6 Best Inflatable Hot Tub Picks | Family Handyman

By Allison T.S. Robicelli

Updated on Sep. 23, 2024

Wind down after a long, hard day with the best inflatable hot tub for your deck, patio or backyard.

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Adding an outdoor jacuzzi to your home can cost a pretty penny between their price and installation cost. Inflatable hot tubs, on the other hand, are relatively affordable and are a great way to “test the waters,” so to speak, before making a major investment in a more permanent spa. The best inflatable hot tub still offers a warm, soothing soak and is a great choice for renters, people on a budget or anyone not ready to commit to a significant home improvement project.

“When selecting an inflatable hot tub, prioritize its durability and construction material,” says Rafi Friedman, CEO of Coastal Luxury Outdoors, a swimming pool contractor.

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The Coleman SaluSpa points 140 powerful air jets at your back, neck and shoulders, filling your inflatable hot tub with bubbles to massage your sore muscles and help you relax. Made of sturdy PVC material with innovative I-beam construction, this best inflatable hot tub won’t lose shape and is resistant to accidental punctures. You don’t need a guide for setup. Plug the included pump into an electrical outlet and inflate.

The easy-to-operate digital control panel adjusts the air jet pressure and water temperature for optimal comfort. The SaluSpa warms the water up to 104 degrees and features a power-saving timer to set the temperature 72 hours ahead of time. Use the included cover to maintain the water’s temperature and keep it clean of leaves and debris.

“This thing is amazing without a doubt one of the best $400+ I’ve ever spent,” writes five-star reviewer James Skaggs. “The 140 jets actually do some work even though they’re little holes. There’s a cushion on the bottom so it’s not like sitting on the floor.”

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The SaluSpa Hollywood AirJet is the best inflatable hot tub for people on a budget, offering many of the same features of pricier models at a wallet-friendly price. Seating up to six, this inflatable spa heats up to 104 degrees and has 140 AirJets to keep the warm water bubbling. The semi-transparent outer liner has plug-in remote-controlled LED lights set to four colors for ambiance: blue, green, purple or orange. The walls are made of puncture-resistant DuraPlus material, which is more tear- and stretch-resistant than PVC.

People in colder climates will love the Freeze Shield automatic heating function, which keeps this best inflatable hot tub’s inner components from freezing. It includes a three-in-one pump that inflates, heats, and controls the AirJet pressure, four adjustable and washable foam pillows and a ChemConnect dispenser to manage chlorine levels.

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The six-seat Intex PureSpa Plus features 170 jets and heats up to 104 degrees. A built-in hard water treatment system ensures the water is gentle on your skin—perfect for people with sensitive skin conditions. Easily adjust temperature and jet pressure with the tilt-adjustable control panel, and enjoy the ambiance provided by color-changing LED lights that make the water glow.

One of the biggest pluses of the Intex PureSpa Plus is the included thermal ground cloth, which retains heat, keeps the water warm and conserves energy. It also comes with an insulated cover to trap heat and keep the water free of debris, two comfortable headrests for lounging and a floating chlorine dispenser.

“Much nicer than I expected,” writes B. Craig and Ry Bear. “Had it setup for almost two months and it’s been amazing! The bubble feature actually has enough power to feel like a massage on your back. For the price, I highly recommend it!”

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Inflatable hot tubs can be warm and cozy, like the Miami SaluSpa from Bestway. It has just enough room for four people to enjoy its 120 bubble jets but is better for singles or couples who want to spread out. (It’s hard to fully relax if you’re cramped). You won’t have to hop out of the tub to adjust the water temperature and jet flow, thanks to the digital control panel.

To set up, simply plug in this spa’s pump and let it do all the work—no special tools are required. Puncture-resistant TriTech material and I-beam construction ensure this best inflatable hot tub is sturdy, stable and won’t lose shape.

Amazon reviewer J. Davidson raves about this hot tub. “Staycation luxury on a budget. This is one of the best purchases I’ve ever made on Amazon! I’ve put off this purchase for years thinking there’s no way an inflatable hot tub will provide anything beyond a deeper version of a kiddie pool. WOW!!! I now live in this hot tub. It heats and holds heat. The bubbles are awesome. The setup was easy. I wake up and go straight to the hot tub, then right back to it after work. I honestly don’t know why people would spend tens of thousands of dollars on heavy, bulky hot tubs that can’t be moved and are impossible to get rid of when something as simple as this is an option! Basically, just buy this hot tub!!”

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For families of up to six people, the Coleman Atlantis SaluSpa inflatable hot tub is perfect for a relaxing, roomy soak. Its rapid heating system quickly heats this best inflatable hot tub to a soothing 104 degrees, and 140 bubble jets massage your relaxed muscles. Integrated water filtration keeps the water clean, and its reinforced cover has safety lock clips that not only keep it free of debris but also create a built-in air chamber for insulation. TriTech 3-ply inflated walls and a comfortable cushioned floor add to the sturdiness of this tub.

“Every time we step into this hot tub, we can’t help but acknowledge that investing in it was an excellent decision,” writes Brandon in his five-star review. “The Coleman SaluSpa offers a convenient and enjoyable way to unwind right in our backyard. It has been easy to set up and maintain, and its durability has exceeded our expectations. The hot tub comfortably accommodates both of us, and there’s still enough room for inviting a couple of friends over to enjoy it as well. It has proven to be a fantastic addition to our outdoor space, providing relaxation and stress relief after long days. This hot tub has truly been a worthwhile investment for our home and our well-being.”

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The epitome of affordability and convenience, the Bestway SaluSpa Hawaii HydroJet Pro accommodates up to eight people, making it perfect for entertaining. Eight HydroJet nozzles surround the sidewalls, releasing targeted streams of water for a gentle massage, while 140 AirJet openings bubble from the bottom. The inflatable walls and internal beams are made from puncture-resistant DuraPlus material and are resistant to stretching or expansion.

Live in a cold climate? The Freeze Shield automatic heating function protects this spa’s inner components whenever the temperature drops. Included cup holders keep beverages and snacks close at hand, so you don’t have to hop out of the tub when you’re peckish. A reinforced cover locks in the heat when the Hawaii Hydrojet is not in use and keeps dust and debris out of the water.

With so many options available, finding the best inflatable hot tub can feel overwhelming. To simplify your search, here’s a breakdown of the various types:

Thinking about diving into the world of inflatable hot tubs? Before you take the plunge, here are a few key factors to consider when choosing the best inflatable hot tub for your needs:

Inflatable hot tubs typically range in size, with most models designed to fit two to six people. Beyond occupancy, it’s important to consider the tub’s dimensions.

For instance, a two-person tub may measure around 58 inches in diameter, while a six-person tub could be closer to 85 inches. When choosing the size, consider whether you plan to use the hot tub with friends or prefer a smaller one that suits your household.

Durability and construction material are high priorities to keep in mind when shopping for an inflatable hot tub.

Choose inflatable hot tubs made from puncture-proof materials to ensure durability and longevity, removing the worry of your hot tub deflating.

Look for a hot tub with a reliable, efficient heating system. A good hot tub should heat up quickly and maintain a consistent temperature. Most models use electric heaters that gradually warm the water, which can take several hours to reach the desired temperature. The typical temperature range for inflatable hot tubs is between 68 and 104 degrees.

Inflatable hot tubs typically feature either air jets or hydro jets. Air jets are more common and offer a gentle, soothing massage. They are also more affordable and ideal for a relaxing experience.

Hydro jets, on the other hand, use water pressure for a more intense massage, which is particularly effective for relieving muscle tension. Depending on the hot tub’s model and size, the number of jets can range from 60 to over 140.

Most inflatable hot tubs offer a user-friendly setup process, a key advantage over traditional models. They usually require minimal tools and can be inflated in under an hour. Look for hot tubs with clear instructions and quick-connect fittings to make assembly even easier.

For maintenance, many models include built-in water filtration systems and replaceable filter cartridges to simplify keeping the water clean and balanced. Additionally, hot tubs made from durable, puncture-resistant materials reduce the need for frequent repairs.

Hot tubs typically hold between 150 to 300 gallons of water. Remember that the larger the hot tub, the longer it will take to fill and heat.

As previously mentioned, to save yourself the hassle of manual cleaning, look for a model with an included filtration system. This feature helps maintain clean water with less effort.

Portability is a key advantage of inflatable hot tubs over standard models. They can fold down into a compact unit, making them ideal for those with limited storage space. Many models come with a storage bag, ensuring your hot tub stays clean and protected when not in use, rather than sitting unprotected on a shelf for months.

“The energy consumption for inflatable hot tubs can vary depending on the temperature setting, frequency of use and outside weather conditions,” says Friedman.

It may take longer to heat the water in colder weather, which uses more energy. To improve energy efficiency, choose models with good insulation to retain heat and prevent it from escaping too quickly.

Many spas come with built-in digital control panels, allowing you to easily adjust the temperature, activate jets and set timers without leaving the tub. Some hot tubs feature LED lighting systems for a relaxing ambiance. Other popular features include headrests, cushioned seats and cup holders.

One of the most valuable features is a cover, which helps retain heat, keep dirt out and maintain clean water when the hot tub isn’t in use. Look for insulated, lockable covers that are easy to secure—especially to prevent them from blowing off on windy days.

A good warranty is important, showing the brand’s confidence in its product. Look for a warranty that covers potential defects or issues with the hot tub’s materials, pump, or heating system. Most inflatable hot tubs have a one-year warranty, though some may offer extended coverage.

Lastly, choose a brand with reliable customer support. Good customer service ensures you’ll have assistance throughout the lifespan of your inflatable hot tub.

The Family Handyman team is dedicated to finding the best products to enhance your time at home, including inflatable hot tubs. Our shopping team tested several inflatable hot tubs, allowing us to personally vouch for many of the options featured on this list. We also reviewed hundreds of customer reviews to ensure you get the best value for your money. This list was curated by Allison Robicelli, an award-winning writer, author and product tester with over 20 years of experience. In addition to contributing to Family Handyman, Allison has written for Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, Wine Enthusiast, Washington Post, Serious Eats, Food52, Eater, The Takeout and Taste.

We also consulted Rafi Friedman, CEO of Coastal Luxury Outdoors in Jacksonville, Florida, who provided his expertise in outdoor pools and spas. Rafi has been with the company since 2022 and oversees luxury pool and spa repairs and driveway and summer kitchen projects.

Paul Rankin, Content Updates Editor at Family Handyman, contributed research and updates to this article. Paul is a former commerce editor at Bob Vila and has written shopping guides since 2021.

At Family Handyman, we are passionate about finding products that make your time at home easier and more enjoyable, and inflatable hot tubs are no exception. Since product testing is part of our expertise, we can personally vouch for many featured options. We carefully considered factors such as size, capacity, materials, heating systems, filtration systems and jets. In addition, we combed through thousands of reviews to provide a comprehensive look at each option’s pros, cons and details. This list is regularly updated to ensure it features the latest and best inflatable hot tubs at the most accurate prices.

Inflatable hot tubs consume more electricity in colder climates and during winter. “Typically, energy consumption can be two to three times greater in winter months than summer months,” says Friedman. To manage costs, he reccomends energy-efficient models with good insulation.

According to Friedman, inflatable hot tubs are less durable than permanent models, require more frequent maintenance and have lower insulation, which results in heat loss. They also have less powerful massage systems and fewer features than traditional hot tubs.

This depends on your space and preferences, says Friedman. “Round hot tubs often provide a more traditional and cozy feel, while square models offer more seating and can fit better in corners or along walls thus maximizing space in a smaller area.”

This depends on how you maintain your inflatable hot tub. “An inflatable hot tub can last anywhere from two to five years, depending on usage, maintenance and storage conditions,” says Friedman. To extend its lifespan, regularly clean the filter, maintain water balance, and store it properly during the off-season.