Photo: Goplus
Swimming or at least playing around with water is a lot of fun. A dip into a hot tub is even better because warm water causes muscles to relax and calm down after having a stressful day at work.
However, fixed hot tubs can be very expensive and occupy permanent space in your home. Inflatable hot tubs have the benefit of being more affordable and can be taken apart easily after use for storage.
For these reasons, it is important to consider having this type of spa and this article looks at the best inflatable hot tubs that you should consider buying.
In this post:
5 Best Inflatable Hot Tubs – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Intex 28403E (With Hard Water Treatment) |
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 | 2. Coleman 54131E (Easy-to-Use) |
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 | 3. SaluSpa 54130 (Easy-to-setup) |
| |
 | 4. Intex Pure 28409E (With Headrests) |
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 | 5. SaluSpa 54149E (Best with LED Lights) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Intex 28403E (With Hard Water Treatment)
|
2. Coleman 54131E (Easy-to-Use)
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3. SaluSpa 54130 (Easy-to-setup)
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4. Intex Pure 28409E (With Headrests)
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5. SaluSpa 54149E (With LED Lights)
|
1. Intex 28403E – Inflatable Hot Tub with Hard Water Treatment
Photo: Intex
- People capacity: 4
- Water capacity: 210 gallons
- Temperature range: 68 – 104°F
- Dimensions: 77 x 77 x 28 inches
Intex’s PureSpa is one of the best inflatable hot tubs because it features a built-in hard water treatment system that basically utilizes an electromagnetic field for agitating salts and minerals in the water (such as calcium), causing them to remain suspended as crystals.
After this, the crystals are easily filtered out using a filter cartridge, leaving soft water. The result of this is a more enjoyable spa experience because soft water is gentler on the skin and swimwear.
Additionally, this water is also gentler on the pumping and heating system, causing the internal mechanisms of the hot tub to last for longer while performing at optimum levels of efficiency. The only thing that you have to do is to replace the 2 filter cartridges every once in a while.
An easy-to-use control panel is used to do the adjustments, such as setting the temperature to any value between 68 and 104°F and activating 120 heated air bubble jets, which give a refreshing massage. However, to reach 104°F, the room temp must be a minimum of 50°F.
For the actual heating, an efficient water heating system is built in, and it maximizes on heat transfer from the coils to the water without them getting into direct contact. This ensures that the system is safe, performs well and is very durable.
Construction wise, the spa is made using a puncture resistant 3-ply laminated material that is enhanced using high strength fibers, making the structure very strong and durable.
Other features include an insulated cover and lock to prevent heat loss and also to provide safety from kids falling inside, a carry bag for easy storage and transport and the availability of a larger, 6-person capacity option at a slightly higher price.
Pros:
- Built-in electronic hard water treatment system
- Easy-to-replace filter cartridges
- Easy-to-use control panel
- Efficient and safe water heating system
- 120 heated air bubble jets for massaging purposes
Cons:
- Not designed to hold many people (4 max).
- Room temperature must be a minimum of 50°F in order to reach 104°F (max temp).
2. Coleman 54131E – Easy-to-Use Inflatable Hot Tub
Photo: Coleman
- People capacity: 6
- Water capacity: 254 gallons
- Temperature range: 68 – 104°F
- Dimensions: 77 x 77 x 28 inches
Just like the PureSpa above, Coleman’s SaluSpa features an easy-to-use digital control panel, which lets you activate or deactivate a timer-controlled heating system, as well as activate 120 heated air bubble jets, which provide a soft massage that is very soothing.
In terms of capacity, this unit can carry up to 6 people in 254 gallons of water, which means it is quite big.
To hold all this weight, the tub is built using puncture resistant, TriTech 3 ply reinforced material on the exterior, with sturdy I-Beam constructed walls that allow you to sit on the sidewall without it collapsing.
On the interior, a polyester mesh core is built in and is encased in two PVC layers so as to provide extra strength and durability.
Additionally, on the bottom side, the tub has a cushioned air pad floor that is designed to give some level of comfort under the feet and also to provide an insulation layer that minimizes on heat loss to the ground.
For accessories, this product comes with a number of them that include an inflation hose, a chemical floater and a heavy-duty repair patch for mending the inner layer just in case you spot some leaks.
Other features include a filtration system with replaceable filter cartridges and a top cover for insulation and safety.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use digital control panel
- 120 heated air bubble jets
- Can carry up to 6 people
- Strong and durable construction
- Comes with several accessories
Cons:
- No hard water treatment system
- Lacks LED lighting
3. SaluSpa 54130 – Easy-to-setup Inflatable Hot Tub
Photo: SaluSpa
- People capacity: 6
- Water capacity: 242 gallons
- Temperature range: 68 – 104°F
- Dimensions: 77 x 77 x 28 inches
SaluSpa’s Palm Springs is a fast and easy to set up inflatable hot tub because it utilizes its own spa pump to inflate the tub and thus, no extra tools are required.
Its use is made much easier with an easy-to-operate digital control panel, which lets you adjust a number of things that include an automatic start/stop timer-controlled heating system, activate the water filtration system and activate an air jet massaging system for a great spa experience.
Construction wise, this unit also has a strong and durable frame structure that is made of sturdy I-Beam walls, which provide extra strength and durability for a non-collapsible tub side that doesn’t buckle even when you sit on it.
In addition to this, the whole tub’s exterior is made using a tough, puncture resistant, TriTech 3 ply reinforced material, which sandwiches a polyester mesh core for reinforcement and a sturdier body.
With this structure, the product can comfortably accommodate up to 6 people inside and a maximum volume of 242 gallons of water in a space that spans 77 inches in diameter and 28 inches in height.
Other features include a cushioned air pad floor that provides additional comfort under the feet while also minimizing on heat loss to the ground, a heat tub cover to help maintain the optimal water temperature and a chemical floater for water maintenance.
Pros:
- Easy to set up
- Digital control panel for easy use
- Strong and durable body construction
- Can accommodate up to 6 people
- Cushioned air pad floor for comfort and reduced heat loss
Cons:
- No hard water filtration system
- No LED light show
4. Intex Pure 28409E – Inflatable Hot Tub with Headrests
Photo: Intex
- People capacity: 6
- Water capacity: 290 gallons
- Temperature range: 68 – 104°F
- Dimensions: 85 x 85 x 28 inches
Intex’s 28409E is the top-rated inflatable hot tub in this review and this is because it comes with 2 headrests for a touch of comfort to at least 2 of the 6 people that it can accommodate.
You also get 170 high-powered bubble jets all around its interior, which blow out hot bubbles to give a soft and soothing massage to calm your muscles after a long day at work.
To make the experience even better, this product has a hard water treatment system that filters out any salts and minerals, leaving soft water in circulation, which is gentler to your skin and to your swimwear as well.
Soft water is also gentler to the pumping and heating systems, which means that the internal mechanisms of the hot tub will last longer. All you have to do is to maintain it by replacing the 2 filter cartridges that filter out these minerals every once in a while.
For accessories, this unit comes with a floating chlorine dispenser for water maintenance, an inflation hose, a carry bag for easy storage and transport and an insulated lock cover for safety and prevention of heat loss. However, it is very expensive.
Pros:
- Comes with 2 headrests that make it comfortable to sit inside
- 170 high powered bubble jets for a relaxing massage
- A hard water treatment system
- Easy-to-replace filter cartridges for easy maintenance
- Floating chlorine dispenser for water maintenance
Cons:
- Expensive
- Does not have LED lighting
5. SaluSpa 54149E – Best Inflatable Hot Tub with LED Lights
Photo: SaluSpa
- People capacity: 6
- Water capacity: 250 gallons
- Temperature range: 68 – 104°F
- Dimensions: 77 x 77 x 26 inches
Rounding up the list is SaluSpa’s 54149E, which stands out from the rest due to its LED light show. These lights up the interior into 7 multicolored lights, and is activated using wireless remote control.
This setup gives the tub an accent that sets the mood for the massage that is to come.
Designed to hold up to 6 people, this unit features 87 all surrounding air jets that bubble up the water to give a soothing massage, and they are easily activated using a digital control panel, which also has the water temperature control settings.
In terms of capacity, Paris can accommodate 250 gallons of water for the maximum 6 occupants and in order to handle this weight and pressure comfortably, it has a strong and durable construction.
This includes an I-Beam frame, which is designed to provide superior structural stability while a TriTech 3-ply reinforced material ensures that the outer skin remains intact at all times.
To seal this off, the inner core is made up of a polyester mesh encased in 2 PVC layers, and this gives additional support.
Other features include a cushioned air pad floor for comfort and insulation from the ground and an inflatable cover for keeping the water clean and insulating it when heating the spa up before use.
Pros:
- LED light show with 7 colors
- Wireless remote control and a digital control panel for easy use
- Can hold up to 6 people
- I-Beam frame for structural stability
- Cushioned air pad floor
Cons:
- Expensive
- A relatively small number of air jets
How to Buy the Best Inflatable Hot Tub
Photo: Coleman
1. Capacity
In considering the capacity factor, the number of people that the inflatable hot tub can accommodate is important to consider so that you know if you and your entire family can get to enjoy the warm water at once.
These units usually come in 4 or 6-person max capacities, with the former being ideal for smaller families or couples only, and the latter being ideal for larger family setups.
Read More: The Best 2-person Hot Tub
A larger one is definitely better because it holds more water to play around with, but it costs more and is definitely more expensive to run since it requires more water, more filter changes and more power to operate.
Therefore, if you have the money, go for the bigger inflatable hot tub such as Intex’s 28409E. Otherwise, the smaller 28403E will do.
2. Air Jet or Hydro Jet
Typically, inflatable hot tubs with hydro jets are more expensive because they offer a smoother massaging experience from the highly pressurized water jets.
Additionally, water jets can be controlled by directing them to different directions or adjusting their flow (strength).
On the other hand, air jets are not easily controllable and because of this, you only find an on and off control for such tubs.
That said, air jet inflatable tubs such as Coleman’s 54131E are not that inferior. They give a good, gentle massage and are more affordable.
3. Build Quality
Since the hot tub must be and remain upright and watertight, you should buy a unit that has a very strong and sturdy construction.
With this in mind, check for strong frame construction such as the one in SaluSpa’s 54130E, which consists of I-Beams that reinforce the walls.
The spa also has a tough 3 ply outer skin that can withstand rough handling and even resist puncturing from sharp objects.
This will ensure that the inflatable hot tub has a longer service life and require little or no maintenance in terms of mending leaks now and then.
4. Additional Features
Apart from checking the three basic things above, it is also important to look for additional features such as hard water treatment such as the one in Intex’s 28403E.
Hard water is not very gentle on the skin and might coat the heating and pumping systems to reduce their efficiency. Therefore, if the water that you use in your home is a bit salty, and especially if you pump it from a borehole, it would be wise to buy a hot tub with this feature.
Read More: The Best Water Softener
Another fancy feature to have would be an LED light show. Although not necessary, this accent lighting like in SaluSpa 54149E will certainly improve the massage session by helping you relax and get you into the mood.
Tips on Using and Maintaining an Inflatable Hot Tub
Photo: Intex
As much as these hot tubs are fun to use, you must put some care and maintenance into them so that they can serve you for a longer period of time. Some of the tips that you can use include:
1. Set it up correctly
The hot tub must be set up on a flat, level surface that has no thorns, pebbles or other sharp things might puncture it from below. This is important to check if you will be setting it up on the lawn, where such sharp objects are present.
If setting the unit up on your deck, ensure that the floor is strong enough to carry the weight of the tub when full of water and people inside.
2. Check the condition of the water regularly
Maintaining the water inside should be done and this means checking its condition every once in a while.
Some common things to do include, to test the water pH level and keep it close to the neutral mark of 7. This is important because very acidic or very basic water might destroy the internal circulation system of the tub as well as its outer skin.
Read More: The Best pH Meter
Apart from checking and balancing the pH, sanitize the water using chlorine or other sanitizing solutions that you can buy from specialty stores.
Read More: The Best Hot Tub Chemical
3. Maintain the tub regularly
Every once in a while, say once a month, you should empty the tub and clean it manually using soap, water, and a sponge. Not only will this keep the surface clean, but it will also get rid of the slimy coating that forms on the inside after some time, which makes the tub very unhygienic.
To help maintain cleanliness for a longer time, always use the provided cover so that dirt and debris, such as leaves, might not fall inside and make the water dirtier faster.
4. Don’t leave it out in the cold
The outer skin material of these tubs needs to remain flexible and stretchable to some extent so that it adjusts to the pressure applied on it.
However, if you leave the tub out in the cold, especially during winter, this material will become brittle and thus, become more susceptible to cracks and punctures.
The best thing is to always pack it and keep it indoors after use for longevity.
Read More: The Best Hot Tub Covers
Conclusion
An inflatable hot tub is certainly worth having because it is affordable, yet its performance rivals that of a fixed hot tub.
That said, Intex’s 28403E stands out from the rest because it is reasonably priced, yet it has all the essential features, including a hard water treatment system.