The 7 Best Inflatable Hot Tubs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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Relaxing has never been more accessible

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People / Kimberly Souza

Hot tubs are the ultimate way to relax and unwind after a long day — just ask Ree Drummond, who uses hers three or four nights a week! If you don’t have the budget for a hard-sided hot tub, you can still enjoy an inflatable hot tub, which is much more affordable and easy to install.

“Inflatable hot tubs are a less expensive approach to trying out the hot tub lifestyle. Portable versions are now more durable than ever, and while inflatable hot tubs may not be as large as traditional hot tubs, their compact, cozy size makes them ideal for individuals or couples." —Alicia Toedter, senior manager of content strategy for Leslie’s Pool Supplies

To help you find the best option for your outdoor oasis, we tested six of today’s most popular inflatable hot tubs, using them for more than 75 hours to evaluate their performance. We also did extensive research on the top models currently available on the market. In testing, we found that manufacturers often exaggerate the number of people a hot tub can hold by at least one or two people, so keep that in mind as you shop.

Keep scrolling for the best inflatable hot tubs PEOPLE recommends for your backyard.

Perfect for small patios or decks

Automatic chlorine dispenser for easy maintenance

Cushioned floor is comfortable to sit on

May take 20+ hours to heat up

If you’re planning to use your hot tub solo or with a partner, the Bestway St. Lucia is one of the smaller options out there, taking up minimal room on your patio or deck. This inflatable hot tub can fit up to three people, but it’s most comfortable for just two adults. It comes with a pump, insulated cover, and chlorine dispenser, which uses tablets to dispense the proper amount of chemicals to keep the water clean.

This hot tub has a basic design without any seats or headrests, but it’s still comfortable to sit in thanks to cushioned floors, and it's easy to climb into. It also has the brand’s Freeze Shield automatic heating function, which allows it to be used outdoors, even when the temperatures are below freezing.

Dimensions: 67 x 67 x 26 inches | Weight: 55.9 lbs. | Water Capacity: 160 gallons | Max Temperature: 104°F | Max Occupancy: 3 people

Includes insulated cover

Adjust temperature, timer, filter, and air jets with your phone

Reasonably priced for its size and features

Must use cover to maintain maximum temperature

Not all inflatable hot tubs can be used when the outdoor temperature drops below freezing, but the Bestway Milan SaluSpa can. This model is equipped with freeze shield technology, which keeps its mechanical components between 42.8 and 50 degrees F for proper operation, and it also comes with an insulated cover to maintain water temperature on cold days. In fact, the brand says this hot tub can be used at temperatures as low as 14 degrees F!

The Milan SaluSpa comes with a filter cartridge, spa pump, chemical dispenser, and repair patch, and it can also be connected to your smartphone. The Bestway app allows you to change the hot tub’s temperature, timer, and air jet settings without ever going outside — ideal for those cold winter days when you want to crank up the heat.

Dimensions: 77x 77 x 28 inches | Weight: 94.8 lbs. | Water Capacity: 242 gallons | Max Temperature: 104°F | Max Occupancy: 6 people

“Due to their lack of insulation, inflatable hot tubs struggle to maintain warm water in temperatures below 40 degrees F,” says Toedter. “You can use a solar blanket when the hot tub is not in use to help retain some of the heat. Keeping the inflatable hot tub clear of direct contact with snow and ice is also important, as well as insulating the ground on which it sits with a thermal ground mat.”

Heated air jets provide a relaxing massage

Built-in inflation system for quick setup

Filter treats hard water

Not suitable for use in outdoor temps under 50 degrees F

Inflatable hot tubs don’t have traditional water jets like classic hard-sided hot tubs, but they do often have air jets, which push air bubbles through a tube around the bottom of the spa to create a similar effect. The Intex PureSpa Bubble Massage Inflatable Hot Tub is a particularly good choice if you want a relaxing massage sensation — it has 120 high-powered bubble jets that will elevate your soaking experience.

This circular hot tub is best for a maximum of four people, and its built-in filter automatically treats hard water, making it gentler on your skin while also preventing mineral buildup inside the pipes. The spa comes with two filter cartridges, a floating chlorine dispenser, a thermal ground cloth, an inflation hose, and a carry bag, but keep in mind that it’s designed for use when the outdoor temperature is above 50 degrees F.

Dimensions: 77 x 77 x 28 inches | Weight: 100.1 lbs. | Water Capacity: 210 gallons | Max Temperature: 104°F | Max Occupancy: 4 people

Hot tub syncs to your phone

Saltwater system sanitizes water without chlorine

Comes with a decorative LED light

Has head rests for added comfort

Brand’s customer service isn’t the best

If you want to turn your backyard into a relaxing oasis where you can hang out with friends, the Intex PureSpa Greystone Deluxe is a worthwhile splurge. This large, square inflatable hot tub gives you plenty of room to stretch out, and it has a color-changing LED light for a fun ambiance at night.

In addition to a heat-saving cover and pump, this hot tub comes with a thermal ground cloth, storage bag, four filter cartridges, and two headrests. The motor also includes a saltwater filtration system, which eliminates the need for chlorine to keep the water fresh. Plus, the hot tub can be connected to your smartphone, allowing you to adjust the temperature and settings from the Intex app.

Dimensions: 76 x 76 x 28 inches | Weight: 119 lbs. | Water Capacity: 290 gallons | Max Temperature: 104°F | Max Occupancy: 6 people

Easy to set up and operate

Includes an adjustable spa seat

Can only fit four adults comfortably

One common complaint about inflatable hot tubs is that they don’t actually have seats — instead, you generally have to sit directly on the floor of the spa. If you prefer to have an elevated seat inside the hot tub, this model from Bestway comes with a removable spa chair that can be adjusted to suit your needs. The hot tub itself is comfortable for up to six people (though it would be a tight squeeze with six adults), and it comes with standard accessories like a cover, filter, and air blower.

As for the seat, it’s made from durable laminate and has a contoured shape that’s comfortable to sit on. It offers 3- and 5.8-inch height options, depending on how much you want to be submerged, and it can be easily removed from the water as needed.

Dimensions: 77 x 77 x 28 inches | Weight: 73.6 lbs. | Water Capacity: 242 gallons | Max Temperature: 104°F | Max Occupancy: 6 people

Easy to set up with helpful videos

Includes comprehensive maintenance kit

Fewer air jets than similar-sized models

A complicated setup was one of the most common issues we ran into when testing inflatable hot tubs. If you don’t want to spend hours trying to decipher a poorly written manual, the Intex Simple Spa is a top choice. The brand claims this hot tub can be set up and ready to fill with water in as little as 20 minutes, and it offers handy video instructions to help you streamline the assembly process, allowing you to have your new spa up and running ASAP.

In addition to its easy assembly, this four-person hot tub, which has 100 air jets, comes with a variety of handy accessories. It includes an insulated cover and thermal ground cloth for better heat retention, as well as a carry bag for storage. This model even includes (almost) everything you need for maintenance, including a floating chlorine dispenser, water test strips, and two replacement filters for the pump. All you have to do is buy the chemicals!

Dimensions: 77 x 77 x 26 inches | Weight: 89.8 lbs. | Water Capacity: 210 gallons | Max Temperature: 104°F | Max Occupancy: 4 people

Edge of the tub is sturdy enough to sit on

Has 170 powerful jets around the bottom edges

Comfortable seating with two adjustable seats and headrests

Took 32 hours to reach a temperature over 100 degrees F

If you love a hot tub and know you’ll use it frequently, the Intex PureSpa Plus Inflatable Hot Tub is worth the investment. This hot tub is larger than many other inflatable models, and it comes with useful accessories such as two adjustable seats and inflatable headrests, which we found make it much more comfortable for long soak sessions.

It took us around an hour to set up this model (the directions weren’t the best), and after we filled it with water from the hose, the hot tub needed 32 hours to bring its temperature above 100 degrees F. It was worth the wait, though — the hot tub was comfortable to sit in, and the jets were surprisingly powerful.

While it’s marketed for six people, we think that around four adults would fit in this hot tub comfortably. It also comes with a variety of useful accessories, including a filter that treats hot water, a color-changing LED light, and a floating chlorine dispenser for maintenance.

Dimensions: 85 x 85 x 25 inches | Weight: 126 lbs. | Water Capacity: 290 gallons | Max Temperature: 104°F | Max Occupancy: 6 people

People / Daniela Galvez

Just like classic hot tubs, inflatable hot tubs come in a variety of sizes (and shapes), so you’ll want to think about how many people will be using it. Small one- or two-person models have several benefits — they use less water and electricity, heat up faster, and take up less space. However, if you plan to host parties in your hot tub, you can find inflatable models that can fit up to seven people at a time. Just keep in mind that they’re generally more challenging (and expensive) to maintain.

In our testing, we found that manufacturers do tend to inflate the capacity of their spas. Our expert confirmed that this is often an issue: “Even though most inflatable hot tubs have a four-person capacity, they can feel quite crowded with more than two or three people,” says Toedter. “If you plan on hosting multiple people at a time, consider alternating users to ensure everyone gets a chance to use the hot tub.”

Not all hot tubs are designed to be used in the winter, so if you live in a cold climate or want to use your spa year-round, it’s important to find one that can be used when the ambient temperature is below freezing — such as the Bestway Milan SaluSpa. These models typically have “freeze shield” technology, which uses its own power to keep the motor and inner workings warm enough for operation. However, even these winter-friendly models can’t be used at extremely cold temperatures, so take this into account as you shop.

Most inflatable hot tubs come with a cover, air pump, and some type of chemical distribution system, but certain models, like the Intex Simple Spa, include additional accessories, as well. You may want to look for a spa that includes a ground cover, saltwater filtration, or hard water treatment, all of which can make upkeep easier. To improve the comfort of your hot tub, some models come with adjustable seats, headrests, or even color-changing LED lights for nighttime use.

Unless you want to be emptying and refilling your hot tub every week, you’ll need to invest in the right chemicals and water testing supplies to keep it clean. “Inflatable hot tubs require the same maintenance as hard-walled or inground hot tubs, including regular water testing, balancing water chemistry, and routine skimming and vacuuming,” says Toedter. “Additionally, it’s important to run the self-contained pump and filter often to ensure proper water circulation and filtration.” Most hot tubs come with some type of chemical distribution system, so you’ll want to check what type of supplies it uses and purchase those along with the hot tub.

In the past two years, several states passed new energy and water consumption regulations — referred to as APSP-14 regulations — that apply to inflatable hot tubs. If you live in California, Oregon, Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, or Nevada, you’re now unable to purchase spa models that don’t meet these energy efficiency standards. (Washington and Maryland may soon be on that list, too.)

“Inflatable hot tubs are a less expensive approach to trying out the hot tub lifestyle, as they cost between $300 and $1,200, compared to $3,000 to $15,000 for a hard-sided version,” says Toedter.

People/Daniela Galvez

We were able to test a total of six inflatable hot tubs in person, and the remaining models featured on this list were selected based on expert recommendations and customer reviews. For the products we did test firsthand, we evaluated them on the following criteria:

Certain inflatable hot tubs can be operated during the winter, but it’s important to make sure the model you choose is designed for use at low temperatures. In general, you’ll want to look for a hot tub with “freeze shield” technology, which will stop the motor and electrical components from freezing. Even if your hot tub can be used at temperatures below freezing, be sure to consult your user’s manual to see if it has a minimum temperature, which is often around 10 to 15 degrees F.

Inflatable hot tubs come in both round and square shapes, and while circular options are more popular, there are benefits to both styles. Circular hot tubs generally require less water to fill and offer a more intimate experience, but they offer less leg room to stretch out. Square hot tubs, on the other hand, allow occupants to sit back in the corners and generally provide a bit more space for everyone. At the end of the day, the decision between round and square hot tubs really comes down to personal preference.

As you might expect, inflatable hot tubs don’t last as long as classic hard-sided hot tubs. However, you can still expect to get five or more years of use out of these spas. To ensure your hot tub lasts for as long as possible, you’ll want to follow the manufacturer’s operation and maintenance guidelines and be sure to winterize it properly. This will help prevent the materials from deteriorating prematurely so you can enjoy your hot tub for many seasons to come.

Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and product tester who specializes in home products. While writing this article, she pulled insights from firsthand testing notes from the PEOPLE Tested team, and she also spent several hours researching top-rated inflatable hot tubs to provide additional product recommendations. For further insights on what to look for in an inflatable spa, she spoke with spa expert Alicia Toedter.

Alicia Toedter is the senior manager of content strategy at Leslie’s Pool Supplies.

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