Why not treat yourself to the best inflatable hot tub for your backyard or camping set-up this summer?
Installing a permanent hot tub can be expensive and time-consuming. That’s why inflatable hot tubs are a genius invention. You can enjoy the spa experience at a fraction of the price and with little set-up time.
Another impressive feat is that you can easily pack up your inflatable hot tub and bring it anywhere! If you envision bathing in warm bubbles in the middle of the woods, you can make that happen (so long as you have electricity and water).
Add some pizazz to your outdoor oasis, and check out this list of best inflatable hot tubs.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub
Best Budget:
Bestway SaluSpa Hawaii AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub Spa
Best Lighted Tub:
SereneLife Outdoor Portable Hot Tub
Best Overall
Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub
The Coleman SaluSpa snags our top spot on this list of the best inflatable hot tubs. Imagine sinking into the warm, bubbling water and having 140 air jets massaging the sore spots on your body.
Considering the moderate price tag, this might sound too good to be true, but that’s just one of the Coleman SaluSpa’s features.
If you hate lukewarm hot tubs, you can leave your worries at the door. This hot tub actually gets hot; we’re talking up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit so that you can bask in the tub with ease.
This inflatable hot tub is crafted from high-quality PVC material that offers superior strength and stability. It comes with a cover to help insulate the warm water and prevent debris from covering the tub.
Despite being so sturdy, the Coleman SaluSpa was designed with portability in mind. It’s easy to inflate and deflate and has lift handles for simple repositioning.
Pros
- Includes cover for safekeeping
- Has a power-saving timer to automate the temperature 72 hours in advance
- Easy to operate with a digital control panel
Cons
- Realistically only fits 2-3 guests
Budget Option
Bestway SaluSpa Hawaii AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub
The Bestway SaluSpa hot tub is the most appealing value option on our list of best inflatable hot tubs. Despite the easygoing price tag, this spa doesn’t fall short in the feature department.
You’ll be transported to heaven with the 114 air jets to soothe sore muscles. This hot tub can reach 104 degrees Fahrenheit and has a digital control panel for easy adjustments.
You’ll also find lift handles for easy transportation and a reinforced cover to help maintain the water’s warm temperature.
Pros
- Easy set up and take down
- Includes a cover
- Has a power-saving timer for easy automation
- Is compatible with this cover
Cons
- Can’t be used in temperatures below 39 degrees Fahrenheit
- Only has 114 jets
Best Lighted Tub
SereneLife Outdoor Portable Hot Tub
Do you dream about sinking into your hot tub and watching the stars? Or maybe you want to spend a romantic night on the patio with that special someone?
If you answered yes to either of these questions, the SereneLife hot tub is your best bet. The distinct feature of this entry is the set of LED lights installed in the tub.
These lights illuminate the water and include seven different colors. Not only do they add a warm, romantic glow to the tub, but they also allow you to enjoy the spa after hours.
Aside from the cool lighting, this best inflatable hot tub comes equipped with other nice features. There are 130 high-powered jets for maximum relaxation and a remote control for easy adjustments.
You’ll appreciate the durable PVC construction material that adds years to this hot tub’s lifespan. If that’s not good enough, the SereneLife spa also reaches temps up to 107° Fahrenheit. No need to worry about cooling down in these waters.
Pros
- Unique lighting system to add more visual interest
- Reaches 107° Fahrenheit
- Comes equipped with 130 bubble jets
- Includes a cover
Cons
- Realistically fits 3-4 people max
SaluSpa Vancouver AirJet Plus
The SaluSpa Vancouver AirJet tub is arguably the most aesthetically pleasing option on this list of best inflatable hot tubs. The exterior drop-stitch material displays a sleek faux-stone design that adds elegance to any backyard space.
Aside from looks, this inflatable hot tub impresses with its easy setup and take down. You’ll find lift handles at either end for effortless transportation.
This hot tub heats up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit and includes a digital control panel that allows you to change the water temperature without stepping out of the spa.
And trust us, with 140 jets enveloping you in a calming bubble massage, you definitely won’t want to leave this tub.
While this hot tub doesn’t include a cover, you can easily purchase one separately, like the UCEDER Hot Tub Cover.
Pros
- Designed to look nice on your patio
- Has 140 bubble jets
- Includes a user-friendly digital control center
Cons
- Doesn’t include a cover
- No power-saving timer included
Bestway SaluSpa Helsinki Inflatable Hot Tub
Why go through the trouble of constructing a cedar hot tub when you can buy one at a fraction of the cost?
The Bestway SaluSpa Helsinki spa emulates that sought-after natural cedar look without the heavy labor. This is one of the best inflatable hot tubs if you want something to compliment your wooden deck.
You’ll also appreciate the 180 bubble jets that massage away the knots in your muscles. Combined with the 104 degrees Fahrenheit water temperature, you’re looking at one zen experience.
Another unique selling point is the built-in water-softening system. It filters through hard water to make it feel more gentle on your skin.
It’s portable, compact, and easy to set up and take down. You’ll especially appreciate the puncture-resistant material that ensures longevity.
Pros
- Includes a cover
- Has a unique built-in water-softening system includes power-saving timer that you can set 72 hours in advance
- Has a visually-pleasing wood panel design
Cons
- Only comfortably fits 2 people
What to Look for When Buying the Best Inflatable Hot Tub
If you’re overwhelmed by choice, don’t fret. We put together this buying guide to help you purchase the best inflatable hot tub for your personal needs. Here are some things you should consider to help make the best buy.
Seating Capacity
One thing we found while compiling this list of best inflatable hot tubs is the discrepancy in seating capacity.
Most of these listings claim to have room for 4-6 people, which may be technically true, but it might be a tight squeeze.
Before buying the best inflatable hot tub, consider how many people you hope to fit inside the spa. If you’re looking for enough room to fit you and a plus-one, consider something smaller and more affordable.
If you wish to fit the whole family inside the hot tub with room to spare, consider a more oversized hot tub. This might mean shelling out some extra cash or installing a custom-built spa.
The main downside when purchasing an inflatable hot tub is that the portability often means sacrificing size.
Materials
Most of the listings on this guide to best inflatable hot tubs are crafted from PVC. If you’re not familiar with this type of material, let’s explore the many benefits of why this is the superior fabric choice for hot tubs.
PVC is a high-strength thermoplastic with multiple uses, including pipes, wire and cable installation, and even building construction.
There are two forms: rigid and flexible. The latter makes the perfect material for inflatable hot tubs since it’s strong, tear-resistant, and weather-resistant.
When looking for the best inflatable hot tub, prioritize options that use PVC over other materials for ultimate durability and strength.
Power Saving Timer
We get it, inflatable hot tubs can be a huge drain on your energy bill. That’s why you should consider purchasing one that includes a power-saving timer.
Instead of turning your hot tub on and off whenever you want to use it, you can schedule the hot tub to heat up in advance. This helps you save on your energy bill and avoid waiting for it to heat up when you decide to take a dip.
You can even head out of town on a Friday night and schedule your hot tub heat up when you get home Saturday. The power-saving timer is a nice feature for endless customization.
Aesthetics
Another aspect to think about when buying the best inflatable hot tub for your backyard is the overall look. Some of these listings may look a little camping-chic, whereas others definitely shine in the decorative department.
Consider what you’re hoping to get out of an inflatable hot tub. If you’re just looking for an easy way to soak in a hot bath, maybe aesthetics don’t matter as much to you.
Or, if you’re trying to find a statement piece for designing your whole patio around, you may want to find an inflatable hot tub pleasing to the eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
This guide wouldn’t be complete without addressing some of the most frequently asked questions about inflatable hot tubs. So, without further ago, let’s dive in!
Can you use an inflatable hot tub in the winter?
There is something so nice about enjoying a steaming outdoor bath on a cold winter day, but can inflatable hot tubs accomplish the same feat?
Most stationary hot tubs include special insulation to protect against the cold, whereas inflatable hot tubs are only insulated with air. It might take longer to heat up and not retain the warmth as effectively as stationary tubs.
If you keep an insulated cover on top and heat it up, you should be able to reach the optimal temperature.
Once you remove the cover, you can expect the water to start steadily cooling off. You might not be able to lounge in the bath for hours, but you can still have an enjoyable 10 minutes.
Another factor to consider is that most inflatable hot tubs don’t include any ground insulation aside from a mat or disc. If you want to enjoy your spa during the chilly season, you need to beef up the barrier by adding your own insulation. A couple inches of foam board should be able to do the trick.
Can I leave my inflatable hot tub on overnight?
You may find this surprising, but it’s actually more efficient to keep your hot tub running overnight. Turning your spa on and off can wreak more havoc on your energy bill since the process of reheating uses more electricity than maintaining the temperature.
This trick only works if you use your tub for more than three nights a week. If you only plan to boot up your inflatable hot tub every Friday night, it makes more sense only to turn the heater on when you need it.
You can also aid your hot tub by covering it after use. Since heat rises, shielding your water from the exterior will help keep the heat inside and benefit your energy bill.
Do inflatable hot tubs cost a lot to run?
If you’re wondering about the money sense behind inflatable hot tubs, you might be surprised to find out that they’re actually cheaper to run than traditional hot tubs.
Let’s first examine the energy costs. For example, if you only use your inflatable hot tub every Friday night, you can expect that it will eat up around $10 per week.
If you use it every time you come home from work, you can expect the weekly damage to hit $50-70 on your bill.
After you factor in energy costs, you should also consider the price of upkeep chemicals, including washing soda, pH strips, and chlorine.
It’s worth mentioning that none of the hot tubs above come with the chemicals you need to start your hot tub, so this can set you back $100.
While the upfront cost is high, these chemicals should last a while, so you don’t need to purchase them again till next season.
How often do you have to change the water in an inflatable hot tub?
Spa water needs to be changed regularly, but the amount of water changes depends on how many occupants enjoy the spa.
A good rule of thumb is to refill the water using this handy formula: spa gallons divided by three, then by the number of users per day on average.
For instance, if you have a 210-gallon spa and two people generally occupy it, you should change the water every 35 days.
Another key sign that indicates it’s time for a refill is water cloudiness. If you notice that the water is slightly opaque, even with the proper water chemistry, play it safe and empty your tub.
Wrapping Up the Best Inflatable Hot Tubs
No matter which option you choose, adding an inflatable tub to your outdoor oasis is a great way to enjoy the spa experience at a fraction of the cost.
Finding the best inflatable hot tub can be tricky, but we think you can’t go wrong with the Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub. It’s affordable, high-quality, and lets you indulge in a little R&R without leaving your backyard, RV lot, or campsite.
Now that you’ve found the best inflatable hot tub learn about more outdoor gear by checking out our camping page.
