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The Spruce / Laurey W. Glenn
From the campsite to the privacy of your own backyard, a top-quality inflatable hot tub lets you enjoy a relaxing soak wherever you choose to set it up. We spent hours researching the top inflatable products available online, evaluating ease of setup and use, durability, temperature control, noise level, and value.
Our favorite inflatable hot tub, the PureSpa Plus Bubble Massage Set, has 140 high-powered bubble jets, a built-in hard-water treatment system, and seats four people comfortably.
Here are the best inflatable hot tubs.
Best Overall: Intex PureSpa Plus Bubble Massage Set
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Courtesy of Intex
Who else recommends it? Insider, Reviewed, and Bob Vila also picked Intex PureSpa Plus.
What do buyers say? 85% of 1,400+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
Ease of setup
Built-in hard-water treatment
Expensive
This mid-size hot tub from Intex is our top pick because it balances performance with value. It's easy to be comfortable in this tub, with 140 jets, and water that heats up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. One of the best aspects of the Intex PureSpa is how easy it is to set up: Inflate it and fill it.
The kit includes the hot tub, pump, and test strips, as well as two headrests, a built-in hard-water treatment system, which prolongs the tub's lifetime, and an LED light. While this hot tub is a more expensive option, its easy-to-assemble nature and built-in features make it a reliable choice.
Best Budget: Bestway SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub, 4-Person AirJet Spa
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Courtesy of Amazon
Affordable
Cover included
Digital controls
Fewer jets
Don’t let the budget-friendly price of this four-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 inside 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.
Best Four-Person: Coleman SaluSpa Hawaii AirJet 4 Person Inflatable Hot Tub
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Courtesy of Amazon
Square shape
114 jets
Comfortable walls and floor
Not for use below 39 degrees
To create a relaxing place to enjoy with friends, this square-shape 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.
Best Six-Person: Intex 85in x 28in PureSpa Greywood Deluxe Set
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Courtesy of Amazon
Large capacity
Extra filter cartridges included
Faux greywood look
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 runs efficiently. The sides create a modern look, and the 170 water jets give everyone a relaxing massage.
Best Splurge: Bestway SaluSpa Helsinki AirJet 7 Person Inflatable Hot Tub
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Courtesy of Lowe's
81 jets
Controls in the hot tub
Wood panel-look
Expensive
You might consider spending 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 maximum 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The wood-panel look of the sides blends right into any outdoor decor.
Best for Indoor Use: Intex SimpleSpa 4-Person Inflatable Hot Tub
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Courtesy of Amazon
Simple water treatment
Ground cloth included
Smaller footprint
No additional padding
You can use just about any inflatable hot tub indoors, as long as you have the appropriate power available. But the SimpleSpa from Intex is a good choice because of 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. The package also includes a thermal ground cloth to minimize water damage to your indoor floors. This option lacks the padded headrests, as other Intex models, but you can add them separately.
Best Two-Person: Aleko 2-Person 130 Jet Inflatable Hot Tub
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Courtesy of Wayfair
Smaller space needed
130 jets
Drink tray and cover
Small for two people
Steps not included
If you want a hot tub with a smaller footprint that is just enough for two people, this model from Aleko fits the bill. With 130 water jets, it doesn’t compromise on comfort just because it is smaller. It includes an attachable drink tray, and a matching cover to keep your hot tub clean when not in use. It does not include steps, which you need to purchase separately to make getting in and out accessible.
Two people need to be cozy to use this hot tub together. If you want to lounge and stretch out, you may want to upgrade to the four-person model.
Best with Lights: Bestway SaluSpa Paris Inflatable Hot Tub with LED
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Courtesy of Walmart
LED light system
Wireless remote
Affordable
Fewer jets
For a surprisingly affordable price, this inflatable hot tub has it all. It seats up to six people—although four are more comfortable—and has 68 air jets. What really sets it apart, though, is the LED light display that can change colors via a wireless remote. If you want to create just the right ambiance within your hot tub, the Bestway SaluSpa Paris model is a great choice.
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 should please people who want the most luxurious spa experience. For a high-end option, we recommend the Bestway SaluSpa Helsinki AirJet 7 Person Inflatable Hot Tub (view at Amazon). With easy access controls, you don't have to leave the tub to change the jet settings.
What to Look for in an Inflatable Hot Tub
Size
One of the critical factors to consider when buying an inflatable hot tub is how many people the tub suits. Some hot tubs accommodate just two people, while others comfortably fit four or more. While a larger hot tub means increased capacity, keep in mind that it also requires 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 also varies, based on the size of the hot tub. On average, most models have 80 to 140 jets.
Other Features
Additional features can improve your hot tub's energy efficiency, convenience, and ambiance. 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 effectively 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.
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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 such as sharp rocks, twigs, and broken glass—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 becomes slippery when wet. You also can purchase foam or rubber tiles online or from the home improvement store to create a smooth foundation. A more solid and long-term solution, which 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.
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What chemicals do you put in an inflatable hot tub?
Just as a permanent hot tub, you 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 is too alkaline or too acidic, you need to add a pH increaser or decreaser. You also need to add chlorine or bromine to the water, and a periodic shock treatment is necessary to maintain safe water quality. Finally, anytime you install a hot tub, the space needs to be adequately ventilated to offset possible ill effects caused by the water's treatment chemicals.
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Can you use an inflatable hot tub indoors?
If you have the space and the electrical requirements, you can place an inflatable hot tub indoors or outdoors. If you’re thinking of using your hot tub inside, then pay special attention to the intended room's flooring. If it’s carpet or wood, consider laying down a plastic barrier, 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 is very heavy, so be sure your floor can support the weight. A room on the ground floor is usually a better choice—and also avoids the risk of water damage to your ceiling in the event of a leak.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Begley, who has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. She looks for products that enhance a user’s lifestyle while still providing great value and performance. The top factors she focused on when recommending inflatable hot tubs were value, number of jets, capacity, and extra features.
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