Imagine immersing yourself in warm, soothing water as your muscles and joints relax after a long, stressful day. Now imagine relishing that luxury every day in the comfort of your backyard—with zero construction and costs as low as $440.
Inflatable hot tubs are the answer. And no, they don’t look like giant baby pools. More affordable than in-ground hot tubs and easier to install, they can be placed on either grass or a solid surface, such as your deck, outside your RV, or even at the tailgate lot. Here’s our roundup for five great inflatable hot tubs.
Bestway Helsinki AirJet
From the looks of the wood textured design, you’d think it was an above-ground hot tub. But it’s not heavy and bulky like one. That said, the Helsinki Airjet is not flimsy either. Earning itself a 10 in the durability department, the puncture-resistant material can withstand any deck splinters or sharp rocks. What’s more, the L-beam wall construction adds even more sturdiness, so it won’t buckle or lose shape even if people sit on the edge. You’ll need 24 hours of patience while it reaches maximum temperature (104°F). After that, you’ll be surprised at how hot the AirJet remains when in use. Even people who live in colder states were impressed at the heat retention.
Intex PureSpa Plus
With 140 high-powered bubble jets emitting conditioned water treated to be gentler on your skin, you’re getting complete relaxation with this the Intex PureSpa Plus. (Did you know that pulsating water can increase blood supply to aching joints, ultimately reducing inflammation and relieving pain?) Set-up time takes less than 20 minutes—just inflate with the included pump and you’re ready to go. Fits four comfortably, making it ideal for those couples date nights someone has been nagging you about. And for extra ambience, switch on the multicolored LED light to set the mood.
Coleman SaluSpa Atlantis
As the name suggests, once you step into your very own Coleman SaluSpa, you’ll feel like you’re on a tropical island. The cushioned walls and floor invite you away from life’s stresses and into a comfortable bubble of serenity. Hitting that 100-degree mark, like most inflatable tubs do, you might even find yourself getting a better night’s sleep after an evening soak. A convenient floor valve helps quickly drain water, and two easy-lift handles on the sides of the unit make it incredibly portable when you’re ready to pack it up for a trip.
CosySpa Outdoor Bubble Jacuzzi
Spacious enough to fit six people, the CE-certified CosySpa Jaccuzi is a fair contender in our lineup. The hot tub comes supplied with a filter cartridge, insulated top cover, inflation hose, and PVC ground cloth. Upgrade to premium accessories with headrests if you really want the full package. You don’t have to worry about the noise of the pump overpowering your conversation and disrupting the peace, either. This tub’s pump is quieter compared to others. And speaking of the pump, it’s integrated within the outside wall for seamless assembly, as opposed to being separate and hanging in the way on the outside.
Aleko Oval Hot Tub
Sometimes you just want to focus on you. Not the kids. Not the spouse. Not the dog. Not the in-laws. Just you. And the ALEKO Oval Hot Tub gives you that precious alone time in a unique oval shape that lets you stretch or even float full-length with your resting on the cushy rim and your beverage of choice at-hand, resting on the drink tray attached to the side. The waterproof, digital control panel sits on the edge of the unit and is accessible both outside or inside the tub. It features a temperature controller and buttons for heat, filter and bubbles. The entire unit weighs about 50 pounds, so you don’t even need a second person to help you move it. It’s a complete one-man show.
Purchasing Tips
If you are thinking about investing in an inflatable hot tub, here are a few things to consider:
Size: Some hot tubs accommodate just two people, while others comfortably fit four or more. While a larger hot tub means increased capacity, it also requires more water to fill, more electricity to heat, and a larger footprint in your patio or backyard.
Jets: Bubble jets massage your muscles, providing even more relaxation. Compare the number of jets which vary based on the size of the hot tub. On average, most models have 80 to 140 jets.
Other Features: An insulated cover and ground cloth can improve your hot tub’s energy efficiency. A digital control panel or smartphone controls to adjust temperature settings or operate the jets. Lights are available on some models, which provide relaxing ambiance.