Nothing beats a warm bubble bath beneath the stars, but not everyone has the space or means to construct one at home, or the chance to go to natural hot springs for the sumptuous experience. The next best thing is an inflatable hot tub, which will cost you around $600 or more but will provide you with calm alone moments in your garden, an evening of mingling with friends and family, or taking a dip for chat over glasses of wine.
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What to Consider
Aside from the budget, the first thing to consider when shopping for a hot tub is how many people you’ll need to accommodate. The bulk of possibilities are for four to five people or six to seven people, although there are a few huge versions for eight adults or more available, as well as exceptionally tiny hot tubs suited for two.
The number of air jets is next on the list. Those who want fewer bubbles can, of course, err on the lower end of the range, which can average 100 or less and 170 or more on the top end. It’s true that larger hot tubs normally have more jets—but don’t assume that right away. Another significant element to consider is gallon capacity.
Seek for high-quality materials.
Remember those inflatable kiddie pools we used to have as kids? They were fairly weak and didn’t survive much more than the summer since we mistreated them so much. Fortunately, inflatable hot tubs are constructed to be far more durable in general. However, keeping an eye out for specific keywords might help ensure that the materials used by manufacturers will withstand the test of time.
“High-quality inflatable hot tubs will have puncture-resistant cladding that is meant to withstand the environment. All high-quality inflatable hot tubs will also include a beam construction that supports the hot tub’s walls and ensures it retains its right form and structure “Canfield divulged.
Look for the appropriate size hot tub.
Inflatable hot tubs, like pools, come in a variety of forms and sizes. But, before you swipe your credit card, think about how large of a hot tub you truly need. Keep in mind that most smaller models can only fit two people, however bigger ones can carry four to six people.
“The dimensions of the tub itself are an essential factor to consider while purchasing. Pay close attention to the inner dimensions, in particular, to ensure that it will accommodate the amount of relatives and friends that you desire “Canfield proposed.
Set aside money for extras.
If you just want a simple hot tub to relax in with family and friends, you may not be concerned with high-tech amenities. If you really want to spoil yourself, do some research first and see what unique enhancements you can discover.
According to Canfield, there are other additional factors worth consideration, including:
- A saltwater sanitation system that generates chlorine from salt, eliminating the need to apply a sanitizer on a regular basis.
- Bluetooth capabilities enable you to control the hot tub from your smartphone or tablet.
- An insulated cover that keeps trash out while keeping heat in.
- Massage jets are high-powered jets used to massage stiff muscles.
Before you buy, locate a flat spot for the hot tub.
Take a tour of your garden before buying in a large inflatable hot tub to determine where it could fit best.
“You want to make sure the surface is level because putting the tub on an uneven slope can cause the weight of the water to move to one side and eventually destroy the tub,” Canfield explained.
Although it may seem little, you should also ensure that the cord will reach an electrical outlet, as most inflatable hot tub manufacturers recommend avoiding the use of extension cords.
Best Large Inflatable Hot Tub Options
Features:
An ideal choice if you are looking for good value for money. This hot tub is suitable for up to four people and features air jet massages to help relieve stress.
The Costway model can reach a temperature of 40ºC very quickly thanks to its 1500w heater.
The main disadvantages of this model are that the exterior decoration is rather plain and it does not include an anti-limescale system. If you live in a hard water area it would be best to purchase another model.
Pros:
- Space for 4 people
- Water filter function
- Chlorine dispenser included
- Relaxing massage mode
- Water heats up to 40ºC
- For indoor and outdoor use
- Includes filter cartridge, hose, repair kit and floor cover
Cons
- Massage function uses air, not water jets.
- Exterior decoration is plain
- No anti-limescale system
Features:
One of the best models available, this inflatable hot tub is extremely durable thanks to the Tritech reinforced material walls.
It comes with an anti-limescale system so if you live in hard water areas you won’t have issues.
It has its own integrated purifier and a dispenser that regularly adds chlorine, so you don’t have to worry about anything except enjoying your hot tub.
It is the ideal choice for families of four to six people living in hard water areas.
Pros
- Self-inflatable for 4-6 people
- Walls made of reinforced material (tritech)
- Water heater up to 40ºC
- Chlorine dispenser included
- Timer
- Protective cover included
- Anti-limescale system
- For indoor and outdoor use
- Including filter cartridge, hose, repair kit and floor cover
Cons
- High price
- Too big for couples
- Massage mode uses 120 air jets
Features:
The Miami inflatable hot tub keeps the same features as the Hawaii model but with a smaller volume that is better suited for couples.
It also has fewer air jets, with 81 compared to 120 in the Hawaii model. It also lacks the anti-limescale system, which may pose a problem if you live in a hard water area.
The Miami model is circular rather than rectangular.
Pros
- Self-inflatable, ideal for 2-4 people
- Walls of reinforced material (tritech)
- Water heater up to 40ºC degrees
- Chlorine dispenser included
- Timer
- Protective cover included
- For indoor and outdoor use
- Includes filter cartridge, hose, repair kit and floor cover
Cons
- No anti-limescale system
- Massage mode uses 81 air jets
Features:
A highly rated brand offering better value for money than the previously reviewed models.
It has very similar features to the Hawaii hot tub, with an anti-limescale system included and the same air jets, but at a lower price.
The main difference is its exterior design and the smaller dimensions, ideal for four people, which justifies the lower price than the Hawaii model.
Pros
- Ideal for 2-4 people
- Great value for money
- Walls made of reinforced material (tritech)
- Water heater up to 40ºC
- Chlorine dispenser include
- 2 filters included
- Anti-limescale system
- For indoor and outdoor use
- Protective cover included
Cons
- Not suitable for large families
- Massage mode with 120 air jets
Features:
For those who love luxury, this is a top of the range model. It has excellent features such as both water and air jet massage systems.
It also has a salt chlorination system which transforms the salt into natural chlorine, thus achieving high water purity.
It heats up to 40ºC, just like cheaper models, but it does heat up faster thanks to its 2200W water heater.
If you have the budget this is one of the best models available. You can get a four-person or the six-person model.
Pros
- Ideal for 2-4 people
- Massage mode with water jets and air jets
- Made of highly resistant laminated PVC
- Water heater (2200w) up to 40ºC
- 3 S1 filters
- Saline chlorination
- Chlorine dispenser included
- Anti-limescale system
- For indoor and outdoor use
- 2 pillows, protective cover, carrying bag, insulation tarpaulin and heated floor are include
Cons
- Very high price
Features:
Here is another hot tub from the Bestway Lay-Z-Spa brand. The Palm Springs model stands out for its spaciousness and for including everything you need, so you don’t have to worry about maintenance.
It shares the same features as the Hawaii model but is circular rather than rectangular. It has an anti-limescale system for hard water areas.
However, if you are looking for a more intimate jacuzzi we would suggest the Paris model which even includes LED lights for bathing at night!
Pros
- Self-inflatable, ideal for 4-6 people
- Walls of reinforced material (tritech)
- Water heater up to 40ºC
- Chlorine dispenser included
- Anti-limescale system
- Timer
- Protective cover included
- For indoor and outdoor use
- Includes a filter cartridge, hose, repair kit and floor cover
Cons
- Expensive
- Massage mode uses 120 air jets
Specification: Capacity: 5-7 Persons, Power source type: AC standard UK 13amp/240V, Plug cable: 7m, Size: 216 x 216 x 71 cm, Warranty: 2 years
With rattan style garden furniture being so popular these days, it was only a matter of time and common sense before someone gave an inflatable hot tub the same look.
That hot tub is this one, the St Moritz model from Lay-Z-Spa.
Feature-wise, it has the things that you’d expect from this trusted manufacturer- easy to set up, rapid heating of the water, and hard-wearing tri-tech material combined with a stable construction.
The bubbles are provided by 140 air jets and the pool can be heated to 40 degrees while the bubbles operate at the same time, and you can set the heater to work on a timer to save energy. All this is managed via the soft touch controller.
The St Moritz has the easy to use Chem-connect chlorine dispenser and self-deflating system that you often see in higher end models.
- Rattan colour scheme will match rattan garden furniture
- Rapid water heater
- 140 air jets
- Easy to use chlorine dispenser
- Self-deflating system
![CosySpa Luxury Hot Tub Spa – 40 Degree Quick Heating Inflatable Spa with 130 Air Jet Massage System [4-6 Person] (Hot Tub Only)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51b4Fc37+mL._SL160_.jpg)
Specification: Capacity: 4 Persons, Power source type: AC standard UK 220-240V, Plug cable: 3.5m, Size: 165 x 165 x 70 cm, Warranty: 1 year
What I love about the CosySpa inflatable hot tub is that it is child’s play to set up. All you need to do is press a few buttons on the control panel, and the 600W external air-pump will do the rest. Things have come a long way since I used to go blue in the face blowing up air beds back in the day, I can tell you.
You can choose to go with either the 4-person or 6-person versions of the CosySpa, with the bigger one setting you back about an extra 250 quid for the tub only option. I tested out the six-person hot tub and in my opinion it was good for about 4-5 people, so I think the smaller version might be a tight squeeze for four adults who have put on a few pounds during lockdown.
With 130 air jets, there’s plenty of bubbles and it is very relaxing to spend the evening with a cold beer or glass of wine in hand, and although the rapid heating system should really just be called ‘heating system, minus the rapid, it gets the heat up in a reasonable amount of time, and keeps it up there too.
The main tub is made out of PVC, and is as strong as any other inflatable tub I’ve spent time in, and the insulating cover is laminated PVC with aluminium foil, to help with insulation.
The tub comes with everything you need, such as a filter, pump, ground sheet, etc. and there are buying options for extras like comfort sets, and drink holders. For the price, it’s about what you’d expect, and I didn’t find anything wrong with it at all, and at a time when options are a bit limited, this hot tub isn’t a bad one.
Specification: Capacity: 4 Persons, Power source type: AC standard UK, Plug cable: 3m, Size: 158 x 158 x 68 cm, Warranty: 2 years
For around 600 quid, you can soon be chilling, along with a few friends, in this lovely looking hot tub from Mspa.
With its dark charcoal grey outer layer, and shiny, light metallic blue interior, this tub is certainly a looker, and is a good choice for people who like things with a bot of a modern flair.
It doesn’t just look good though. This hot tub is also very sanitary, featuring a UV system that will kill off more than 60 disease causing microorganisms, and this gives you peace of mind as you’re lying there, enjoying the bubbles.
There are 108 air jets in this tub, although if I’m being completely honest, they’re not the most powerful I’ve ever seen. I’m not saying they’re terrible, but just not up to the same standard as the powerful ones found on models like the Lay-Z-Spa Helsinki.
With a maximum temperature of 38 degrees Celsius, it doesn’t get as hot as some of the other tubs either, but 38 degrees is still very, very warm, and nothing to be sneered at.
The Mspa comes with a handy remote control, from where you can adjust all the usual stuff like temperature and filter, and thankfully, for once it isn’t too big and sits nicely in the hand. Nor is it too complicated, with clearly marked buttons, perfect for someone like myself who isn’t the most tech-savvy, no matter what I tell the wife.
At 1.58 x 1.58 metres, I’d say there’s enough room for 2-3 people to enjoy themselves fairly comfortably, and at 0.68 metres high, the sides are just about right to rest your arms out on without it feeling forced.
Included in the price is all the usual extras: cover with buckles to keep it secured, filter and filter cartridge pack, pump, hose adaptor, etc. for the price, it is good quality, and made of the same type of PVC that all of these products are made from, so no grumbles there.
It’s a little slow getting up to temperature, and took me about 12 hours to get it to the max. If you’re new to hot tubs, you might think that’s really slow, but actually, the majority of these products take a while, it’s just the nature of the beast.
Although it didn’t blow me away, the Mspa hot tub did not disappoint me either, and I think at its current price, and when compared with what’s available, it’s not a bad lower budget option.
Which inflatable outdoor hot tub is the best?
The Intex Deluxe inflatable hot tub is the most feature-rich of the models we’ve looked at. It does, however, come at a larger cost.
There are three models available: a couple’s model, a four-person model, and a family model that can seat up to six people. Because of the laminated PVC construction, this model features higher quality, more durable materials than the other variants. It features both water and air jets, whereas less expensive variants simply have air jets.
Finally, its chlorination is saline, and it has a robust heating system that can heat water to a maximum temperature of 40oC.
How do you set it up?
First, make sure you have all of the equipment listed in the instructions.
Then, find a level place for the hot tub installation and spread it out. Connect the pump system to an electrical outlet and swiftly inflate the hot tub using the “massage” mode.
Connect the pump as directed in the instructions, connecting the intake and output.
Fill the inflatable hot tub with water and check the filtration system for good operation by following the manufacturer’s instructions and changing the filter as directed.
Finally, cover the hot tub with a protective cover to protect it and keep the temperature stable.
What is the best way to clean an inflatable hot tub?
The most essential thing to remember is to leave the filtration mode running for at least two hours every day.
To ensure that the filtration is operating properly, replace or clean the filter every 15 days. Another critical aspect to consider is the pH level, which should be between 7 and 7.5.
If you reside in a hard water location, you might consider purchasing an inflatable hot tub with an anti-limescale filter. Otherwise, you risk causing harm to the hot tub over time.
Cleaning kits, such as the ones listed below, can help you obtain higher levels of water purity. Another important consideration is to replace the water every six months.
Why should you buy an inflatable hot tub?
An inflatable hot tub provides a nearly equal sensation to a traditional hot tub for a fraction of the cost.
You may install and uninstall it yourself, giving you a lot of freedom to move it about your yard according to your mood.
In terms of longevity and water purification quality, both types of hot tubs are comparable if properly maintained, thus the difference in performance is small.
A traditional hot tub has the benefit of being more powerful and having several types of massage jets, such as water jets. Only the most expensive inflatable hot tubs have both air and water jets.
Which inflatable hot tub is best for two people?
If you have enough money, we recommend the Intex Deluxe model for two people. It has saline chlorination, a strong water heater, water jets, and a limescale filter, as previously indicated.
If your budget is limited, the Bestway Paris inflatable hot tub is an ideal choice for couples. It is inexpensive, has an appealing appearance, and has LED lights that can be controlled through remote control.
It does, however, just contain air jets for massage and no anti-limescale filter, which you would need to purchase separately if you reside in a hard water location.
Considerations when purchasing an inflatable hot tub for a patio
The most crucial thing to note is that an attic terrace cannot support the same weight as a ground-level patio or a villa floor.
As a result, it is critical to contact an architect or a builder to determine the maximum allowable load per square metre.
The placement of your hot tub on a terrace is particularly significant since some sections are more load-bearing than others.
In general, placing a modest inflatable hot tub of 700 to 800 litres will not cause any issues, but always consult an expert beforehand.
We also recommend that you read this post on the best pressure washers for cleaning your patio or garden.
Are hot tubs beneficial?
They aren’t just good; they are fantastic. The major benefit of these inflatable spas is that they relieve the stress that accumulates during the day.
The heat and bubble massage functions alleviate muscular discomfort and stress throughout the body.
It also helps pain in the bones and joints, which is why it is advised for those suffering from osteoporosis.
If you have high blood pressure, it can also assist with that, which helps to lower your cardiovascular risk.
According to recent research, they can also aid to regulate sugar peaks and burning calories. But don’t think of it as a replacement for a healthy diet and regular exercise.
As you can see, hot tubs offer several advantages, and we haven’t even covered mental health yet.
In short, we can’t think of any drawbacks to purchasing these hot tubs other than the initial purchase price and the care and maintenance necessary to guarantee they survive a long time.