• If you’re looking to relax outdoors, an inflatable hot tub might be what you need.
  • They’re practical, portable, and more economical than permanent versions.
  • After much research, we’ve picked the Intex PureSpa Plus Bubble Massage Spa as the best overall inflatable hot tub because it has solid heat retention and durable walls.
  • Due to unusually high demand and supply shortage, many inflatable hot tubs are out of stock at major retailers. We’ll continue to monitor inventory and update this guide accordingly.

Soaking in a hot tub is a good way to unwind and relieve stress, but inflatable hot tubs can conjure images of glorified kiddie pools.

But really, an inflatable hot tub is deeper, holds clean water, heats up water sanitarily (again, not a baby pool!), and blows massaging bubbles. It can be inflated and deflated so you can move it whenever and wherever you need, provided there’s an outlet and ample storage.

It’s not going to come with the same powerful motor and temperature stability of hot tubs three or four times its price (if you want a top-notch hot tub, you’ll have to dish out or build your own), but it will certainly do the trick in a pinch, and last a good while if you take care of it. We suggest insulating the bottom a bit with rubber mulch and sand to keep these inflatable tubs much warmer throughout winter.

Based on hours of research, we narrowed down our list to five solid options, including our overall favorite, the Intex PureSpa Bubble Massage Spa. We also have tips on what to look for when shopping around, how to use one, and how to stay eco-friendly.

Here are the best inflatable hot tubs:

Prices and links are current as of 8/4/20. There’s been a lot of demand for anything backyard related this summer, and above all else have been pools and hot tubs. All of our top picks are currently out of stock, but we’ve left the links live in case they become more available. We’ve also updated our overall pick to the improved version of our original top pick as it has more jets for a more enjoyable experience.

The best overall

The Intex PureSpa Plus is the same thing as the regular PureSpa (our original pick), but with more jets and faster heating. It's a bit more expensive, but it's available in the four- and six-person models, too.

This is an improved version as our original top pick as it comes with 20 more jets, and it's available - for now. You're going to pay about $150 more, but you'll receive it within a reasonable amount of time to still enjoy summer.

The four-person model (which is really more of a two-to-three person model) comes with 140 jets to the regular model's 120 jets, and the six-person model (really more of a four-person size) comes with 170 jets.

The downside of those jets is that the more the water stirs in a hot tub with a smaller motor like this, the cooler the water gets. Still, you will be able to get this thing up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, which isn't bad considering you're getting a hot tub for less than $1,000 and that it takes about a day or two to get the thing up to heat (the regular model takes even longer). The colder it is outside, the longer the pool takes to heat, so bear this in mind during winter.

The other bells and whistles of the "Plus" option are two inflatable headrests and a multi-colored LED light. Assembly should take around 20 minutes.

Pros: Hard-water treatment system, easy assembly

Cons: Water cools down when jets are on, no hydro jets

The best on a budget

Foto: Source: Amazon

Durable, strong, and comfortable, the Coleman SaluSpa Four-Person Hot Tub is an excellent deal for a reasonable price.

The Coleman SaluSpa is an entry-level inflatable hot tub. It's solidly built, but it lacks the bells and whistles of some of our other picks. Made of Tri-Tech, a three-ply reinforced material featuring a polyester mesh core encased in two layers of PVC, the tub is extremely tough. Because of its I-beam construction, bathers can feel secure in leaning against, sitting on, or grabbing the tub's walls to climb in and out without bending or buckling it.

Many users reported heating water up to 104-degrees Fahrenheit (40-degrees Celsius) in as few as two-to-six hours on a hot day, but as much as 24 to 48 hours in colder conditions. An automatic start/stop timer-controlled heating system helps save energy.

Although the 60 air jets can't run when the heater is on, they are effective in emanating bubbles from the tub's perimeter.

Although the manufacturer advertises that the Coleman SaluSpa Four-Person Hot Tub holds up to four adults, it is actually more comfortable for two with a 71-inch diameter, 26-inch height, and 177-gallon capacity.

Pros: Economical, sturdy, heats up quickly, easy to set up and use indoors or outdoors, has a padded floor

Cons: Can't run bubbles and heater at the same time, potential leaks (tub, heat/pump container, hose connection), crowded for four adults

The best square inflatable hot tub

Foto: Source: Amazon

Stretch out your legs, lean back, and enjoy robust bubbles in a less-than-ordinary hot tub, the square Bestway SaluSpa Hawaii AirJet Hot Tub.

The comfortable and good-looking Bestway SaluSpa Hawaii AirJet is the perfect place to stretch out in the sun or under the stars. It's advertised to fit four to six people, but as with many other picks on this list, it definitely starts to feel cramped if you max out the capacity.

This tub heats up fairly efficiently. Reports of warm-up times ranged from as few as nine hours to as many as 36 hours under different conditions (e.g., initial water temperature, surrounding climate). Especially notable is the Bestway SaluSpa Hawaii AirJet Hot Tub's Salu-Massage System: 114 all-surrounding air jets that emit massaging bubbles even while the heat is on. This sets it apart from the competition since many inflatable hot tubs can't run both the heater and the bubbles at once.

While a few people report running the bubbles for as long as 15 minutes without the water temperature dropping a single degree, others concede that the heater can't maintain the temperature over a longer period of time. The bubbles themselves are impressively strong for an inflatable tub.

The Bestway SaluSpa Hawaii AirJet Hot Tub is 71 inches wide, 71 inches long, and 28 inches tall with a capacity of 210 gallons. With durable walls, this tub requires no tools or professional installation for set-up. Many reviewers, however, complained of confusing and frustrating installation instructions.

Pros: Ample room and ideal shape for stretching out legs, robust bubble action, designed tough enough for the outdoors

Cons: Confusing assembly instructions

The best with hydro jets

Foto: Source: Amazon

Luxuriate with massages from both bubbles and shooting water with one of the few inflatable hot tubs to feature hydro jets, the MSpa Elite Baikal Jet and Bubble Spa.

Living up to its name, the MSpa Elite Baikal Jet and Bubble Spa offers both caressing bubbles and hydro-massage in a round midnight-blue tub.

There are four hydro-massage jets (with chrome ports) that can be individually adjusted for water flow and direction, 118 effervescent air jets, and a variable three-speed pump that can change bubble massage intensity from mild to invigorating.

With strong air and water massages, you really can enjoy a therapeutic session for relieving tense and achy muscles.

The pricey-but-worth-it MSpa Elite Baikal Jet and Bubble Spa is made of six-layer reinforced PVC. It measures 71 inches in diameter and 28 inches in height, has a capacity of 186 gallons, and holds four adults comfortably. The tub comes with a zipped cover and lock, a ground cover, an inflatable bladder to place atop the water to reduce heat loss, and more.

Pros: Hydro jets and air jets, robust and comfortable massaging bubbles and water streams

Cons: Some shoppers report that cover doesn't fit over tub

What to look for in inflatable hot tubs

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When researching inflatable hot tubs, consider the following factors:

  • Size: How many people can it fit comfortably? Do you plan to use it by yourself, with a partner, or for hosting a party? Some models fit two to four adults, larger ones accommodate six or more adults. For a more comfortable experience, consider have fewer people in the tub than what it says is the max - you'll need some space to stretch out, after all.
  • Capacity: Capacities range between 175 and 275 gallons. Bigger isn't always better: the greater the water volume, the heavier the tub becomes, and the longer and costlier it takes to fill up and heat.
  • Shape: Although most are round, there are square and rectangular models that can offer more legroom and fit well in corners or against a wall.
  • Construction: Most inflatable hot tubs are made of layered vinyl PVC. Some have walls reinforced with polyester, nylon, vinyl, or a blend. For additional sturdiness, some models' walls have a segmented design, reinforced with an interior vertical I-beam structure.
  • Heater: Look for a heater that raises water temperature efficiently (within 12 to 24 hours) and maintains it between 89°F (32°C) and 104°F (40°C). Some heaters run on timers for energy-saving auto turn-on and shut-off.
  • Air jets: Powered by the pump, air jets shoot out bubbles to give bathers a tickling sensation. Find out how many jets a model has and where they are located. Higher-end models have hydro jets that spray streams of water for massage. Often - but not always - jets and the heater can't operate simultaneously.

What to know before getting into a hot tub

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  • Plan ahead. Most models require about 12 to 24 hours to heat up the many gallons of water it takes to fill the tub, so you won't be able to jump in right away.
  • Hydrate. Drink water before and after your bath because the heat can really drain you.
  • Don't heat the water above 104°F (40°C). 100°F (37°C) is the maximum safe temperature for pregnant women. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, soaking in 106°F (41.1°C) water can raise body temperature and induce heatstroke.
  • Supervise any children using the hot tub. Don't bring in babies/infants.
  • If you have any heart, circulatory, diabetic, or blood-pressure issues, consult your doctor before using a hot tub.
  • Don't take anything that induces drowsiness (e.g., tranquilizers, anti-histamines, excessive alcohol, etc.).

How to still be eco-friendly with a hot tub

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You can enjoy your inflatable hot tub and still be eco-friendly with these easy practices:

  • Fill up the tub with only the amount of water you need. This reduces your water usage and therefore, bills.
  • Don't run the heater unnecessarily. Heat up the water only when you plan to use it (of course with enough time for preheating). Use the heater's timer; if it doesn't have one, use an egg timer or your phone's timer.
  • Choose a dark-colored tub for better heat retention.
  • Keep the cover on while heating the tub and in between uses. The cover also safely keeps kids out and helps prevent accidental drowning.
  • Clean the tub and water without harsh chemicals. Check with your tub's manufacturer for recommendations.
  • Never drain used tub water into a storm drain or natural body of water (e.g., stream). Chemicals and contaminants from untreated water can kill plants and fish and enter the drinking water supply. Drain the used water into a sanitary sewer.
  • Recycle tub water by using it to water your lawn and plants BUT only after leaving off the cover to let it cool down as well as dissipate and reduce chlorine or bromine to a level around one parts per million. Use a hose to disperse the water and prevent flooding.

Check out our other great summer guides

Foto: Source: Sears

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