The Best Inflatable Hot Tubs for Peak Relaxation at Home

From stress relief to muscle relaxation, hot tubs have countless mental and physical health benefits. Even if you don’t care much about the science behind it all, there’s no debating whether a hot tub experience feels great. Beyond making you feel great, hot tubs are a great excuse to socialize and spend quality time with your friends and family. 

For all the value you get for an affordable inflatable hot tub, it’s a no-brainer for most people to grab one. Unfortunately, finding the perfect model isn’t nearly as simple of a decision! There are many important factors and unique features to remember while shopping, along with making sure you don’t get ripped off with a bad deal. Want to know the ins and outs of hot tub shopping? Here’s a list of everything you need to consider to spend your hard-earned cash in the right place. 

Size Matters (A Lot)

Let’s start with size. It’s the most crucial consideration to bear in mind when you’re in the market for an inflatable hot tub. If your tub is too big, you’ll not only have to pay a lot more for the tub itself but also higher water and electricity bills down the line. A tub that’s too tiny, on the other hand, won’t offer you the relaxation and comfort you deserve! You’ve also got to worry about whether or not your tub will fit in the limited space you have for it on your patio, backyard, or wherever you plan on placing it.

If you plan on using the tub with your many friends, you shouldn’t buy one with a capacity of just three or four people. Many people make that mistake, thinking they’ll still find a way to fit everyone, completely ruining the overall experience. I think some extra space is always worth the additional few bucks if you plan on sharing it! 

Make sure to carefully measure the spot where you plan on putting the tub. Also, confirm it’s large enough to accommodate your friends and “co-users” and that you have space to store it after the hot-tubbing season. Don’t make the same mistake I once did and shop for something that will barely fit in your home!

Jets

What makes hot tubs so special is that they don’t just offer you immersion in hot water (like a bathtub); they elevate the experience with lots of bubble jets all around. These are electrically powered to pump air, creating a disturbance in the water that massages your muscles and makes the whole thing come alive. Luckily, this feature isn’t just limited to premium jacuzzis; it’s also available in most modern inflatable hot tubs. 

If jets mean a lot to you, we’d recommend carefully looking at the advertised number between different models to find out which would offer a “bubblier” experience. Models vary between 80 to 140 jets on average, with some inflatables having fewer or more depending on their price point. When it comes down to it, I think having more jets is better as more means a more spa-like feel.  

The number and type of jets can also influence the energy efficiency of your inflatable hot tub, but we’ll discuss that a bit later. 

Warranty 

Though inflatable hot tubs are an affordable version of jacuzzis, they’re still a hefty investment to make. That’s why aside from the product itself, you should also look for excellent after-sale services while finalizing your purchase decision. Only buy from sellers with a proven track record of being helpful to customers throughout a product’s lifetime. Carefully look into the warranty details and see what they cover and for how long. The better the coverage, the less likely it is that you’ll need it because it’s a testament to the product’s overall quality and reliability. 

On average, manufacturers offer a one-year warranty with inflatable hot tubs — but they can last for much longer than that. It’s more about how carefully and frequently you use it.  

Sanitization

If you’re in the market for an inflatable hot tub, try not to be fazed by surface-level details or flashy color options. After all, a tub that’s easier to store, fill up, clean, and carry is way better than a unit that just looks pleasing. Look for essential features that make the product practical. One such feature is an in-built filtration system to keep the water purified. It’s a must-have in our books because, without sanitization, you’ll be at risk of health diseases. 

A filtration system captures water from all directions and keeps all sorts of contamination out, making it safer even when you share it with other people. Aside from safety, it also does wonders for upkeep since you won’t have so much cleaning to deal with. With that said, you’ll still have to replace the filters occasionally to maintain their optimal function. 

You might have to use chemicals like chlorine for proper water sanitization, especially if you have a bigger six-person tub. These disinfectants kill pathogens like viruses and bacteria that can cause and spread diseases that thrive in stationary water. Make sure your inflatable hot tub is safe to use with potential disinfectants, as some tubs can get worn down via chemical reactions. High-quality hot tubs have features to distribute such chemicals evenly for effective cleaning, but make sure not to overdo it with the quantity!

For me, sanitary water is the most important factor of a good hot tub; I wouldn’t let my guests use it if it is dirty or potentially harmful. Make sure your hot tub is clean and safe.

Powerful Water Pressure for Hydrotherapy

We’ve already spoken about the number of jets, but you’ll have to go deeper than that if you plan on using the tub for hydrotherapy. For the longest time, spas and jacuzzis have been used for health purposes. The bubbles generated can create a whirlpool effect that helps open up arteries, relieves pressure on joints, and boosts circulation. 

To reap these benefits, you’ll need a hot tub that features various power settings in a multi-jet built-in system. With this system, you can easily adjust the water pressure and even get the option to turn off a few jets that aren’t in use. Since these features usually come with higher-priced models, your budget will affect what you’re working with.

Hot Tub Construction

The construction of your inflatable hot tub determines factors like durability, portability, and ease of maintenance. Most models feature walls made out of reinforced PVC material, which is often marketed through buzzwords like TriTech or Fiber Tech. Simply put, PVC is just a sturdier type of plastic. 

Well-built hot tubs will also have an internal vertical beam to increase support and maintain the hot tub’s shape despite all the movement and disturbances inside it. The sturdiest tubs are highly resistant to perforations and tears and stay in good shape for years. So, try not to cut too many corners when it comes to the build quality because that’s essentially what will protect your investment throughout a tub’s lifetime.

Accessories

At first, you’d think a hot tub wouldn’t have any additional accessories, but you need stuff like test strips to keep a check on the water’s acidity level, as well as dispensers for chemicals like bromine and chlorine to maintain water concentrations. Dispensers are especially important if you plan on leaving your inflatable hot tub filled for days.

There are also accessories that can elevate your experience, such as footrests and seat cushions for extra comfort. Some people also like to place a smooth ground mat under the tub to prevent any punctures or damage from twigs or anything sharp that may be on the ground in your patio or yard. 

The more accessories you get in the package, the more attractive the deal is, so always be on the lookout for such add-ons.

Energy Efficiency (And What Determines It)

Aside from the initial cost of buying an inflatable hot tub, you’ve also got to consider the cost of ownership. The biggest cost is its energy consumption, which also takes a toll on the planet’s health, so we’d suggest minimizing it as much as possible. Here are some factors that directly influence a tub’s energy efficiency:

Tub size

Aside from a larger footprint in your patio, backyard, or bathroom, a higher-capacity hot tub needs more power to heat up, which ultimately results in an increase in your utility bills! Bear that in mind and try not to buy a model that’s bigger than your needs. 

Insulation 

A tub with highly effective insulation will help save tons of energy since less heat will be lost to the environment. A well-insulated system needs less energy to maintain your desired water temperature.

Heater usage

The longer your hot tub heater runs, the more energy it consumes. Heater usage depends on the difference between the ambient temperature of your water and your hot tub’s target temperature. Your hot tub’s heater will need to work harder if you set your target temperature high (104 degrees Fahrenheit is the maximum safe temperature for most tubs) and if the surrounding environment is cold (like in the late fall). To reduce your energy bill, you could reduce your hot tub’s set point, limit your hot tub use to warmer seasons when it costs less to heat water up or reduce the time your heater is running.

Air pump size 

The air pump you use will have an effect (albeit a minor one) on your energy bill. Smaller air pumps will inflate your hot tub slower than larger ones but also require less power to operate. If you inflate your hot tub only once per season, air pump efficiency really isn’t that impact on your energy bill. However, if you are constantly inflating and deflating your hot tub, you may begin to notice a slight increase in your bill. 

Maintenance

A hot tub is meant to help you unwind and relax after a long day of tiring work. Unfortunately, some hot tubs are a nightmare when it comes to maintenance, which kills the whole purpose and only adds a bunch of chores to your already-filled to-do list. That’s why I’d look for an inflatable hot tub that’s easy to maintain, clean, and store when not in use.

Additional Features

Before we go, we’ve got to talk about some additional features that can make your hot tub experience a whole lot better. Everything about your hot tub can change with a few extra bells and whistles. For instance, some models can be equipped with LED lights to make the party come alive at night. You can also find models with a ground cloth and insulated cover to minimize energy loss — these add-ons are especially handy if you live in a cold climate! Modern units also feature digital control panels and even smartphone connectivity, which allow you to operate jets or adjust the water temperature with a few taps. If these features mean anything to you, it might be well worth spending a few extra bucks on a more expensive model.