What can you put under your inflatable hot tub?

While your inflatable hot tub can sit directly on grass or concrete—assuming you’ve cleared all objects that pose a puncture risk, like sharp rocks, twigs, or broken glass, you might want to consider an additional layer of protection and insulation. The most basic solution is to use a heavy-duty tarp, folded or cut to fit the footprint of your tub. Keep in mind that the tarp will become slippery when wet. Foam or rubber tiles can also be purchased online or from the home improvement store to create a smooth foundation for the hot tub. A more solid and long-term solution that also provides insulation is a hot tub pad. You can fill these interlocking tiles with gravel to keep them in place and raise your hot tub off the ground.

What chemicals do you put in an inflatable hot tub?

Just like a permanent hot tub, you’ll need to monitor the water quality in your inflatable spa. It’s essential to test the pH level regularly and use additives to eliminate bacteria and prevent algae growth. If the pH of your hot tub is too alkaline or too acidic, you’ll need to use a pH increaser or decreaser. Either chlorine or bromine will need to be added to the water, and a periodic shock treatment is necessary to maintain safe water quality.

Can you use an inflatable hot tub indoors?

If you have the space and the electrical requirements , you can place an inflatable hot tub in both indoor and outdoor locations. If you’re thinking of using your hot tub inside, then pay special attention to the flooring in the room where you want to put it. If it’s carpet or wood, you may choose to lay a plastic barrier down or have plenty of towels on hand to protect your floor from moisture when getting in or out of the tub. Also, a full hot tub will be very heavy, so be sure that your floor can support the weight. A room on the ground floor of your home is usually a better choice—and also avoids the risk of water damage to your ceiling in the event of a leak.

The 7 Best Inflatable Hot Tubs of 2021

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

If your idea of relaxing at home is soaking in warm water on a comfy seat, you've probably thought about getting a hot tub. That said, a standard jacuzzi is a substantial investment, and you'll need a designated place for it. But with an inflatable hot tub, you can blow it up when you want to use it and store it when you don't. Plus, blow-up tubs are portable, allowing you to set them up almost anywhere and move them around as you please.

Aside from providing flexibility, inflatable jacuzzis typically come at a fraction of the price of their standard counterparts. Whether you're looking for an alternative to a regular hot tub or want to dip your toes into the world of at-home jacuzzis before committing to one, an inflatable model is a great option.

Here are the best inflatable hot tubs.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Intex PureSpa Plus at Amazon

Easy to set up, this hot tub comes with a pump, test strips, two headrests, a built-in hard water treatment system, and an LED light.

Read Review

Best Budget:

Bestway SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub at Amazon

This affordable hot tub includes 60 bubble jets and a digital control panel you can adjust without leaving the tub.

Read Review

Best Four-Person:

Coleman SaluSpa Hawaii AirJet 4 Person Inflatable Hot Tub at Amazon

With a square shape, four people each have their own space to relax and enjoy the 114 jets in this comfortable hot tub.

Read Review

Best Six-Person:

Intex PureSpa Greywood Deluxe Set at Amazon

With room for six, this hot tub has 170 jets and comes with six filter cartridges to keep it running efficiently.

Read Review

Best Splurge:

Bestway SaluSpa AirJet 7 Person Inflatable Hot Tub at Amazon

Durable and stylish, this hot tub is made of puncture resistant material and a wood paneling design.

Read Review

Best for Winter:

Intex 4-Person Octagonal Inflatable Hot Tub Octagonal Inflatable Hot Tub at Walmart

With a thermal ground cloth and three-ply laminated materials, this hot tub will stay warm longer in cold temperatures.

Read Review

Best for Indoor Use:

Intex SimpleSpa Inflatable Hot Tub at Amazon

This hot tub comes with a thermal ground cloth that helps protect your floors from water damage.

Read Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
Why Trust The Spruce

Intex PureSpa Inflatable Round Heated Hot Tub Spa

View On Amazon

What We Like

Good capacity for four people
Built-in hard water treatment
140 jets
A lot of extras included

What We Don't Like

A little pricey

This mid-sized hot tub from Intex offers an outstanding balance of performance and value. It's easy to get comfortable with 140 jets and water that gets up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit in this unit. One of the best aspects of the Intex PureSpa is how easy it is to set up: Inflate it and fill. The kit includes everything that you need (hot tub, pump, test strips) as well as some great extras (two headrests, built-in hard water treatment system, LED light) that will make your hot tub enjoyable for years.

It is a little bit pricey but has so many great features that the higher cost is an excellent value for what comes with this hot tub.

Bestway SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub

View On Amazon

What We Like

Affordable
Cover included
Digital controls

What We Don't Like

Fewer jets

Don’t let the budget-friendly price of this 4-person inflatable hot tub fool you. It includes an impressive list of features, including 60 bubble jets, a digital control panel that you can adjust from in the hot tub, two filters, and a cover. While it does have fewer jets than some of the higher-end models, it strikes a great balance between affordability and luxury.

SaluSpa Hawaii AirJet 4 Person Inflatable Hot Tub

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Square shape
114 jets
Comfortable walls and floor

What We Don't Like

Not for use below 39 degrees

If you want to create a relaxing place to enjoy with friends, this square-shaped inflatable hot tub from Coleman has just enough space for four people to enjoy the warmth and 114 jets. The square allows each person to have their own lounging space, with three ply-inflated walls and a cushioned floor. It also heats quickly, reaching its maximum temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you can't use it outside when it's freezing. The company recommends use in temperatures above 39 degrees Fahrenheit.

The 6 Best Hot Tubs of 2021

Intex PureSpa Greywood Deluxe 85in x 25in

View On Amazon

What We Like

Large capacity
Extra filter cartridges included
Faux greywood look

What We Don't Like

Expensive

If you want to relax as a larger group, your best option is to go with the Greywood Deluxe model from Intex. This large inflatable hot tub can fit up to six adults and comes with six filter cartridges to ensure that your hot tub will run efficiently. The sides create a modern look, and the 170 water jets will give everyone a relaxing massage.

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Bestway SaluSpa Helsinki AirJet 7 Person Inflatable Hot Tub

View On Amazon

What We Like

81 jets
Controls in the hot tub
Wood panel-look

What We Don't Like

Expensive

You may want to spend a little more to get an inflatable hot tub with some high-end features. The Helsinki model from Bestway SaluSpa looks great, promises the ultimate relaxing experience, and is easy to adjust. The controls are accessible in the basin, and you don't need to get out to adjust the 81 jets or change the temperature up to its max of 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The wood panel-look of the sides will blend right into any outdoor decor.

Intex 4-Person Octagonal Inflatable Hot Tub

View On Walmart

What We Like

Thermal ground cloth included
Heavy duty construction
Carrying bag included

What We Don't Like

Odd shape

There is no better time to enjoy the warm, bubbling comfort of a hot tub than in winter. Intex includes a thermal ground cloth with their 4-person octagonal hot tub, which will help keep the temperature of your water high even when using the hot tub in cold temperatures. The walls are constructed of puncture-resistant, three-ply laminated materials, helping to preserve heat. This hot tub also comes with a convenient carrying bag. The process to stow it is easy and fast.

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Best Buy

What We Like

Simple water treatment
Ground cloth included
Smaller footprint

What We Don't Like

No additional padding

Just about any inflatable hot tub can be used indoors as long as you have the right power available, but the SimpleSpa from Intex is a good choice due to its simple water treatment method. The hot tub takes around 20 minutes to set up, plus additional time to heat the water. All you need to do is adjust the chemicals using the included test strip and floating dispenser. It also consists of a thermal ground cloth to minimize water damage to your indoor floors. This option does not have the padded headrests like other Intex models, but you can add them separately.

Any time you install a hot tub, the space needs to be adequately ventilated to keep you safe from breathing high concentrations of the water's treatment chemicals.

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Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Intex PureSpa 4-Person Inflatable Hot Tub (view at Amazon). It has plenty of space for four people, massaging water jets, and even includes cushioned headrests. The built-in water softener will please people who want the most luxurious spa experience. We recommend the Bestway SaluSpa Helsinki AirJet 7 Person Inflatable Hot Tub (view at Amazon) for a high-end option. With easy access controls, you don't have to leave the tub to change the jet settings.

Size

One of the critical factors to consider when buying an inflatable hot tub is how many people the tub is suitable for. Some hot tubs accommodate just two people, while others will comfortably fit four or more. While a larger hot tub means increased capacity, keep in mind that it will also require more water to fill, more electricity to heat, and a larger footprint in your patio or backyard.

Jets

A hot tub does more than provide warm water immersion—it also offers bubble jets to massage your muscles. If this feature is essential to you, compare the number of jets when shopping for an inflatable hot tub, keeping in mind that the number of jets will also vary based on the size of the hot tub. On average, most models have between 80 and 140 jets.

Other Features

Additional features can improve the energy efficiency, convenience, or ambiance of your hot tub. For example, some inflatable hot tubs come with an insulated cover and ground cloth to reduce energy loss. If you live in a cool climate and plan to use your hot tub outdoors, these add-ons can be an effective way to maintain comfortable water temperatures.

Other inflatable hot tub options include a digital control panel or smartphone controls to adjust temperature settings or operate the jets. Lights are also available on some portable hot tubs, adding a fun or relaxing ambiance to your set-up.

FAQ

What can you put under your inflatable hot tub?

While your inflatable hot tub can sit directly on grass or concrete—assuming you’ve cleared all objects that pose a puncture risk, like sharp rocks, twigs, or broken glass, you might want to consider an additional layer of protection and insulation.
The most basic solution is to use a heavy-duty tarp, folded or cut to fit the footprint of your tub. Keep in mind that the tarp will become slippery when wet. Foam or rubber tiles can also be purchased online or from the home improvement store to create a smooth foundation for the hot tub. A more solid and long-term solution that also provides insulation is a hot tub pad. You can fill these interlocking tiles with gravel to keep them in place and raise your hot tub off the ground.
What chemicals do you put in an inflatable hot tub?

Just like a permanent hot tub, you’ll need to monitor the water quality in your inflatable spa. It’s essential to test the pH level regularly and use additives to eliminate bacteria and prevent algae growth. If the pH of your hot tub is too alkaline or too acidic, you’ll need to use a pH increaser or decreaser. Either chlorine or bromine will need to be added to the water, and a periodic shock treatment is necessary to maintain safe water quality.
Can you use an inflatable hot tub indoors?

If you have the space and the electrical requirements, you can place an inflatable hot tub in both indoor and outdoor locations. If you’re thinking of using your hot tub inside, then pay special attention to the flooring in the room where you want to put it. If it’s carpet or wood, you may choose to lay a plastic barrier down or have plenty of towels on hand to protect your floor from moisture when getting in or out of the tub.
Also, a full hot tub will be very heavy, so be sure that your floor can support the weight. A room on the ground floor of your home is usually a better choice—and also avoids the risk of water damage to your ceiling in the event of a leak.

This article was researched and written by Katie Begley, who has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. She looks for products that will enhance a user’s lifestyle while still providing great value and performance. The top factors she focused on when recommending hot tubs were value, number of jets, capacity, and extra features.

The 7 Best Inflatable Hot Tubs of 2021

Relax in an on-demand, portable hot tub

Best Overall: Intex 28429E PureSpa Plus 4 Person Portable Inflatable Hot Tub

Best Budget: Bestway SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub, 4-Person AirJet Spa

Best Four-Person: Coleman SaluSpa Hawaii AirJet 4 Person Inflatable Hot Tub

Best Six-Person: Intex 85in x 28in PureSpa Greywood Deluxe Set

Best Splurge: Bestway SaluSpa Helsinki AirJet 7 Person Inflatable Hot Tub

Best for Winter: Intex 4-Person Octagonal Inflatable Hot Tub 4-Person Octagonal Inflatable Hot Tub

Best for Indoor Use: Intex SimpleSpa 4-Person Inflatable Hot Tub

The 7 Best Inflatable Hot Tubs of 2021

Relax in an on-demand, portable hot tub

Best Overall: Intex 28429E PureSpa Plus 4 Person Portable Inflatable Hot Tub

Best Budget: Bestway SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub, 4-Person AirJet Spa

Best Four-Person: Coleman SaluSpa Hawaii AirJet 4 Person Inflatable Hot Tub

Best Six-Person: Intex 85in x 28in PureSpa Greywood Deluxe Set

Best Splurge: Bestway SaluSpa Helsinki AirJet 7 Person Inflatable Hot Tub

Best for Winter: Intex 4-Person Octagonal Inflatable Hot Tub 4-Person Octagonal Inflatable Hot Tub

Best for Indoor Use: Intex SimpleSpa 4-Person Inflatable Hot Tub

What to Look for in an Inflatable Hot Tub

Size

Jets

Other Features

Why Trust The Spruce?