If you have then idea of soaking in warm water in a comfortable place, then you should probably consider getting a hot tub. The best portable hot tub will come in handy at any time of the year, especially during the summer season when you will be spending a lot of time outside. For portability, an inflatable hot tub is recommended.
With an inflatable hot tub, you can always fill it whenever and wherever you want to use it and easily release the air when you want to store it. These portable hot tubs will also allow you to store them anywhere you want and move around with them as you please.
Whether you are hoping to dip your toes in a home jacuzzi or want a regular hot tub, the portable and inflatable hot tub is a great pick. To help you find the best one for you, we've rounded up the five best inflatable hot tubs in the market, their pros and cons, as well as factors you should consider before buying a portable or inflatable hot tub.
5 Best Portable Hot Tubs
1. INTEX 28425EH PureSpa Bubble Massage Spa Set Outdoor Inflatable Portable Hot Tub
Among inflatable hot tubs, the INTEX 28425EH PureSpa Bubble Massage Spa Set can be considered to be the best one due to the increased level of comfort and versatility of the model. This hot tub is made to last and comes with extra accessories enabling individuals to enjoy a home spa.
The INTEX 28425EH comes with a diameter of 77 inches, which is large enough to comfortably accommodate up to four adults. It features Fiber-Tech construction for durability and comfort, with puncture-resistant laminated PVC for additional dependability. It has 140 HPG bubble jets, and a control panel for adjustable temperature control. The combination of the two units is efficient for heating as there is no need to add extra insulation because the cover is quite energy-efficient and the included insulated ground cloth keeps the heater comfortable.
As for performance, this spa can warm up fast and can be used in any weather with the temperature range of 68-104°F. The bubble jets provide relaxed, harmonizing massages; the hard water treatment helps water quality as well as the durability of the tub.
In conclusion, this INTEX 28425EH PureSpa Bubble Massage Spa Set offers one of the best value for money in the market today. It provides some of the best features that include easy to use, reliable performance and is a great pick for anyone in search of an inflatable hot tub to use for relaxation purposes.
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2. Bestway SaluSpa Miami EnergySense AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub Spa
The Bestway SaluSpa Miami EnergySense AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub Spa 71 inch x 26 inch is one of the best inflatable hot tubs available in the market. It combines all the positive aspects of having a portable, energy efficient and well designed hot tub which you have at home and allows you to have a ‘spalike’ experience without the high price of a fixed hot tub.
With its new and modern design, the SaluSpa Miami EnergySense is fitted with 120 AirJet massage system to provide a bubble massage. It has standard cover and thermal cover that can help in reducing cost of operations in terms of heating since the thermal cover retains heat. The controls are easy and conveniently located on the wall mounted digital control panel where we could set the water temperature to as high as 40°C-high and turn on the jets. Featuring sleek design and fire retardant properties, this hot tub has been constructed using high-density DuraPlus™ material that makes it hard to puncture while providing a strong structure. It also comes with a ChemConnect™ dispenser for easy dispensing of water that is clean, fresh and perfectly balanced.
It only takes a little time to heat the SaluSpa Miami and it retains the heat even on a cold day. The AirJet massage system provides us with mild uniform bubbles that can help us relax after a day at work. Small and lightweight, it is perfect for use in patios, decks, or small yards. All in all, the Bestway SaluSpa Miami EnergySense has recorded impressive performance in terms of comfort, ease of use and functionality in addition to the energy efficient feature of a home spa.
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3. Coleman Tahiti EnergySense AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub Spa
The Coleman Tahiti EnergySense AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub Spa (71” x 26” ) is the inflated hot tub that is uniquely designed, energy efficient and user-friendly. Ideal for casual and private use or for implementing a home spa atmosphere, it is an exquisite option but does not require fixture.
The Tahiti EnergySense Hot Tub has the AirJet massage system that ejects multiple jets of bubbles in order to provide relaxation. Through use of Tritech material, the unit is very durable, and the I-beam construction makes it very stable. It comes with an energy-efficient thermal cover that helps in preventing heat loss and enhances energy efficiency, while a standard cover enhances protection. The tub features a digital control panel that allows users to regulate water temperature and water jet pressure from within the tub.
Coleman Tahiti did not disappoint and with very little effort, one gets a fantastic spa experience. The AirJet system evokes the atmosphere of tranquility, and the tub warm water retains its heat for quite a while. It is also very user friendly and can be set up quickly without an expert input, which makes it suitable especially for a first time user of a spa. Though heating generally takes time particularly in the cold region, the power usage is relatively affordable making it the best option for portable hot tubs.
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4. SaluSpa Barbuda UltraFit AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub Spa
The SaluSpa Barbuda UltraFit AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub offers the buyer the highest level of comfort while being very durable and functional at the same time – it’s the perfect option for a home inflatable hot tub. Big enough to comfortably seat up to four people, it is best for any backyard or patio to give the users a spa like feeling without the permanent fixture.
The SaluSpa Barbuda UltraFit comes in a tough DuraPlus material that does not stretch or develop holes; therefore, it is very durable. Its Freeze Shield automatic heating system shields internal components and thus, is usable all through the winter. Using 120 AirJet massagers, it gives out bubble massage, which is perfect for relieving stress. Customers can regulate the hot water temperature up to 104° F degrees, and control the massaging system with ease by using the digital panel. Also, the UltraFit cover increases insulation and safety when the furniture is idle.
This spa also offers very convenient solutions when it comes to heating, as well as maintaining a steady water temperature, and the experience provided is undeniably pleasant and very much like a couple of hours spent at a real hot tub. The AirJet system offers uniform distribution of bubbles to offer relaxation to the muscles. While it is lightweight and easy to transport, it also feels fairly high-end and very comfortable, which given it is an inflatable boat is surprising.
Therefore, the SaluSpa Barbuda UltraFit is the best and one of the most popular inflatable hot tubs for having relaxation at home at a small cost.
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5. ALEKO Inflatable Hot Tub Spa | Personal High Powered Jetted Bubble
The ALEKO Inflatable Hot Tub Spa is among the most recommended products if you want to have the private hot tub experience with highly effective water massaging. Measuring up to 160-gallons, it’s designed to accommodate up to 4 persons, making it perfect for an intimate, and comfortable experience. It has a small structure and since disassembly is easy, it can be used where space is limited or where it will be used for a short time.
This spa is equipped with a high-quality heater that ensures the water is warmed to a required temperature, and up to 108°F. High-powered jets are available to give a massage, and the bubble system is incorporated into the tub for added comfort. It has a tight-fitting lid to trap heat, and three filters to provide safe and healthy water. It is made from PVC material, and thus, can last for a very long time, and it is very light in weight.
When it comes to inflatable spas, ALEKO Inflatable Hot Tub Spa is one of the leading products that guarantee great performance and versatility. It is ideal if you want to give your home a spa feel without having to install a permanent fixture.
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Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Portable Hot tub
1. Types of Jets
When it comes to a hot tub, the jet is one of the crucial features to consider. Here are some common types of jets;
a). AirJets
These are the popular and used option in portable hot tubs because they are cheaper to manufacture. This way, they give are affordable but offer amazing massage. The Airjets are cheaper because they use the same blower used to inflate the hot tub when setting it up to push the air into a ring on the floor.
It massages and gives a tinkling feeling to your body, making you feel good. However, the blower can be loud, and they may cool the water pretty fast.
b). Hydro jets/ Water Jets
Due to their high maintenance costs, water jets are rarely found in an inflatable hot tub. Instead, they are commonly used in a conventional built-in jacuzzi. Water jets require a powerful water pump and also reliable and high-quality water piping. Unlike the Air Jets, the massage for these hydro jets focuses on one spot, and the jet of water will apply direct pressure to your skin.
An advantage of the water jets over the air jets is that they are much stronger and offer a direct massage than air jets. Furthermore, the water pump is quieter, and there are no heat losses because it will push the cold air to the water. Most times, hot tubs with hydro jets will also have air jets. However, the price of these water jets is higher, almost double the price of an air jet inflatable hot tub.
2. Size
While the smallest spa is a two-person hot tub, the biggest ones available can accommodate a maximum of six people. However, even for the bigger ones, you should be ready for leg touching if six adults sit in. When it comes to the volume, the inflatable hot tubs range from about 150 gallons to 300 gallons of water. The bigger volume means a heavier or bigger tub that might not be the best for portability.
3. Design
Most inflatable hot tubs feature sturdy and durable walls. This means that one can comfortably sit or lean on them, and they won't budge. While most of them are made of good quality materials, there are some that have terrible quality, so you should always be on the lookout.
4. Heater Unit
This is another important feature of inflatable hot tubs that you shouldn't ignore. While most hot tubs have an external unit where you find where the heater, blower, and control panel are, newer hot tubs have the unit built-in to the wall of the inflatable tub. The latter one is beneficial for those people who have lesser space available.
5. Price
The price of portable mostly ranges from $300 to $1000. The higher the price, the more advanced features it has. Luckily, you can always find one that matches your budget, especially with the wide range of options available.
6. Additional Features
As you will find during your search for a portable hot tub, the cheaper it is, the fewer features it has. This means that you have to incur an extra cost to get the additional features, including;
- Salt Water system: This system will help eliminate the need to add chlorine so that it will save you time and struggle. Moreover, the water won't have a chlorine smell, making it a better choice for people who have problems with chlorine.
- Hard Water System: This one prevents the build-up of limescale, a common problem experienced in hot tubs. Luckily, you can find this feature in most inflatable hot tubs.
- Digital Control Panel: Some options may come with a digital control panel, while there are others that have even smartphone controls to make it easy to operate the jets or adjust the temperature settings.
- LED Mood lights: This one takes the soaking, especially at night, to a whole new level. More hot tubs have started to include this.
- Cover: Some come with a ground cloth and an insulated cover to help minimize energy loss. They are an effective way to maintain the water temperatures, especially when you live in areas with cool climatic conditions.
- Extra Accessories included: Depending on the brand; the tub might include some extra accessories. They include headrests, stairs, or beverage trays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Inflatable Hot Tubs
1. Which is the best portable hot tub to purchase?
The best portable hot tub is the Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub that is affordable and effective. The puncture-resistant and durable tub feature 120 bubble jets, a built-in inflation pump, and a great cover.
2. Can portable hot tubs be used in winter?
Inflatable or portable hot tubs have proven to maintain their maximum water temperature in cold weather and can be used for winter. If the spa is rated at 40 degrees and you take the hot tub on a 40 degrees fall day, you can easily fill it with the inflation hose water, turn on the pump and enjoy.
