Do you want to add a hot tub to your yard without breaking the bank? An inflatable hot tub is a great solution. Blow-up spas offer almost everything that a permanent hot tub does but at a lower price and with the added convenience of portability.
Mid-range large spa with a lot of powerful jets.
Best Inflatable Hot Tubs & Spas of 2020
Bestway Helsinki SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub
Features:
- Size: 70.9 x 26 inches
- Capacity: 5-7 people
- Water Capacity: 297 gallons
- Maximum Temperature: 104° F (40° C)
- Energy Rating: 110V
- Jets: 83 bubble jets
This inflatable hot tub looks a bit different than its competition. The faux-wood print and rigid body make it look like a permanently fixed spa, which stands out against the other obviously inflatable options available for purchase. This attention to form as well as function will be of interest to people who consider these products to be eyesores but don’t want to invest in an actual permanent unit.
Fairly large in size, it can accommodate between 5 to 7 adults making it appealing for families that want a hot tub to share. 83 bubble-jets stream from the bottom when in use, and while they don’t have the same power as traditional jets, they are lauded as comfortable and pleasant.
An attached chemical dispenser makes chlorination automatic, though water testing should still be conducted regularly if left set up over long periods of time.
This hot tub can heat it’s water up to 104° F (40° C), but unfortunately takes quite some time to do so. Some customers have stated it took days for the temperature to reach the threshold they desired. However, it seems very well insulated and holds the temp well once it’s reached, even with the cover off.
- Faux-wood distinguishes it from other inflatable models.
- Large size can accommodate larger adults.
- Takes a long time to heat up.
- Very costly energy bill.
Bottom Line
An inflatable hot tub disguised as a permanent unit affords all the comforts of a traditional spa, while still offering the portability and other advantages of non-fixed units.
EDITOR’S PICK Intex Pure Spa Inflatable 6-Person Bubble Hot Tub
Intex is a leader in the inflatable hot tubs market and this is one the best ones they make. It’s convenient for both storage and transport thanks to the fast deflation time and the included carrying case. It has high-powered jets for massage-like relaxation. Optional back rests and colored underwater LED lights are included as well.
Features
- Size: 77 inches on the outside and 57 inches on the inside
- Seating capacity: 4 people
- Water Capacity: 210 gallons
- Maximum Temp: 104° F
- Energy Rating: 110 Volts
- Jets: 140
- large size
- easy set up
- optional back rests
- cover included
- powerful jets
- underwater lights
- not everyone will love the back rests
- loses heat quickly, especially when jets are on
Bottom Line
There is a lot of value in this mid-range inflatable jacuzzi from Intex. It is large, easy to use, and has a lot of powerful jets.
Hot Tub Buying Guide
The Advantages of Inflatable Hot Tubs
Perhaps most importantly, the lower price points of inflatables are just really attractive. Before the blow-up hot tub was an option, buying a spa of your own meant laying down a hefty sum of cash. Inflatables are generally very affordable.
Inflatable hot tubs are also much more portable than a solid, pre-fabricated hot tub. It’s entirely reasonable to take the hot tub with you from location to location or even from outside to inside. This is also a great option if you only want to use the hot tub seasonally. You can save on heating and maintenance costs by packing it up until the next year.
Comfort is another positive with inflatable hot tubs. They don’t typically have the built-in seats that you’ll see in solid hot tubs, but they do tend to have a bit of cushion. Inflatables are surprisingly sturdy, but they still have just enough of the cushiony feeling you might expect from something filled with air.
The Disadvantages of Inflatable Hot Tubs
Inflatable hot tubs have some strong pros, but there are also some definite disadvantages. These are mostly centered around heat. Most inflatable hot tubs will reach a good temperature but they tend to take a lot longer to reach that temperature compared to a solid hot tub. This will result in a higher electricity bill. A major reason why inflatables take longer to heat is that they experience more heat loss. Inflatables don’t tend to have much insulation. This means that you’ll be losing heat more quickly which means it will take more energy to heat up and maintain that temperature.
The cost of electricity varies widely by location, but it averages around $0.10 per Kilowatt Hour. The more heat you lose means the more energy has to be expended to maintain the temperature you want. Things like hot tub covers or blankets will help you trap heat inside the hot tub so you won’t have to use quite as much energy to get back to your goal temperature. The cost of heating inflatable hot tubs can be anywhere from $20 to $100+ each month, depending on the particular model and how much you use it.
How to Choose the Best Inflatable Spa
First, consider what you can afford. After that, it just comes down to personal preference and priorities. Consider:
- how it looks
- capacity
- size
- jet power
- comfort
Which of these matters most to you?
Think About Overall Design
Let’s be honest. Most inflatable hot tubs aren’t exactly beautiful. Some people might think they look cheap or tacky. If you care about that, you should make sure to consider your overall design. Check out this video for some design inspiration and ideas for how to use landscaping and patio furniture to make your hot tub look great:
Conclusion
Inflatable hot tubs can be a good investment. Each of the hot tubs on this list has something to offer. To choose the right one for you, consider what you can afford and think about what features matter most to you. Make sure to consider size and capacity.
