The 10 Best Inflatable Hot Tubs in 2020

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 Intex 77-Inch PureSpa, and the not so sturdy ones. To find the perfect one for you, continue reading the inflatable hot tub reviews.

Our Recommended Inflatable Hot Tubs

Intex

• Check on Amazon!
• Our Rating:
• Seating capacity: 4 people
  
  Water capacity: 210 gallons
  
  Water Temperature Range: 68-104 degrees
  
  Fiber-Tech construction
  
  Digital temp and bubble controls
  
  

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Coleman SaluSpa

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• Our Rating:
• Capacity: 4-6 adults
  
  Water Capacity: 254 gal.
  
  Water temperature (up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit)
  
  Good quality
  
  Quiet operation
  
  

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Bestway SaluSpa

• Check on Amazon!
• Our Rating:
• Capacity: 4-6 adults
  
  Water Capacity: 250 gal.
  
  Water temperature (up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit)
  
  Floating chlorine dispenser
  
  Massage jets
  
  

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10 Best Inflatable Hot Tubs:

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 hot tub you seek.

Inflatable hot tubs are portable hot tubs that can be easily inflated or deflated in 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 a 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 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 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 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 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 for 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 hot tub 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 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 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 rechargeable pool vacuum, the best hot tub vacuum will have enough power to suck up the smallest of debris.

Factors to Consider When Buying an 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 as possible from your tub.

Inflatable Hot Tub FAQ

We’re sure you have a few questions after reading this guide. Don’t worry, we have the answers. Here 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 a 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 ups the cost.

If you’re interested in a portable hot tub that looks and performs similar 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!