Reviewing the Best Inflatable Hot Tubs of 2023
Intex PureSpa Plus Bubble Massage Set
Bestway SaluSpa Hawaii Air Jet Hot Tub
Bestway SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub
by Chris Riley Updated on February 7, 2023. In Reviews
Everybody deserves a chance to pamper themselves once in a while. If you figure out a way to do it at your home without having to rely on the unpredictable variables of the outside world, it makes it an even sweeter deal.
A hot tub is one of the most exciting things to look forward to when you are having one of those stressful days at work. It is one of those places where you can chill without a care in the world, at least during that session.
You can do it alone, with the family or a few close friends. If we have learned anything during this quarantine year, it will be that we need to have an activity that we can enjoy within the confines of our houses.
However, the reality is that not all of us can afford the traditional hot tubs that cost an arm and a leg. The best inflatable hot tubs offer a more affordable avenue to enjoy all these benefits without breaking the bank.
Below are the best inflatable hot tubs
1. Intex PureSpa Plus Bubble Massage Set
It can accommodate up to 4 people within its 58’ diameter sitting space.
They have employed Fiber-Tech construction on puncture-resistant three-ply laminated material, which renders it one of the most durable inflatable spas in the market currently.
It comes with an equally durable insulated cover to minimize heat loss and protect the hot tub when not in use from contamination by external agents.
This hot tub’s strongest attribute is the soothing massages allowed by 140 high-powered bubble jets coupled with a water temperature of up to 104˚F. This is adjusted via the touch of a button on an easy-to-use control panel to fit your personal preference. The panel is tilt adjustable for ease of access.
The spa’s interior is wonderfully done with two contoured headrests and multicolored LED lights that keep changing to spruce up the ambiance during those night spa sessions.
It is equipped with a built-in hard water treatment system that makes the water gentler on your skin, clothes, and the entire spa system. Cleaning is aided further by a floating chlorine dispenser.
Operation and maintenance are a walk in the park considering the water treatment system is built-in, the two filter cartridges are easy to replace, and it can be set up in under 20 minutes. It is also easy to deflate and comes with a carry bag for easy transport and storage.
It is accessorized with a ground cloth for insulation, a test strip to test the water acidity, and an inflation hose.
Intex offers a one-year limited warranty for all these inflatable hot tubs, which is a good deal by inflatable tub standards. It is a testament to their confidence in the tub and their willingness to help if you run into any problems with it.
Pros
• 1-year warranty
• Easy to set up and maintain
• Has headrests for relaxation
• Has a carry bag for storage
• Built-in hard water system
Cons
• Limited to 4 users
2. Bestway's SaluSpa Helsinki Airjet Inflatable Hot Tub
This is our best premium inflatable hot tub due to many enhanced qualities that separate it from the rest.
With a 67’ diameter, it can comfortably seat 5 to 7 people.
It is made of ultra-sturdy drop stitched tri-tech material made with Freeze Shield technology that is surprisingly light and an I-beam wall. The end product is a very strong, puncture-resistant, durable spa which happens to be one of the very rare inflatable hot tubs that can withstand the harsh winter conditions. The I-beam wall ensures it will not lose shape or buckle as people sit on the edge.
The hot tub can be automated even 72 hours in advance with a possible water temperature of up to 104˚F using a power-saving timer. This is done via a digital control panel with an LCD touch screen, which besides heating the water, controls the flow of the massaging bubbles coming from the 81 Helsinki air jets fitted in the hot tub.
The control panel can be conveniently operated from inside the tub as you enjoy your bubbly soak. This gives you the ability to determine the combination of air from the bubbles and heat from the spa that best suits your moods and soothing massage needs, as you will be feeling the effect directly.
It is easy to set up and maintain. The setup is fast because it employs its own multi-functional spa pump. Apart from inflating and deflating the spa within minutes, it also heats the water and regulates the filtration system. Consequently, the setup process requires no extra tools, and it heats up faster than your average inflatable hot tub.
The tub is gentle to your skin thanks to a water softening system that reduces the effects of hard water on you to prevent skin irritation and staining on the material.
This system, dubbed clear soft, comprises a ChemConnect chemical dispenser that evenly disperses a stable chlorine level throughout the spa to keep the water clean and healthy. It is integrated with two type VI filter cartridges and ensures the water is clean throughout.
It comes in a stylish wood paneling print design that gives the illusion of a real wooden spa or an exotic hot spring resort in your backyard. It blends in so well you need to keep reminding yourself that it is an inflatable hot tub.
It is compact with ergonomic lift handles that make it easy to move around in the yard. It also deflates compactly for storage and transportation when not in use.
This inflatable hot tub comes with a cover made from the same durable material. The cover keeps the water clean, preventing external impurities such as leaves and dust from getting in.
It also plays a very crucial role in maintaining the water temperature of the hot tub. A covered tub heats faster as no energy is lost to the atmosphere. It also retains the heat inside the hot tub and prevents rainwater from cooling the spa. It is an economical accessory.
The cover also acts as a safety measure to deter unsupervised children from getting into the hot tub.
Among this portable tub’s extras is a cushioned floor for easy sitting in the hot tub, a ground mat, and a repair kit complete with patches and glue. It is sure to provide you with the ultimate spa experience.
Pros
• The premium massaging jet system
• Integrated water filtration system
• Can seat up to seven people
• All season functionality
Cons
• Expensive cost of purchase
3. Bestway SaluSpa Hawaii Air Jet Hot Tub
The 71×71’ sitting area can fit 4 to 6 adults.
All crucial parts are covered under their warranty; 360 days for the heater pump, 180 days for the pool liner, and 30 days for the hoses, fittings, and accessories included in the package from the original date of purchase.
The inflatable walls are of UV light and puncture-resistant 3-ply material made using TriTech technology. This makes it comfortable, durable, and ensures it retains its shape through the numerous inflations and deflations.
It has two well-placed handles that can be used to lift and relocate it when empty.
It comes with an equally reinforced inflatable cover fitted with safety lock clips and a built-in air chamber for extra insulation.
A rapid heating system working together with 114 surrounding air jets at the bottom of the spa to release bubbles provides a comfortable massage experience as the temperature rises to a soothing 104˚F.
This will definitely help you relax, unwind, meditate, or just chill in your spa that has a cushioned floor for extra comfort.
It holds up to 177 gallons of water at optimum capacity. This is kept clean and healthy via an integrated water filtration system comprising 1 ChemConnect floating chemical dispenser to provide a stable level of chlorine, two filter cartridges (IV), and a convenient drain valve.
This hot tub comes with a versatile pump used for inflation, heating it, filtration management, and control of the massage system. All these operations can be conveniently done at the touch of a button on the digital control panel at your disposal.
The package includes one pool liner for insulation, an air pad protector, and a repair patch for do it yourself fixing in case of emergency.
Pros
• Gives the best value for the money spent on all the features
• Efficient insulating cover
• Sturdy, durable material
• Has a limited 1-year warranty
• The square shape gives room to accommodate more people
Cons
• There have been complaints about the fine print in the manual being hard to read on account of small fonts.
4. Bestway SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub
This hot tub fits four grown-ups in its 52” diameter pool.
It comes with a multi-functional pump that inflates the tub, heats the water, runs the massage system, and filtration controls.
You have the privilege of controlling all these without leaving the tub via a digital control panel. You can create your optimum hot tub condition by adjusting the release of soothing air bubbles from the bottom of the spa and the water temperature, which goes up to 104˚F.
It is possible to pre-set the temperature of the hot tub up to 72 hours in advance. This function also doubles up as a power-saving timer, to prevent accruing bills on unused energy.
The material and design are such that it is durable and never loses shape through the numerous inflations and deflations.
The inflatable walls are made using material on which TriTech technology has been applied to make it stronger, puncture-resistant, and durable. I-beam construction ensures the tub retains its shape even with people sitting on the side walls.
The Miami inflatable hot tub comes with an efficient water treatment system that protects you and the tub from hard water extremities. The filtration system is run through the pump via the convenient digital control panel.
It works alongside a ChemConnect dispenser that ensures even distribution of chlorine throughout the spa at a stable rate.
It comes with a reinforced cover which keeps the water clean from leaves and other debris while maintaining the temperature. It is fastened with safety clips for extra insulation and keeps the hot tub safe from unsupervised children and pets.
It is easy to set up and maintain for a number of reasons; key among them is the versatile pump that inflates and deflates the tub while operating the filter. It has lift handles to enable movement around the compound easily, and it also deflates compactly when you want to store or relocate it.
Pros
• Easy to set up and maintain
• Energy-saving timer incorporated
• The convenience of controlling temperature and massage systems without leaving the tub
Cons
• Limited to 4 people
5. Lay-Z-Spa Siena AirJet - Best 2 Person Inflatable Hot Tub
Our best 2-person inflatable hot tub.
It can reach an idyllic temperature of 104˚F through the new, improved rapid heating system that heats the water and simultaneously blows air bubbles.
It has 127 all-surrounding air jets working together to create thousands of rejuvenating bubbles, the highest number in a Lay-Z-Spa hot tub. It is a 2-person tub; this makes it one of the most effective hot tub massage systems.
The Siena has been specifically designed for two people with intimacy in mind. It has extra room for reclining and a removable beverage table to facilitate those uninterrupted self-pampering sessions with your significant other.
You can also choose to enjoy the extra length of the hot tub solo for those well-earned alone times. With a capacity of 135 gallons, it makes more sense to fill up this baby than other bigger hot tubs for a single person dip.
You can set up your spa session 72 hours in advance using a timer, saving energy in the process.
It is built for longevity using TriTech formed material for the inflatable walls and I-beam construction that allows it to maintain its shape through numerous inflations and deflations.
The floor is lined with a bubble mat floor protector that provides that extra soft cushioning. The result is you have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your hot tub is made from the toughest material and yet is comfortable enough for your enjoyment.
The water cleaning system is very effective; it comes with two filter cartridges and a filter housing unit operated by the same pump that heats the water and inflates the tub.
They have also thrown in a floating chemical dispenser for your spa cleaning chemicals to maintain clean and healthy water.
It is quite easy to set up and maintain going by a majority of reviews. A vast majority had it set up and filling with water within 10 minutes. It does not require professional installation or tools.
They are not taking chances; however, each inflatable hot tub comes with a setup and maintenance DVD for you to reference to maximize your tub’s utility.
The Siena Lay-Z-Spa comes with an inflatable leather cover fitted with double lock safety clips to hold it in place. This provides extra insulation while protecting the water from tampering when the hot tub is not in use.
This hot tub is covered by an extendable 1-year warranty, which shows the manufacturer has that much faith in its longevity.
Pros
• Energy-saving efficiency because the amount of water to be heated is less
• Easy to set up and maintain
• Beverage holding table provided
• Energy-saving timer
Cons
• Limited to a maximum of 2 people
6. Bestway Lay-Z-Spa Monaco Hot Tub - Best Large Capacity Hot Tub
The best large capacity inflatable hot tub.
With enough space to fit up to 8 people, it is one of the largest as far as inflatable hot tubs are concerned.
The walls become very rigid when inflated, mimicking a permanent tub. The drop stitch technology used on the material makes it highly durable and leak proof. The narrow walls also help in creating space inside the tub without losing its compactness.
It is deceivingly large for the space it occupies; with a water capacity of 384 gallons and an occupant capacity of 8 people, it sits on 79”x27” which is not too imposing that it will stand out in your yard. The single color design of the tub and tank also merges them into one single unit visually, obscuring the fact that you are staring at a complex machine.
The hot tub is easy to assemble; use the provided air pump to inflate the strong outer wall and the lid, which comes with the package. Then you attach the heater pump to the tub, and you can start filling it with water.
The entire process thus far should not take more than 10 minutes. As an extra precaution, you will find they have attached a free set up and maintenance guide DVD to aid as you get the hang of it.
The lid is also inflatable so that it can be used as an insulator as well. Having the lid on reduces drastically the time it takes to heat the hot tub. It then helps maintain the temperature while keeping out contaminants like leaves and other debris. It has a leatherwood cover and hardwearing clips to help secure it in place.
Looks aside, this hot tub has all the functionalities you would dream of getting from a spa. It has 90 separate air jets distributed throughout that are good for massaging the joints and improving blood circulation.
The massage system is integrated with the rapid water heating system, which gets the water to temperatures of up to 104˚F. The heater, which uses 220 to 240V, is equipped with an energy-saving timer that allows you to prepare your dip in advance.
The large capacity of the tub means it typically takes 6 to 12 hours to heat up fully. You can set the heater in the morning for an evening dip. You can schedule when you want your heater to activate the temperature and heating duration.
It has a water treatment system with filter cartridges built into the housing unit big enough to keep your water clean and clear. The package comes with two filter cartridges. A chemical floater that holds chlorine tablets and distributes the chemical evenly is also inclusive.
The filtration system is conveniently integrated into the same pump that pushes the bubbles in the massage system.
The Monaco comes with a digital control panel that controls the pump and extension of the heating, massaging, and filtration systems to make all these operations seamless. You can manipulate everything at the touch of a button.
Their very considerate packaging also features an air pump and pressure gauge to fill up the hot tub.
This hot tub is usable all year round, even through winter. It can still go up to 104˚F, which is perfect for combating the winter chill. You can install it indoors if you are concerned about the snow and freezing.
The pump is surprisingly silent for such a large spa. The air jets’ distribution is such that the noise is not concentrated, and you can enjoy a decent conversation in the tub while it is on.
It still comes with a setup and maintenance DVD that you can refer to if you are stuck, as much as setting up is easy and straightforward.
Finally, it has a one-year warranty, which should give you the peace of mind that the manufacturer has faith in their hot tub.
For a hot tub of this size and all the benefits it comes with, we believe it is a worthwhile investment. It does pretty much everything you would expect from a hot tub, and yet it is still movable and can be packaged and transported. It is ideal for your large family or when entertaining guests.
Pros
• It can be used all year round
• Large capacity of up to 8 people
• Heating system control inclusive of a timer
Cons
• Expensive to purchase
• Higher energy consumption
Considerations When Choosing the Best Inflatable Hot Tub
There are no blanket rights or wrongs when it comes to this decision. It is usually a personal compromise between size, functionality, and affordability. The items to be considered are, however, standard, as we shall see shortly.
Check on the Warranties
You don’t want the day you made the purchase to be the last time you deal with the seller. They should be available to answer your questions and sort out your issues, at least until you establish you got what you paid for. You should read the warranty details and see exactly what is covered and the period. The warranty is usually an indicator of how much confidence the seller has in the product’s longevity.
The average warranty period for inflatable hot tubs is usually one year. This should, however, not be taken to mean they can only last for 12 months. The duration of your inflatable spa will last is more dependent on how you take care of it and the frequency of use.
Sanitization
Every hot tub should be equipped with a filtration system to purify the water. This should capture water from all directions and get rid of all those contaminants. It ultimately impacts the amount of work you will need to maintain your hot tub in good condition. Every so often, you need to replace the filters.
The filtration system works hand in hand with specified amounts of chemicals such as chlorine in water sanitization. These are introduced as disinfectants to kill disease-causing pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, which thrive in stationary water.
They should be regulated as too much may lead to allergic reactions or even wear out your hot tub due to chemical reactions with the tub material.
A decent hot tub will have a mechanism to distribute the chemical in regulated amounts for optimal results evenly. It is hard to measure the correct amount using the naked eye.
Hydrotherapy
Spas have been used for health purposes for as long as they have existed. There are various types of hydrotherapy. The whirlpool effect of the bubbles generated by these hot tubs increases circulation, opens up arteries, and relieves the pressure from joints.
Different tubs have different ratings ranging from fully powered multi-jet experiences to milder, more reserved jets. The level of intensity is not fixed and can be adjusted on the same hot tub.
It all boils down to your needs and preferences weighed against your budget. The greater the range, the more you should be willing to part with.
Capacity
You should have an idea of the number of people who will be using the hot tub when weighing your options. Having a large spa that is not used to capacity exposes you to many unnecessary bills that could otherwise be avoided.
On the other hand, too small will mean you never get the chance to relax as it will always be a tight squeeze or too crowded.
The advertised capacity often falls short as we fail to consider the footwell, the bottom part in the middle of the spa where all your feet rest. The best practice is to give an allowance of one or two people.
Construction of the Hot Tub
Most walls are made of reinforced PVC indicated with proprietary names like Fiber Tech, TriTech, and so on, as we have seen in our review. They reinforce this with a vertical beam structure like the I-beam to make the tub sturdy to maintain the shape.
It is important to look into the construction to ensure you get a durable tub, which is also resistant to tears and perforations.
Accessories
These come in a wide spectrum for your portable spa. Dispensers for chemicals like chlorine or bromine will be particularly handy if the tub will be left filled for weeks.
Test strips to determine acidity levels of the water are also occasionally thrown in.
Seat cushions for extra comfort and ground mats to protect the tub from ground damage also come in handy. The more accessories you can squeeze in the deal, the better for you.
Always be on the lookout.
Recurrent Costs
Besides the cost of buying the inflatable hot tub, the other costs you should be looking at are the recurrent costs. They quickly undo any savings you might have made when you bought the spa if you are not careful. They are a constant demand that should be tamed in advance to make that all-important purchasing decision.
Energy Efficiency
You factor in a few variables when trying to determine the energy efficiency of an inflatable hot tub:
The insulation levels: The more insulated it is, the less energy it needs to heat up and maintain the temperature, and the less it will cost you.
The pump capacity: Smaller pumps consume less power than larger pumps.
The pump and the heater’s power efficiency: How much of the power consumed is converted felt in the hot tub?
How long the heater is kept running: This is mostly dependent on the difference between the prevailing temperature of the water and the temperature at which we want to run the hot tub.
- To bridge this gap, you may opt to use water from a tankless water heater to fill the tub as this will use less energy. You can always contact an experienced contractor to connect your hot tub to your hot water source.
- The prevailing room temperature also influences how hot the water will be as the air jets draw in air from the atmosphere. Switching on your already installed house heater can go a long way in maintaining the water temperature, especially if the hot tub is fitted indoors.
Ease of Maintenance
It is important to find a hot tub that will require the least input in terms of maintenance as you are looking to unwind after a hard day’s work, not to substitute your regular work with spa maintenance.
Congratulations on making it this far. We trust you are now armed with enough information to go out there and check out your options regarding an inflatable model over a traditional hot tub.
Finding the best inflatable hot tub is a process that should not be rushed because if you find the best, you are going to be stuck with it for some time. Who wouldn’t want to be stuck with the greatest portable and inflatable jacuzzi that their money could fetch?
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