-round asset to your home, not just a throw-away purchase available for those rare weekends the British sunshine makes an appearance.

In the past 5 years alone, search interest for “wellness” has increased by 55%, and hot tubs fit right into that shift. They’re a simple, at-home ritual you can build into your lifestyle for recovery and calm.

Hot tubs are also luxurious, turning a small space of your garden into a mini spa you can step into any evening. Sculpted seats, targeted hydrotherapy jets, soft LED lighting, headrests and pillows create the perfect spa experience.

They’re all-weather and all-season.

Hot tubs don’t rely on a hot sunny day to be enjoyed; they’re also incredible on a frosty evening. Even when it’s raining, an umbrella or gazebo will shelter you from the rain while the water keeps you warm.

Because hot tubs are insulated and have covers, they hold heat well between uses, and with balanced water, you’re not constantly filling and dumping. This allows for a cosy, low-effort process from January to December, not just three scorching weekends in July.

There are more hot tub choices than ever.

Today, hot tubs come in many different designs, no matter your needs and budget. Choose from inflatable hot tubs like Lay-Z-Spa, which are quick to set up, easy to store and cheaper than many hard shell models.

You may think hot tubs require a huge garden space, however, this is no longer the case. Small patio spaces can house a hot tub, while inflatable hot tubs can be deflated and stored away.

Paddling pools might still be cheaper up front, but they’re a fill-and-dump purchase with no insulation and no filtration. A hot tub, even an entry-level inflatable, has a cover, thermostat and filtration, allowing the same water to stay clean for weeks.

We’re investing more in our homes.

With the cost of living crisis making holidays and trips away more expensive, many are leaning towards staycations and enjoying time at home.

Today, gardens are often treated as spaces to truly enjoy. We’re more interested in making gardens a relaxing destination than we once were, and hot tubs are the perfect way to enhance this experience.

Hot tubs are sustainable and energy-efficient.

A hot tub isn’t a wasteful choice. With paddling pools, it’s usually fill, use, tip out every few days, whereas a hot tub keeps the same, treated water for weeks with the lid on, so you’re not constantly refilling.

Choose a model with efficient insulation and a well-fitting cover to keep heat in, maintain around 38°C, and use the built-in eco/schedule modes. A simple umbrella, pergola or windbreak helps stop heat from being blown away, and rinsing the filter weekly allows the pump to keep working to its maximum efficiency.

Hot tub energy efficiency tips:

Set heating/filtration to run in off-peak hours if your tariff allows.
Drop the set temperature by 1-2°C when you’re away.
Add a floating thermal blanket and an insulated base mat.
Keep the cover closed between uses.
Where compatible, consider a small air source heat pump to reduce electricity use further.
Pick a tub with serviceable parts and efficient circulation pumps to minimise long-term running costs and environmental impact.

While paddling pools certainly aren’t dead, hot tubs are a readily available luxury for many in 2025, and the obvious choice for those looking to improve their wellness and relaxation without having to leave the home.

Browse our full range of hot tubs at 1st Direct Pools now, or get in touch with our expert team today.

Methodology:

1st Direct Pools analysed Google Trends data for the UK, comparing searches for “paddling pool” and “hot tub” from September 2015 to August 2025. We used the same Trends comparison/export for both terms, so they sit on a comparable 0-100 index scale within that query. Data is monthly.

What the Google Trends index means:

Google Trends does not show the number of searches. It shows relative interest, scaled 0-100:

100 = the peak popularity for that term in the selected time/place.

50 = half as popular as that peak.

0 does not mean no searches, but it means very low relative interest.

Because we exported both terms in one comparison, their values are directly comparable within this analysis (example: a 40 vs 20 in the same month means “hot tub” had roughly twice the relative interest of “paddling pool” for that period).