Hot tubs are great for relaxing, but they are also made to be fun. If you’re not sure if you want to spend the money on a regular hot tub because you’re not sure if you’ll use it enough to justify the costs, then an inflatable hot tub might be the best alternative.
There are three brands that offer the highest rated inflatable hot tubs. Bestway, Coleman and Intex. Each of these brands have different sizes and models to choose from but all are very similar in the options available. Out of the three companies, Intex offers more accessories to make the hot tub comfortable such as seats, drink holders and headrests.
Most hot tubs that include LED lights are above-ground versions that are rather expensive. If you cannot find an affordable option for you, you can purchase an inflatable, portable hot tub that fits your budget and then purchase waterproof LED lights for it.
The Top Rated Inflatable Hot Tubs
Coleman 13804-BW SaluSpa 4 Person Inflatable Outdoor Round Hot Tub Spa
Product Information:
Product Dimensions: 71 x 26 inches
Item weight: 73 pounds
Manufacturer: Coleman
Product Details:
- Holds 4 adults
- 60 bubble jets
- Inflated walls are made of TriTech material that provides ultimate durability and comfort
- Fast and easy set-up
- Has a digital control panel with an automatic start/stop timer-controlled heating system
- Has I-beam technology in the walls that all people to sit on them without them buckling
- Holds over 192 gallons of water
Product Description:
Package includes 1 pool liner, 1 pool cover, 1 spa pump, 1 chemical floater, 2 filter cartridges (VI), 1 air pad protector, 1 repair patch, 1 AirJet system
Intex PureSpa Bubble Therapy Inflatable 4 person Spa
Product Information:
Package Dimensions: 77×28 inches
Item Weight: 101 pounds
Manufacturer: Intex
Product Details
- Seats 4 adults
- 140 bubble jets
- Includes PureSpa tub unit, insulated cover, heating system, 3 way water test strips, 10 watt hard water system, filtration system with 2 filter cartridges, chlorine dispenser, thermal ground cloth, inflation hose, and cover straps
- Fully set up and ready for water in about 20 minutes
- Holds 210 gallons of water
- Requires 2 filter cartridges
- Built in hard water treatment
- LED spa light that has 5 different colors
Bestway SaluSpa Miami
Product Information:
Product Dimensions: 71×26 inches
Item weight: 54 lbs
Manufacturer: Bestway
Product Details:
- Seats 4 adults
- 120 bubble jets
- 1-year warranty
- Energy saving timer that allows you to set your tub to start heating on its own to be ready when you’re ready
- Cushioned floor, l-beam construction, insulated inflatable cover and ground fault detection system provide enhanced safety, comfort and strength
- Easy, less than 10-minute setup
- Thermostatically regulated pump
Largest
Intex PureSpa Greywood Deluxe Outdoor Inflatable 6 Person Hot Tub
Product Information:
Product Dimensions: 85 x 25 inches
Item weight: 235 pounds
Manufacturer: Intex
Product Details:
- Seats 6 adults
- 170 bubblejets
- Integrated LED lights
- Ready for water in about 20-minutes
- Built-in hard water treatment system
- Extra durable Fiber-Tech Construction
- Easy-to-use, wireless control pane
Product Description:
Package includes an insulated cover, heater/filter/blower/hard water system, LED light, 2 filter cartridges, 2 headrests, thermal ground cloth, inflation hose, carry bag, floating chlorine dispenser, and test strip
Smallest
Bestway St. Lucia AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub Spa
Product Information:
Product Dimensions: 67 x 26 inches
Item weight: 68 pounds
Manufacturer: Bestway
Product Details:
- Seats 2-3 people
- 110 air jets
- Has an automatic start/stop timer-controlled heating system
- Inflates and deflates in seconds
- Has a touch sensitive control module that allows you to customize the temperature, control the jets, and set timers
- Has an I-beam design in the walls that provides ultimate support for the walls
- Uses Tritech design for durability and strength
- Holds 160 gallons of water
Product Description:
The set includes 1 spa, 1 pool/spa cover, 1 pump, filter cartridge (VI), 1 ChemConnect dispenser, & 1 repair kit/patch.
What Should I Look for When Choosing the Perfect Hot Tub for Me?
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best hot tub for you. Affordability, where you’re going to put it, and how big you need it to be are some of the biggest questions.
Your Budget
Perhaps the most important part of the choosing process is finding the tub you want that is within your budget. Hot tubs can range from $400 to thousands of dollars. There is much leeway in the price, and many people will be able to afford a hot tub. So, what determines the prices of hot tubs?
Simply put, the features of and amenities included with the hot tub that you choose determine its price.
The most important factors that affect the price of a hot tub are the size, features, materials, design, performance, and warranties and services of the hot tub.
Size of the Hot Tub
Hot tubs traditionally fit 2 to 8 people. The amount of people expected to fit in the tub will determine its size which, in turn, affects the price.
Size of the hot tub is important when choosing the one you will purchase. Deciding if you want a more personal, 2-person spa for you and a loved one or a large, 8-person capacity hot tub built for entertaining guests will direct you to the size you need, so you can start comparing prices.
Features of the Hot Tub
Hot tubs can range from very basic tubs that allow you to relax in heated water to luxurious hot tubs that include numerous extra features like LED lights, lounging seats, and Bluetooth speakers.
Your lower-priced basic hot tubs will come with all the functional features of a hot tub, but they will not offer much in the way of amenities. High-end, pricier hot tubs will have features like complete audio entertainment for those that want to cater to guests or extremely powerful, varied jets for a those that want quality hydrotherapy from their hot tub.
Materials of the Hot Tub
The cheapest hot tubs will be made of soft, inflatable materials. Moving away from inflatable hot tubs will bring you to the next level of hot tubs that are made with heavy-duty plastic. The more expensive hot tubs are made of acrylic, which is stronger and lasts longer than the plastic. It also insulates very well.
The material that a hot tub is made from determines how long it lasts and how well the water stays heated – both of which are important things to consider when investing in a hot tub.
Design of the Hot Tub
More expensive hot tubs will have more convenient designs, like control panels that you can reach while sitting inside of the tub and a build that allows the users to stay comfortably within the heated water. Less expensive hot tubs will not be designed as well and may not offer as comfortable of an experience.
Another design of thot tubs that depends on price is how well those using the hot tub fit inside of it. Cheaper types that claim 4 people can fit may not offer room for those 4 people to fit comfortably.
Performance of the Hot Tub
The kind of jets included in a hot tub and the pressure with which the water is pumped out of them both depend on the price of the hot tub. For those that want a stronger, more varied massage experience, a more expensive hot tub will be a better choice.
For those who are fine with a gentle, relaxing massage, a cheaper hot tub will suffice.
Warranties and Services of the Hot Tub
Warranties and services for inflatable hot tubs are all but nonexistent, for the most part. Depending on the brands of these cheaper hot tubs, they may have partial warranties or 30-day money-back guarantees.
More expensive and name brand hot tubs will include quality warranties and even provide services for their hot tubs when they need to be serviced.
The Type of Hot Tub
Your budget is not the only limitation when it comes to choosing a hot tub. The space that you have available to place a hot tub will also direct you to a certain type. Some may only have space outside of your home, and some may have space inside their home set aside specifically for a built-in hot tub.
Inflatable Hot Tubs
Inflatable hot tubs are the cheapest option on the market. While they may seem to be an option that will mess up quickly, most of them are made very sturdy and durable. Some brands are so strong that you can even sit on the side, and it won’t bend or break.
These are the cheapest option available. You can get a quality inflatable hot tub for about $500. They can be placed in an enclosed garage or outside, whichever you prefer. They are easily portable, and they allow almost anyone to own a hot tub if they’d like to.
Portable Hot Tubs
Portable hot tubs are the next type of hot tub that is available. These range from a couple of thousand dollars to almost ten thousand dollars. They are typically made from plastic, fiberglass, and acrylic.
Plastic will be the cheapest portable tub option, and acrylic will be the most expensive option. These hot tubs will be the first to truly offer “luxury” features like LED lights, more powerful jets, Bluetooth speakers, and more.
Built-In Hot Tubs
Built-in hot tubs are the most expensive option of hot tub available and can cost up to $20,000 or more, especially when there is a lot of cost involved with placing it into the spot it is being placed.
Built-in tubs can be built into your yard or into your home. Some of them are built into patios or pool decks. These will be the best insulated and best made options on the market. You will receive quality warranties and possibly even services from the manufacturer of your hot tub with this type.
You will be able to enjoy amazing features like extremely powerful jets, LED waterfalls, full-body lounging seats, and more. These are normally made from gunite, concrete, fiberglass, stainless steel, tile, and copper. They are the most durable on the market and will last for years and years to come.
Energy and Other Costs
The kind of hot tub you choose and the size of the hot tub will affect the energy costs. Most hot tubs cost between $25 and $50 dollars a month to run. Those tubs that have features that use extra electricity like lights and speaker systems can cost more.
You will also pay for the water that fills your tub. Some tubs hold 250 gallons and others hold 500 gallons. The frequency of which you change your water will affect what you pay. Understand that hot tubs need regularly maintenance, especially if they are hosting multiple guests.
If you get a cheaper hot tub option, you will spend money on features like headrests, cup holders, LED lights, seat cushions, and more. While these extras do not cost an arm and a leg, they do bring extra cost that you should be aware of.
Quality and Reputation of the Hot Tub Brand
If you are buying online, you normally will be able to see customer reviews of the item that you are purchasing. That is no different with hot tubs. As with anything, some brands are known to be better – offer better warranties and manufacture longer-lasting products.
Some hot tub companies have been around a very long time and have perfected their products. Other companies may be newer and lesser known. You may require a guarantee that the product you are investing your hard-earned money in is actually going to last.
This is definitely something you will need to research as you search through types and prices of hot tubs.
In Conclusion…
Hot tubs can be affordable for most people, and there are as many different kinds of hot tubs as there are kinds of people. There truly is a hot tub for everyone. This article focuses on the inflatable hot tubs that are less expensive and great for beginners.
Make sure to consider all the factors before deciding. A hot tub at any price point is an investment and making sure that you are not squandering your money into a product that won’t last the summer should be a priority during your decision process.
Before You Go…
Choosing a hot tub is just your first task. Once your hot tub is chosen, you have to research how to maintain your hot tub. You will need to choose the type of filter you want – eco-friendly or user-friendly. You will need to decide if you will rely more on chemical cleaners or DIY organic cleaners.
There is a wealth of information at your fingertips, so do not be afraid to continue your research on how to make sure your hot tub lasts during the entire time you own it!
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