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An inflatable hot tub may not deliver the Hot Tub Time Machine special effects of your dreams, but you can sure save a ton of money going the inflatable route. Are inflatables worth it? You bet — if you’re a die-hard hot tub fan but have to float a limited budget.
Article Overview
- Are Inflatable Hot Tubs Worth It?
- Top Picks
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Setting Up An Inflatable Hot Tub (Video)
- The Perfect Pairing For A Hot Tub
Are Inflatable Hot Tubs Worth It?
Have you always dreamed of having a hot tub on your deck or back patio but can’t afford the $2,000+ cost of a standard hot tub? Then, yes, in many ways, an inflatable hot tub is worth it.
The founders of this website have a Coleman SaluSpa (our #1 pick!) and cannot believe how great it works at such a low price. They also love that it can be moved to the beach, if the desire strikes them to add a hot tub to their rental!
Like premium inflatable backyard pools, high-quality inflatable hot tubs have come a long way in sturdy construction and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the pros and cons of inflatable hot tubs? Don’t know much about inflatable hot tubs? Read on.
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How Do They Affect Your Electric Bill?
Energy costs vary widely depending on the frequency of use, but you can expect your inflatable hot tub electric bill to run $80 or more per month with regular use.
How Long Do Inflatable Hot Tubs Last?
Inflatable hot tubs, understandably, have a limited lifespan compared to solid hot tubs. If you keep this in mind, then you won’t over-inflate (pun intended) your expectations.
The lifetime of inflatable hot tubs depends on several factors, including the quality of construction and how well you maintain your tub. Keeping the water clean and free of contaminants goes a long way, as does making sure you protect your hot tub from a rough surface or side-piercing objects.
How Much Do They Weigh?
Inflatable hot tubs can weigh anywhere from 50-125 pounds. Most come with carrying handles.
Best Inflatable Hot Tub Winners
We’ve based our rankings and reviews on the quality of construction, ease of setup and use, price, warranty and several other factors.
Best Overall: Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable AirJet Hot Tub
Coleman is one of the top manufacturers of inflatable hot tubs and has a fantastic reputation for high-quality tubs. This SaluSpa Inflatable AirJet Hot Tub is the latest in a long line of superior Colemanproducts.
This hard-sided portable hot tub allows you to sit on its edge or immerse yourself in a fully cushioned body and floor. The SaluSpa gets excellent reviews for its durability and spacious interior.
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- includes: pool liner, pool cover, spa pump, chemical floater, 2 filter cartridges (VI), air pad protector, repair kit, and AirJet system
- Warranty: 1 year for heat pump; 180 days for pool liner; 30 days for accessories
Personal Experience
We were looking for an inexpensive hot tub to try out at our house in the NC mountains. We went this route because we were not certain we would use a hot tub much after the initial excitement wore off and would hate to be out thousands of dollars. We bought this Coleman SaluSpa and were blown away by how well it works! It heats up to around 100 degrees, and the bubbles were all around us – more than I’ve ever experienced with a traditional spa. With so many tiny “jets” vs a few strong ones, it is harder to isolate sore muscles but the entire tub does a great job of relaxing all my muscles. The material holds up really well and it is more comfortable than expected. – Michelle S., co-founder of this website, 8/23/18
Best For Families: Intex 85in PureSpa Review
Have a large family or want to entertain your friends? The Intex 85in PureSpa Portable Bubble Massage Spa Set is a great alternative to an expensive solid hot tub. It’s also priced very competitively for an inflatable hot tub.
Intex is another leading manufacturer of pools and hot tubs, although it doesn’t quite have the same reputation as Coleman. Still, the Intex PureSpa 85″ is a #1 bestseller on Amazon. This model also comes in a smaller 77″ size.
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- includes: spa, insulated cover, heating/filtration/air blower/hard water system, two filter cartridges, thermal ground cloth, inflation hose, carry bag, floating chlorine dispenser, and 3-way test strips
- Warranty: 1 year
Best Budget: Goplus Outdoor Spa Review
If you have your heart set on a hot tub but are on a very limited budget, the Goplus Outdoor Spa 4-Person Inflatable Hot Tub comes in at just around $330. Although it’s advertised as a 4-person tub, this blow-up tub is better suited for 2 people.
The Goplus Spa’s durability isn’t as high-quality as the Coleman and Intex, but many customers say it’s well made and a great buy for the money.
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- Check Amazon for availability for 4-person
- Check Amazon for availability for 6-person
- Both models include: PU cover with 6 safety lock clips, inflation hose, filter cartridge and cover, ground cloth, rubber plug, and repair kit
- No warranty information available
How To Set Up An Inflatable Hot Tub
Check out this time-lapse video to see how easy it is to set up an inflatable hot tub.
What’s The Perfect Pairing For Your New Hot Tub?
Whether you want a hot tub to relax or entertain, why not kick up your outdoor experience with some fun tasting adventures? There’s nothing that goes better with a hot tub than a cold beer or glass of wine.
Indulge yourself or give your spouse a subscription to a beer or wine club. They’re a fantastic way to enjoy spirits from around the world. Be sure to check out our best wine club reviews and best beer of the month club reviews to learn more.
When is your favorite time and place to use a hot tub?
We love our Inflatable
Inflatable spa, Instructions to set up were confusing at first, But once you know how to set up, Its easy and quick, Only Downfall is getting replacement filters and finding the right spa tablets for it to keep it clean.