The Best Rated Inflatable Hot Tubs On The Market
Having concluded that you’d like to get a portable hot tub; you’re now faced with the problem of actually choosing one. When searching through the masses of online and in-store hot tubs on offer, it can be hard to know which to pick.
There is a broad range of specifications available, and even the most discerning buyer can find themselves lost in a vast maze of information. That’s why we’ve created buyer’s guide to highlight the key specs to look for and to recommend some of the better hot tubs to you.
Our choices are based on specifications that will significantly affect whether a particular hot tub is suitable for you. You will need to evaluate whether a hot tub’s features match your intended to use.
To help you in your search we’ve compiled the below portable hot tub reviews on some of the best hot tubs in the market today.
In this article you will learn more about...
Best Tubs For Up To 6 People
A larger hot tub which has room for up to six people at once is perfect for social situations. These tubs can come at a slightly higher price value than smaller tubs but are often well worth the extra money.
If you’re looking for the best portable spa to buy, then you’re probably going to need to consider something in the price range of $300 - $650. Options include the following:
- SaluSpa Palm Spring AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub
- Coleman Lay Z Spa Inflatable Hot Tub
- Smart Spa Deluxe Portable Spa
- Intex Pure Spa Inflatable Bubble Hot Tub
In our opinion first two tubs offer the best value for money, and we will start by reviewing them.
Both tubs present an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable but high-quality portable spa. Let’s review them:
SaluSpa Palm Spring AirJet
Technical Specifications
- Water Capacity 254 gallons (963 liters)
- Setup Type Inflates via spa pump provided
- Inflated Size 77” x 28” x 28” (1.96cm x 71cm x 71cm)
- About 2-3°F per hour (1.0-1.5°C per hour)
- Filled Weight 2,701 Lb. (1,225 kg)
- Electrical Rating 110-120V ~ 60Hz, 12A at 68°F
- Gross shipping weight 88.75 Lb.
- Maximum Heat Level 104°F (40°C)
- Control Panel Digital, user friendly
- Inflated Size 77” x 28” x 28” (1.96cm x 71cm x 71cm)
- Heating System Automatic start/stop timer controlled system
- Water Flow >320 gallons per hour (>1,211 liters per hour)
Our Rating:
The SaluSpa Palm Springs AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub has proven to be very popular with its recipient owners. The spa’s upper-class leather appearance and neutral color palette will complement most any home or garden setting.
One of our favorite features of this particular spa is it’s cushioned air pad floor. The engineers at Lay-Z-Spa Palm Springs have developed a unique separate air and cushioned floor that sits just underneath the spa.
In addition to offering superior comfort, this air pad cushioning also provides a valuable layer of extra insulation to help the spa maintain a warm temperature consistently. The temperature is likely to be easy to set as well with the user-friendly digital control panel built into this spa.
The overall construction of this spa is made from puncture resistant TriTech 3 ply reinforced the material. This material has a polyester mesh core with an additional double layer of PVC on the outside for added strength and durability.
The only negative reviews we’ve noticed for this tub involve the noise level of its jets. If you’re looking for a quiet jet experience, then this may not be the tub for you. Without jets, the tub is reportedly very quiet though.
As with most spa’s the SaluSpa Palm Spring AirJet tub is usually delivered along with a cover, set up and maintenance guide, filter cartridge and chemical floater.
Coleman Lay Z Spa
Technical Specifications
- Maximum Heat Level 104°F (40°C)
- Setup Type Inflates via spa pump provided
- Inflated Size 77” x 28” x 28” (1.96cm x 71cm x 71cm)
- About 2-3°F per hour (1.0-1.5°C per hour)
- Filled Weight 2,701 Lb. (1,225 kg)
- Water Flow >320 gallons per hour (>1,211 liters per hour)
- Gross shipping weight 90 Lb.
- Water Capacity 254 gallons (963 liters)
- Control Panel Digital, user friendly
- Inflated Size 77” x 28” x 28” (1.96cm x 71cm x 71cm)
- Heating System Automatic start/stop timer controlled system
- Electrical Rating 110-120V ~ 60Hz, 12A at 68°F
Our Rating:
With a generous 4 out of 5-star review rating on Amazon, the Coleman Lay Z Spa Inflatable Hot Tub seems to satisfy its owner’s well. The spa has been created to be easy to setup and use, making it perfect for those looking for an easy portable spa option.
The digital control panel is very easy to use – requiring users just to set the temperature they desire and then sit back and relax as the Lay-Z system heats the water up to that requirement.
Those in colder environments should note that the system shuts down if the water temperature drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (presumably to protect it from ice). Therefore, you’ll want to keep the heated electronics continuously running as with most spas.
The best part about this spa in our opinion is its I-Beam wall construction. This durable construction type is secure enough to allow users to sit on the edges of the spa, which is a common occurrence in social situations for six-person spa tubs.
Still incredibly portable despite its strength, this excellent spa comes in at only 90 pounds and can be inflated quickly with the spa pump provided. Also in the regular selling package, you can expect to receive a full allotment of spa goods including:
- DVD user manual
- An Inflation hose (spa pump)
- A chemical floater
- A heavy duty repair patch
- Insulated cover for heat retention
- Filter cartridge (type VI)
- A ground cloth to prevent slippage
This spa comes packed and ready for use. We like that retailers have combined everything you’ll need into one package that’ll likely be delivered right to your garden.
In Conclusion - Our Top Choice
Both the Saluspa Palm Springs and the Coleman Lay Z Inflatable Hot Tubs have a lot to offer anyone looking for an easy to use and setup six-person spa. Given their larger capacity, they are a great option for those looking for a social spa tub.
We like that both tubs utilize a simple digital interface to set their temperatures with and that they both come with air pad bases for added comfort. This air padding layer also ads extra insulation which is useful in any portable hot tub set up.
With all the similarities between these two tubs, ranging from the same maximum heat settings and electronic ratings through to the same sizing and weight, the only real difference between them is the brand, additional add-ons, and color scheme.
As the Coleman brand is slightly better known and its spa comes with a heavy-duty repair patch included we’re going to pick the Coleman Lay Z Inflatable Hot Tub as the winner in the six-person spa category.
It’s a minor point of differentiation though so if you’re not a fan of the color green then choosing the Saluspa Palm Springs Hot Tub is still a great option available to you.
We recommend both spa’s highly to anyone looking for a larger, high quality and reasonably priced portable hot tub.
Top Rated Tubs For Up To 4 Persons
A slightly smaller hot tub which has room for only up to 4 people can be a perfect place to relax in on your own or to simply enjoy the company of a loved one. These smaller tubs are usually slightly less expensive and will fit into smaller outdoor areas better.
When on the hunt for a decent four-person portable tub you’re looking at prices ranging from $350 - $450. Our top three picks for four-person tubs on the market at the moment are:
- Intex 77-Inch PureSpa Set
- SaluSpa Miami AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub
- Intext PureSpa Plus Bubble Massage Set
All the products listed above have excellent user reviews and stand out as leaders in the market. To help you choose the one that best suits your unique requirements, we’ve evaluated each of them below.
Intex PureSpa Plus Bubble Massage Set
Technical Specifications
- Maximum Heat Level 104°F (40°C)
- Water Capacity 210 gallons
- Control Panel User friendly
- Gross shipping weight 110 Lb.
- Inflated Size 57”/77” inner/outer diameter x 28” height
- Electrical Rating 10W hard water system
Our Rating:
Based on user reviews the Intex PureSpa Plus Bubble Massage Set meets the expectations of its recipient buyers.
The spa itself can be described as a quick fix solution for anyone looking for an easy-to-setup portable spa.
The control panel attached to the side of the spa operates the bubble jets which provide users with a gentle and refreshing massage experience. The panel also allows you to select a temperature preference and then the system adjusts the water heat accordingly.
We love that this spa has a built-in hard water treatment system. These systems make the water feel a lot gentler on sensitive skin – allowing for a more soothing spa experience.
The pack comes with all the needed items like a filter cartridge, inflation hose, floating chlorine dispenser and insulation cover as well as a few extras. The two headrests included are a nice addition and will help to complete the relaxing setup of this spa.
Also included is a thermal ground cloth to help retain heat in the spa. The more insulation around your spa the less you’ll be paying in electricity charges for keeping it heated, so a warm cloth is a great inclusion.
Another great addition is a carry bag which makes it easy for you to pack up your portable spa and move it to a new location should you desire.
Finally, we’ll note that the cover to this spa has a lock which is a useful safety feature for those with kids. We’d recommend this particular spa to those with smaller children at home.
Intex 77-inch PureSpa Portable Bubble Massage Spa Set
Technical Specifications
- Maximum Heat Level 104°F (40°C)
- Water Capacity 210 gallons
- Jets 120 Bubble Jets
- Water Flow 460 gallons per hour
- Gross shipping weight 108.9 Lb.
- Inflated Size 57”/77” inner/outer diameter x 28” height
- Control Panel Digital, user friendly
- Heating System 1,300W ~ 2-3°F per hour
- Water treatment system Hard water treatment system
Our Rating:
There are many positive factors to appreciate about the Intex 77-inch PureSpa Portable Bubble Massage Spa Set. This portable hot tub is designed to provide relaxing pamper session with soothing bubble jets from the privacy of your home.
The investment outlay of around $350 will get you a comfortable spa that will sit up to 4 people, along with all the add-ons of a spa cover, spa inflation hose, carry bag, filter cartridge, instructions DVD, 3-way test strip and a thermal ground cloth.
This Intex spa is similar to the previous Intext spa mentioned in that it also has a hard water treatment system built into its construction to make the water gentler on user’s skin.
The Fiber-Tech construction of this spa means you’ll get a puncture resistant three-ply strength laminated material interior. It’s important to purchase a spa that will last as you’re investing quite a bit of money in it. This one has been made to be durable.
Fortunately, this portable spa is also easy to maintain. Using a simple floating chemical dispenser (we recommend bromine) and regular filter cartridge replacement will do the trick.
The insulated cover will save a significant amount of heat, and the lock on it will also keep children and pets from falling into the water. We appreciate the designers' care and sensibility in adding this feature to their portable spa.
Overall this is a very home and garden friendly spa that would look great in any indoor or outdoor setting. Its neutral color scheme blends in well with all different types of surroundings.
SaluSpa Miami AirJet
Technical Specification
- Maximum Heat Level 104°F (40°C)
- Water Capacity 177 gallons
- Setup Type Inflates via spa pump provided
- Gross shipping weight 71.3 Lb.
- Heating System Automatic start/stop timer controlled system
- Control Panel Digital, user friendly
- Inflated Size 71” x 71” x 26”
Our Rating:
There’s a lot to like and not much to dislike about the SaluSpa Miami AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub. This portable spa can be best described as a premium product that has been carefully engineered to accommodate both indoor and outdoor setups.
With a very affordable price tag when compared to other four-person spas. It provides a quick and easy solution for relaxation treatments at home. Its rapid heating system ensures that your spa water can be ready for use in just a few minutes.
The user-friendly digital control panel is a big plus for those with elderly or very young users in mind. The panel serves as a portal to control the range of features this tub includes, one of which is it’s Z-Spa massage system. The system uses 120 bubble jets to unwind sore muscles and provide a relaxing place.
Owners of the SaluSpa Miami AirJet tub can also rest assured that their hot tub will stand the test of time. This Lay-Z-Spa Miami is made of TriTech material (3-ply strength reinforced material) that offers a high level of durability.
In addition to adding durability, the high strength material also creates added user convenience. The extra strength puncture resistance walls are stable enough for users to sit on without bending – a unique achievement for a portable spa.
By purchasing this spa, you will get a pack that includes:
- An inflatable cover which helps to keep the water warm while the spa is not in use and also helps to keep flying debris out of the tub.
- A chemical floater which is best kept in your spa to ensure it stays clean.
- A filter cartridge to place in the water filtration system of the spa.
- The DVD guide to this spa detailing its setup and maintenance.
It seems like the creators of the SaluSpa Miami AirJet have thought of almost everything. The only possible aspect that we could think of as dissatisfactory to owners would be the weight of this spa and its bubble jets.
The heavy shipping weight of 71.3 pounds is probably due to the high quality and extra strong materials used in the construction of this portable spa. Even so, it may not be the best option for those looking for a super lightweight option.
The bubble jets also pose a problem for people living in severely cold climates, as these jets infuse air into their streams to create a sort of foam. If the air is cold – the temperature of your tub will tank!
In Conclusion - Our Top Choice
If you’re looking for a four-person portable hot tub, then any of the three tubs we’ve covered above would make a decent choice. These products have been selected for their quality, and they are some of the best portable hot tubs for sale on the market today.
Both the two Intext tubs and the SaluSpa Miami tub come with spa pumps and have the same maximum heat temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit which is controlled by digital control panels.
The spherical shape and compact size of all three tubs mean they are likely to fit into any indoor or outdoor setting. If you are thinking of having your spa indoor, then we’d recommend a laminated or tiled surface beneath it instead of carpet.
As the tubs in this category are very similar, it is a close race, but the Intex tubs come out on top as the editor's choice.
Both of the Intex tubs come with built-in hard-water treatment systems and lockable safe spa covers which gives them that edge over the Saluspa tub.
As with all things, there are aesthetics to consider though. The Intex models come in blue or tan, and the SaluSpa comes in black. All three have their logos proudly displayed on the side for branding purposes.
Personally, if we had to pick, we’d go with the Intex 77-Inch PureSpa Portable Bubble Massage. It offers the best value for money and is our pick for the best overall hot tub.
Our reasons for choosing this tub is its wide range of appeals and add-ons. It comes in a durable construction, with a user-friendly digital interface, easy pump setup, lockable safety lid, replaceable filter cartridge system, inbuilt hard water system, thermal ground mat and a couple of other things.
All the above choices are good as they have been carefully selected from the wide variety of portable spas on the market.
So, if you’re wondering what is the best portable hot tub for you, it’s probably one of these!
Have Any Questions? Get In Touch!
Are you considering getting a portable hot tub?
Have any questions about the ones we’ve discussed?
Feel free to post a comment below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Navigating the world of portable hot tubs can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be, just do your research, ask a few questions, and then go ahead and purchase with confidence.
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