Buyer's guide · Whirlpool & Whirlpool Outdoor

Whirlpool & Whirlpool Outdoor — the complete guide for Germany & Austria

Your own hot tub turns your garden into a private wellness sanctuary. At TwoRelax you'll find high-quality outdoor hot tubs from the European manufacturer Wellis — built for year-round use, straightforward to install, and shipped free of charge across Germany and Austria.

Free delivery DE + AT
Up to 10-year warranty
Klarna financing
14-day right of withdrawal
TÜV certified
Quality markers

What makes a good hot tub?

A good hot tub is more than a tub with jets. The key quality markers:

Shell material

Acrylic is the standard for outdoor hot tubs — durable and easy to clean. Quality shells are multi-layer reinforced and UV-resistant.

Insulation

Good full-foam insulation (known as "Scandinavian insulation") significantly reduces heating costs, especially in winter.

Number of pumps

Two or more pumps allow simultaneous massage sessions and distribute jet power more evenly.

Jet count

Between 30 and 90 jets — more is not automatically better. Variety matters (shoulder, back, feet) and targeted placement.

Control system

Modern hot tubs offer touchscreen operation and smartphone-app control — convenient for heating before arrival.

Certification

Look for TÜV and CE certification. These confirm compliance with European safety standards.

All Wellis hot tubs at TwoRelax meet these criteria and are TÜV certified and CE-compliant.

The right choice

Outdoor, indoor, or inflatable: which type is right?

€5,000 – €30,000

Outdoor hot tubs
(permanently installed)

Acrylic hot tubs for year-round outdoor use. Fully insulated, maintain temperature below freezing.

€ varies

Indoor hot tubs

Less common in Germany. Require professional ventilation and drainage.

€300 – €800

Inflatable hot tubs

Budget entry-level for occasional summer use. Cannot handle sub-zero temperatures — not suitable for year-round use in Germany.

€5,000 – €8,000

Plug & Play hot tubs

Outdoor hot tubs connecting to a 230V socket — no electrician required. Wellis offers 3 models: Mars, Callisto, Castor.

Size & Capacity

Choose a hot tub by number of people

People Typical dimensions Recommended for
2 People ~2.00 × 1.60 m Couples, compact terraces
3–4 People ~2.00 × 2.00 m Couples with occasional guests
5–6 People ~2.20 × 2.20 m Families, small groups
7–8 People ~2.30 × 2.30 m Larger families, hosts
Filter by number of people

Also consider the full footprint (including maintenance access), the load-bearing capacity of your surface (a filled hot tub weighs 1,500 to 3,000 kg), and the electrical supply (230V or 400V depending on the model).

Price guide

How much does a hot tub cost?

Price ranges vary widely. A rough guide:

Inflatable
€300 – €800
Summer entry-level
Plug & Play entry
€5,000 – €8,000
Year-round outdoor use
Mid-range
€8,000 – €15,000
Enhanced specifications
Premium
€15,000 – €30,000+
Flagship models

Wellis hot tubs at TwoRelax

Price range €5,429 (Mars Plug & Play) to €29,299 (Olympus Life 8 people). All prices include 19% VAT.

Additional costs often overlooked:

  • Foundation or patio base: approx. €300 – €1,500
  • Electrical installation: €200 – €800
  • Crane delivery (White-Glove service): optionally €600 at TwoRelax
  • Running electricity costs (see next section)
Operating costs

Is a hot tub an energy drain?

Power consumption depends on three factors: insulation quality, water temperature, and outdoor temperature.

Typical monthly electricity costs (38°C, German average electricity prices):

Well-insulated hot tub in summer
€25 – €50 / month
Well-insulated hot tub in winter
€60 – €120 / month
Poorly insulated hot tub in winter
€150 – €250 / month

How to significantly reduce running costs:

  1. Heat pump — can reduce heating energy by up to 75%. TwoRelax offers the Smart-In Step 3kW heat pump.
  2. Insulated cover — the most important energy-saving factor. Prevents heat loss during non-use.
  3. Adjust water temperature — each degree Celsius lower ≈ 5% energy savings.

All Wellis Life and PeakLife models at TwoRelax feature full-foam insulation and are heat-pump-ready.

Our manufacturer

Wellis — our focus on a European manufacturer

TwoRelax specialises in hot tubs and swim spas from the Hungarian manufacturer Wellis. Wellis has produced hot tubs in Hungary since 2003, manufacturing exclusively within the European Union.

What convinced us about Wellis:

  • Continuous full-foam insulation across all outdoor models
  • Up to 10-year warranty on the acrylic shell
  • TÜV and CE certification
  • More than 30 current models (2 – 8 people)
  • Spare parts availability within the EU

Wellis series at TwoRelax

ClassicLine
Mars, Callisto, Castor, Jupiter, Venus, Pluto
CityLife
Manhattan, Budapest, Lima, Malaga, Palermo
Life Deluxe
Lugano, Prague, Vienna, Firenze
PeakLife
Atlas, Elbrus, Everest, Kilimanjaro, Mandala, Olympus, Teide
StreamLife Swim Spas
Amazonas, Beach Club, Danube, Elba, Rio Grande

Delivery

Free delivery DE + AT. 2–4 weeks in stock, 6–12 weeks custom configurations. White-Glove service €600 optional.

Installation

Final electrical connection by qualified electrician. Technical documentation on request.

Warranty

Acrylic shell up to 10 years. Frame + plumbing 3 years. Electronics + pumps 2 years.

Financing with Klarna

Pay now
(SEPA)
Pay in 3 instalments
(interest-free)
Pay later
(30 days interest-free)
Instalment plan 6–36 months
(from 0% APR)

Klarna eligibility is checked in seconds at checkout.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

A good-quality outdoor hot tub for year-round use starts at around €5,000 (Plug & Play entry model). Mid-range models with enhanced specifications range from €8,000 to €15,000, and premium hot tubs for 6–8 people range from €15,000 to €30,000.

Not necessarily. With good insulation, a tight cover, and optionally a heat pump, monthly electricity costs are €25–50 in summer and €60–120 in winter. A heat pump can reduce consumption by up to 75%.

Yes, for private use on your own property you generally do not require a permit. In specific cases (rental flats, local development plans, heritage protection) restrictions may apply. If in doubt, ask your local municipality.

With consistent water care (pH balance, chlorine or salt-water system), change the water completely every 3–4 months. Filter cleaning is weekly; filter cartridges are replaced every 12 months.

That depends on your priorities: price, specifications, origin, service. TwoRelax specialises in Wellis — a European manufacturer from Hungary with a broad model range, solid warranty, and good spare-parts availability within the EU. Other well-known brands in the German market include Jacuzzi, Hot Spring and Villeroy & Boch.

In-stock models are delivered within 2–4 weeks; custom configurations take 6–12 weeks. We coordinate the delivery date with you in advance.

Yes, via Klarna you have several instalment options — from interest-free payment in 3 instalments to 36-month financing with promotional rates starting at 0% APR.

In the German market, "Whirlpool" and "Whirlpool Outdoor" usually refer to the same category — a rigid, insulated outdoor hot tub with hydrotherapy jets. The word "Outdoor" is sometimes added for clarity to distinguish from indoor Whirlpool bathtubs (which are a different product). Most search traffic for both terms reflects the same buyer intent.

A properly-built Whirlpool Outdoor runs 365 days/year in German and Austrian winters. Key requirements: full-foam Scandinavian insulation (standard on Wellis PeakLife and CityLife), a fitted thermal cover, and a model with published energy ratings under 5 kWh/day. Typical winter heating cost for a 5-6 person unit: €40-90/month at 38°C water temperature.

The correct spelling in German is "Whirlpool" (one word). Common misspellings include Wirlpool, Whirpool, Wihrpool, Wirpool, Wirrpool, Woorlpool, Wirelpool, Whirl pool, and Worlpool — Google auto-corrects most of these. The word is a direct borrowing from English; the plural is "Whirlpools".

"Whirlpool" is the generic German term for the product category. "Jacuzzi®" is a registered trademark of Jacuzzi, Inc. — a specific US brand. In everyday German, "Jacuzzi" is often used generically to mean any Whirlpool, but technically a "Jacuzzi" is only a product manufactured by Jacuzzi, Inc. Wellis, Hot Spring, Aquavia etc. are Whirlpools, not Jacuzzis. TwoRelax does not sell Jacuzzi®-branded products. See our Jacuzzi guide for the full terminology breakdown.

Most DE/AT buyers overestimate. A "6-person Whirlpool" seats 6 adults but typically only 3-4 use it at once. Our rough sizing: couple only → 3-person (Teide, Firenze); small family → 5-person (Budapest, Palermo, Everest); family of 4+ with guests → 6-person (Kilimanjaro, Atlas, Malaga, Prague); larger groups → 7-9 person (Vienna, Lima, Elbrus, Olympus).

In most German Bundesländer, outdoor Whirlpools under 100 m³ water volume are classified as movable installations rather than pools and do not require a building permit (Baugenehmigung). All Wellis Whirlpools hold 685-2,331 L (0.7-2.3 m³) — well below the threshold. Exceptions: some historic districts and protected-property zones have stricter rules. Always check with your local Gemeinde or Bauamt before installation.

Typical monthly electricity cost for a 5-6 person rigid outdoor Whirlpool at 38°C with a fitted thermal cover: €40-90 in DE/AT winters, €30-60 in summer. Plus chemicals (~€15-30/month) and filter replacements (~€10/month average). Total running cost: €60-120/month depending on model, usage, and season. See our Wellis experience guide for model-by-model analysis.

Rigid outdoor Whirlpools (Wellis, Jacuzzi®, Hot Spring) are insulated, permanent installations designed for year-round use. Lifespan 15+ years. Typical price €5,429-€30,000. Inflatable Whirlpools (Intex, Bestway, MSpa) are seasonal, typically used 6-8 months/year in Central Europe. Much cheaper (€400-€1,500) but not comparable in longevity, heating efficiency, or hydrotherapy quality. If you want a real outdoor Whirlpool for long-term use, buy rigid.

Still have questions?

Ready for your hot tub?

Explore our Wellis collection or contact us for personalised advice via WhatsApp, phone, or email. We answer all questions on model selection, installation, and financing within one business day.

Whirlpool basics

What is a Whirlpool? Outdoor vs. indoor, sizes, and types

In the German market, "Whirlpool" refers to a heated tub with pressurised water jets for hydrotherapy — what English-language markets call a "hot tub". Most Whirlpool sales in Germany and Austria are for outdoor installation, built to operate year-round in Central European climates.

Whirlpool Outdoor

Permanent outdoor installation. Insulated, winter-capable, typical operating temperature 36-40°C. 2 to 9 person capacity. The main category in the DE/AT market — covered by nearly all major brands including Wellis, Jacuzzi®, Hot Spring, Canadian Spa, Aquavia, and Villeroy & Boch.

Whirlpool Indoor

Built into a bathroom or wellness room. Smaller, typically 2-4 person. Requires different plumbing (drain-on-use rather than permanent water) and is not interchangeable with outdoor units. Not part of the main Wellis range.

Aufblasbarer Whirlpool (inflatable)

Temporary, low-cost (€400-€1,500). Intex, Bestway, MSpa. Usable 6-8 months/year in Central European climate. Not built for full-year operation — fundamentally different product category to a real outdoor Whirlpool. If you're buying a Whirlpool Outdoor for year-round use, you want a rigid, insulated unit.

Plug & Play Whirlpool

A rigid, insulated outdoor Whirlpool that runs on a standard 16A domestic socket — no electrician required. Models: Wellis Mars, Castor, Callisto. Entry-level but full-featured, €5,429-€8,999. Excellent choice for renters or first-time buyers.

Hardwired Whirlpool (32-50A)

Larger outdoor Whirlpools that need a dedicated 230V or 400V electrical connection by a qualified electrician. All mid-range and premium models (Wellis CityLife, PeakLife, most Jacuzzi®, Hot Spring). Higher jet count, stronger heaters, more pumps.

Swim Spa

A larger variant (4.5-6m) that combines a full Whirlpool with a counter-current swim zone. Covered separately in our Wellis Swim Spa guide. Different product, different installation, different price tier (€17,999-€46,899).

Whirlpool Outdoor — Deep Dive

Whirlpool Outdoor — everything to know before buying

Outdoor Whirlpool is the dominant category in Germany and Austria. Buyers typically research for 2-6 months before purchasing. Here's what actually matters in the Outdoor Whirlpool category.

Year-round operation

A proper Whirlpool Outdoor unit runs 365 days/year in Central European winters. Look for Scandinavian full-foam insulation (not Polyfoam), a fitted thermal cover, and published energy ratings under 5 kWh/day. Wellis PeakLife and CityLife series use Life Scandinavian insulation standard.

Foundation & placement

Outdoor Whirlpools need a level, load-bearing base — typically a 200 mm concrete pad or a prepared paver/gravel bed rated for 500 kg/m². Clearance: minimum 1 m around the unit for service access. Electrical connection must be certified by a qualified electrician (unless Plug & Play).

Delivery & installation

Typical outdoor Whirlpools weigh 200-900 kg empty (up to 2,500 kg+ filled). Curbside delivery is free from authorised dealers like TwoRelax. Crane placement (white-glove) is often needed for properties without drive-up access — typically €600 extra.

Winterfestigkeit

Winter-capable Outdoor Whirlpools retain heat via full-foam insulation + a correctly-fitted thermal cover. Typical DE/AT winter energy cost: €40-90/month at 38°C. See our detailed analysis in Wellis Reviews & Experience.

Garden integration

Most Outdoor Whirlpools are set on a terrace, deck, or dedicated pad in the garden. Popular layouts include corner installations (Whirlpool Ecke im Garten), semi-inground (partially recessed), or full inground (flush with decking). Wellis swim spas also support full-inground.

Permissions (DE/AT)

In most German Bundesländer and Austrian federal states, outdoor Whirlpools under 100 m³ water volume are classified as movable installations rather than pools and do not require a building permit. Wellis Whirlpools hold 685-2,331 litres (0.7-2.3 m³) — well below the threshold. Always check with your local Gemeinde/Bauamt before installation.

Außenwhirlpool — DE/AT specifics

Außenwhirlpool — what's needed for German & Austrian outdoor year-round

"Außenwhirlpool" is the German term for a permanently installed outdoor hot tub. Search demand has grown ~900% YoY in DE/AT, mostly driven by buyers researching whether their climate, garden, and electricity setup actually support year-round outdoor operation. Honest answer: yes — but only with the right shell, insulation, and electrical spec.

What makes an Außenwhirlpool different

An Außenwhirlpool is built for permanent outdoor installation: rigid acrylic shell on a timber/WPS frame, full-thickness insulation, fitted thermal cover, and IP-rated electronics. Not the same as an inflatable or a covered indoor tub — both fail in DE/AT winters. A proper Außenwhirlpool runs at 38–40 °C while ambient sits at -15 °C with no part of the system freezing.

Insulation: summer-only vs 365-day

Polyfoam (sprayed under-shell foam) is the entry standard — workable for milder climates but adds €20–€40/month winter heating cost vs full-foam. Scandinavian full-foam insulation (entire cabinet packed) is the year-round-capable spec for DE/AT. Wellis offers a Scandinavian upgrade on every Plug & Play model.

Electricity: 16 A vs 32 A

Plug & Play Außenwhirlpool models run on a standard 16 A domestic socket — no electrician, no permit. Larger Wellis models (Premium, Elite series) require a 32 A hardwired connection installed by a qualified electrician. For first-time buyers in a rental or single-family home, 16 A Plug & Play removes the biggest installation barrier.

Garden placement & foundation

A filled Außenwhirlpool weighs 1,500–2,500 kg. Required base: 12 cm reinforced concrete slab, paving stones with sand bedding, or a properly rated wooden deck. Drainage 1–2 m away helps with periodic refills. Position to balance privacy, sun exposure, and short cable run to the socket.

Wellis Plug & Play range — all designed for Außenwhirlpool installation in DE/AT, all running on 16 A:

Related: winter-ready outdoor hot tubs · garden hot tub planning · inflatable vs. rigid comparison · 6-person outdoor models

Sizes

Whirlpool for 2 to 9 persons — how to choose

Whirlpool capacity is the #1 decision factor for most buyers. Here's a direct comparison by capacity with the matching Wellis models.

Capacity Typical dimensions Use case Matching Wellis models Price range
3 persons 1.6×2.1 m Couple, compact gardens, balconies Wellis Teide, Firenze, Manhattan, Mars (P&P) €5,429-€11,099
5 persons 2×2 m or 2.15×2.15 m Small family, couple with guests Wellis Everest, Makalu, Budapest, Palermo, Pluto, Callisto (P&P) €7,200-€14,999
6 persons 2.15×2.15 m or 2.3×2.3 m Family, small groups Wellis Kilimanjaro, Atlas, Malaga, Prague, Lugano, Venus, Jupiter, Castor (P&P) €7,999-€16,999
7 persons 2.15×2.15 m to 2.3×2.3 m Family, larger groups, no lounge Wellis Elbrus, Mandala, Vienna, Lima €11,399-€16,999
8-9 persons 3.54×2.3 m Large families, entertaining, multi-zone therapy Wellis Olympus (PeakLife flagship) €29,299

Rule of thumb: 1 "seat" = 1 adult bathing comfortably. A "6-person Whirlpool" seats 6 adults but typically only 3-4 will use it at once. Most DE/AT buyers overestimate their needs — a 5 or 6-person unit fits most families.

Brand comparison

Whirlpool brands compared — Wellis, Jacuzzi®, Hot Spring, MSpa, Brast

In the German-speaking market, buyers typically compare 3-5 brands before purchasing. Honest positioning of the major players.

Wellis (EU premium)

Hungarian manufacturer since 2003, 200,000+ units installed, 36 models across 5 series. TÜV + CE certified, up to 10-year shell warranty. Direct factory-to-EU supply chain. Priced 15-25% below US premium brands at comparable specs. About Wellis →

Jacuzzi® (US premium)

The original hot tub brand (Jacuzzi Brothers invented the hydrotherapy jet in 1956). Premium positioning, strong brand recognition in DE/AT. Longer supply chains (US-origin parts), typically 15-30% more expensive than Wellis at comparable tier. Note: Jacuzzi® is a registered trademark of Jacuzzi, Inc. TwoRelax is not affiliated with Jacuzzi and does not sell Jacuzzi®-branded products.

Hot Spring (US premium)

US manufacturer (Watkins Wellness), premium segment. Good reputation for reliability. Similar pricing to Jacuzzi®. Smaller European dealer network than Wellis. Transatlantic parts supply.

Canadian Spa, Aquavia, Villeroy & Boch

European competitors of Wellis. Broadly comparable quality, varying price/feature mixes. Aquavia (Spain) and Villeroy & Boch (Germany) both position upmarket. Canadian Spa is broader-range with mid-market focus.

MSpa, Brast, Intex, Bestway

Budget / inflatable category. Typically €400-€2,500. Not comparable to rigid outdoor Whirlpools — different product, different use case, different longevity. Suitable for seasonal / casual use only.

Bauhaus, Obi, Hornbach Whirlpools

German DIY chains that resell mixed-brand Whirlpools (often Wanda/AquaviaSpa/Sunspa variants). Prices and specs vary by location. Warranty and service via the chain, not directly from the manufacturer.

More guides

Continue reading

Researching winter operation?

Central European buyers especially need a hot tub that actually works in winter. See our objective buyer's guide: the real criteria, brand comparison, and recommended Wellis models with published winter energy ratings. Whirlpool Outdoor Winterfest — full guide →

Planning a hot tub for your garden?

Garden size, integration type, foundation, electrical, privacy — our Hot Tub in the Garden planning guide covers every planning decision with Wellis model recommendations for small, medium, and large gardens.

Looking for a 6-person hot tub?

Wellis offers 8 different 6-person models (PeakLife, CityLife, ClassicLine + Plug & Play) from €7,200 to €14,999. Direct comparison of all 8: 6-Person Outdoor Hot Tub — all 8 Wellis models →

Looking for a 4-person hot tub?

Wellis offers 10 models for 4-person families (5-person models with extra room + compact 3-person) from €5,429 to €11,099. Direct comparison: 4-Person Outdoor Hot Tub — Wellis model comparison →

Considering inflatable vs rigid?

Lifespan, energy, 10-year cost, hydrotherapy quality — honest comparison of both categories plus Wellis Plug & Play as the rigid entry point from €7200: Inflatable hot tub or rigid? →

Curious about running costs? Read the verifiable math: Hot tub electricity consumption & operating costs 2026 — kWh ranges, DE/AT electricity prices, and total operating costs by Wellis model.

Brand comparisons (independent, no affiliation):
Premium tier: Wellis vs Jacuzzi® · Wellis vs Hot Spring® · Wellis vs Sundance® Spas · Wellis vs Bullfrog Spas® · Wellis vs Villeroy & Boch · Wellis vs Spa Logic
Budget / inflatable tier: Wellis vs MSpa · Wellis vs Brast

Considering hydrotherapy applications? See our verified wellness guide: Hot tub for wellness & hydrotherapy — applications, safety, model selection · mechanisms, 9 wellness use cases, EU safety guidance, Wellis model recommendations.

Want to know more about TwoRelax? About TwoRelax — authorised Wellis online dealer for the EU · business details, what happens when you order, where to find Wellis reviews, FAQ.

Want the full multi-brand picture? Best hot tub brands in Europe 2026 — multi-criteria ranking — Wellis, Jacuzzi®, Hot Spring®, Sundance®, Bullfrog®, Villeroy & Boch, Spa Logic compared across 7 criteria.

Wellis or one of the alternatives? Wellis in brand comparison — when Wellis, when an alternative? — Wellis evaluated against 8 brands (Jacuzzi®, Hot Spring®, Sundance®, Bullfrog®, Villeroy & Boch, Spa Logic, MSpa, Brast).