Andy Bennett
Nothing beats the feeling of sinking into a warm, bubbling hot tub after a long day. But the high cost and permanent installation of a traditional spa can be a deal-breaker. That’s where inflatable hot tubs come in—offering a luxurious retreat right in your backyard for a fraction of the price.
As someone who has tested dozens of outdoor relaxation products for WavesGadget, I know the difference between a flimsy pool toy and a durable, relaxing spa. We’ve seen the common concerns: “Will it leak?” “Is the heater strong enough?” “Is it a pain to maintain?” To answer these questions, our experts spent weeks setting up, heating, and soaking in the top models on the market. We evaluated them for durability, heating performance, comfort, and overall value to help you find the perfect inflatable hot tub for ultimate relaxation.
Our Top 5 Inflatable Hot Tubs for 2024
Here’s a quick look at the models that impressed us the most during our hands-on testing.
| Model | Best For | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coleman SaluSpa | Overall Value | 4-6 People | $$ |
| Bestway SaluSpa Helsinki | Cold Weather | 5-7 People | $$$ |
| Intex PureSpa Greywood Deluxe | Jets & Comfort | 4 People | $$$$ |
| Googo Spa 4-Person | Small Spaces | 2-4 People | $$ |
| Intex PureSpa Plus | A Tight Budget | 4 People | $ |
1. Coleman SaluSpa: Best Overall Value
Why we picked it: The Coleman SaluSpa consistently tops “best of” lists for a reason: it delivers an unbeatable combination of performance, durability, and price. During our testing, we were impressed by its sturdy construction. The puncture-resistant TriTech material and I-Beam walls feel remarkably solid, easily supporting two adults leaning on the side without any buckling.
The Rapid Heating System brought the water up to a cozy 104°F in a reasonable time, and the AirJet system, with its 140 bubble jets, provided a soothing, effervescent massage. While it’s not the deep-tissue massage of a hydrojet, it’s incredibly relaxing for unwinding. For anyone looking to get into the inflatable hot tub world without a huge investment, this is the smartest buy.
- Pros: Very affordable, famously easy setup, strong user reviews, durable materials.
- Cons: AirJets are bubbly but don’t provide a true hydro-massage.
2. Bestway SaluSpa Helsinki: Best for Cold Weather
Why we picked it: If you dream of soaking under the stars on a cool autumn night, the Helsinki is your best bet. Its standout feature is the Freeze Shield™ technology, which automatically prevents water from freezing and damaging the spa’s components in cold weather. This makes it a true year-round option for many climates, addressing a major objection for potential buyers.
We also loved its unique aesthetic; the wood-panel print on the exterior gives it a more permanent, high-end look that blends beautifully into a backyard setting. With room for up to seven people, it’s perfect for families or entertaining guests. The larger size means it takes a bit longer for the initial heat-up, but the excellent insulation helps it retain that heat efficiently.
- Pros: Freeze Shield allows for year-round use, excellent insulation, seats up to 7 people, stylish design.
- Cons: Takes longer to heat initially due to its larger water capacity.
3. Intex PureSpa Greywood Deluxe: Best Jets & Comfort
Why we picked it: For those who crave a more authentic spa massage, the Intex PureSpa Greywood Deluxe is a clear winner. This model elevates the experience by combining 140 soothing bubble jets with four powerful, high-performance hydro-massage jets. We found these HydroJets delivered a targeted, powerful stream of water that was fantastic for soothing sore muscles—a feature most inflatable tubs lack.
Comfort is paramount here. The package includes two contoured headrests, and the Fiber-Tech construction provides incredible structural stability, making the walls firm and comfortable to lean against. It also includes a built-in hard water treatment system to keep the water feeling soft on your skin and prevent scale buildup. It’s a premium package with a price to match, but the performance justifies the cost.
- Pros: True hydro-massage jets, premium features included, superior comfort and stability.
- Cons: Higher price point than bubble-only models.
4. Googo Spa 4-Person Inflatable Hot Tub: Best for Small Spaces
Why we picked it: Not everyone has a sprawling backyard. For those with a small patio, deck, or limited space, the Googo Spa is an excellent choice. Its compact, square shape is far more space-efficient than a traditional round tub, tucking neatly into corners.
During our tests, its smaller water volume meant it heated up faster than any other model on our list, making it perfect for more spontaneous soaks. It comes as a complete kit with everything you need, including an insulated cover, ground cloth, and filters. While the features are basic, it delivers the core hot tub experience—hot, bubbly water—in a convenient, space-saving package that’s ideal for couples or small families.
- Pros: Space-saving square design, heats very quickly, great for couples.
- Cons: Capacity is limited to 4 people (and is cozier with just 2), basic feature set.
5. Intex PureSpa Plus: Best for a Tight Budget
Why we picked it: If you’re looking to test the waters of hot tub ownership with the lowest possible initial investment, the Intex PureSpa Plus is a fantastic starting point. It offers the reliable build quality Intex is known for at an entry-level price. The setup is incredibly straightforward, and the simple, user-friendly control panel is perfect for beginners.
While it lacks some of the bells and whistles of more expensive models—the heating time is a bit slower and it has fewer bubble jets—it absolutely nails the fundamentals. It provides a warm, relaxing soak and is a reliable choice for first-time owners who want to enjoy the benefits of a spa without breaking the bank.
- Pros: Extremely affordable, widely available, simple to set up and maintain.
- Cons: Slower heating time, fewer bubble jets than premium models.
How to Choose the Best Inflatable Hot Tub: Buyer’s Guide
Don’t shop blind. Our experts break down the key features to consider so you know what matters before you buy.
Capacity: How Many People Will Be Soaking?
Manufacturers often list the maximum capacity, but this can be a tight squeeze. A good rule of thumb is to subtract one or two people from the listed capacity for comfortable seating.
- 2-4 person models: These are ideal for couples, individuals, or homes with small patios where space is a premium. They also heat up faster and cost less to run.
- 4-7 person models: Better suited for families or those who plan on entertaining guests. They offer more room to stretch out but require more space and a longer initial heating time.
Jets: AirJets vs. HydroJets – What’s the Difference?
This is one of the most important distinctions in performance and price.
- AirJets: These are the most common type. The pump pushes air through small holes around the bottom perimeter of the tub, creating thousands of bubbles for a gentle, effervescent, all-over massage. It’s very relaxing, like sitting in a glass of champagne.
- HydroJets: These are less common and found on premium models. They use a water pump to propel a powerful, targeted stream of water, mimicking the jets in a traditional acrylic spa. They are excellent for targeting sore muscles and providing a true hydro-massage. Some deluxe models offer a combination of both.
Material & Durability: Will It Last?
To combat the fear of leaks, manufacturers use robust, multi-layered materials.
- Look for puncture-resistant PVC: Most quality tubs use materials like TriTech (a 3-ply reinforced material) or similar heavy-duty PVC composites.
- Internal beam construction: Brands like Intex use a “Fiber-Tech” construction with thousands of high-strength polyester fibers for internal support. This prevents the tub from bulging and makes the walls firm enough to sit on.
- A quality cover is key: An insulated, lockable cover is crucial. It not only keeps debris out but is the single most important factor in retaining heat and keeping your electricity bill down.
Heating & Insulation: Can It Handle the Cold?
An inflatable hot tub is useless if it can’t stay hot.
- Max Temperature: Nearly all inflatable hot tubs heat to a maximum of 104°F (40°C), which is the standard safe temperature for spas.
- Heating Rate: Most models heat the water at a rate of 2-3°F per hour, so a first-time fill can take 24 hours or more to reach max temp.
- Winter Use: If you plan to use your tub in temperatures below 40°F, look for specific features like Bestway’s “Freeze Shield” technology. For all tubs, using an insulated ground mat underneath and keeping the cover on securely will make a huge difference in performance and energy costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Inflatable Hot Tubs
We get a lot of questions from our readers. Here are expert answers to the most common ones.
How much does it cost to run an inflatable hot tub?
This varies widely based on your climate, how often you use it, and your local electricity rates. However, a reasonable estimate for average use is around $30-$60 per month. The biggest factors are the ambient air temperature and how well you keep it covered. An insulated cover is the best tool for reducing running costs.
How long do inflatable hot tubs last?
With proper care and maintenance, a quality inflatable hot tub can last 2 to 5 years. The key is to protect it from long-term, direct sun exposure (which can degrade the vinyl) and to place it on a smooth surface free of sharp objects. Most small punctures are easily fixed with the included patch kit.
Is it hard to maintain an inflatable hot tub?
No, maintenance is significantly simpler and cheaper than for a traditional acrylic spa. The core tasks are:
- Test the water weekly with test strips and add chemicals (like chlorine or bromine) as needed to keep it balanced and sanitized.
- Clean or replace the filter cartridges every 1-2 weeks, depending on use. This is as simple as unscrewing them and rinsing them with a hose.
- Wipe down the interior surfaces occasionally to prevent grime buildup.
