Best Inflatable Hot Tub For All Seasons

Are you in the market for an inflatable hot tub?  Do you know what to look for in these types of spas?  If not, the following information may be very enlightening.  We have researchd and reviewed several of the best inflatable hot tub brands we could find and highlighted the pros and cons associated with each tub.  We have also included an Inflatable Hot Tub Buying Guide; in which we have covered the features and factors you should definitely consider before purchasing a tub for your home.

Best Inflatable Hot Tub

1. Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub

A great inflatable tub for all seasons, the Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub allows you to pamper yourself in relaxing, perfectly-heated water while you’re surrounded by soothing bubble jets.  The unit features a super-easy digital control panel, an automatic timer-controlled heating system and a seating capacity that can easily accommodate 4 or more people. 

Extremely strong and durable, the inflated walls of the tub are made of tough TriTech material that provides ultimate durability and comfort. the 4 person models come in square versions or circular options.

2. Intex 77-inch PureSpa Portable Bubble Massage Spa

If you are looking to relax in style than look no further than the Intex 77-inch PureSpa Portable Bubble Massage Spa.  This great inflatable hot tub has a built-in hard water treatment system to eliminate limescale and leave your skin feeling soothed after every soak. 

It includes an insulated cover with a locking system that helps to minimize heat loss between uses and it also acts as a great safety system. PureSpa provides simple maintenance with 2 easy-to-replace filter cartridges for clean refreshing spa water; and its 4-person seating capacity makes it perfect for entertaining guests.

3. SaluSpa Paris AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub

Fast and easy to set up, the SaluSpa Paris AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub inflates using the included pump and there are never any tools required.  The large hot tub offers comfortable seating for 4-6 people; and the easy to operate digital control panel, along with the automatic start/stop timer-controlled heating system, makes operating this spa a breeze. 

The SaluSpa Paris AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub comes with lots of extra features that appeal to consumers, including an LED light show that cycles through 7 colors, effectively setting the mood for this relaxing experience.

Inflatable Hot Tub Buying Guide

When you are finally ready to make the leap and go out shopping for a brand new inflatable hot tub, there are several factors and features you will need to keep in mind.  To help you make the most educated purchasing decision possible, below we have covered some of those considerations in some detail when looking at the best inflatable hot tubs.

Different Types of Jets

One of the first things you will discover when shopping for inflatable hot tubs is that these indoor amenities have two different types of jets:  air jets and water jets.  The jets in an inflatable hot tub are what make it so relaxing and therapeutic.  So let’s take a closer look at both of these jet options.

Air Jets

The majority of inflatable hot tubs you will come across will be equipped with air jets.  Air jets are a much more affordable option and are easier to manufacture and produce.  They provide consumers with a relaxing massage while in the inflatable hot tub, and while they are not as powerful as the water jets we will discuss in the next section, they still do an adequate job.  So why are air jets much more affordable than water jets?  The easy answer is that they don’t require any extra hardware.  That’s because air jets are powered by the same blower that actually inflates your hot tub during the setup process.  These jets work by pushing compressed air through a hose and into a bottom-mounted ring on the floor of the inflatable hot tub.  This ring has tiny holes in it, which further powers and compresses the air to give the jets their relaxing power.  This is not a very elaborate setup, but the tingling sensation it provides while using the tub will be much appreciated.

On the downside, the blower that feeds the air jets can be rather loud, which may kill the ambience you are looking for.  Also, the heater and the air jets can not run simultaneously, so you will need to heat the tub prior to using the jets.  Then, if the water begins to cool, you will need to switch off the air jets to run the heater once again.

Water Jets

Also known as hydro-jets, water jets are the type of jets used in most conventional built-in jacuzzies and spas.  They are not used very commonly on inflatable hot tubs, but in rare cases you will find one that contains this option.

The primary reason that water jets are so rare in inflatable hot tubs is the manufacturing cost to produce these devices.  Water jets rely on a robust water pump and high-quality ultra-reliable piping.  These jets deliver a very powerful massage and can be arranged around the inflatable hot tub—high and low—to ensure all the knots and kinks you developed during the day will be instantly melted away.

The massage from water or hydro-jets allows you to pinpoint certain spots on your body, such as your upper back, lower back and even your legs.  The jet of water they create is much more powerful than that of air jets, but you will definitely have to pay more for this luxury.

The focused and powerful jet of water under high pressure makes for a one-of-a-kind massage experience. The water pump is less noisy than its air blower counterpart; and you will never experience any heat loss, as water jets and the heater can run simultaneously. Together with the properly heated water and their strategic placement, water jets truly help to relieve sore muscles.

Size and Design

The size and design of the inflatable hot tub you choose is of course a matter of personal preference, but there are some things to consider.  First, just how many people will be using the hot tub at the same time?  If you are only buying this tub as a personal training aid, you can probably get away with a smaller model, but if you are looking to entertain a lot of guests you will definitely need one with a higher seating capacity.

The smallest inflatable hot tub that is currently on the market is the two-person spa, while larger inflatable hot tubs can accommodate up to six people or more very comfortably.   In terms of volume, inflatable hot tubs range from those that require just 150 gallons of water on the small side to those that will need almost 400 gallons of water.  Keep in mind that when filled, these larger inflatable hot tubs can weight up to a ton or more, so you will need to be very careful where you place it, making sure the spot is rated for that type of weight.

The lion-share of inflatable hot tubs come equipped with very sturdy walls.  This is definitely a plus, as they create a rock solid foundation for the water to sit in.  Our recommendation is to shy away from those cheaper inflatable hot tubs that have flimsy walls.  Well-built tubs use a variety of high-quality materials and come with pretty impressive warranties to back up their products.

Heater Units and Blowers

Different types of inflatable hot tubs will definitely have different types of heater units and blowers to heat the water and create the jets, respectively.  And when picking out your new hot tub, you will need to consider the space you have and where it will be placed.  First, you will need to place it near a wall socket for electrical power.  If this is not possible, you can always use an extension cord, but that creates a trip hazard you probably want to avoid.

The majority of inflatable hot tubs have an external adjacent unit where all the important equipment is housed, such as the heater, blower and the control panel you will use to operate these features.  However, there are also some newer hot tubs that have this unit built right into the wall of the spa. This can be very beneficial for some people, especially those who have less space available in their home for an external heater and blower.

Special Features

There are many special features from which you can choose when buying your new inflatable hot tub.  A few of these include:

• LED Mood Lighting—relaxing lighting that really sets the mood for a good soak.
• Saltwater Cleaning System—if you don’t like the smell of chlorine, go with a hot tub that has a saltwater cleaning system instead.
• Hard water system.  This unique feature will prevent the buildup of limescale in your inflatable hot tub, which is a major cause of tub breakdowns.
• And more…

As you can see, when searching for the best inflatable hot tub, there’s more to buying an tub than just taking a trip to the store.  However, if you follow this guide you can ensure you select just the right hot tub for all your needs and personal preferences.