The Cheapest Inflatable Hot Tubs – What to Look For
Can the cheapest inflatable hot tubs be any good?
Some portable hot tubs can be bought for as little as $300, but can they really compete with a traditional hot tub?
When it comes to relaxing in a hot tub, nothing beats the experience of soaking in a soothing hot tub.
Spending thousands of dollars on a traditional spa may make a hot tub seem out of reach, but cheap inflatable hot tubs may be the answer.
Relaxing in an inflatable hot tub is a great way to avoid the high cost of a traditional spa while still getting the hot tub spa experience.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the best budget inflatable hot tubs available.
Disclosure: Our aim is to provide the best independent advice about services and products. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
Table of Contents
Why Buy An Inflatable Hot Tub
Inflatable hot tubs are easy to set up and move around, and are good for parties and gatherings.
They are also affordable and portable. Their small size means they can be placed almost anywhere.
If you have a smaller yard, then an inflatable hot tub is great.
Results Revealed
- Best Overall – Intex PureSpa Plus Portable
- Best Budget – SaluSpa Miami Airjet
- Best Luxury – Bestway SaluSpa Helsinki Airjet
What Are The Best Inflatable Hot Tubs?
There are so many options available, it can be difficult to know which is the best hot tub to buy for your needs. We’ve gone through the process of comparing and rating them to help you find the best hot tubs for your needs.
Best Inflatable Hot Tub Brands
There are four main manufacturers of inflatable hot tubs, they are Coleman, M-spa, Intex and Bestway. If you choose to buy an inflatable hot tub from any of these four manufacturers, ypu won’t go far wrong.
If can be cofusing as to why Coleman and Bestway both have a range of inflatable hot tubs named SaluSpa. This is because Coleman licensed the hot tub technology from Bestway.
Winner: The Best Inflatable hot tub Overall
Intex 28429EP PureSpa Plus Portable Inflatable Hot Tub Bubble Jet Spa
Summary: PureSpa provides relaxation at the touch of a button for up to 4 people. The heating system adjusts to fit your personal temperature preference. Pampering yourself has never been easier with soothing high-power jets. This product features built-in LED lighting, headrests, and Fiber-Tech PVC construction that stands up to heavy use. Set up is easy and ready for water in about 20 minutes.
Pros: This is a very easy to set up hot tub and it heats up the water quickly. It is very sturdy and surprisingly comfortable. Maintains its temperature well after the initial warming.
Cons: 4 people would be a snug fit, but that is the same as most 4 person hot tubs.
Why we love it: It’s easy to set up and maintain. The PureSpa also features built-in LED lighting and headrests.
Best Budget Inflatable hot tub
SaluSpa Miami AirJet 2-4 Person
Summary: The AirJet system includes 120 jets that release bubbles from the spa’s bottom to produce a pleasant, bubbling hot tub environment. The inflated walls of this spa are made of sturdy, puncture-resistant DuraPlusTM material, which prevents damage and preserves shape after repeated inflation and deflation. A pump is included to swiftly inflate the spa, heat it up, run filtration, and manage the massage system.
Pros: This is a very easy to set up hot tub and it heats up the water quickly. It is very sturdy and surprisingly comfortable. Maintains its temperature well after the initial warming.
Cons: Manual could be better. No Chemicals supplied.
Why we love it: This is an excellent first hot tub for individuals who are hesitant about purchasing one. The spa itself is well-made and should last a long time.The bubbles move round with some force, which is calming.
Best Luxury Inflatable hot tub
Bestway SaluSpa Helsinki Airjet 7 Person Inflatable Hot Tub Spa with Pump
Summary: The SaluSpa® Helsinki AirJetTM massage jet can accommodate up to 7 people. 180 jets create a warm, bubbling hot tub environment by releasing bubbles from the spa’s bottom. The sturdy construction and simple design ensure that you can enjoy your spa year after year.
Pros: The jets are powerful and bubble system works great.It includes all of the functions of a traditional hot tub, such as programmable timers, temperature and bubble control.
Cons: Quite high sides without steps.
Why we love it: This is pretty much as close to a traditional hot tub as you can get from an inflatable version. The wood effect outer looks really good.
How Long Do Inflatable Hot Tubs Last
The quality of inflatable hot tubs can vary greatly, with the lower quality spas only lasting a couple of years.
The average lifespan of an inflatable hot tub is about 5 years. A good quality model may last upwards of 10 years, if it is maintained well.
Inflatable hot tubs can suffer from leaks and punctures, but they are usually easy to fix.
Related: Beginners’ hot tub maintenance guide
Do Inflatable Hot Tubs Have Seats
Inflatable spas typically don’t include seats, but most have some sort of cushioned bottom on which to sit. If your prospective hot tub does not have seats, you are often able to buy a separate seat to use in your hot tub.
You can also get inflatable headrests to elevate your head and neck.
How Much Do Inflatable Hot Tubs Cost To Run
Inflatable hot tubs are a great way to enjoy a relaxing soak, but they can also be a bit of a mystery when it comes to their cost to run.
The size of your hot tub and climate will make a great difference to the cost of running a hot tub.
- An inflatable hot tub can cost around $0.20 an hour to run, or about $4.70 per day, depending on the average cost of electricity in the US.
- Of course, those prices apply to a single person using the tub.
- If you have a larger hot tub and spend more time in it, that will increase your costs, too.
- A traditional hot tub is more likely to cost much more.
Direct Energy has an in-depth guide to the electrical use of a hot tub.
Can You Use Inflatable Hot Tubs In The Winter
There is no denying the pleasure of enjoying a long soak on a warm summer’s day. Some people like to enjoy a hot tub all year round. The running costs of a hot tub are much higher during the winter months. Keeping a large tub of water heated for long periods of time is not cheap. Some brands of hot tubs have a heater that has an anti-freeze function if the temperature is below a certain level,
Keeping a hot tub heated all year round if you are not going to use it regularly is probably not a good idea. You would probably be better served in packing up your hot tub and storing it away for the winter months.
Can an inflatable hot tub sit on grass?
Yes you can put your inflatable hot tub on grass, but you will have to be careful that the grass doesn’t get damaged. Grass will die off if it is denied lighr under a hot tub. If you can find a patio of form a permanent base that would be ideal.
Most inflatable hot tubs also come with wheels if you need to move them around. Remember to check the weight capacity of the hot tub before you move it.
There are also rubber, foam or tiled purpose built hot tub bases for use under inflatable hot tubs.
We have an article on what is the best hot tub base.
So Do Budget Inflatable Hot Inflatables Make Sense?
So do budget inflatable hot tubs make sense? Well, it depends on your definition of “budget.” The very cheapest inflatable hot tubs will only last a couple of years. This is still a great way to see if a hot tub is right for you, And if you consider the cost of purchasing a traditional hot tub and then installing it in your home, then an inflatable hot tub is even more cost-effective.
The premium inflatable hot tubs will last up to 10 years and make a great addition to any backyard.
Here’s the best hot tub base ideas if you want a permanent base.
Check out the hot tub maintenance guide.
