The 8 Best Inflatable Hot Tubs of 2023

We’re happy to report that the hot tub has been running smoothly for two months, with only a minor scuff mark to show for it. It continues to be a fantastic addition to our routine, providing much-needed relaxation after a long day. However, we wish the jet distribution was more even, as there seems to be a weaker side with less forceful jets. Nonetheless, it’s a great inflatable option that can be conveniently folded and stored away when not in use, which is perfect for our relatively small backyard.

The 8 Best Inflatable Hot Tubs Are An Affordable Alternative That Keep You Warm In Winter

Instead of spending thousands on a hard-sided hot tub, try an inflatable option that works just as well.

Alida Nugent is a commerce writer with over 10 years of media experience, with six of those spent creating unique shopping content. She has also written 2 books.

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Hot tubs are a luxury at any time of year, but they’re especially wonderful in the colder months. However, they also tend to be thousands of dollars and require a lot of set-up to get them working properly. Luckily, there are other options for those who live in rentals or simply don’t want to pay a hefty price: inflatable hot tubs.

The best inflatable hot tubs work just as well as hard-sided options, but generally run under $1000. They’re able to go up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, can be kept running all season long, and can even come large enough to fit six or more people at a time.

We spoke to Matt Giovanisci, founder of Swimuniversity.com, who noted some other reasons why you might want to spring for an inflatable option. “Most large hot tubs need a concrete pad or a reinforced deck to hold its weight. And they’re powered by 220v which requires a special connection installed by a licensed electrician. But an inflatable hot tub is more flexible. It only requires a standard outlet.”

After looking at many available options, we made a list of the eight best inflatable hot tubs on the market for all sorts of needs and budgets.

Best Overall

Bestway SaluSpa Budapest Inflatable Hot Tub Spa

• This hot tub by Bestway has all of the essential features, like Title 20 compliance and freeze protection, as well as some nice add ons like cupholders.

• It doesn’t have LED lights like some similar models, which is surprising given the higher price.

Finding the best inflatable hot tub proved to be a bit of a challenge, because it had to have two essential features: It needed to be Title 20 compliant (a regulation having to do with energy efficiency) and therefore able to be shipped to all 50 states, and it needed to have protection against cold weather. Because it checks those boxes—in addition to some other promising features—our pick for best inflatable hot tub goes to the Bestway SaluSpa Budapest hot tub.

The Title 20 compliance comes in the form of an EnergySense cover that’s 40% more efficient than the standard covers that typically come with hot tubs. This traps heat in, keeping the water warm even when not in use, and saving the consumer money on energy bills, too. The Budapest hot tub also features the brand’s proprietary automatic heating technology that traps the heat inside and protects the hot tub’s liner in order to be used in cold weather. It’ll keep the tub between 42 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit at all times in order to keep the parts from freezing up in cold winter weather.

The hot tub also has additional impressive specs surrounding its functionality. It fits up to six people, meaning that it’s a roomy tub, but it still weighs under 100 pounds without water. It needs no tools to set up: the user simply attaches the included pump and lets the tub inflate; that pump also runs the filtration and is reachable from inside the spa, so adjustments can be made while the tub is in use. It has a dispenser that evenly disperses the proper amount of chlorine, as well as a circuit interrupter that protects the user against electric shocks. Finally, it’s made of a durable three-layered material that’s puncture-, tear- and stretch-resistant for additional longevity.

Finally, there are 140 jets that produce warm air bubbles (which is on the lower end, as some tubs can have around 180) and provide the same comforting massage that the hard-shell counterparts are known for. There are cup holders around the edges for snacks and drinks, two massage jet levels, a power-saving timer, an easy-to-read control panel, and the ability to connect to an app that makes it controllable from a smartphone. Perhaps the only missing features are LED lights for added ambience during nighttime use, although that can easily be remedied with the purchase of submersible water lights.

Price at time of publish: $689

Product Details: Dimensions: 77.17 x 77.17 x 25.98 inches | Water Capacity: 240 gallons | Max Occupancy: 6 people | Number of Jets: 140 | Max Temperature: 104 degrees Fahrenheit | Weight: 99.8 pounds

The 8 Best Inflatable Hot Tubs of 2023

Katie Melynn is a product reviewer for The Spruce who specializes in lifestyle and parenting writing. As a mom of three, she’s written about parenting and family life for At Ease Magazine, Legacy, and Monterey Bay Parent, where she was a monthly columnist.

Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics including environmental science and houseplants.

If you want to create a relaxing backyard oasis, consider adding an inflatable hot tub to your outdoor space. While costing much less than a traditional hot tub, an inflatable option is generally easier to set up, store, or even move when needed. Though, you still get to enjoy some of the same benefits, including relaxing jets, ambient LED lights, and seating for up to 6 adults.

With either style of hot tub, you’ll also need to keep sanitation and safety top of mind. “Water safety is a big priority in our industry,” stresses Rick Hagen, who handles National Sales for Outdoor Living Products at Pool Corp, and a member of the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance. Along with general water safety, other factors can contribute to the well-being of your inflatable tub and its users, including your preferred method of sanitization, your region’s climate, how frequently you use your tub, and even where you set it up. Hagen notes, “It all depends on how much you run it, and how you maintain it, just like a car.”

We researched the top inflatable hot tubs and tested three models for two weeks, investing a total of 30 hours in the process. To rate the hot tubs, we evaluated them based on several key factors such as setup, design, maintenance, features, and value.

Bestway Aruba SaluSpa 3 Person Inflatable Round Outdoor Hot Tub

Best Overall

Intex PureSpa Plus 6-Person Portable Inflatable Hot Tub

• Durable construction
• Comes with cover and carrying case
• Large capacity

After spending two weeks testing various inflatable hot tubs, we found that the Intex PureSpa Plus Inflatable Hot Tub was our best overall pick. We were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it was to sit on the floor of the hot tub, despite there being only a thinly insulated layer and a ground cover with a bubble wrap-like material at the bottom. Although it can fit six adults, we found that four people would be more comfortable. Additionally, it includes two headrests to enhance your comfort, allowing you to relax and rest your head while enjoying the soothing warmth of the water.

Getting in and out of the hot tub was a breeze, thanks to its low height. We didn’t have to exert too much effort, which made the whole experience much more enjoyable. The outer rim of the tub was extremely comfortable to sit on, which was great for taking a quick break and cooling off. The water level in the hot tub was up to our necks when we sat on the floor and up to our chests when we used the tub’s seat. It is worth noting that the hot tub currently only comes with two non-slip seats, which is not sufficient for those who wish to lounge comfortably on a seat instead of the floor. We believe there should be more seating available to enhance the overall experience for everyone.

This tub has 170 jets and a heater that can warm up the water to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Although the jets are not adjustable, we found that they were very strong. For those who enjoy nighttime soaks, the built-in LED lights provide added convenience. The tub also includes a hard-water treatment system that maintains water quality, preserves bathing suits, and prevents skin dryness. The kit comes with a heater/blower/filter system, two filter cartridges, a chlorine dispenser, and a test strip. A cover, carrying case, ground cloth, and inflation hose are included to make setup easy.

The hot tub setup went fairly smoothly, however, the instruction manual was difficult to understand. It appeared that the instructions were written for multiple models, so some of the instructions did not apply to this specific model. In less than five minutes, the whole tub inflated, and we did not even need any additional tools. It is crucial to take the location into consideration when setting up your hot tub. It’s a lot easier to move around before it’s filled up. We successfully filled the water up to the midway point between the minimum and maximum lines using our garden hose within an hour and 45 minutes. The water was heated up to a final temperature of 101 degrees after about 32 hours. Overall, given its comfort, price, and features this tub offers, we think it’s more than worthy of the top spot on this list.

How It Performed Long-Term

We’re happy to report that the hot tub has been running smoothly for two months, with only a minor scuff mark to show for it. It continues to be a fantastic addition to our routine, providing much-needed relaxation after a long day. However, we wish the jet distribution was more even, as there seems to be a weaker side with less forceful jets. Nonetheless, it’s a great inflatable option that can be conveniently folded and stored away when not in use, which is perfect for our relatively small backyard.

Price at time of publish: $1,300

_{Dimensions: 85 x 85 x 28 inches | Shape: Round | Water Capacity: 290 gallons | Number of Jets: 170 | Maximum Occupancy: 6 | Maximum Temperature: 104 degrees Fahrenheit}