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Soaking in a warm bath can make you feel like you’re discovering the fountain of youth, or at least a much-needed retreat. It’s no surprise, then, that the idea of having your own hot tub is becoming more appealing than ever.
However, traditional hot tubs can cost more than $10,000 to purchase and install. That was a hefty price tag, so we decided to buy an inflatable hot tub – because they only seem to run about a tenth of the cost, with some starting around $700. We’ve rounded up selections from two of the most trusted and high-quality brands – Coleman and Intex – and combed through reviews to find shoppers’ favorites.
To get to all the important details, we also spoke to a man known simply as “Steve’s Pool“As a pool and spa builder with over 25 years of experience – along with a blog of the same name providing hot tub and pool advice. According to Steve, “To experiment with a hot tub soak, or just a low-cost, low-frills hot water treatment, an inflatable hot tub is definitely an option. worth seeing.”
Level up: While they may look similar, an inflatable jacuzzi is not the same as an inflatable kiddie pool. “Like any hot tub, these tubs need a stable, flat slab of concrete or stone to sit on,” says Steve. It is important that the ground is flat to support the large and dynamic weight of the water.”
Size it up: Steve says that “choosing the right one for you is going to be a big deal.” He also shared that two- and four-person models seem to be the most popular. Why? Tubs can take a long time to fill and heat up, so this is a time when the smaller the better.
Deciding on the choice of jet: Sure, where you put it and what size you want are the first two things to consider, but Steve adds, you should also consider “choosing between a cheaper air bubbler and a more expensive sprinkler.” with booster pump system”. According to our research, water jets are hard to find in inflatable hot tubs, but luckily the jet reviews are great. Just be aware that all jets are noisy when running.
Measure its temperature: One thing Steve said that can be considered a mistake when buying an inflatable hot tub is its ability to increase and hold its optimal temperature. “Inflatable hot tubs can take longer than more expensive systems to heat up to temperature,” Steve advises. “The heater is the smallest in size, a compromise for plug-and-play spas, and as such, in extreme cold the tub can have trouble keeping the maximum temperature.”
Coleman SaluSpa Miami Air Jet (starts at $519.99, original $969.99; amazon.com, or $434.58, originally $989.99; walmart.com)
Although this spa claims to be for four, its compact size makes it roomy and comfortable for two. With a maximum water depth of 1.67 feet and a capacity of 107 gallons, it doesn’t seem like this will provide a true spa experience, but 120 jets of air will prove otherwise.
Intex PureSpa 6 Person Outdoor Bubble Hot Tub 290 Gallon ($974.99; target.com and walmart.com or $1,005.99; amazon.com)
Complete with a set of seats, cup holders, beverage trays and headrests, this six-person inflatable hot tub is all about amenities. With over 170 nozzles, the tub can be ready to hold water in just 20 minutes and deflates easily for storage. There’s even a control panel so you can control the jet with the push of a button.
Intex PureSpa Plus Round Portable Inflatable Hot Tub for 6 People ($824.99, originally $1,079.99; amazon.com and walmart.com)
This 290-gallon giant comes with all the bells and whistles, including cozy seating for six. From underwater LED lights and an insulating cloth to the included two headrests and hard water treatment system, there’s not much this inflatable hot tub set doesn’t include. But Steve admits that no matter which inflatable hot tub you choose, you can’t beat the fact that you “just set them up, fill them up, heat them up and enjoy”.
Coleman SaluSpa Spa 4-Person Portable Outdoor Hot Tub Square (starts at $549.99; amazon.com or $549.99, originally $1,119.99; walmart.com)
This well-reviewed inflatable tub from Coleman is square in shape, making it more suitable for 4 guests without feeling cramped. At about 250 gallons and about 70 inches per side, this one is considerably larger than the two-person Coleman mentioned above. As one reviewer wrote, “Giving out was easy and quick. Not only was I amazed at the amount of bubbles and pressure, but I was absolutely delighted the first time I used it, and it just got better each time I used it. ”
Intex PureSpa Greywood Deluxe 4-Person with Portable Inflatable Hot Tub ($549.99, originally $1,139.99; walmart.com)
If aesthetics are your thing, this large inflatable hot tub comes in a lovely gray wood finish and has everything you need for easy setup: insulated housing, filter, system hard water, LED lights, two headrests, a faucet cover and even a bag to help store it all.
Blufree Bluetooth speaker with colorful lights ($39.99; amazon.com)
Add a little atmosphere to your hot tub sessions with a floating, waterproof Bluetooth speaker and LED display. The Bluetooth feature connects to your phone and the speaker accepts voice commands so you can accept and make calls without moving a muscle. For extra fun, play with the seven lighting settings.
Vickea Inflatable Pineapple Drink Holder ($14.99; amazon.com)
Don’t get out of the tub to get a drink; float it on this whimsical pineapple tray. It has three cup holders and a large bowl in the middle for snacks, sunscreen or anything else you might need.
Feebria Floating Drink Holder ($14.99; amazon.com)
Okay, maybe the pineapple drink container is a bit too much for your taste. In that case, this beverage float will do the trick. It has four cup holders and two phone holders to hold everything you need.
XLD Store Novelty Hot Tub Sign ($13.95; amazon.com)
This plastic sign that says “Life is better in a hot tub” is a fun piece of decor that says things people may already know but may not say.
Eay Luxury Waterproof Playing Deck ($7.99, originally $11.99; amazon.com)
Quiet relaxation in a hot tub can be uplifting… for a while. Stay a little longer by bringing a deck of these waterproof playing cards.
Spa Frog @Ease Hot Tub Floating System ($87.90; amazon.com)
This kit will keep the water in the hot tub crystal clear and the surfaces inside the hot tub free of slippery slime. Each floating ink cartridge flips up when it runs out of ink so you know when to replace it.
Sunlite Sports High Intensity EVA Foam Dumbbell Set ($19.97; amazon.com)
If the reason you come to an inflatable hot tub is not just for relaxation but for exercise or hydrotherapy, these water therapy dumbbells will add resistance to your workout. friend.
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