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Inflatable hot tubs can turn any backyard into a spa-like environment, providing relaxation and stress relief at a fraction of the cost of a traditional hot tub.
Traditional permanent hot tubs tend to be pricey. Buying an inflatable hot tub is a great way for anyone to test out the waters before deciding to invest in a permanent one.
In addition to listing our top choices for the best inflatable hot tubs, we’ll look at how the portability of these hot tubs is great for anyone who wants the flexibility of setting it up whenever they want to use it. We’ll also explain how easy it is to install a portable hot tub, allowing users to be soaking blissfully in no time.
- BEST OVERALL: Coleman SaluSpa Ponderosa AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Intex 28481E SimpleSpa Inflatable Hot Tub
- BEST WITH LIGHTS: Intex PureSpa Greywood Deluxe Inflatable Hot Tub
- UPGRADE PICK: Bestway SaluSpa Helsinki AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub
- BEST 2-PERSON: Bestway SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub Spa
- BEST 4-PERSON: Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub Spa
- BEST 6-PERSON: Intex 28431E PureSpa Plus Bubble Inflatable Hot Tub
- BEST FOR INDOORS: CO-Z Inflatable Adult Bath Tub
How We Chose the Best Inflatable Hot Tubs
We researched the most sought-after inflatable hot tubs in their respective categories and found that the best models are chiefly determined by the materials they are made from along with other factors, like water capacity, seating, and jet type.
The materials used to make an inflatable hot tub determine its durability. Many of our top picks are made with tri-ply materials, while other options come with l-beam construction and drop stitching.
Our selections have water capacities that range from 177 to 297 gallons, seat two to seven people, and include 76 to 170 bubble (or air) jets for relaxation and massage capabilities.
Most of the inflatable hot tubs on our list are easy to maintain—some include hard-water filtration systems and chlorine dispensers. Several selections also bring air pumps, programmable heating systems, digital control panels, hot tub covers, and LED lights. Some have built-in handles, making them suitable portable hot tubs.
Our Top Picks
Our top picks for the best inflatable hot tub can bring relaxation and stress relief to any home. Some of our picks are portable hot tubs, so they can be packed up and brought along anywhere. Each of these inflatable options is organized by category and comes with a list of pros and cons to make shopping a little easier.
Best Overall
Coleman SaluSpa Ponderosa AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub
Product Specs
- Material: DuraPlus material
- Water capacity: 177 gallons
- Number of jets: 120
- Number of seats: 4
Pros
- Made with a massage function and 120 air jets to enhance relaxation
- The cover stays in place to maintain warm water temperatures
- The 3-ply DuraPlus material used for the tub’s exterior is puncture-resistant
Cons
- This inflatable hot tub is more expensive than some comparable models
This round, inflatable hot tub from Coleman is spacious and comfortable, offering durability and luxury at an affordable price. With a 177-gallon water capacity, this inflatable tub can seat two to four people, and it features 120 air jets that create a soothing, spa-like effect.
The Ponderosa’s inflation, filtration, massage, and heating system can be controlled using the multifunction pump, which is also used to inflate the hot tub. The easy-to-reach control panel allows users to set the desired water temperature of up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Made with three-ply DuraPlus material, this inflatable hot tub is puncture-resistant for long-term use and durability. It has a diameter of 71 inches and a height of 26 inches. In addition to an insulated cover with safety-locking features, it comes with two filter cartridges, a repair patch, a 6-foot power cord, and a chemical floater.
Get the Coleman SaluSpa Ponderosa inflatable hot tub at Walmart or Target.
Best Bang for the Buck
Intex 28481E SimpleSpa Inflatable Hot Tub
Product Specs
- Material: Vinyl/mesh
- Water capacity: 210 gallons
- Number of jets: 100
- Number of seats: 4
Pros
- Comes with insulated cover and thermal ground cloth to maintain temperatures
- Inflation hose, carrying bag, chlorine dispenser, and pH test strip included
- The water temperature ranges from 68 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit
- Available at an affordable price point compared to other inflatable hot tubs
Cons
- Mesh outer layer may be less sturdy than the materials used to make other inflatable hot tubs
Although a bit on the smaller side, this durable four-person inflatable tub offers several desirable features that make this pick from Intex enjoyable and easy to use, including an insulated cover, thermal ground cloth, inflation hose, carrying bag, floating chlorine dispenser, and pH test strip.
A wide water temperature range of 68 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit ensures the water temperature meets the user’s preference, and 100 high-powered air jets provide bathers with plenty of comfort. A strong mesh outer layer provides added protection from the elements. This inflatable hot tub has an outer diameter of 77 inches, an inner diameter of 57 inches, a height of 26 inches, and a 210-gallon water capacity.
Get the Intex 28481E inflatable hot tub at Amazon, The Home Depot, Target, or Intex.
Best with Lights
Intex PureSpa Greywood Deluxe Inflatable Hot Tub
Product Specs
- Material: Fiber-Tech
- Water capacity: 210 gallons
- Number of jets: 140
- Number of seats: 4
Pros
- An included wireless touch-button control panel makes for easy operation
- This model is made from 3-ply Fiber-Tech material, which is puncture-resistant to enhance durability
- An integrated hard-water filtration system removes mineral deposits, preventing calcium buildup
- Provides a luxury feel with multicolored LED lights and 2 premium headrests
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with this inflatable hot tub’s LED lights
This four-person hot tub from Intex lets anyone create a spa-like experience in their backyard. With its 140 air jets, Intex’s PureSpa Greywood Deluxe provides a gentle massage effect and comes equipped with a wireless touch-button control panel. It’s made with durable three-ply Fiber-Tech material that is puncture-resistant. It includes a hard-water filtration system that prevents calcium buildup. It also comes with a color-changing LED light to create fun lighting effects.
The Greywood Deluxe has an exterior diameter of 77 inches, an interior diameter of 57 inches, and a height of 28 inches, with a 210-gallon water capacity. It also includes an insulated cover, multicolored LED lights, and two premium headrests.
Get the Intex Greywood Deluxe inflatable hot tub at Amazonor Wayfair.
Best Luxury
Bestway SaluSpa Helsinki AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub
Product Specs
- Material: Drop stitch
- Water capacity: 297 gallons
- Number of jets: 180
- Number of seats: 7
Pros
- Large option, with a 297-gallon water capacity and room for 7 people
- Freeze Shield automatic heating function protects pump and liner from damage due to cold weather
- Comes with a pump, insulated cover, cup holders, a ChemConnect dispenser, a filter cartridge, and a repair patch
Cons
- This inflatable hot tub is pricier than similar models on the market
- Less portable than other inflatable hot tubs due to its construction
The SaluSpa Helsinki AirJet model from Bestway is spacious with a sophisticated look, which is what makes this inflatable hot tub our top luxury pick. Because the exterior material of this inflatable hot tub is meant to mimic wood paneling, it gives the appearance of a permanent built-in spa. With a 297-gallon water capacity, this model is the most spacious on our list.
Its three-ply reinforced walls feature drop-stitch construction, which offers optimal durability. The SaluSpa Helsinki AirJet also includes an insulated cover to maintain water temperature, 180 soothing bubble jets, and a Freeze Shield automatic heating function that protects the pump and liner from cold-weather damage.
At 26 inches high, the Helsinki AirJet has an exterior diameter of 71 inches which offers ample room to accommodate up to seven people. Other special features include an insulated cover, cup holders, a ChemConnect dispenser, a filter cartridge, and a repair patch.
Get the Bestway SaluSpa Helsinki inflatable hot tub at Amazon,Wayfair, or Walmart.
Best 2-Person
Bestway SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub Spa
Product Specs
- Material: DuraPlus material
- Water capacity: 177 gallons
- Number of jets: 120
- Number of seats: 4
Pros
- Features a digital control panel for a seamless user experience
- This model includes cup holders and storage space for personal items
- The ChemConnect chlorine dispenser keeps the water clean and clear
Cons
- Some users have reported limited durability or technical difficulty
This inflatable hot tub from Bestway is compact and has 120 powerful bubble jets, making for a nice, relaxing soak. Its retractable, easy-to-reach digital control panel adjusts the jets’ flow rate and temperature and includes a lock button that guards against inadvertent setting changes.
The Bestway SaluSpa Miami hot tub also has integrated cup holders and a flat surface for small personal items. Its power-saving timer lets bathers preset this tub to their desired temperature up to 40 days in advance. Plus, the ChemConnect dispenser moves chlorine evenly, keeping this 177-gallon capacity inflatable hot tub clean and clear.
Made from DuraPlus material, this sturdy Bestway SaluSpa Miami hot tub is resistant to scratching, abrasions, and punctures. It includes an air pump, cover, and water filtration system. Finally, the Freeze Shield technology protects this Bestway SaluSpa Miami hot tub from the elements.
Get the Bestway SaluSpa Miami inflatable hot tub at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best 4-Person
Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub Spa
Product Specs
- Material: DuraPlus material
- Water capacity: 242 gallons
- Number of jets: 140
- Number of seats: 6
Pros
- Built-in inflation, heating, and filtration system; also has a ChemConnect chlorine dispenser for clean water
- DuraPlus puncture-resistant material is extremely durable, even in the winter
- Comes with a control panel, Freeze Shield automatic heating function, and GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) system
- Reinforced cover keeps debris out while holding all the heat in
Cons
- Some users have reported that certain components can break easily
Families that love to take a dip in the hot tub together will appreciate this model from Coleman. It’s capable of holding four to six people easily and comes with over 140 jets for a soothing, bubbly experience at up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also durable, made with a DuraPlus puncture-resistant material that is 33 percent more tear-resistant and 56 percent more stretch-resistant than typical PVC.
This Coleman model is also made with a Freeze Shield automatic heating function that keeps the internal components between 42 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which allows for winterized use. For added peace of mind, this 77-inch-diameter hot tub (which is 28 inches high) is made with a GFCI system that prevents electrical malfunction or failure.
A pump is included that operates the inflation, heating, and filtration system of the unit while also acting as the control panel for the massage function and the air jets. Plus, this option has a ChemConnect chlorine dispenser that keeps the water clean and clear all year round as well as a reinforced cover that keeps debris out and heat in.
Get the Coleman inflatable hot tub at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best 6-Person
Intex 28431E PureSpa Plus Bubble Inflatable Hot Tub
Product Specs
- Material: 3-ply laminated
- Water capacity: 290 gallons
- Number of jets: 170
- Number of seats: 6
Pros
- An integrated hard-water treatment system removes minerals from the water
- The easy-to-reach digital control panel allows for ease of use in low-lighting conditions
- Features multicolored LED lights, allowing users to create a custom ambiance
Cons
- Batteries for LED lights are not included and must be purchased separately
With an inner diameter of 65 inches, the PureSpa Plus from Intex is large enough to accommodate up to six people. It has 170 bubble jets for a gentle massaging effect and comes equipped with a hard-water treatment system, which prevents calcium buildup and makes the water gentler on both skin and clothes. The temperature can be controlled using an easy-to-reach digital control panel, and a multicolored LED light allows users to create different atmospheres to suit their moods. Two headrests are included with the hot tub—additional ones must be purchased separately.
This inflatable tub is made from puncture-resistant large-capacity three-ply laminated construction that provides durability. It includes a ground cloth, insulated cover, carrying bag, chlorine dispenser, two test strips, an inflation hose, and two filter cartridges.
Get the Intex 28431E inflatable hot tub at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best for Indoors
CO-Z Inflatable Adult Bath Tub
Product Specs
- Material: High-density PVC
- Water capacity: 26.4 gallons
- Number of jets: None
- Number of seats: 1
Pros
- Made with high-density PVC and thermal fusion technology; waterproof, nontoxic, and eco-friendly
- Included air pump system that fully inflates the unit in just 3 minutes
- Comes with a backrest/armrest, pillow, cup holder, and zippered cover
- Large interior space provides plenty of room to sit comfortably
Cons
- May be difficult for users to fill and drain; it may take some time for the hose to fully empty the unit
- No built-in heater; the water may get uncomfortably cold after a short period
Though unconventional, this pick may provide deep relaxation and comfort, all without the user having to go outside. Built to be compact and easy to use, this CO-Z inflatable adult tub is made with high-density PVC and thermal fusion technology. Additionally, it’s waterproof, nontoxic, and eco-friendly and comes with an air pump system that inflates the tub in just 3 minutes.
This tub comes with some notable features, such as a built-in inflatable pillow, a backrest/armrest, a cup holder, and a zippered cover to seal in the heat. The interior dimensions are 5.3 feet by 2.9 feet, providing ample room for the user to sit comfortably and relax. Finally, it comes with a drain hose and an instruction manual for ease of use.
Get the CO-Z inflatable hot tub at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing an Inflatable Hot Tub
Anyone shopping for an inflatable hot tub will want to consider several key factors when making a purchase. The following sections detail some of the most important qualities shoppers need to keep in mind so they can find the best inflatable hot tub for their homes, including size, material, shape, and more.
Size
Inflatable hot tubs tend to take up less space than traditional, permanently installed models. Those with limited outdoor space need to be mindful of dimensions when shopping for an inflatable tub to make sure it will fit.
How many people the tub can fit is an important consideration for most shoppers, too. A majority of inflatable hot tubs on the market are meant to accommodate two to four people, while some larger versions can accommodate six or seven. Hot tub capacity is typically measured in gallons, with most products on the market having a capacity that ranges between 175 and 275 gallons. Manufacturers typically measure the hot tub capacity at the point where the tub is 80 percent full.
Material
The material used in the fabrication of an inflatable hot tub will contribute to its durability and longevity. Inflatable hot tubs typically feature layers of sturdy materials like vinyl and PVC. The more layers the inflatable hot tub contains, the more durable the product will be. Materials labeled as “Tritech” or “Fiber-Tech” are three-ply and will ensure that the tub is puncture-resistant. Some models offer reinforced walls, which makes them even more durable and long lasting.
Shape
A majority of inflatable hot tubs on the market have a rounded, square-shaped design, but circular options are also available. Square-shaped tubs tend to provide more leg room for bathers and fit better if placed against a wall or tucked into a corner on a deck or patio. However, some prefer circular options as they provide back support at all angles of the tub and can be placed almost anywhere on a porch or patio.
Jets
Inflatable hot tubs feature one of two types of water jets:
- Air jets (or bubble jets) are air-powered and provide a gentle massage. They typically use a higher number of jets to achieve a more powerful effect and require minimal maintenance. Air jets are the primary style of jet used in inflatable hot tubs.
- Hydro jets (or water jets) are water-powered. Fewer water jets are required to achieve a powerful massaging effect. Water jets require more frequent maintenance and should not be paired with aromatherapy oil or bath salts because they risk causing damage to the system. They tend to have a higher price point than air jet tubs. Hydro jets are more commonly found in permanent hot tubs than inflatable hot tubs.
Seating
While traditional hot tubs come equipped with built-in seats, most inflatable models do not. They are constructed to be comfortable without the use of individual seats. It is possible, however, to purchase additional removable seating for an inflatable hot tub. These seats can be moved around to create the ideal seating configuration. Shorter adults and children may benefit from a hot tub booster seat.
Filtration System and Pumps
Inflatable hot tubs come equipped with filtration systems and pumps for heating the water and powering the jets.
- Filtration systems are included with all inflatable hot tub models and keep the water clean and free of dirt and debris. The filters need to be cleaned periodically and should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Some models are additionally equipped with hard-water filtration systems to reduce calcium buildup.
- Pumps heat the water and power the jet systems, propelling either air bubbles or water to create a massaging effect. Some multifunctioning pumps also work to inflate the tub.
Additional Features
Most inflatable hot tubs on the market come equipped with an insulating cover, a ground mat, and a digital control panel. Some models have additional features, including:
- Cup holders for drinking glasses, wine glasses, or water bottles.
- Removable headrests that allow users to recline without straining their necks or backs.
- Customizable jet settings that create a Jacuzzi-like experience in inflatable hot tubs. Customizable settings allow users to increase or decrease the amount of water pressure on a user’s legs, back, and body.
- Adjustable LED lights, which are included on select models, that create ambiance and add visibility to the hot tub.
FAQs
Our guide addressed many of the key factors shoppers who are in the market for an inflatable hot tub may be interested in. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions many shoppers have about owning and maintaining an inflatable hot tub.
Q. How long do inflatable hot tubs last?
Inflatable hot tubs should last for approximately 5 years with proper use and regular maintenance. While hard-shell hot tubs can last upwards of 20 years, inflatable hot tubs inherently have a much shorter lifespan.
Q. Do inflatable hot tubs use a lot of electricity?
That depends on a variety of factors, including the desired water temperature, the external temperature, and how frequently the hot tub is used. Great Home Gear estimates that the average inflatable hot tub will cost $129 per month in electricity if it’s left running full time, with the cost reduced if the tub is not constantly heated.
Q. What chemicals do you need for an inflatable hot tub?
Sanitizers like chlorine or bromine are great to keep the water in an inflatable hot tub clean. Periodically, the tube may need to be oxidized or “shocked.” Shocking products typically come in granule form and contain either chlorine or bromine.
The chemical used for sanitizing should match the product used for shocking, so a chlorine sanitizer should be paired with a chlorine shock treatment, and vice versa. Additional chemicals may also be needed to balance the pH of the water in an inflatable hot tub.
Q. What should you put under an inflatable hot tub?
The ground underneath an inflatable hot tub must be level. Many hot tubs come with insulated mats to place under them. When setting up an inflatable hot tub on a wooden deck, use of antimicrobial multiuse deck tiles can help prevent the growth of mildew and bacteria underneath the tub.
Q. How do you drain an inflatable hot tub?
Before draining an inflatable hot tub, the power should be turned off. Then a hose must be attached to the tub to allow the water to drain. Depending on where the hot tub user lives and the pH level of the water, it may or may not be recommended to drain the water into a lawn or garden. In some locations, water from hot tubs must be drained directly into a sewage system.
Q. How do you clean an inflatable hot tub?
When the inflatable hot tub is empty, all interior surfaces need to be wiped with a cloth or sponge and then rinsed with cold water. The tub’s filters should also be cleaned regularly by running them under cold water.
