An Unbiased Comparison for NZ Buyers

Investing in a pool, spa, hot tub, or outdoor bathing setup is a long-term decision. Beyond the upfront price, you’re choosing materials, heating systems, durability, maintenance requirements and, ultimately, the kind of experience you want in your backyard.

New Zealand has several well-established brands operating in this space. Each takes a different approach to materials, manufacturing and design philosophy.

In this guide, we compare:

• Stoked Stainless
  

• Degree43
  

• Tubby Tubs
  

• Alpine Spas (Hot Tub Range)
  
  

We’ll cover:

• Company ownership

• Manufacturing location

• Warranty
  

• Pricing position
  

• Public review footprint
  

• Product range
  

• Delivery & installation
  

• Customer service model
  
  

The aim is simple: provide a clear, factual overview to help you decide what best suits your home, budget and lifestyle.

1. Ownership & Brand Origin

Stoked Stainless

New Zealand owned and operated. Founded in Wānaka, the brand specialises in stainless steel and cedar pools, spas, hot tubs, and outdoor baths engineered specifically for New Zealand’s climate from coastal environments to alpine regions.

Degree43

New Zealand owned and operated. Degree43 produces stainless steel hot tubs, plunge pools and ice baths, positioning itself within both lifestyle and recovery markets.

Tubby Tubs

New Zealand owned. Tubby Tubs focuses primarily on wood-fired cedar hot tubs and traditional soaking tubs, with a strong emphasis on natural timber aesthetics.

Alpine Spas

Operates in New Zealand through a showroom and dealer network. The hot tubs form part of a larger international manufacturing network, with products produced offshore and distributed within NZ.

Summary

Stoked Stainless, Degree43 and Tubby Tubs are boutique NZ-owned brands with distinct material approaches and design philosophies. Alpine Spas operates locally but manufactures at international scale through an offshore production network.

 

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2. Manufacturing Location

Manufacturing location can influence:

• Lead times

• Customisation options

• Replacement parts access

• Price positioning
  
  

Stoked Stainless is the only brand in this comparison that publicly manufactures locally in New Zealand.

 

3. Warranty

Warranty coverage varies depending on structure, components and heating systems.

Stoked Stainless

Stoked Stainless offers a 50-year structural warranty on its stainless steel barrels, with a 2-year warranty covering heating systems and components. Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and designed for long-term durability in New Zealand conditions.

Degree43

Degree43 provides 50-year structural and component warranties, typically aligned with stainless steel shell protection and heating elements. The barrel is covered by a 20-year warranty.

Tubby Tubs

Tubby Tubs covers the stainless-steel inner (barrel) with a 50-year warranty. All other parts come with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty for parts and labour against defects and failure when used under recommended conditions.

Alpine Spas

Alpine Spas offers tiered warranties covering shell structure, surface finish, plumbing and electrical components. As with most electric spas, different parts carry different timeframes.

Important Note:

Always check warranty specifics for:

• Shell structure
  

• Surface finish
  

• Heating system
  

• Pumps and electrical components
  

• Labour vs parts coverage
  
  

Warranty length isn’t everything - clarity and service support matter just as much.

 

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4. Pricing Position

While exact pricing varies by size and configuration, the general market positioning is:

Price differences reflect materials, manufacturing location, heating systems and included features.

When comparing cost, consider:

• Power consumption

• Lifespan of materials

• Maintenance requirements

• Replacement component costs

• Insulation quality
  
  

5. Public Reviews (Google & Online Platforms)

Public review volume can reflect market size and longevity rather than product quality alone.

*Based on publicly visible Google listings at time of writing.

Alpine Spas has the largest review footprint due to multiple showroom locations and long-standing presence. Boutique brands typically show lower review volume but may still have strong ratings.

 

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6. Product Range & Features

Stoked Stainless

• Wood fired hot tubs
  

• Electric hot tubs (with jets)
  

• Electric pools (with jets and cold and hot options)
  

• Outdoor baths (including an ice bath)
  

 

Material: 316L marine-grade stainless steel, cedar timber
Experience focus: Soaking, hydrotherapy (electric models), hot/cold contrast, minimalist design.

 

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Degree43

• Woodfired hot tubs
  

• Electric and hybrid hot/cold tubs
  

• Ice baths
  
  

Material: Marine-grade stainless steel, cedar timber
Experience focus: Modern stainless wellness systems (hot and cold).

 

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Tubby Tubs

• Woodfired cedar hot tubs
  

• Traditional soaking tubs
  
  

Material: Stainless steel, cedar timber
Experience focus: Classic wood-fired soaking experience.

Tubby Tubs does not specialise in electric jet systems or dedicated ice bath cooling systems.

 

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Alpine Spas (Hot Tubs Range)

• Fully electric hot tubs
  

• Plug-and-play models (selected units)
  

• Multi-seat configurations
  

• Integrated massage jets
  

• Filtration and digital controls
  
  

Material: Insulated composite shell construction, stainless steel, cedar timber for select ranges.
Experience focus: Jet-powered hydrotherapy and convenience.

 

7. Jet Systems Comparison

 

It’s important to distinguish between:

• Soaking-focused tubs (woodfired or classic models)
  

• Hydrotherapy systems (electric models with powered jets)
  
  

Both Stoked Stainless and Alpine Spas offer electric models with integrated jets - though materials and overall design philosophy differ.

 

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8. Delivery & Installation

Stoked Stainless

Above-ground installation. Requires a level base. Electric models require power supply; woodfired models do not.

Degree43

Above-ground installation. Electric systems require power.

Tubby Tubs

Above-ground, wood-fired systems. Minimal electrical requirements.

Alpine Spas

Fully electric systems typically require dedicated electrical installation and professional setup.

Installation complexity generally increases with:

• Larger multi-seat configurations
  

• Higher power requirements
  

• Integrated electronic systems
  
  

 

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9. Customer Service Model

 

Boutique brands typically operate with smaller, direct communication teams. Dealer networks may vary regionally in service experience.

 

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Side-by-Side Recap Table

 

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Final Thoughts

There isn’t a single “best” option - only the right fit for your priorities.

Choose based on:

• Material preference (stainless vs cedar vs composite shell)
  

• Heating style (wood-fired vs electric)
  

• Jet preference (soaking vs hydrotherapy)
  

• Budget
  

• Installation requirements
  

• Long-term maintenance expectations
  
  

If longevity and marine-grade materials matter most, stainless steel options stand out.
If traditional wood-fired soaking appeals, cedar tubs offer a classic experience.
If convenience and integrated jet massage are your priority, fully electric systems may suit you better.

The right choice is the one that fits your lifestyle - not just today, but years down the track.