Regardless of whether we own a million-dollar estate or rent a less-than-2,000 ft. condo, the mental image of us drifting away in a hot tub while sipping on drinks out of coconuts is just what we need.
For this, an inflatable hot tub will work those wonders just fine. Most of these options are available on Amazon and are the front-and-center outdoor additions to make your space into a backyard bliss (along with some of the best patio furniture to accompany them).
“Inflatable soft hot tubs have become popular due to their affordability and convenience compared to permanent hot tubs that require installation and hardwiring to a designated 50 amp breaker,” Roy Alberts, aptly named “The Hot Tub Expert,” who has been in the hot tub and swim spa business for 23 years, told the New York Post. “However, inflatable hot tubs come with pros and cons.”
We included more of Alberts’ expertise — among others — in our in-depth FAQ section following our expert-backed inflatable hot tub picks below.
So, it’s time to say hello to evening hangouts with your loved ones and some much-deserved R&R after work hours with one of the best inflatable hot tubs we rounded up below. That said, you won’t need an in-ground or above-ground pool to have a good time.
What’s more, you’ll want to check out our FAQ section for more expertise on cleaning and maintenance.
Intex 4-Person Outdoor Portable Inflatable Hot Tub Spa
Alberts recommends the Intex 4-Person Outdoor Portable Inflatable Hot Tub Spa because of its “100 bubble jets and “rubber and plastic shell,” in addition to accommodating two couples or your next dinner party’s group of four.
It comes backed with more than 2,000 rave reviews on Amazon and its easy-to-use tilt-adjustable control panel is a nice touch to personalize your at-home spa experience while relaxing inside the tub.
Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub Spa
Shop the Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub Spa that just so happens to be a No. 1 Amazon best-seller with nearly 10,000 glistening reviews.
“This inflatable hot tub includes 140 bubble jets, a four-person design and comes with a rubber and plastic shell,” Albert says, recommending this particular model.
The spa’s durable PVC material and I-beam construction, in tandem, offer well-made strength and stability to ensure your hot tub never loses its shape, too.
Intex 4-Person Inflatable Square Hot Tub Spa
Alberts recommends the Intex 4-Person Inflatable Square Hot Tub Spa for having “114 air jets, a six-person capacity and a rubber and plastic shell.” Oh, and it’s a pretty solid pick if you prefer the look of square-sized inflatable hot tubs.
With a built-in heater pump and a control panel that’s all the things — easy-to-use, wireless and removable — it’s a fairly priced pick that’s now less than $1,000.
Bestway Hawaii SaluSpa 6-Person Inflatable Square Outdoor Hot Tub
Similarly to the brand’s Intex 4-Person Inflatable Square Hot Tub Spa, the Hawaii SaluSpa 6-Person Inflatable Square Outdoor Hot Tub comes with “114 air jets a six-person capacity [instead of four!] and a rubber and plastic shell,” per Alberts.
Backed by more than 1,500 shiny reviews on Amazon, it also includes a pump and insulated cover included with purchase that makes it an excellent value and easy to maintain in the off-seasons.
Bestway Helsinki SaluSpa 7-Person Inflatable Outdoor Hot Tub Spa
“The TK has 180 air jets and a seven-person capacity,’ Albert says, recommending the model. “However, a wood cabinet deteriorates, rots, need paints and has a shorter lifespan compared to other materials.”
That said, it has a chic look should you be looking for an aesthetically pleasing, non-rubbery model that just needs a little TLC every now and then. Nearly 1,500 stand behind this model, too, and it includes a pump, an insulated cover, cupholders, a ChemConnect dispenser to main clean water, a filter cartridge and a repair patch upon purchase.
An FAQ on Inflatable Hot Tubs
Ahead, we turned to seasoned hot tub experts to answer some questions on maintenance when it comes to readying your inflatable hot tub.
What are the pros of investing in an inflatable hot tub?
Ahead, Alberts gives us the 411 on why purchasing an inflatable hot tub for your backyard is worth it at any point of the year:
- Affordability: Inflatable hot tubs are typically more affordable than built-in hot tubs. This makes them accessible to everyone with little cost. Some people question whether or not they will use a hot tub so they will try an inflatable one to “test the water” (Alberts said the pun was totally intended, BTW).
Portability: One of the biggest advantages of inflatable hot tubs is their portability. You can easily move them to different locations in your yard or even take them with you when you move houses. Also people with small spaces enjoy the ease of use of inflatable hot tubs. They can be used inside the house as well as outside.- Easy Installation: Setting up an inflatable hot tub is relatively simple and doesn’t require any special tools or skills. Most models come with detailed instructions and they do not need an electrician to hardwire them to a 50 amp breaker.
- Space-Saving: When not in use, inflatable hot tubs can be deflated and stored away seasonally, freeing up valuable space.
- Variety of Sizes: Inflatable hot tubs come in small sizes, so small spaces can enjoy the benefits of soaking in hot water.
What are the cons of investing in an inflatable hot tub?
When there are pros, there are cons — and the New York Post Shopping team honestly wanted to know all the factors of inflatable hot tubs before recommending one. Below, Alberts shares some notes to consider:
- Durability: Inflatable hot tubs are generally less durable than traditional hot tubs that require an electrician to hardwire them to a 50 amp breaker in the house. Soft inflatable hot tubs can be punctured or damaged more easily, and their lifespan may be shorter as a result.
Heat Loss: Inflatable hot tubs tend to lose heat more quickly than traditional hot tubs, which can result in higher heating costs and less consistent water temperature. If one lived in a colder climate their outdoor inflatable hot tub use would be limited.- Limited Jets and Features: While inflatable hot tubs do come with jets and bubbles, they usually have fewer options compared to traditional hot tubs.
- Longer Heating Time: It can take longer to heat the water in an inflatable hot tub compared to a traditional one, which can be inconvenient if you want to use it on short notice. Also they are not reliable in very cold temperatures.
- Less Aesthetic Appeal: Inflatable hot tubs are not as aesthetically enticing as traditional hot tubs. They can look cheap in a well-landscaped yards.
- Maintenance: While inflatable hot tubs are easier to set up, they still require regular maintenance including regular chlorine, cleaning and filter replacement.
- Limited Seating: Inflatable hot tubs often have limited seating capacity compared to permanent hot tubs, which can be a drawback if you want to entertain a larger group. Also, you sit on the ground in soft tubs so not all people can get down and up easily. Also, cold winter months make sitting on the ground cold and uncomfortable.
“Inflatable soft hot tubs offer affordability, portability, and an easy installation but come with potential drawbacks in terms of durability and heat retention. Your choice should depend on your budget, space, and how you prioritize these factors in your hot tub experience. “
Roy Alberts, aptly named “The Hot Tub Expert,” who has been in the hot tub and swim spa business for 23 years
What happens if you don’t clean an inflatable hot tub?
In short, you’ll want to make sure you add some maintenance time to your calendar for inflatable hot tubs. They cost a pretty penny, so taking care of them ensures they’ll hold up for longer and be safe for people to jump into.
“Since bacteria love warm and wet conditions, so not keeping up with maintenance puts you and your loved ones at risk for all sorts of bacterial infections,” Micetich notes.
How to clean an inflatable hot tub, step-by-step:
Micetich provides a step-by-step guide for cleaning an inflatable hot tub:
- When it’s time for a deep clean, start by draining the hot tub to remove all water.
- Use a damp cloth or sponge and water to wipe down the outside of the tub – don’t use any rough brushes for stains as you could damage the tub surface.
- For any tough stains, you can use a mild detergent and warm water.
- Repeat the process inside the tub, but try to not use any soaps and detergents – any leftover detergent will make suds in the tub.
- Rinse everything off when done and let it dry if you plan on storing it afterward.
“Inflatable hot tubs are an inexpensive alternative to regular hot tubs and can be great if you’re able to keep up with maintenance,” Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi, told the New York Post. “It’s generally a good idea to clean any time you’re taking out or putting away your inflatable hot tub for the season. For any floating debris like leaves, use a skimmer and clean before each use. You’ll want to clean the filter every week and use a sanitizing solution before each use. For a deeper clean, I recommend draining and cleaning the hot tub at least every three to four weeks.”
Not to mention, unlike the upkeep that comes with owning a pool or built-in hot tub, inflatable hot tubs are simple to clean and easy to maintain; simply ordering a hot tub cover will suffice on off-seasons when it won’t be in use.
What types of cleaning solutions are the best?
“If you’re looking for something stronger than mild detergent and water, seek cleaning solutions that contain chlorine, bromine and mineral-based products,” she adds. “If you’re still unsure what will work best for your inflatable hot tub, I recommend consulting a pro for advice and product recommendations.”
Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.