Our favorite is the Bestway SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub
Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and product reviewer specializing in home, kitchen, and pet products. In her 6+ years of experience as a product tester, she's reviewed hundreds of items firsthand, and her work appears in publications such as PEOPLE, The Spruce, Homes & Gardens, and more. Camryn is also the proud owner of a small homestead in Rhode Island, where she spends her spare time gardening, tending her many animals, and working through a never-ending list of home improvement projects. Budget Hot Tub
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Hot tubs are the ultimate luxury on chilly nights, allowing you to kick back and relax in the toasty warm, bubbling water. Real hot tubs are expensive and time-consuming to maintain, and if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option for your backyard, an inflatable hot tub is definitely the way to go.
“Inflatable hot tubs are a less expensive approach to trying out the hot tub lifestyle, as they cost between $300 and $1,200, compared to $3,000–$15,000 for a hard-sided version,” says Alicia Toedter, pool and hot tub care education expert for Leslie’s Pool Supplies. “Portable versions are now more durable than ever, and while inflatable hot tubs may not be as large as traditional hot tubs, their compact, cozy size makes them ideal for individuals or couples.”
When selecting an inflatable hot tub, you’ll want to consider things like size, maximum occupancy, and any accessories that come with it, such as a filter or hot tub cover. It’s also important to look at the model’s operation temperature, as not all inflatable hot tubs can be used in freezing temperatures. To help you find the best option for your outdoor oasis, we tested two of today’s most popular hot tubs, using them for a total of 30 hours to evaluate their performance, as well as did extensive research on the top models currently available on the market.
Below, the best inflatable hot tubs for portable (and more affordable) leisure.
Because of its smaller size, it only took around 12 hours for the hot tub to heat up, and it didn’t use a lot of electricity.
It’s easy to submerge yourself in the water more or less by adjusting your sitting position.
The hot tub doesn’t take long to set up, and no additional tools are required.
The Freeze Shield system allows you to use this hot tub during the winter, as it keeps the inner components from freezing.
Installation instructions weren’t included in the box, so we had to look them up online.
Four people might be a bit cramped in this hot tub — only three adults can fit comfortably.
The Bestway SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub is comfortable, easy to operate, and reasonably priced, making it our top choice. This inflatable hot tub was the perfect size to set up on a small deck or patio, though we did have to look up the assembly instructions online, as they weren’t included in the box. We were able to set it up in around 30 minutes and filled it with cold water from the hose, and it was able to heat up to a toasty 100 degrees after around 12 hours.
It’s easy to step over the sides of this hot tub to get inside, and you have to sit on the floor to submerge yourself in the water. We liked that we could submerge ourselves more or less by adjusting our sitting position, but keep in mind that you do need to pull yourself out of the water to get out, which might be challenging for some people. The hot tub was the perfect size for two adults and one toddler, and we think you could comfortably fit three adults inside. Four people might be too tight for comfort.
This hot tub comes with a pump that inflates its walls and acts as a filter, as well as a dispenser for chlorine and a cover. (You will need to use chemicals to keep the pool clean — after about a week without any sort of treatment, the bottom of the hot tub started to get slimy, forcing us to empty and refill it.) It also has a Freeze Shield system that allows you to use it during the winter by keeping the pump from freezing.
Price at time of publish: $448
Dimensions: 71 x 71 x 26 inches | Weight: 53.86 pounds | Water Capacity: 177 gallons | Max Temperature: 104°F | Max Occupancy: 4 people
The edge of the hot tub is sturdy enough to sit on, making it easy to cool off without completely getting out.
The hot tub has 170 jets around the bottom edges, and we were surprised at just how powerful they were.
Two adjustable seats and headrests are included with the hot tub, making it much more comfortable to sit in.
After being filled with a garden hose, the hot tub took 32 hours to reach a temperature over 100 degrees.
If you love hot tubs and know you’ll use it frequently, the Intex PureSpa Plus Inflatable Hot Tub is worth the investment. This hot tub is larger than many other inflatable models, and it comes with useful accessories such as two adjustable seats and inflatable headrests, which we found make it much more comfortable for long soak sessions.
It took us around an hour to set up this model (the directions weren’t the easiest to follow), and after we filled it with water from the hose, the hot tub needed 32 hours to bring its temperature above 100 degrees. It was worth the wait, though — the hot tub was comfortable to sit in, and the jets were surprisingly powerful! The water comes up to your chest when sitting on one of the seats, and the outer rim is actually sturdy enough to sit on, which is handy if you want to cool off for a few minutes without getting all the way out.
While it’s marketed for six people, we think that around four adults would fit in this hot tub comfortably. It also comes with a variety of useful accessories, including a filter that treats hot water, a color-changing LED light, and a floating chlorine dispenser for maintenance.
Price at time of publish: $760
Dimensions: 85 x 85 x 25 inches | Weight: 126 pounds | Water Capacity: 290 gallons | Max Temperature: 104°F | Max Occupancy: 6 people
The smaller size of this inflatable hot tub is perfect for small patios or decks.
Freeze Shield technology makes it possible to use this hot tub during the winter.
The hot tub has an automatic chlorine dispenser for easy maintenance.
The water may take 20+ hours to heat up, despite the small size of the hot tub.
If you’re planning to use your hot tub solo or with a partner, the Bestway St. Lucia is one of the smaller options out there, taking up minimal room on your patio or deck. This inflatable hot tub can fit up to three people, but we found in our testing that it's most comfortable for just two adults. It comes with a pump, insulated cover, and chlorine dispenser, which uses tablets to dispense the proper amount of chemicals to keep the water clean.
This hot tub has a basic design without any seats or headrests, but it’s still comfortable to sit in thanks to cushioned floors, and easy to climb into. It also has the brand’s Freeze Shield automatic heating function, which allows it to be used outdoors, even when the temperatures are below freezing. However, it does take 20 hours or more to fully heat up, so keep in mind that you'll need to get it preheating for quite some time before you and your buddy hop in, as is the case with most all tubs on this list.
Price at time of publish: $480
Dimensions: 67 x 67 x 26 inches | Weight: 55.9 pounds | Water Capacity: 160 gallons | Max Temperature: 104°F | Max Occupancy: 3 people
The walls of the hot tub feature internal beams that help it keep its shape.
You can use the hot tub during the winter thanks to its automatic heating function.
There are built-in cup holders behind the control panel, allowing you to keep a drink nearby.
The temperature of the water may drop a few degrees during operation, especially if the air jets are on.
The Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub is a great mid-size option that can seat up to four people. The design is 77-inches in diameter, and it has 140 air jets around the bottom, creating a massage-like sensation as you kick back and relax. (Alternatively, you can use the control panel to shut the jets off.) The tub comes with a pump, insulated cover, and chlorine dispenser, and it has an automatic heating feature that will keep its inner workings from freezing during the winter, allowing for year-round operation.
This inflatable hot tub is particularly sturdy thanks to “beams” inside the walls, and they also help the product keep its shape in the long run. It has a power-saving timer that can be used to set the temperature of the spa up to 72 hours in advance, but it does sometimes struggle to maintain a steady temperature — it’s not uncommon for the hot tub to dip a few degrees during use, especially if you have the air jets on.
Price at time of publish: $410
Dimensions: 77 x 77 x 28 inches | Weight: 88.9 pounds | Water Capacity: 242 gallons | Max Temperature: 104°F | Max Occupancy: 4 people
The large circular design has thin walls, providing room for more people to fit inside.
The hot tub can be connected to your smartphone, allowing you to adjust the settings remotely.
The unit’s timer feature can be set up to 40 days in advance.
Because this hot tub is on the larger side, it takes more chemicals and overall maintenance to keep clean.
The hot tub may take a few days to heat up on first use.
For those who regularly host guests, the Bestway Helsinki SaluSpa is a spacious inflatable hot tub that the manufacturer claims can hold up to seven people. The large circular spa has more inner space thanks to its thin walls, and it comes with a variety of accessories, including a pump, insulated cover, cup holders, chemical dispenser, filter cartridge, and repair patch — just in case the walls ever get punctured.
This large hot tub offers several features for more convenient operation; for instance, it can be connected to your phone via the Bestway Smart Hub app, allowing you to adjust its settings remotely, and its timer feature can be set up to 40 days in advance — useful if you want it warmed up and ready for a big backyard bash. Just keep in mind that its larger size means more maintenance is needed, and it may require a little extra finesse to keep the chemical levels balanced.
Price at time of publish: $760
Dimensions: 71 x 71 x 26 inches | Weight: 68 pounds | Water Capacity: 297 gallons | Max Temperature: 104°F | Max Occupancy: 7 people
The square shape allows people to rest in the inner corners, providing more support than round spas.
The hot tub heats up quicker than most, especially if you leave the cover on.
The inflatable cover is lightweight and easy to manage.
It lacks any type of anti-freeze technology and shouldn’t be used at temperatures below 39°F.
The air jets are surprisingly loud and can hinder your ability to hold a conversation.
Most inflatable hot tubs are round, but some people may prefer a square model, such as the Coleman Atlantis. The brand says this hot tub can accommodate up to six people at a time, but it’s most comfortable for four occupants, as each person can rest in one of the corners and stretch out more.
This mid-sized hot tub has a cushioned floor for comfort when you’re sitting, and there are 140 air jets around the bottom for a little massage action. However, the jets do cause the motor to operate quite loudly, which isn’t ideal when you’re trying to socialize. The good news is that it heats up more quickly than other models (around 3-4 hours), allowing you to start using it sooner, and the inflatable cover is extremely easy to take off and put onto the spa.
Just keep in mind that this hot tub isn’t designed for wintertime use — the brand says the ambient temperature needs to be over 39°F for proper operation.
Price at time of publish: $830
Dimensions: 71 x 71 x 28 inches | Weight: 84 pounds | Water Capacity: 222 gallons | Max Temperature: 104°F | Max Occupancy: 6 people
The hot tub syncs up to your phone, allowing you to adjust the temperature from anywhere.
The saltwater system sanitizes the water without the need for chlorine.
The hot tub comes with a decorative LED light, as well as head rests for added comfort.
The brand’s customer service isn’t the best, which can be frustrating if you run into problems with the product.
If you want to turn your backyard into a relaxing oasis where you can hang out with friends, the Intex PureSpa Greystone Deluxe is a worthwhile splurge. While testing, we found that that this large, square inflatable hot tub gives plenty of room to stretch out, and it comes with extra accessories, including a color-changing LED light for fun ambiance at night.
That’s not all, either. In addition to a heat-saving cover and pump, this hot tub comes with a thermal ground cloth, storage bag, four filter cartridges, and two headrests. The motor also includes a saltwater filtration system, which eliminates the need for chlorine to keep the water fresh. Plus, the hot tub can be connected to your smartphone, allowing you to adjust the temperature and settings from the Intex app.
Price at time of publish: $830
Dimensions: 76 x 76 x 28 inches | Weight: 119 pounds | Water Capacity: 290 gallons | Max Temperature: 104°F | Max Occupancy: 6 people
This hot tub has a basic design that’s easy to set up and operate.
An adjustable spa seat is included for added comfort.
While listed as a six-person hot tub, its max occupancy is probably closer to four adults.
One common complaint about inflatable hot tubs is that they don’t actually have seats — instead, you generally have to sit directly on the floor of the spa. If you prefer to have an elevated seat inside the hot tub, this model from Bestway comes with a removable spa chair that can be adjusted to suit your needs. The hot tub itself is comfortable for up to six people (though it would be a tight squeeze with six adults), and it comes with standard accessories like a cover, filter, and air blower.
As for the seat, it’s made from a durable laminate and has a contoured shape that’s comfortable to sit on. It offers 3- and 5.8-inch height options, depending on how much you want to be submerged, and it can be easily removed from the water as needed.
Price at time of publish: $613
Dimensions: 77 x 77 x 28 inches | Weight: 73.6 pounds | Water Capacity: 242 gallons | Max Temperature: 104°F | Max Occupancy: 6 people
The heated air jets offer a relaxing massage, similar to traditional hot tub jets.
The spa has a built-in inflation system for quick setup.
The filter treats hard water, making the spa gentler on skin and increasing its lifespan.
The brand says it must be a minimum of 50°F outside for the spa to reach its max water temperature.
Inflatable hot tubs don’t have traditional water jets like classic hard-sided hot tubs, but they do often have air jets, which push air bubbles through a tube around the bottom of the spa to create a similar effect. The Intex PureSpa Bubble Massage Inflatable Hot Tub is a particularly good choice if you want a relaxing massage sensation — it has 120 high-powered bubble jets that will elevate your soaking experience.
This circular hot tub is best for a maximum of four people, and its built-in filter automatically treats hard water, making it gentler on your skin while also preventing mineral buildup inside the pipes. The spa comes with two filter cartridges, a floating chlorine dispenser, thermal ground cloth, inflation hose, and carry bag, but keep in mind that it’s designed for use when the outdoor temperature is above 50°F or else it will not reach its max water temp.
Price at time of publish: $790
Dimensions: 77 x 77 x 28 inches | Weight: 100.1 pounds | Water Capacity: 210 gallons | Max Temperature: 104°F | Max Occupancy: 4 people
Freeze Shield technology and an insulated cover allow this hot tub to be used at temperatures as low as 14°F.
The hot tub can be connected to your phone, allowing you to adjust its temperature, timer, filter, and air jets.
This inflatable spa is reasonably priced for its size and features.
Six people would likely be a tight squeeze in this hot tub — its realistic occupancy is probably closed to four adults.
The spa isn’t able to maintain its maximum temperature without the cover.
Not all inflatable hot tubs can be used when the outdoor temperature drops below freezing, but the Bestway Milan SaluSpa can. This model is equipped with Freeze Shield technology, which keeps its mechanical components between 42.8 and 50°F for proper operation, and it also comes with an insulated cover to maintain water temperature on cold days. In fact, the brand says this hot tub can be used at temperatures as low as 14°F!
The Milan SaluSpa comes with a filter cartridge, spa pump, chemical dispenser, and a repair patch, and it can also be connected to your smartphone. The Bestway app allows you to change the hot tub’s temperature, timer, and air jet settings without ever going outside — ideal for those cold winter days when you want to crank up the heat.
Price at time of publish: $500
Dimensions: 77x 77 x 28 inches | Weight: 94.8 pounds | Water Capacity: 242 gallons | Max Temperature: 104°F | Max Occupancy: 6 people
Just like classic hot tubs, inflatable hot tubs come in a variety of sizes (and shapes), so you’ll want to think about how many people will be using it. Small one- or two-person models have several benefits — they use less water and electricity, heat up faster, and take up less space. However, if you plan to host parties in your hot tub, you can find inflatable models that can fit up to seven people at a time. Just keep in mind that they’re generally more challenging (and expensive) to maintain.
In our testing, we did find that manufacturers do tend to inflate the capacity of their spas. The four-person Bestway SaluSpa Miami was realistically comfortable for two or three people, and the six-person Intex PureSpa Plus was best-suited for four adults.
Our expert confirmed that this is often an issue: “Even though most inflatable hot tubs have a four-person capacity, they can feel quite crowded with more than two or three people,” says Toedter. “If you plan on hosting multiple people at a time, consider alternating users to ensure everyone gets a chance to use the hot tub.”
Not all hot tubs are designed to be used in the winter, so if you live in a cold climate or want to use your spa year-round, it’s important to find one that can be used when the ambient temperature is below freezing, such as the Bestway Milan SaluSpa. These models typically have something called “Freeze Shield” technology, which uses its own power to keep the motor and inner workings warm enough for operation. However, even these winter-friendly models can’t be used at extremely cold temperatures, so take this into account as you shop.
Most inflatable hot tubs come with a cover, air pump, and some type of chemical distribution system, but certain models include additional accessories, as well. You may want to look for a spa that includes a ground cover, saltwater filtration, or hard water treatment, all of which can make upkeep easier.
To improve the comfort of your hot tub, some models come with adjustable seats, headrests, or even color-changing LED lights for nighttime use.
Unless you want to be emptying and refilling your hot tub every week, you’ll need to invest in the right chemicals and water testing supplies to keep it clean. “Inflatable hot tubs require the same maintenance as hard-walled or inground hot tubs, including regular water testing, balancing water chemistry, and routine skimming and vacuuming,” explained Toedter. “Additionally, it’s important to run the self-contained pump and filter often to ensure proper water circulation and filtration.”
Most hot tubs come with some type of chemical distribution system, so you’ll want to check what type of supplies it uses and purchase those along with the hot tub.
We were able to test our top two inflatable hot tubs in person, and the remaining models featured on this list were selected based on expert recommendations and customer reviews. For the products we did test firsthand, we timed how long it took to set up each model, fill it with water, and get the water up to a desired temperature. We used the products for a total of 30 hours and evaluated them on their features, comfort, and maintenance requirements.
At the end of testing, we scored the two hot tubs on the following attributes: setup, design, maintenance, features, and value. They ended up scoring quite similarly—the Bestway SaluSpa Miami earned an overall score of 4.46 and the Intex 28431E PureSpa Plus was right behind it at 4.45. We ultimately awarded the Bestway SaluSpa Miami our top spot due to its superior value, but we don’t think you can go wrong with either model.
Certain inflatable hot tubs can be operated during the winter, but it’s important to make sure the model you choose is designed for use at low temperatures. In general, you’ll want to look for a hot tub with “Freeze Shield” technology, which will stop the motor and electrical components from freezing.
“Due to their lack of insulation, inflatable hot tubs struggle to maintain warm water in temperatures below 40°F,” explains Toedter. “You can use a solar blanket when the hot tub is not in use to help retain some of the heat. Keeping the inflatable hot tub clear of direct contact with snow and ice is also important, as well as insulating the ground on which it sits with a thermal ground mat.”
Even if your hot tub can be used at temperatures below freezing, be sure to consult your user’s manual to see if it has a minimum temperature, which is often around 10-15°F.
Inflatable hot tubs come in both round and square shapes, and while circular options are more popular, there are benefits to both styles. Circular hot tubs generally require less water to fill and offer a more intimate experience, but they offer less leg room to stretch out. Square hot tubs, on the other hand, allow occupants to sit back in the corners and generally provide a bit more space for everyone. At the end of the day, the decision between round and square hot tubs really comes down to personal preference.
“When shopping, consider the space requirements in your yard, and how you plan to use your inflatable hot tub,” recommends Toedter. “For example, if you plan to place the tub in a tight corner, a square version may work best.”
As you might expect, inflatable hot tubs don’t last as long as classic hard-sided hot tubs. However, you can still expect to get five or more years of use out of these spas. To ensure your hot tub lasts for as long as possible, you’ll want to follow the manufacturer’s operation and maintenance guidelines and be sure to winterize it properly. This will help prevent the materials from deteriorating prematurely so you can enjoy your hot tub for many seasons to come.
Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and product tester who specializes in home products. While writing this article, she pulled insights from firsthand testing notes from the People Tested team, and she also spent several hours researching top-rated inflatable hot tubs to provide additional product recommendations.
For further insights on what to look for in an inflatable spa, she spoke with Alicia Toedter, pool and hot tub care education and content for Leslie’s Pool Supplies.
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