An inflatable hot tub can fit one to six people and may feature hydro jets or air jets to provide water massage. While they can weigh over 100 pounds, these hot tubs can be stored in the garage, basement, or under a bed when folded down. They may feature temperature controls, padded seats, neck rests, and digital controls, too. Welcome to the world of inflatable hot tubs. Have a seat and relax while reading through our guide to find the best one for your backyard.
Best overall: Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Hot TubBest large model: Intex PureSpa Greywood DeluxeBest with hydro jets: Bestway SaluSpa Hawaii HydroJet Pro Best for winter: Bestway 60022E SaluSpaBest value: CO-Z Inflatable Tub
How we picked the products
I looked at over 30 models when searching for the best inflatable hot tub. It’s a fairly limited field, but there were definitely features that stood out. I considered ease of set up, air jets or hydro jets, capacity, and the durability and effectiveness of the included heater and pump. Setup: Setup ease included looking at whether or not you need extra tools. Once set up, I considered the stability of the design. Could you sit on the edge of the hot tub? Jets: How many jets are there, and how effective are they? Heater and pump durability: Pumps and heaters are a weak spot for many inflatable hot tubs. I looked for models that showed durability with a combination of good customer service when there was a problem.
The best inflatable hot tubs: Reviews and recommendations
Best overall: Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub
Why it made the cut: The SaluSpa made the list for its durable construction, easy-to-access digital controls, and ease of cleaning and draining. Definitely one of our favorite inflatable hot tubs on the market. Specs:
Capacity: 4-6 people, 242 gallonsMax water temperature: 104°FIncluded: Cover, pump, chemical dispenser, 2 filter cartridges
Pros:
Coverage of bubble jetsStable design and constructionThe heater maintains a set temperature for up to 72 hours
Cons:
Can experience early pump failure
The Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub comes with all the features for a relaxing night in a hot tub. A digital control panel easily adjusts the temperature up to 104°F. The heater raises the temperature by about two degrees per hour, so it can take some time to reach that set temperature at first. Once it’s there, an automatic timer holds that temperature for up to 72 hours. The control panel also controls the air jets that surround the bottom edge of the hot tub. This design doesn’t have seats, though they can be bought separately. However, when you’re sitting on the bottom, those air jets gently massage the lower back. It’s advertised as holding four to six people, but in practice, it fits four average-sized adults comfortably. The Coleman’s structure includes interior wall supports, making the sides strong enough to sit on. However, it still folds down for compact storage. Something to watch out for is pump failure within the first year. A low number of users experience this, and the company offers good customer service, but it could be an issue.
Best large model: Intex PureSpa Greywood Deluxe
Why it made the cut: A package that includes everything to get you started, along with a high capacity and supportive structure, puts the PureSpa near the top of our list. Specs:
Capacity: 6 people, 290 gallonsMax water temperature: 104°FIncluded: Insulated cover, filtration system, 2 filter cartridges, LED light, 2 headrests, thermal ground cloth, inflation hose, carry bag, floating chlorine dispenser, test strip
Pros:
Internal structure adds support and shapeBubble jets provide a massage-like feelQuiet operation
Cons:
Small floating chlorine dispenserLED light easily corrodes
The Intex PureSpa Greywood Deluxe features a fiber-tech interior structure that helps it hold its shape, even when filled to the 290-gallon capacity. It can fit up to six people, two of whom can use one of the two provided seats. However, this hot tub is fairly shallow, and the seats raise you out of the water quite a bit. The 170 bubble jets surround the bottom perimeter and move quite a bit of air. They draw air from the outside, so if it’s cold outside, they can cool the water temperature, too. You can adjust the temperature up to 104°F and control the bubble jets using the wireless digital controls. The pump and heater run extremely quietly. This model comes with a lot of extras like a thermal ground cover and insulated cover, both of which help conserve energy by preserving heat. The PureSpa includes a little ambiance with a color-changing LED light. However, that light can be a weakness, as some users have noted that it corrodes quickly, requiring frequent replacement. Additionally, the included floating chlorine dispenser is small enough that you’ll have to find another method for keeping the water clean.
Best with hydro jets: Bestway SaluSpa Hawaii HydroJet Pro
Why it made the cut: This model’s adjustable hydro jets can pivot to adjust the angle and twist to change the flow rate, making it one of our top inflatable hot tubs with hydro jets—and one of the most comfortable. Specs:
Capacity: 4-6 people, 210 gallonMax water temperature: 104°FIncluded: Cover, pump, chemical dispenser, 2 filter cartridges
Pros:
Adjustable hydro jetsTwisting bevel increases or decreases flow rateEasy setup with a strong internal structure
Cons:
Chlorinator problems
The Bestway SaluSpa Hawaii HydroJet Pro features a strong internal I-beam structure that holds the shape over time, but it’s the hydro jets and their design that got this model on the list. The jets can pivot to adjust the angle, helping target pain points. A twist of the jet’s bevel adjusts the water flow for customized water massage. It also features a digital control panel to make temperature adjustments up to 104°F. An automatic timer works both for and against you with this model. While it’s an excellent way to save energy by shutting down the heat after 72 hours, if you’re planning on getting in after the heat has shut down, it can take several hours to get it back to temperature. Daily use requires remembering to turn the heater and pump back on. Lift handles and an insulated cover round out the other top features. Where this model falls short is the chlorinator. It’s not large enough to effectively keep the water clean. Most users have to use an alternative method to sanitize the water.
Best for winter: Bestway 60022E SaluSpa
Why it made the cut: This Bestway model is our pick for the ultimate hot tub for winter because of its 39°F minimum temperature range and power-saving timer that keeps it at temperature for up to 72 hours. Specs:
Capacity: 4-6 people, 222 gallonsMax water temperature: 104°FIncluded: Cover, pump, chemical dispenser, filter cartridge
Pros:
39°F minimum operating temperaturePower saving timer keeps it at temperature even in low outdoor temperaturesSimple setup and digital control panel
Cons:
Can have pump problems
The Bestway 60022E SaluSpa has a minimum operating temperature of 39°F, which is slightly lower than similar models. It also has a power-saving timer that maintains the temperature for up to 72 hours. That can work for or against you—if you use it daily, it could get annoying to reset it every time. However, it also means there’s no risk of accidentally leaving it on for days at a time. Besides the temperature minimum and timer, this model also offers easy-to-use digital controls that let users adjust the temperature or turn on the air jets. Most reviewers find it easy to set up and run. When it’s not filled, the handles allow you to easily move the hot tub around your property. It also includes a cover with locking clips to help maintain the water temperature. As far as cons, the pump has been known, in some cases, to prematurely wear out.
Best value: CO-Z Inflatable Tub
Why it made the cut: If you’re working on a budget, this personal hot tub can provide heated comfort, easy portability, and an ergonomic design. Specs:
Capacity: One person, 25 gallonsMax water temperature: 122°FIncluded: Electric air pump
Pro:
Comes with a convenient cup holderCompact and easy to storeCan fit in some showers
Cons:
Difficult to drain
The CO-Z Inflatable Tub provides a relaxing spot to kick back and relax. It can hold water that’s up to 122°F, and an extra thick bottom provides some insulation to maintain the water temperature. While it’s a bit of a bear to inflate and deflate, once it’s up, you get a personal hot tub experience complete with a seat and armrests. There’s also a cup holder to sip your favorite drink while you relax. Of all the models on our list, this one is the easiest to store simply because it’s smaller. That also means the pump is smaller, again saving storage space. However, this is a tough hot tub to drain when you’re done.
Things to consider before buying an inflatable hot tub
Weight and location
As goes for inflatable pools, you’ll need to consider the tub’s weight before deciding on a location. A deck can’t support the weight of a full inflatable hot tub—which can weigh more than 2,000 pounds—unless it’s been built to do so. Instead, opt for a patio or other ground-based space. You’ll also need to be near a fairly high-powered outlet for the pump and heating mechanism unless they’re battery-powered. The area should provide somewhere you can safely drain hundreds of gallons of water, as these hot tubs require regular draining and cleaning every so often. Be careful if you decide to set up the hot tub in a garage or basement since draining can cause serious water damage. Inflatable hot tubs are made of tough materials, but they still shouldn’t be placed on anything sharp, like gravel. All that weight pressing down on a sharp object could lead to punctures.
Installation, maintenance savings, and cost
These hot tubs usually don’t require extra tools to install, which makes setup quick. However, it takes a couple of days for them to warm up. You’ll also need some accessories. These hot tubs require an investment in hot tub cleaning chemicals, a cover if it’s not included, and a skimmer to scoop out leaves or other debris. A seat, luckily, isn’t really necessary, thanks to a comfortable padded base and short walls.
Final thoughts
The Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub offers the best mix of features, durability, and comfort, making it our top choice. For those who want adjustable comfort, the Bestway SaluSpa Hawaii HydroJet Pro’s adjustable hydro jets customize your comfort and spa experience.
