Are Inflatable Hot Tub Pumps Waterproof?

If you have recently bought an inflatable hot tub you might not have even considered the fact that it will be outside in all sorts of weather. Obviously, it doesn’t matter if the liner gets wet but you might be wondering if the actual pump on an inflatable hot tub is waterproof. Can you leave an inflatable hot tub pump out in the rain and is it weatherproof? I decided to do some research into the question and this is what I found out.

So, Are Inflatable Hot Tub Pumps Waterproof? The vast majority of inflatable hot tubs are indeed waterproof. Usually, every component of the inflatable hot tub, including the pump, is waterproof. While this is largely dependant on the materials used to manufacture the hot tub and the quality of those materials, practically every inflatable hot tub will maintain a solid waterproof layer against regular rainfall.

The waterproof qualities of inflatable hot tub pumps and the tub in general come from their materials. The PVC and vinyl materials used in the construction of these hot tubs and their components are usually of a very high quality. Because of this, many inflatable hot tubs are able to withstand a large amount of rainfall at a fairly consistent rate.

It is only when the quality of the materials used for the tub are of a low standard that the hot tub begins to have waterproofing issues. When an inflatable hot tub is manufactured using subpar materials it can be subject to water damage. In this case, even the lightest rainfall may cause the tub to become gradually broken down over time. Thankfully, the vast majority of inflatable hot tubs on the current market are made with top quality materials.

This does mean that you can confidently leave your hot tub pump out in all weather and that you can leave it connected to the electricity. The seals on the pump are designed to keep water out of the areas where it would be a problem so everything should be safe and OK.

What are the Benefits Of An Inflatable Hot Tub

There are plenty of benefits to buying an inflatable hot tub over a traditional “hard shell” one. While they both may be inherently waterproof in nature, that does not mean that they both have the same qualities overall. For example, the materials used to create an inflatable hot tub differ significantly from those used to build traditional hot tubs.

An inflatable tub tends to be manufactured using PVC and vinyl primarily whereas a hard shell tub tends to be made from a combination of acrylic, remodelled plastic, vinyl, cement, stainless steel, and fiberglass. The majority of modern inflatable hot tubs have a surprisingly high level of durability due to the high quality build of the tub. However, they simply don’t last as long as hard shell hot tubs, but they are significantly less expensive to buy.

Thanks to the recent increase of popularity in the hot tub market, many contemporary and innovative designs are being conceived and utilised during the construction of new inflatable hot tubs. Designs such as the innovative TriTech concept which combines three separate layers of plastic to create a hot tub that is extremely resistant to water as well as general wear and tear over long durations of time.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of an inflatable hot tub when compared to a traditional hard shell hot tub is the extreme price difference. Inflatable hot tubs are usually massively cheaper than a traditional hot tub. A normal hot tub can often set you back over a few thousand pounds whereas not even the most luxurious and expensive inflatable hot tub will ever reach that point. A quality inflatable hot tub will only cost an average of around £300-500, with the most luxurious models coming in at just over the £1000 mark.

The frankly huge price difference between the two types of hot tub is clearly the deciding factor for many people as an inflatable tub is still a quality piece of kit with reliable waterproof materials and sturdy build techniques.

Another great benefit of owning an inflatable hot tub is its incredibly high level of convenience. Traditional hot tubs take a great deal of planning before you set the tub up in its desired location. You need to spend a good deal of time deliberating over where to put your hot tub as it will remain there permanently. You must also spend a good deal of time arranging the necessary power supply and ensuring that it reaches the tub.

All of this can take a lot of time, effort and even some additional funds if you need to hire anyone or do some landscaping around your chosen area. On the other hand, inflatable hot tubs take practically no planning at all as you can set them up anywhere, deflate them and change the position of the tub should you need to. Initially inflating the hot tub should only take around 30 minutes as well and no additional tools or knowledge is required, meaning that you will be up and running within no time at all.

Problems With Inflatable Hot Tubs

While the benefits of owning an inflatable hot tub vastly out way any negatives associated with their use, that does not mean that it is without its faults. Perhaps the greatest flaw with an inflatable hot tub is its inability to keep the water within warm constantly. Where the majority of regular hot tubs manage to heat their water continuously for sometimes weeks at a time, inflatable hot tubs usually only heat the water within at specific times via a timer. This means that you cannot just jump straight in when you feel like it, you must instead plan out in advance when you would like to use the tub and manually set the timer of the hot tub.

Another issue surrounding inflatable hot tubs is their common lack of features. Unfortunately, many inflatable hot tubs, particularly cheaper models, simply do not have the same features as even the cheapest traditional hot tubs. In particular, not many inflatable hot tubs have a water-jet system. Some well-known brands such as Lay Z Spa offer an inflatable tub with an air-jet system but this only pumps air through the tub, meaning that it does not capture that same jacuzzi sensation that traditional tubs have.

How Does An Inflatable Hot Tub Pump Work?

In basic terms, an inflatable hot tub has one main form of jet connection, that of an air-in outlet. The inflatable hot tub pump works by building up pressure and using this pressure to push air through the jet connection. This air then travels upwards in the hot tub, pushing water as it goes. This occurs because the pressure of the air inside the water of the tub is less than that inside the pump, therefore pushing the air out of the pump and into the tub. This process is what creates the bubbles inside an inflatable hot tub. In a traditional hot tub, this process is achieved via a mixture of pressurised water jets and air jets.

Related Questions

Can You Use An Inflatable Hot Tub In Winter?

Generally speaking, yes, you can use your inflatable hot tub in Winter. There are, however, a few caveats to this statement. Firstly, you must make sure that the temperature has not dropped below 4 degrees Celsius. If this is the case, then you cannot use your inflatable hot tub.

You must also make sure that the water inside the tub has not frozen. If you use the tub when the water is initially frozen then this can cause a number of issues inside the pump that cannot be fixed. If the temperature is not below 4 degrees Celsius and the water inside is not frozen then you are clear to enjoy your inflatable hot tub during the Winter.

Can You Replace An Inflatable Hot Tub Pump?

While it may be quite expensive, it is perfectly possible to replace your inflatable hot tub pump should you need to do so. You may need to replace your inflatable hot tub pump if your original one is faulty or breaks. Your pump can break for several reasons such as air pocket issues (when air gets trapped in the pump and cannot be removed). If issues arise with your pump, then you can search for replacement parts online. A whole range of trustworthy retailers offer a selection of replacement inflatable hot tub parts, including a pump.

How Long Does It Take To Fill An Inflatable Hot Tub?

The time it takes to fill your inflatable hot tub is largely dependent on the maximum capacity of the hot tub and your water pressure level. On average, filling a regular-size inflatable hot tub can take around 2-3 hours. This may take longer if the tub is bigger or your water pressure is not that great.