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The Best Inflatable Hot Tubs in 2023

by Ethan Miller
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Best Inflatable Hot Tubs

Inflatable hot tubs are extremely enticing and there are some high-quality options available. Though don’t be fooled, there are plenty of inflatable hot tubs out there that will end with you feeling, well, ‘deflated’.

No one wants to get all amped to use a new inflatable hot tub only for it to shatter their hopes and dreams. That’s why we’ve compiled this review.

If you’re looking for an inflatable hot tub of your own but don’t want to fall victim to a bad purchase, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve researched and listed the best inflatable hot tubs out there and compared their features for distinction.

For instance, we’ve compared materials to determine the sturdiest hot tubs, like our top pick the Coleman SaluSpa, and the not-so-sturdy ones. To find the perfect one for you, continue reading the inflatable hot tub reviews.

The 9 Best Inflatable Hot Tubs:

1. Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub Spa

Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub Spa

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The Coleman SaluSpa is one of the best-rated hot tubs being made today and for good reason. In addition to inflating and deflating in just a few minutes, it has a handy timer as well. You can set the timer to any time you want and it will automatically heat the water and get it ready for serious relaxation.

It’s also one of the most reliable hot tubs around. Made of durable Tri-Tech PVC, it will last for years with proper care. When you factor in its Lay-Z Massage System, terrific heater, and integrated water filtration system to take care of cloudy hot tub water, it ranks right up there with the best in almost all hot tub comparisons.

On the downside, it’s best for four or fewer people and not the best option for families or entertainers. Nonetheless, with digital temperature controls, a cushioned floor, and cool looking liner in addition to everything else it offers, this Coleman is arguably the best 4-person hot tub your hard-earned money can buy.

The Coleman SaluSpa is well-made with thoughtful features you’re sure to appreciate. If you’re hunting for a great all-around spa with a great reputation, it’s tough to beat.

Pros

  • Easy installation and setup
  • Good quality
  • Quiet operation
  • Very comfortable
  • Massaging bubbles feels great

Cons

  • Not the largest tub out there
  • The power shuts off after three days of non-use

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2. Intex 28429E PureSpa Plus 6.4 Foot Diameter 4 Person Portable Inflatable Hot Tub Spa

Intex 28429E PureSpa Plus 6.4 Foot Diameter 4 Person Portable Inflatable Hot Tub Spa

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Skroutz may not be a household name or one of the top hot tub brands, but they make arguably the best inflatable hot tub on the market today.

The Intex 28429E PureSpa Plus 6.4 Foot Diameter 4 Person Portable Inflatable Hot Tub Spa only takes about 20 minutes to set up, and unlike other inflatable hot tubs, it’s designed to heat up air before bubbling it through the water. This makes it much more effective and energy-efficient.

The well-made inflatable spa also features a built-in water treatment and softening system to make it more soothing on your skin and prevent system corrosion. With a durable, puncture-resistant Fiber-Tech construction, insulated cover, floating chlorine dispenser, carry bag, and quiet operation as well, it definitely earns a spot at the top of our list.

It’s a little-known contender that may not be mentioned in a bunch of inflatable hot tub reviews. However, if you want a smartly made inflatable tub that seats six and works as it should, the Intex 28429E PureSpa Plus 6.4 Foot Diameter 4-Person Portable Inflatable Hot Tub Spa won’t disappoint.

The Intex 28429E PureSpa Plus 6.4 Foot Diameter 4 Person Portable Inflatable Hot Tub Spa isn’t very well-known, but it’s surprisingly well-made and equipped with some neat features, earning it the top spot in our hot tub reviews. If you want a large, quality tub at a great price, this impressive inflatable may be a great fit.

Pros

  • Very efficient
  • Plenty of room for up to six people
  • A ton of bubble jets
  • Heats up quickly
  • Great materials and construction

Cons

  • Not a household name
  • Jet bubbles aren’t very powerful

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3. Bestway Hawaii AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub Spa

Bestway Hawaii AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub Spa

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As you’ve probably seen from reading inflatable hot tub reviews, very few blow-up tubs can compete with the Bestway SaluSpa Hawaii Inflatable Hot Tub in terms of fun, entertainment, and ease of use. It’s also considered by many as the best inflatable hot tub value on the market today.

Like other SaluSpas, this impressive six-person inflatable is made of durable three-ply Tri-Tech material and features an air jet massage system with adjustable digital controls. However, unlike other models, it also comes equipped with a convenient drink tray, a cleaning toolset, six cartridge features, and a Bluetooth-enabled entertainment center for serious fun and relaxation.

With a rapid heating system, chlorine or bromine floater, two cup holders, and an insulated cover as well, it’s the ultimate spa package.

If you’re in the market for a fun inflatable tub for affordable relaxation and good times, the Bestway SaluSpa Hawaii 6-Person Inflatable Hot Tub w/ Music Center is a great option. With ample room, a slew of features, and excellent hot tub ratings, it’s a whole lot of fun for an affordable price.

Pros

  • Awesome built-in Bluetooth music player
  • Heats up quickly despite its size
  • Great for families or entertaining
  • Super fun and relaxing
  • Great value

Cons

  • The Jets could be stronger
  • A little larger and takes longer to set up

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4. INTEX 28425E PureSpa Bubble Massage, Inflatable Spa Set, Tan, 4-Person

INTEX 28425E PureSpa Bubble Massage, Inflatable Spa Set, Tan, 4-Person

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The Intex 77-Inch PureSpa is a quality hot tub with sturdy construction, stylish design, and a bevy of features, which earns it a spot in any hot tub buying guide.

Thanks to its adjustable digital thermostat and built-in water softener, it’s gentle on the skin and allows you to conveniently set the perfect temp for your individualized needs. It also provides a gentle massage through the use of 120 bubble jets and also has a cushioned floor for the ultimate relaxation experience.

Not happy with stopping there, the folks at Intex decided to add a fabric-coated wall for extra style and sturdiness as well. Plus, like other premium spas mentioned in these inflatable hot tub reviews, it comes with an insulated locking cover for added safety and minimum heat loss.

With all of these features and functions, it’s easily one of the best inflatable hot tub options available.

Stylish, easy to use, and hugely popular, the Intex 77-Inch PureSpa Portable Bubble Massage Spa Set is right up there with the other great inflatable hot tubs on this list. While it does have a few drawbacks, it definitely fits the bill if you’re in the market for an affordable, portable hot tub for relaxation and fun.

Pros

  • Well-made and looks great
  • Excellent lining and panels
  • Water softener and massaging jet bubbles work well
  • Very portable and easy to use
  • Excellent customer service

Cons

  • Sturdy but not the most durable option
  • The electric cord could be longer
  • The Control panel can be finicky in extremely hot or cold temps
  • Only suitable for up to four people

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5.  Bestway St. Lucia SaluSpa 2 to 3-Person Inflatable Round Outdoor Hot Tub

Bestway St. Lucia SaluSpa 2 to 3 Person Inflatable Round Outdoor Hot Tub

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Four and six-person hot tubs are a dime a dozen. However, if your idea of the best hot tub is a small portable hot tub that’s perfect for one or two people and you can set up virtually anywhere, the Bestway 1060038USX21 SaluSpa AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub is right up your alley.

Perfect for relaxing after work or enjoying romantic evenings with your special someone, this mighty little spa heats water up to 104 degrees and features 120 massaging air jets and comfy seating for two. Like other quality hot tubs, the Bestway SaluSpa Siena also has an automatic timer, so it will always be ready whenever you’re ready to relax.

Other nice features include an insulated cover, a floating chlorine device, a beverage table, and a handy instructional DVD. Considering all of this along with Siena’s quality construction and unique two-person design, it’s easily the best 2 person hot tub being made today.

The Bestway 1060038USX21 SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub is a terrific outdoor or indoor portable hot tub for therapeutic soaks after work or romantic evenings with your significant other. In addition to its unique two-person design, it comes with all of the bells and whistles to provide a fun, convenient, and relaxing spa experience anytime, anywhere.

Product Features

  • Tri-Tech construction
  • SaluSpa massage system w/120 jets
  • Unique, contoured seating for two
  • Automatic timer
  • Adjustable temp controls
  • Beverage table
  • Floating chlorine dispenser
  • Pump inflator
  • Insulated cover
  • Instructional DVD[/su_list]

Pros

  • Very small and portable
  • Heats up quickly
  • Comfortable seating for two
  • Great for solo soaking and romantic nights
  • The beverage table is a nice plus
  • Bubble jets work well

Cons

  • Only suitable for two people max
  • Not wide enough to stretch out

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6. M-SPA Lite Alpine Square Relaxation and Hydrotherapy Outdoor Spa

M-SPA 4 Persons Inflatable Hot Tub Silver Cloud 2019 Series with Remote Control

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Rounding out the list, the M-SPA Lite Alpine is a large square-sized outdoor inflatable spa capable of comfortably fitting up to four people. It’s lightweight, which adds to its portability, and it features a sleek and stylish charcoal gray exterior and premium silver metallic PVC liner.

Beyond its looks, the M-SPA Lite Alpine features over 100 air jets for ultimate bubble therapy and relaxation. With Whisper Quiet technology and an LED control panel as well, it’s the perfect spa for modern families who love modern design.

On the downside, there’s no water softener or water treatment system included. However, you can easily purchase a floating chlorine dispenser, water-softening devices, and other accessories to keep it spic and span for maximum fun and relaxation.

The M-SPA Lite Alpine is modern, stylish, and large enough for families, entertaining, and endless fun. If you’re into modern good looks, appreciate function, and have the space, this may just be the inflatable hot tub for you.

Pros

  • Looks outstanding
  • A unique square shape fits a lot of people
  • Very durable materials
  • A ton of air jets

Cons

  • A large footprint takes up more space
  • Takes a while to heat
  • No timer
  • The thermal ground mat isn’t cushioned

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7. Modern-Depo M-spa 6-Person Tekapo Inflatable Hot Tub

Modern-Depo MSpa Tekapo Inflatable 6 Person Hot Tub Jet Bubble Massage Outdoor Spa | D-TE06

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New to the market, the Modern-Depo MSpa Tekapo Inflatable 6-Person Hot Tub has few inflatable hot tub reviews and plenty to be wary about, or so we thought. So far, however, it’s proven to be a solid tub well worth its affordable price tag.

A nice surprise with the Goplus is its integrated heater and blower unit. Unlike other spas with big and bulky heaters protruding from the sides, this nifty inflatable hot tub has them built inside of the wall.

Speaking of walls, it also features a durable Dura-Tech PVC construction, allowing it to withstand multiple summers and winters with proper care.

To top it all off, this Modern-Depo MSpa Tekapo Inflatable 6-Person Hot Tub has easy-to-use digital controls and a built-in hard-water treatment system as well, putting it right up there with other great spas in terms of features and ease of use.

This Modern-Depo inflatable hot tub may be new to the market, but it’s made to last and features a unique built-in heater and blowing system for an appealing streamlined look. Although the heater is smaller and takes a little longer to heat the large six-person tub, it checks every other box and is definitely worth considering.

Pros

  • Nice looks and design
  • Innovative built-in heating system
  • Easy-to-use control panel
  • Able to fit up to six adults

Cons

  • The company hasn’t been around for long
  • Takes a while to heat

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8. ALEKO 265 Gallon Water Capacity 6 Person Round Inflatable High Powered Bubble Jetted Hot Tub Spa

ALEKO HTIR6BRW Round Inflatable Hot Tub Spa with Cover, 6 Person Portable Hot Tub - 265 Gallon Brown and White

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The ALEKO 6-Person Round Inflatable Spa isn’t one of the top-rated hot tubs out there and you won’t find it mentioned in many inflatable hot tub reviews. However, it’s well-built and has a small footprint for its seating capacity, making it an extremely portable inflatable spa that can be enjoyed for years.

This portable tub comfortably sits four or five people but six may be a stretch. However, in addition to looking nice, its classic round shape offers plenty of seating flexibility.

Like other quality spas, the ALEKO is also made of durable PVC, heats water up to 104 degrees, and features a bubble system for serious soaking enjoyment.

It’s also equipped with a 110/120V power pack, which combined with the ALEKO’s round shape helps make it one of the best portable hot tub options around, especially for those who want to enjoy an inflatable hot tub any time of year indoors and out.

The ALEKO 6-Person Round Inflatable Hot Tub is built well with quality materials and works as advertised. While it lacks a few features, it works as advertised and has a classic round shape that looks great and offers plenty of seating flexibility.

Pros

  • Sturdy and well-made
  • Portable design
  • Easy to use
  • Heater works good

Cons

  • A tight squeeze for six adults
  • The bubbler system is a little weak

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9. BlueWave NP5767 71 in. Pinnacle Spa Deluxe Inflatable Hot Tub

BlueWave NP5767 71 in. Pinnacle Spa Deluxe Inflatable Hot Tub

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Some spas provide the perfect combination of good looks, relaxation, and quality construction. The Bestway SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub, 4-Person AirJet Spa is one of them.

Not only does the Bestway SaluSpa have stunning good looks for an inflatable hot tub, but it also allows everyday people to enjoy affordable luxury and relaxation virtually anywhere, anytime day or night. With 120 massaging air jets and an exclusive Integrated Bubble Therapy System, a PureFlow filtration system, a heat retention mat, and digital controls, it’s hands down one of the best small inflatable hot tub options around.

Of course, as one of the best hot tubs, it also features a durable and puncture-resistant DuraTech PVC construction and black synthetic leather upper for added durability and sophisticated good looks. In other words, it has it all.

While it’s a bit on the small side and only made to comfortably fit two to three full-size adults, if you don’t need a large oversized spa, it definitely deserves a second look.

The Bestway SaluSpa is a well-made inflatable hot tub with exclusive technology and excellent features for an enjoyable hot tub experience. If you’re reading this hot tub review in search of a great all-around hot tub that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg and will serve you well for years, it’s hard to go wrong with this Bestway.

Pros

  • Looks great
  • Very well-made
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Excellent air-jet bubble system
  • The filtration system works great

Cons

  • Only suitable for a few people
  • The power cord could be longer
  • Prone to fading and cracking when left in the sun

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What Is an Inflatable Hot Tub?

Whether you’re looking for an indoor inflatable hot tub or want a larger one to enjoy outdoors, there are plenty of options to choose from to provide you with all of the benefits of the hot tub you seek.

Inflatable hot tubs are portable hot tubs that can be easily inflated or deflated at a moment’s notice. Compared to traditional or even plug-and-play hot tubs, inflatable models offer a slew of hot tub benefits. They’re incredibly affordable, low maintenance, and easy to set up, making them a popular option for today’s budget-conscious, on-the-go hot tub lovers.

Benefits of an Inflatable Hot Tub:

Portability

Obviously, one of the best benefits of an inflatable hot tub is the ability to take it with you and enjoy it anywhere within reach of a power outlet. Unlike traditional in-ground and above-ground hot tubs, which are either impossible or difficult to move, inflatable hot tubs are designed with portability in mind.

However, don’t let this fool you. When it comes to inflatable hot tubs, portable doesn’t mean basic. In fact, there are several cool hot tub options out there that can be inflated or deflated with ease. You can even find a hot tub with seats and add cup holders, floating tables, and other accessories for added comfort, convenience, and R&R.

Affordability

Despite being made from high-quality leak and weather-resistant materials, inflatable hot tubs are much less expensive than standard above-ground hot tubs and even other plug-and-play models. When it comes to inflatable spas, even the coolest hot tub on the market will only set you back a fraction of what a traditional or plug-and-play hot tub would cost.

Ease of Use

You definitely don’t need a “Hot Tub for Dummies” book or any other help to set up and use an inflatable spa. In fact, setting up and starting up a hot tub is easy as can be. Simply use an air compressor to blow it up, a garden hose to fill it up, and plug it in. That’s all there is to it. Some even have jet and temperature controls.

Stress Relief

Have you been dreaming of coming home from work to a hot, bubbling soak, and relaxing in your very own hot tub? Guess what, you can! Since inflatable hot tubs are surprisingly energy-efficient, you can leave yours plugged in and step into relaxing bliss whenever you want. With soothing hot water bubbles pulsating from hundreds of tiny jets, you’ll experience instant stress relief!

Good for Your Health

Believe it or not, hot tubs can be good for your health. Not only do they help with back, muscle, and joint pain, but they can help lower blood sugar and pressure as well.

Fun, Fun, Fun

What’s life without a little fun? Whether it’s snowy outside or you’re hanging out poolside on a summer day, your inflatable hot tub will become the life of the party. Some can even fit up to eight people, and with the right accessories, you’re guaranteed to have some fun!

Tips on Choosing the Best Inflatable Hot Tub

Deciding on an inflatable hot tub can be quite a challenge. With so many styles, sizes, features, and materials to choose from, it’s nice to have a little help.

While the reviews above provide you with good comparisons of today’s top inflatable hot tub models, here are a few tips to help you narrow down your options and find the best one for you:

Tip #1 – Think About Size

Sometimes, the biggest hot tub isn’t always the best. Likewise, neither is the smallest. Although it’s hard not to like a large hot tub that can fit plenty of people, you need the space to accommodate it, which limits the tub’s portability and versatility. Larger inflatable hot tubs also take longer to heat.

On the flip side of the coin, you don’t want a hot tub that makes you feel like a sardine in a can. Sure, it’s nice being able to take it with you and use it anywhere within reach of a power outlet, but it’s important to have ample room for relaxing as well.

Tip #2 – Construction Is Key

You may not be able to tell the difference between a poorly made inflatable hot tub and a quality hot tub at first sight, but you’ll definitely be able to in a month or two when the elements and soaking sessions begin to take their toll.

The best inflatable spas are made of durable, puncture-resistant PVC or layered vinyl, and many models have nylon or polyester-reinforced walls as well. These combinations of materials are usually given a proprietary name like Tri-Tech, DuraTech, or Rhino-Tech as symbols of their durability and toughness. Some hot tubs also feature interlocking panels for added protection, insulation, and stability

Tip #3 – Features Can Make or Break a Hot Tub

Some inflatable hot tubs feature contoured seats and hard water treatment systems. Others feature music players and LED controls. Choosing a tub with the right features for your lifestyle and needs can make or break your hot tub experience.

Tip #4 – The Easier to Set Up and Use, the Better

Despite being designed for simplicity and ease of use, every inflatable hot tub involves some sort of assembly, setup, and upkeep. Needless to say, it’s best to choose a hot tub that can be set up in minutes, easily cleaned, and used by anyone, even after a few cervezas. Doing so will save you countless minutes and headaches in the end.

How to Clean and Maintain Your Inflatable Hot Tub

Regular hot tub care and properly maintaining a hot tub is a critical aspect of hot tub ownership and keeping your inflatable tub working like new for months and even years. However, most new hot tub owners know next to nothing when it comes to hot tub maintenance, winterizing a hot tub, and using the right hot tub cleaning chemicals.

Does this sound familiar? If so, keep reading to learn all about how to care for a hot tub from A to Z. From hot tub water chemistry and hot tub chemicals to properly draining a hot tub for winter and a whole lot more, here’s a crash course on hot tub maintenance and care.

Hot Tub Water Chemistry 101

To properly take care of your hot tub, you’ll need to clean the filter periodically and know what chemicals to add, such as hot tub stabilizer, chlorine, and hot tub shock, and when to add them.

If the pH levels are high and you have low alkalinity in a hot tub, corrosion will begin to take place. On the other hand, if the levels are low, bacteria will begin to form and a hot tub shock treatment will be needed. If left unchecked, you’ll begin to notice white mold in a hot tub, foam, and other signs of bacteria.

You should use test strips to check the chlorine, pH, alkalinity, calcium, bromine, and hardness levels of your hot tub’s water once a week. Some strips test for all of these, making the process much quicker and easier. Just dunk the strip into the water for approximately 15 seconds and then check the results.

Cleaning Your Inflatable Hot Tub in 5 Easy Steps

Step 1 – Check the Alkalinity Levels

Did you know the alkalinity of your hot tub affects the pH? Well, it does. If your tub’s alkalinity levels are under 80 PPM, you will need to add sodium bicarbonate. If the levels are over 120 PM, sodium bisulfate will be needed.

Step 2 – Add Chlorine or Bromine

If you own a hot tub, you’ll need to perform a bromine vs chlorine comparison and choose one or the other as your primary source of hot tub sanitization. Although chlorine has been used for ages and would certainly be mentioned in any “Hot Tub Care for Dummies” book, the use of bromine is becoming more and more popular.

Whichever one you choose, all you have to do is place a tablet in a floating dispenser and call it a day. People try to make it complicated, but hot tub care and maintenance really is a point and click.

Step 3 – Check the pH

After checking and adjusting your hot tub’s sanitizer and alkalinity levels, next, you’ll need to test the pH. Your tub’s pH levels should always fall between 7.2 and 7.8.

If the test strip shows that the pH is low, you’ll need to add sodium bicarbonate to bring it up to the right level. Conversely, if the pH is too high, do the same thing except use sodium bisulfate instead.

Step 4 – Add Shock

The last step, involving chemicals at least, is shocking the tub. This involves the use of ozone along with bromine or chlorine depending on which type you use. To keep bacteria at bay, you should shock your tub once a week.

Worried about Hot Tub Chemicals and Health? Click here to learn more!

Step 5 – Clean the Filter

The last step in keeping your hot tub working properly and it’s the water crystal clear is cleaning the filter. You should make it a habit to clean the filter once a week when you check the chemicals. This will help you avoid hot tub white water mold and any unnecessary hot tub troubleshooting in the future.

Regularly cleaning the filter will also help your spa reach and maintain the ideal hot tub temperature of 104 degrees. Fortunately, all it takes is a garden hose and a minute or two of your time.

Prepping Your Inflatable Hot Tub for Winter

A lot of new pool and spa owners worry about winterizing and whether or not they’re doing it properly. However, you can winterize a hot tub and a pool and get it ready for the freezing months ahead in just a few simple steps:

  • Flush the plumbing
  • Clean the filter
  • Drain the tub
  • Fill it back up with fresh water
  • Add the chemicals to once again reach the correct pH
  • Cover the tub

That’s all there is to it. If you don’t plan on using your inflatable hot tub during the winter months, which would be silly, simply deflate it after you drain it, stuff it in its storage bag, and stash it away in the garage, closet, or anywhere else. This is one of the greatest benefits of an inflatable spa!

Inflatable Hot Tub Accessories

The only thing better than soaking in a soothing, therapeutic hot tub is soaking in nice clean water with a frosty beverage in the hot tub drink holder!

Whether you want to add relaxation, comfort, and convenience to your hot tub experience or you simply want the cleanest hot tub around, there are several hot tub accessories capable of taking your enjoyment to the next level and beyond. Some of the most popular hot tub accessories include:

Hot Tub Cup Holders

Everyone likes to enjoy some libations in their hot tub from time to time. A hot tub drink holder will allow you to free your hands up and keep from needing a side table or having to reach down to the ground just to grab your refreshment.

Hot Tub Tables and Bars

A floating table for a hot tub or hot tub bar is a great way to instantly up the fun and convenience factor. With these hot tub accessories fun, you’ll never have to get out of your tub!

Ozonators

Ozonators are another must-have spa accessory. An Ozonator hot tub will allow you to provide a shock treatment and keep your inflatable hot tub crystal clear and spic and span. Some hot tubs have a built-in Ozonator. Since an Ozonator is more of a need than a want, an Ozonator hot tub will allow you to skip making another purchase and keep more of your hard-earned money.

Hot Tub Vacuums

Like an Ozonator, a hot tub vacuum will help keep your inflatable hot tub clean. Whether you choose an electric spa vacuum or a rechargeable pool vacuum, the best hot tub vacuum will have enough power to suck up the smallest of debris.

Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Inflatable Hot Tub

Inflatable hot tubs may be inexpensive, but there are a variety of factors to consider when shopping for the right tub for you and your home, such as:

Budget

Obviously, the bigger your budget, the better the tub you should expect to get. Although all inflatable hot tubs are inexpensive in comparison to traditional and even plug-and-play models, the larger a hot tub is and the more features it has, the more you’ll probably have to pay.

Comfort

Comfort is the key to an enjoyable hot tub experience. Unfortunately, some hot tubs are more

comfortable than others. If comfort is a top priority, which it should be, opt for an inflatable tub with padded and/or contoured seating. Of course, the perfect water temp and soothing bubble jets are also a big plus!

Materials

The construction quality of an inflatable hot tub and the materials used can literally make or break it. Fortunately, as you can see from the reviews above, most quality inflatable hot tubs feature durable PVC materials. Many even feature proprietary compounds, such as Dura-Tech and Fiber-Tech, for added strength, toughness, and puncture resistance.

Jets

Every inflatable hot tub has a relaxing bubble jet feature, but like most things in life, some work better than others. The best inflatable hot tubs feature massaging hydrotherapy jets for added relaxation and muscle relief.

Features

Often, the features of a hot tub are what make it stand out from the crowd. Some hot tubs feature cup holders and music centers while others have automatic timers and water softeners.

If you can’t find a spa with every feature you want or you can’t afford every feature under the sun, consider your needs and make the best possible compromise to ensure you get the most enjoyment possible from your tub.

The Best Inflatable Hot Tub FAQ

We’re sure you have a few questions after reading this guide. Don’t worry, we have the answers. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions we receive each day:

Where can I set up my inflatable hot tub?

The beauty of inflatable hot tubs is their ability to be used virtually anywhere. Designed to plug into any standard outlet, you can set up an inflatable hot tub wherever you have space and somewhere to plug in the power cord.

How long does it take for an inflatable hot tub to heat up?

Similar to plug-and-play hot tubs, most inflatable hot tubs take up to 24 hours to reach their max water temp of 104 degrees. However, some large hot tubs or ones with weak heaters can take longer.

How cold is too cold to operate an inflatable hot tub?

Any quality inflatable hot tub should be designed to withstand both hot and cold temps. That being said, to avoid cracking and freezing, you should drain the tub, deflate it, and put it away if the temps reach below 34 degrees.

What chemicals should I use?

All inflatable hot tubs need chlorine or bromine to sanitize the water and keep it clean. However, additional chemicals may be needed to maintain an optimal pH, including:

  • Sodium bicarbonate
  • Sodium bisulfate
  • Shock (oxidizer)

How noisy are inflatable hot tub pumps?

In general, inflatable hot tub pumps operate pretty quietly. In fact, most pumps are no louder than the pumps in fish aquariums. This is a big plus for anyone with neighbors close by or those who enjoy the peace and quiet.

Where to Buy the Best Inflatable Hot Tub

Shopping for an inflatable hot tub is a bit like shopping for everything else. You can hop in your car and go from store to store or you can shop online, read expert reviews like ours, and have one shipped to your door with the press of a button.

There are endless places to buy an inflatable hot tub online, and while the selection is nice, sometimes you can have too many options staring you in the face. In our experience, however, Amazon and manufacturer websites are the best places to purchase an inflatable hot tub online.

With intense competition and nice discounts and deals, if you’re searching for a cheap inflatable hot tub, an Amazon inflatable hot tub is probably the way to go. Not only can you find top-quality hot tubs made by today’s best brands, but you’ll get one for the best possible price as well.

That being said since going direct to the source cuts out a lot of costs and middlemen, you should also check out manufacturer websites. In addition to offering discounted pricing, some manufacturers also offer special coupons and rebates to help sweeten the deal.

Plug and Play Hot Tubs

Plug-and-play hot tubs are a lot like inflatable hot tubs in a number of ways. They’re super portable and designed to plug right into a standard 110-volt outlet, which makes installation a breeze.

Unlike inflatable hot tubs, however, plug-and-play hot tubs have a hard shell and don’t inflate and deflate. In other words, they’re a lot like regular above-ground hot tubs, just considerably cheaper.

Speaking of price, most quality plug-and-play hot tubs cost $2-4k, depending on their size and features. All plug-and-play hot tubs have powerful therapeutic jets and digital controls, but some have added features like waterfalls and LED lights, which usually up the cost.

If you’re interested in a portable hot tub that looks and performs similarly to a traditional tub but costs much less, then a plug-and-play hot tub may be for you.

In addition to being able to plug in anywhere and be ready for soaking in no time at all, the best plug-and-play hot tub will have powerful jets, LED mood lighting, a soothing waterfall, comfortable contoured seating, and more.

Not sure if an inflatable or plug-and-play hot tub is right for you? Check our plug-and-play hot tub reviews to compare the two and see which one works best for your budget and needs.

Making the Decision

Whether you had your eyes glued to the screen and thoroughly read this guide or you simply skimmed through it picking up nuggets of wisdom along the way, you’ve made it to the end and now have all the info you need to choose the best inflatable spa for you.

With life getting more and more hectic, there’s no time like now to invest in a quality inflatable hot tub. There are plenty of affordable, top-quality hot tubs out there to choose from, so research your options, weigh the pros and cons of each, and purchase an inflatable hot tub that will allow you to maximize your soaking enjoyment!

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