The best inflatable hot tubs are essential if you want to create a spa-like experience in the comfort of your own home. Designed to be portable, the best inflatable hot tubs can be placed in your backyard, and can even be taken with you on vacation.
However, inflatable hot tubs can all tend to look the same with a limited number of manufacturers to choose from, making it difficult to find one that stands out. But just like any other purchase, you’ll want to make a worthwhile investment and choose a product that fits your lifestyle and budget. To help you decide, we’ve done the research for you and selected our top picks based on capacity, comfort, extra features, such as led lighting, and user reviews.
Our stand out pick is the Intex PureSpa Plus 85 designed for up to 6 people. It has 170- high-powered bubble jets, and two contoured headrests for a comfortable experience. However, if you’re looking for more accessories, we’d recommend the Intex 28481E SimpleSpa, which comes with its own hard water treatment system, although it is less portable than other options.
The quick list
Here's the best inflatable hot tubs you can buy right now based on our comprehensive research. Scroll on for our full in-depth reviews.
Suitable for up to 6 people, the Intex PureSpa Plus 85 is excellent value, offering a large capacity for the price. It offers 180 high-powered bubble jets, two contoured headrests and a hard water treatment system.
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Suitable for 2 to 4 people, the Bestway SaluSpa Miami is suitable for small households. It's easy to set up and has 120 bubble jets, and is available at an affordable price.
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Intex's Greywood Deluxe Spa Hot Tub is available in two sizes to suit either 4 or 6 people. It's color-changing LED lights make if particularly fun to use at night. Plus, it has a wireless control panel to set the temperature, bubbles and for turning it on and off.
Designed to fit 7 people this hot tub has a functional design, with an exterior that resembles wicker. The water pump also inflates the hot tub and it has smart connectivity. However, it is on the pricey side.
Suitable for up to 6 people, this square hot tub has an attractive design and is easy to set up. It is ideal for families and has the benefit of app control. It features 140 jets and is made with durable DuraPlus materials.
This 4-person Intex SimpleSpa has 100 bubble jets and includes a hard water treatment system, to keep your spa running smoothly. It also comes with lots of accessories, including a cover, filter cartridges, ground cloth and a carry bag.
The best inflatable hot tubs you can buy today
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Best inflatable hot tub overall
If you have the space, this might be the best inflatable hot tub you can find at this price. (And it shows. Intex offers a variety of other hot tub options, but as of this writing, most online retailers were sold out across the board.) Capable of holding up to six people, this popular model features two contoured headrests and up to 170 high-powered bubble jets, which should melt away any stressors of the day. However, if you don't want to be scrunched up, it will fit 4 people more comfortably. When The Spruce tested it, they also favored it for its comfortable headrests and relaxing jets, and mentioned it was comfortable to sit in despite it only having a thin bottom layer.
This value inflatable spa gains a 4 star rating out of 2,122 reviews on Amazon. Users say “the set-up directions were very simple” and the “walls of the inflatable are rock solid”.
With 180 water jets around the base of the tub, it offers a massage experience. Although, when Business Insider tested the 4-person model, they found the noise of the jets made conversation difficult. The built-in Fiber-Tech construction is built to last, and the puncture-resistant exterior is made of three-ply laminated material. Setup/breakdown is a breeze, and the insulated cover is there to minimize heat loss in between steam sessions. There’s even a neat multi-colored LED light for added ambiance.
Best inflatable hot tub under $500
The Miami is a good entry-level inflatable spa that's under $500. Holding up to 177 gallons of water (and between two-four fully grown humans), although reviewers say it's more suitable for two adults, the Miami model is one of the best inflatable hot tubs you can get today. It has 120 bubble jets, plenty for a tub this size, allowing for just the right amount of water pressure. Users also report using the hot tub in snowy weather and say the EnergySense cover is perfect.
The Bestway Miami gains a 4.1 star rating out of 120 reviews at Amazon. Users say it has a “sturdy structure” and “it's easy to put together”, although some disagree and say the “instructions aren't clear”.
Like other SaluSpa models, the water heats up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and the temperature can be adjusted via the LED control panel. Reviewers consistently praise this glorified kiddy pool for its quality construction and overall durability; the puncture-resistant material and I-beam construction lets your friends, family, or lovers lean against the side comfortably.
Best inflatable hot tub with built-in lights
What makes both models a lot of fun, though, is the color-changing LED light, which provides a certain style when hot tubbing at night. Both models also come with two foam headrests, and the exterior has a gray wood-style look (hence the name). They also have a wireless control panel, which lets you adjust the temperature, bubbles, and set a timer for when it should turn on and off. If you want a light show in your hot tub, this is the model for you.
This Intex inflatable hot tub gains a 4.1 star rating out of 46 reviews at Walmart. Users enjoy using it at night as they can enjoy the ambience from the Led lights, while relaxing back on the headrests, and say “the set up was simple and fast”.
Intex's Greywood Deluxe Hot Tub comes in two sizes: The larger of the two can fit up to six people, has a 290-gallon capacity, and 170 water jets. The smaller, 4-person model has a 210-gallon capacity, and 140 jets. Users confirm that the set up is quick and easy, with it ready for water in 20 minutes. They also mention that the padding on the bottom is comfortable, and you don't feel like you're sitting on the ground, although the 4-person hot tub is more comfortable for 2 people.
Best inflatable hot tub for up to 7 people
Take a trip to Switzerland in your backyard and hop into the Bestway St Moritz inflatable hot tub, whose exterior is designed to look like a wicker. This large hot tub is designed to fit up to 7 people and features 180 bubbling warm jets and reaches a temperature of 104 degrees Farenheit.
It includes a pump and a ChemConnect dispenser that keeps the water clean and healthy by evenly dispersing the correct amount of chlorine. It also includes 2 type VI filter cartridges, a repair kit and an EnergySense thermal cover.
This wicker-effect inflatable hot tub gains a 4.2 star rating out of 273 reviews at Amazon. Users say “I'm 6ft tall and it's big enough for me”, and “the insulated cover helps to keep the temperature consistent”.
The pump inflates, heats, filters and controls the massage system, and even features cup holders for drinks and snacks. It is controlled by a flip-up digital panel on the spa, but can also be operated via a Smart Hub App, enabling you to control the heating, timer and jet filtration when you’re on the go.
It's also robust, with DuraPlus 3-layer material that's more resistant to punctures and stretching to ensure the inner hot tub components won't freeze during colder temperatures. Just lie back and enjoy with a mug of hot chocolate.
However, with prices close to $900 you could put the money towards a flight to St Moritz.
Best square inflatable hot tub
Sometimes it's hip to be square. Coleman's Hawaii SaluSpa inflatable hot tub takes a different shape than other, circular hot tubs, but still has all the amenities you want: 140 bubble jets, a cushioned floor, and room for up to six people. It's available in blue and gray. We think it has an attractive design that will sit well on a patio and is suitable for families to enjoy.
Coleman's square inflatable hot tub gains a 4.2 star rating out of 140 reviews at Amazon. Users say “it's easy to set up and the pump is strong and easy to use”, and "the material is super thick and sturdy”.
Digital controls on the top of the pump are easy to navigate, and let you adjust the temperature, bubbles, and set timers. The filter cartridges are a cinch to replace, and the whole package is compact enough to store in the garage. The kit comes with the pool, one pool liner, a pool cover, a pump a chemical floater, two filter cartridges, an air pad protector, a repair patch, and an AirJet system.
It also comes with an EnergySense insulated cover that helps to keep your hot tub warmer throughout the season, and has an automatic heating function to protect the pump and liner from damage due to the cold.
Best inflatable hot tub for accessories
While the Intex 28481E SimpleSpa has fewer bubble jets than most others mentioned on this list, it still delivers a relaxing and comforting experience. One of the main benefits of this product is the abundance of accessories that it comes with. An insulated cover as well as two filter cartridges, a ground cloth, carry bag and a floating chlorine dispenser are all included, so you’re ready to take a dip as soon as you bring it home. The included hard water treatment system is another useful addition which Intex often provides with its tubs.
This Intex inflatable spa gains a 4.1 star rating out out 2,185 reviews on Amazon. User's say “it doesn't have the jets like pricier models but the force of the bubbles is impressive and very relaxing”, and "I was surprised at how comfortable it was”.
This is a medium design, suitable for up to 4 people, and the adjustable control panel makes it easily accessible when you want to change settings. It is, however, heavier than some of the alternative options — the Coleman SaluSpa weighs about the same and that fits two more people for reference. So you won’t want to keep moving this one around once it’s in place. Having said that, It’s pretty good value at around the $500 mark.
How we chose
We found the best inflatable hot tubs through a combination of extensive research and specification comparisons. We also factored in online reviews, only considering those with consistent ratings, while also taking into account any special features, such as built-in lights and remote controls.
We also considered the price and chose a range of inflatables to suit all budgets. Plus, we provided a range of sizes to suit small to large households.
To find the best inflatable hot tubs, we also factored in ease of use, water capacity, number of bubble jets, overall durability, and whether the hot tubs provided added features, such as cushions and hard water treatment systems.
How to choose the best inflatable hot tub
Before you buy the best inflatable hot tub, there are a few considerations you’ll need to make first. What size do you need? There’s no point buying a huge tub if you don’t have enough space in your outdoor patio or decking. If you do have a compact space however, it’s ideal to invest in a smaller capacity tub that can nicely accommodate 2-4 people. This size is also suitable for those who will only relax in it from time to time, rather than for socializing.
In any case, if you have a big family or want a tub for entertaining friends, you should opt for a larger capacity (4-6 person), and make sure you have sufficient space for it.
Next up, consider the material it’s made out of and how durable your inflatable hot tub will be in the long-term. Most quality hot tubs will be strong and sturdy to handle any force or punctures. You’ll find some that are PVC or layered vinyl, while others can come with reinforced walls which are always the better choice.
For those who want the more premium hot tub, these can come with advanced features such as adjustable bubble jet settings, so you can control your bubble intensity, handy cupholders, headrests and carry handles, which makes moving it around easy. Best of all, if you hold gatherings, you can find ones with impressive LED lights to get everyone in the party mood.
You'll also need to know how to clean and maintain an inflatable hot tub and What type of hot tub should I buy? Everything you need to know to help you decide. In addition, check out Does my hot tub need a fence? Safety regulations explained to keep your family and friends safe.
What are the main inflatable hot tub brands
It may seem that many of the inflatable hot tubs on the market are very similar in design and quality, although they are available in different sizes and offer various features, such as LED lights and even smart connectivity.
The reason for their similarity is that they are manufactured by a limited number of companies. For instance, Bestway is a leading manufacturer of inflatable hot tubs in the U.S. and manufactures many of Coleman’s hot tubs under the SaluSpa brand name. You’ll also find its own hot tubs under the SaluSpa brand name.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a fence around my hot tub?
The rules vary depending on which state you live in, but at the very least you will need a lockable barrier in place which meets the ASTM F 1346 requirements. To find out your specific regulations, you will need to contact your local government and, if relevant, your Homeowners Association.
It’s common for a fence to be required which should be a minimum of 4ft tall and not scalable. Under more strict regulations, some municipalities will demand a solid wall surrounding the tub. It shouldn’t have additional access points, such as windows, and again shouldn’t be climbable. At the very least, a lockable cover will be required. It should be able to take the weight of a person without collapsing.
These barriers can add to the cost of introducing a hot tub to your backyard. But, for safety reasons, they are essential and must be taken into consideration before you purchase.
How do I reduce the cost of running an inflatable hot tub?
Position your tub in a protected area away from the elements. Ideally in a corner or against a wall. If it’s in a covered area, that’s great too. In doing this, it will need less energy to heat. You can even bring your tub indoors if you really want to save on the heating bill.
Fill your hot tub with water from the hot tap, no hotter than 104 degrees F. This is an effective way to save money. Just ensure you fill your tub with two inches of cold water first.
Invest in an inflatable hot tub which comes with an insulation lid or purchase one separately. This will keep the heat locked in and acts as an extra safety measure.
While you’re buying a lid, invest in a protector too. This sits underneath the hot tub and helps insulate it as well as protects it from damage.
Buy a smaller tub. The more water it holds, the more energy it will take to heat it, so only buy for the capacity you need.
Use your inflatable hot tub in the summer rather than the winter. When it’s colder outside, the hob tub will naturally use more energy to heat itself, so using it more often in the summer will reduce expenditure vs the winter.
Clean your inflatable hot tub regularly. This will make it last longer and will reduce the need to buy chemicals to clean it. Not sure how? Here’s how to clean and maintain an inflatable hot tub.
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