Why inflatable hot tubs are a great alternative to the real thing
Overview
Table of Contents
Hot tubs are the height of luxury. Coming home after a long day and soaking in a hot body of water while jets massage your entire body? Iconic.
Getting this type of spa treatment at home can be pretty pricey, with standard hot tubs costing thousands of dollars. But, like with so many wonderful things, there's a cheaper alternative: inflatable hot tubs.
Don't picture a kiddie version of a hot tub like you might when you think of an inflatable pool. It's more like an above ground pool in that it more closely resembles the real deal; it's just not as permanent or fancy.
What is a portable hot tub?
"Portable" does not mean easy to move from place to place in this context. It means that the hot tub is not a permanent structure and you can take it down to store during really cold months or whenever you don't want it out.
The most common form portable hot tubs take is inflatable. Obviously something that's full of air and could be taken down by a single puncture is not going to be as sturdy as a regular hot tub made of hard plastic and other solid materials like wood or steel. But, you might be surprised how sturdy inflatable hot tubs can actually be. For the most part, they have pretty durable linings and when they're inflated, they're solid enough that you can sit on the side without the whole thing caving in.
The standard temperature maximum for regular and portable hot tubs alike is 104 degrees Fahrenheit, though we found one that gets up to 108 degrees if you like it hotter (increase the temperature gradually to avoid burning yourself). Factors like external temperature and jet usage can cause the hot tub's temperature to decrease, which is good to note if you plan on using your hot tub in the winter or are a big time bubble jet user.
What you need to know about inflatable hot tubs
Every portable hot tub has an external pump/filter and these things are not small. The dimensions in the product listings do not include the pumps, so add about 10 or so inches to account for the extra bulk. If you're working with a small outdoor space, look for one with a more discreet pump.
When you go to fill up the hot tub, you might want to consider getting a faucet adapter that allows you to connect a garden hose to an indoor faucet so you can use hot water to fill the tub. Regardless of the initial water temperature, you're going to have to wait a bit for the temp to rise enough for it to be comfortable, but it will take even longer (maybe even a couple days) if the water starts out cold. Also, remember that the water level will rise once you're in it, so account for your body mass and only fill the tub to about 80 percent capacity.
These things do plug in and run on electricity, so expect to see your electric bill go up a little once you start using a hot tub. It might be more cost efficient to keep it running constantly, so it doesn't have to reheat from scratch every time. Don't set it at max temperature if you decide to do this, though.
How to take care of an inflatable hot tub
Care for an inflatable hot tub is pretty similar to that for a normal hot tub. Most of the ones we've included on this list come with a floating chemical dispenser where you can put chlorine or bromine tablets to keep your water free from grime and bad bacteria. You'll also need to clean the filters in the hot tub regularly and maybe give the tub a good wipe-down every now and then.
While you can use an inflatable hot tub in the winter, you'll have to change how you do so. The water will definitely not heat up to max temp if it's freezing outside. Colder temperatures and high altitudes might also impact how well the hot tub actually stays inflated. If you live in a place with cold winters, we suggest either taking the hot tub down and storing it or keeping it in your garage with a heater nearby.
If you're ready for the ultimate "treat yo'self" purchase, check out our picks for the best inflatable hot tubs.
The Good & The Bad
- Strong jets
- Quiet
- Multi-colored LED light
- Wireless control panel
- Headrests
- Insulated cover
- LED light can die quickly if left in the water
- Control panel requires frequent charging
Why We Like It
Get the great features of a regular hot tub with the convenience of portability with this Intex inflatable hot tub. It comfortably seats four adults and reaches up to 104 degrees. There are even bells and whistles like more than 140 massaging bubble jets and a multi-colored LED light to set the vibe. It's easy to set up, with one reviewer saying they had it blown up in less than 10 minutes. (Filling it with water will take longer.)
The jets really add to the experience, but be aware that running the jets makes the water temperature go down quicker. Only by a degree or two, but that can make a difference on a bitterly cold day.
Controlling the hot tub is easy with a wireless touch control panel that lasts 48 hours on a charge. The spa has a built-in hard water treatment system to make the water gentler on your skin and the hot tub lining. While you're not using the tub, close it up with the insulated cover that comes with it.
Details
CosySpa inflatable hot tub
Best Heat Retention
The Good & The Bad
- Hot temperature
- Insulated cover
- Air jets
- High maintenance filter
Why We Like It
Choose between two sizes for either four or six people to relax in this hot tub model. It comes with everything you need for an easy setup, including an air pump, power cord, air jets, and filter cap. Know this though: the filter requires daily cleaning and needs to be changed monthly, which is a bit annoying.
The best part about this hot tub is that it gets hot. (And honestly, isn't that what you want in a hot tub?) Unlike most other inflatable hot tubs that only go up to 104 degrees, this one reaches a piping 108 degrees. This is really great for hot tubbing in the winter or during seasonal changes. Those extra few degrees make a difference, especially when you're running the jets and losing some of that trapped heat.
To keep the hot tub running at top value, this kit comes with an insulated cover and a ground sheet to keep it stable and safe from punctures. If you want to upgrade, there's an option that comes with headrests and cup holders.
Details
Intex PureSpa hot tub
Best For Accessories
The Good & The Bad
- LED light
- Headrests
- Insulated cover
- Hard water treatment system
- Some reviewers saw noticeable spikes in their electric bills
- A little cramped for space
Why We Like It
Depending on what size you opt for (four- or six-person) you'll experience either 140 or 170 jets, giving you all the spa feels. Setting up this bad boy takes only about 20 minutes and then it's ready for water. Speaking of, the hot tub has a built-in hard water treatment system to keep the water nice and gentle on your skin — not to mention the hot tub itself.
This hot tub is decked out with accessories, including an insulated cover, filter, LED light, thermal ground cloth, carry bag, floating chlorine dispenser, two headrests, and a few other essentials.
While this hot tub comes in versions designed for four or six people, most reviewers said seating it to capacity made it a little cramped and it was best to cut back a person or two if you really want to spread out.
Details
Coleman SaluSpa square hot tub
Best For Spreading Out
The Good & The Bad
- Holds temperature well
- Spacious
- Quick setup
- Manual is not great (turn to the online instructions)
Why We Like It
Something about a square hot tub just seems like it's more comfortable to actually fit four people. You all get your distinct sides and there's no weird, accidental arm brushing. This hot tub reaches the standard 104 degrees and features 114 air jets, which is on the lower side compared to others mentioned here.
The rapid heating system mixed with the bubbling jets work to give you a nice, comfortable massage. There's a digital control panel where you adjust the temperature and jets. The hot tub's filter and chemical floater keep the water clean and fresh for every time you want to soak.
Keep it even cleaner (and retain heat) by popping the insulated cover on top when you're not using the spa. This hot tub should take less than an hour to get set up and filled with water.
Details
Bestway SaluSpa Milan Airjet portable hot tub
Best For Smart Features
The Good & The Bad
- Mobile app control
- Durable
- Power saving timer
- Includes repair kit
- Fewer jets than other options
Why We Like It
With the sheer number of "smart" products out there now, it only makes sense that an inflatable hot tub would get the same treatment. Its controls are all available in the Bestway Smart Hub app, giving you access to manage the temperature, timer, filter, and massage system from your phone. It also has a manual control if you don't want to bring your phone near a body of water.
What you gain in convenience, you lose in massage power — this hot tub only has 80 jets compared to the 100+ of the others mentioned here. That'll still give you a decent amount of bubbles, and this thing heats up to a nice 104 degrees, so you'll feel plenty relaxed.
This spa is designed for four to six adults, but we suggest sticking with just the four unless you want to be cramped. The hot tub comes with a cover, pump, chlorine dispenser, two filter cartridges, and a repair kit.
Details
Coleman SaluSpa inflatable hot tub spa
Best Wallet-friendly Pick
The Good & The Bad
- Power saving timer
- Secure insulated cover
- Fast setup
- Instructions are unclear (check online for assembly tutorial)
- Filters need frequent cleaning
Why We Like It
Though this is the cheapest option on the list, you certainly aren't forfeiting any features or quality. This is a durable hot tub that has 114 bubble jets and a filtration system that keeps the water crystal clear.
The product listing says this hot tub is suitable for four to six adults, but we'd keep it at four max. Use the digital controls to set the heat to your liking, and you can even set a timer to start or stop the heating system at a later time. That means you can have your hot tub warmed up and ready to go when you get home from work or running errands.
Ready to go in minutes, this hot tub's inflated walls are sturdy and the cushioned floor is comfortable to sit on for hours. When you're ready to tear down the hot tub for storage, you can easily drain the water through the built-in drain valve.
Details
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Miller Kern is the Deputy Editor of Shopping and Reviews at Mashable, where she writes and edits reviews, roundups, deals, and news stories about tech products, including headphones, skincare devices, laptops, sex toys, e-readers, robot vacuums, and more. She's been covering all things shopping and tech, including shopping holidays like Prime Day and Black Friday, for Mashable since 2019. Miller can tell you which products are actually worth your money. She also explores trends in the shopping sphere, such as dupes and viral TikTok moments.
