The best inflatable hot tubs are essential if you want to create a spa-like experience in the comfort of your own home. Designed to be portable, the best inflatable hot tubs can be placed in your backyard, and can even be taken with you on vacation.
Trouble is, there are so many different types available on the market, it can often be tricky to decide which one is suitable for your needs. Before investing in a hot tub, you'll need to consider a few things. First of all, what capacity do you need? You can find inflatable hot tubs for every, sized backyard, ranging from a cozy two-person capacity, right up to a party of 10.
Next up, check the overall dimensions of the tub, so it fits perfectly in your outdoor space, and allow sufficient room. You don't want to end up with something too large taking up precious room, or too small! Also, what extra features are you after? Depending on your lifestyle, there are models available with LED lights for outdoor parties, or even cupholders and headrests for ultimate relaxation.
This could also go well with one of the best outdoor speakers to get your groove on. Or even one of the best solar lights and patio heaters to provide a cozy setting once the sun goes down.
We've selected the best inflatable hot tubs to suit every backyard, lifestyle and budget right now.
The best inflatable hot tubs you can buy today
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Best inflatable hot tub overall
After a long day of jogging, hiking, or rearranging furniture in your attic, there’s nothing quite like sinking into your own personal jacuzzi. Brought to you by a brand most may associate with camping equipment, the green-and-white Coleman SaluSpa is a great option for end-of-the-day, on-the-patio relaxation.
Setup is super simple: no tools required. Thanks to durable PVC materials and secure I-beam construction, this hot tub is built to last, and it won’t lose its shape over time. The water heats up all the way to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and 114 bubble jets are there to soothe your aching muscles. The multi-function pump doesn’t just heat the water, either; it also inflates the SaluSpa, and regulates the water filtration system. Thanks to the Power Saving Timer, you can even control the temperature up to 72 hours in advance, so that blissful soak will be ready when you are.
Best value inflatable hot tub
If you have the space, this might be the best inflatable hot tub you can find at this price. (And it shows. Intex offers a variety of other hot tub options, but as of this writing, most online retailers were sold out across the board.) Capable of holding up to six people, this popular model features two contoured headrests and up to 170 high-powered bubble jets, which should melt away any stressors of the day.
The built-in Fiber-Tech construction is built to last, and the puncture-resistant exterior is made of three-ply laminated material. Setup/breakdown is a breeze, and the insulated cover is there to minimize heat loss in between steam sessions. There’s even a neat multi-colored LED light for added ambiance.
Best inflatable hot tub with built-in lights
Intex's Greywood Deluxe Hot Tub comes in two sizes: The larger of the two can fit up to six people, has a 290-gallon capacity, and 170 water jets. The smaller, 4-person model has a 210-gallon capacity, and 140 jets.
What makes both models a lot of fun, though, is the color-changing LED light, which provides a certain style when hot tubbing at night. Both models also come with two foam headrests, and the exterior has a gray wood-style look (hence the name). They also have a wireless control panel, which lets you adjust the temperature, bubbles, and set a timer for when it should turn on and off. If you want a light show in your hot tub, this is the model for you.
Best inflatable hot tub for up to 7 people
It's not easy to travel to Scandinavia these days, but you can get a piece of the Nordic life with the Bestway Helsinki inflatable hot tub, whose exterior is designed to look like a rustic barrel-type hot tub. It also comes with ChemConnect chemical dispenser to keep your spa clean, 2 type VI filter cartridges, spa pump, hand inflating pump, repair kit, and an aluminum-lined cover to keep things warm.
The attached water pump is also used to inflate the Helsinki, which can accommodate up to seven people. Atop the pump are controls for temperature and water jets, as well as a timer which can be used to set the water temperature up to 72 hours in advance. However, with prices close to $1,000, the Helsinki costs as much as a flight to Finland.
Best square inflatable hot tub
Sometimes it's hip to be square. Coleman's Hawaii SaluSpa inflatable hot tub takes a different shape than other, circular hot tubs, but still has all the amenities you want: 114 bubble jets, a cushioned floor, and room for up to four people. It's available in blue and gray.
Digital controls on the top of the pump are easy to navigate, and let you adjust the temperature, bubbles, and set timers. The filter cartridges are a cinch to replace, and the whole package is compact enough to store in the garage. The kit comes with the pool, one pool liner, a pool cover, a pump a chemical floater, two filter cartridges, an air pad protector, a repair patch, and an AirJet system.
Best entry-level inflatable hot tub
The Bestway Miami is nearly identical to the Coleman SaluSpa, but that’s not a bad thing. Holding up to 177 gallons of water (and four fully grown humans), the Miami model is one of the best inflatable hot tubs you can get today. It has 120 bubble jets, plenty for a tub this size, allowing for just the right amount of water pressure. However, there is only one massage setting, and the jets shut off automatically after a half hour of continued use.
Like other SaluSpa models, the water heats up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and the temperature can be adjusted via the LED control panel. Reviewers consistently praise this glorified kiddy pool for its quality construction and overall durability; the puncture-resistant material and I-beam construction lets your friends, family, or lovers lean against the side comfortably.
Best inflatable hot tub for accessories
While the Intex 28481E SimpleSpa has fewer bubble jets than most others mentioned on this list, it still delivers a relaxing and comforting experience. One of the main benefits of this product is the abundance of accessories that it comes with. An insulated cover as well as two filter cartridges, a ground cloth, carry bag and a floating chlorine dispenser are all included, so you’re ready to take a dip as soon as you bring it home. The included hard water treatment system is another useful addition which Intex often provides with its tubs.
This is a medium design, suitable for up to 4 people, and the adjustable control panel makes it easily accessible when you want to change settings. It is, however, heavier than some of the alternative options — the Coleman SaluSpa weighs about the same and that fits two more people for reference. So you won’t want to keep moving this one around once it’s in place. Having said that, It’s pretty good value at around the $500 mark.
How to choose the best inflatable hot tub
Before you buy the best inflatable hot tub, there are a few considerations you’ll need to make first. What size do you need? There’s no point buying a huge tub if you don’t have enough space in your outdoor patio or decking. If you do have a compact space however, it’s ideal to invest in a smaller capacity tub that can nicely accommodate 2-4 people. This size is also suitable for those who will only relax in it from time to time, rather than for socializing.
In any case, if you have a big family or want a tub for entertaining friends, you should opt for a larger capacity (4-6 person), and make sure you have sufficient space for it.
Next up, consider the material it’s made out of and how durable your inflatable hot tub will be in the long-term. Most quality hot tubs will be strong and sturdy to handle any force or punctures. You’ll find some that are PVC or layered vinyl, while others can come with reinforced walls which are always the better choice.
For those who want the more premium hot tub, these can come with advanced features such as adjustable bubble jet settings, so you can control your bubble intensity, handy cupholders, headrests and carry handles, which makes moving it around easy. Best of all, if you hold gatherings, you can find ones with impressive LED lights to get everyone in the party mood.
You'll also need to know how to clean and maintain an inflatable hot tub and What type of hot tub should I buy? Everything you need to know to help you decide. In addition, check out Does my hot tub need a fence? Safety regulations explained to keep your family and friends safe.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a fence around my hot tub?
The rules vary depending on which state you live in, but at the very least you will need a lockable barrier in place which meets the ASTM F 1346 requirements. To find out your specific regulations, you will need to contact your local government and, if relevant, your Homeowners Association.
It’s common for a fence to be required which should be a minimum of 4ft tall and not scalable. Under more strict regulations, some municipalities will demand a solid wall surrounding the tub. It shouldn’t have additional access points, such as windows, and again shouldn’t be climbable. At the very least, a lockable cover will be required. It should be able to take the weight of a person without collapsing.
These barriers can add to the cost of introducing a hot tub to your backyard. But, for safety reasons, they are essential and must be taken into consideration before you purchase.
How do I reduce the cost of running an inflatable hot tub?
- Position your tub in a protected area away from the elements. Ideally in a corner or against a wall. If it’s in a covered area, that’s great too. In doing this, it will need less energy to heat. You can even bring your tub indoors if you really want to save on the heating bill.
- Fill your hot tub with water from the hot tap, no hotter than 104 degrees F. This is an effective way to save money. Just ensure you fill your tub with two inches of cold water first.
- Invest in an inflatable hot tub which comes with an insulation lid or purchase one separately. This will keep the heat locked in and acts as an extra safety measure.
- While you’re buying a lid, invest in a protector too. This sits underneath the hot tub and helps insulate it as well as protects it from damage.
- Buy a smaller tub. The more water it holds, the more energy it will take to heat it, so only buy for the capacity you need.
- Use your inflatable hot tub in the summer rather than the winter. When it’s colder outside, the hob tub will naturally use more energy to heat itself, so using it more often in the summer will reduce expenditure vs the winter.
- Clean your inflatable hot tub regularly. This will make it last longer and will reduce the need to buy chemicals to clean it. Not sure how? Here’s how to clean and maintain an inflatable hot tub.
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