What is an Inflatable Hot Tub?

When I was shopping around for hot tubs, I soon realized that there were inflatable hot tubs on the market as well as the more traditional models. I was fascinated to find out the differences between them and regular hot tubs, so I did a little research.

So, what is an inflatable hot tub? An inflatable hot tub is a portable model that is made from thick vinyl instead of the acrylic that standard hot tubs are made from. They can be inflated with a pump and then deflated and packed away for storage when no longer in use, and this makes them a good choice for anyone with limited space.

Inflatable hot tubs are becoming more popular than ever before, but why are so many people buying them these days? Can they offer the same features as a regular spa? What is their capacity? And how easy are they to set up and use?

From the research that I’ve carried out, I now know the answers to these questions and I’ll answer them here so you can be well-informed if you’re ready to consider buying an inflatable hot tub yourself.

Inflatable Hot Tubs – An Overview

If you’ve always loved the idea of being able to relax in a hot tub at home but don’t have enough room, or can’t afford a permanent spa, inflatable hot tubs are the ideal solution. They can be set up virtually anywhere as long as the surface is flat and there’s a power outlet nearby. This means you can set one up indoors, in your back yard, or even take one with you to a friends house!

To get a better idea of what they look like and also how much they cost have a look at the inflatable hot tub page on Amazon here.

Although an inflatable hot tub won’t offer exactly the same features as you’d find in a standard spa, they do deliver bubbly, hot water and are very pleasant to use. They’re also more affordable than permanent hot tubs, and this makes them a more accessible choice for those on a budget who want to enjoy some hot water fun.

Essentially, they offer users a similar experience to a standard hot tub, but they don’t require you to make any permanent changes to your property or home. They’re also quite simple to set up, so you won’t need to pay for a professional installation. Also, since it can be deflated and packed away when not in use, an inflatable hot tub won’t permanently take up valuable space on your patio or deck.

Virtually all inflatable hot tubs come in a circular shape, although there are some square models available too. Both round and square versions come in a choice of sizes for between 2 and 6 users, but they tend to be a tighter-fit for users than standard permanent models. Square versions, in general, have a little more legroom than round models.

To get a better idea of what they look like and also how much they cost have a look at the inflatable hot tub page on Amazon here.

Bear in mind that you will basically be sitting on the floor in an inflatable hot tub as, unlike hard shell hot tubs, they don’t have seats. This is actually not as uncomfortable as it sounds as the water supports you and the sides and bottom of an inflatable hot tub are soft. However, it does mean that you need to allow space for legroom!

Whichever type of inflatable hot tub you buy, it will usually come complete with a groundsheet that you lay down on the surface on which the spa will sit. This gives a little more protection for the hot tub’s bottom from temperature changes and debris. It will usually also come with a cover that can be placed over the tub when it isn’t being used to prevent debris from falling in and to help keep the water warm.

What Kind Of Jets Do Inflatable Hot Tubs Have?

A standard hot tub will feature water jets that shoot out strong water streams. Often, these will be combined with air jets for extra bubble-making power. The great advantage of these is that they have a massaging effect and are great for easing sore limbs and soothing joint pain. Hydrotherapy is well known and scientifically proven to have several positive health benefits.

Unfortunately, inflatable tubs don’t usually come with water jets, but they do have around 100 – 200 air jets. This means that you don’t get any of the hydrotherapy benefits of a hard shell hot tub.

However, there are some brands of inflatable hot tubs that come with water jets, but there will be fewer than you’d find in a regular spa. They do, however, offer a different type of user experience than an air jet-only model, so this is something to consider when making your purchase. In fact, the bubbling air jets in an inflatable hot tub are surprisingly effective and do provide a pleasant experience.

How Do Inflatable Hot Tub Heaters Work?

It’s impossible to have a hot tub that has no water heater, and all inflatable models will come with one. When it comes to heat, both portable and traditional hot tubs should be at a maximum temperature of 40 degrees Celsius or 104 degrees Fahrenheit, although most users prefer to have a temperature of between 100 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit, or 37 and 39 degrees Celsius.

You will need to set up your inflatable spa close enough to a power outlet to be able to plug it in, as this is how the heater will get its power to function. It will normally take between 12 – 24 hours for your inflatable tub to reach its working temperature before you can use it.

Whilst the inflatable hot tub is in use you may well need to keep heating the water. Obviously this uses energy and you can reduce the amount of heat loss from your hot tub by covering it when it isn’t in use and situating it in a warm and sheltered spot.

How Does The Pump Work In An Inflatable Hot Tub?

In any inflatable hot tub set up, the pump is the hardest-working and most important component. The pump circulates the water and it also features an inbuilt air blower that inflates the tub itself and powers its jets.

Typically, the heater and pump will be housed together in a single enclosed unit and there will be a control panel set on top of it. Usually, there will be a 120/240v cord that has an inbuilt GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) to guard against the risk of electric shocks.

This will allow you to plug your inflatable hot tub into any outdoor or indoor power outlet. Due to the power draw, though, you’ll need to ensure that the tub is the only thing that is on its assigned break to avoid the breaker flipping while you’re relaxing in the tub.

What are the Advantages of an Inflatable Hot Tub?

There are several advantages to choosing an inflatable spa. These include:

• They are portable and can be used anywhere as long as there is a suitable power outlet and a flat surface
• They can be stored when not in use to save space
• They are significantly cheaper than permanent hot tubs
• They are simple to set up without any need for professional installation

What are the Downsides of Inflatable Hot Tubs?

There are a few downsides to choosing an inflatable hot tub too. These include:

• Inflatable hot tubs are noisier to run than standard models
• Inflatable models don’t have inbuilt seats so you will need to sit on the bottom of the tub or buy separate seating
• The filters don’t last as long as those used in permanent hot tubs
• They generally have a limited lifespan.

Related Questions

Can you buy additional accessories for inflatable hot tubs? Although inflatable hot tubs are pretty basic compared to standard permanent models, you can buy additional aftermarket accessories to make them a little more attractive and comfortable.

For example, you can buy seating to place inside the tub together with cushions and headrests that will give you a little extra comfort during use.

You may also want to consider buying drink holders and trays that can be attached to the side or top of the hot tub or LED lighting that can be added to the tub to change the ambiance and atmosphere.

Do I still need to sanitize an inflatable hot tub? It can be tempting to overlook the use of chemicals in your inflatable hot tub, particularly if you’re only planning to use it for brief periods. However, it’s still essential to keep the water safe and clean.

Keeping contaminants and bacteria at bay is just as important in a portable tub as in a permanent one, so you’ll need to ensure that you use chemicals and test strips as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

If you fail to do this properly, you could risk several health problems including rashes like hot tub folliculitis or Legionnaire’s Disease. Both of which can be life-threatening, so it couldn’t be more important to ensure that you always use the appropriate sanitizing procedures to maintain the water in your hot tub, no matter how infrequently you use it.

Where can I set up an inflatable hot tub? You can set up your inflatable hot tub anywhere that is flat and sufficiently strong to support the weight of the tub, water, and bathers. Portable tubs are designed to be set up either outdoors or indoors, but since they weigh up to 3500 lbs when filled with people and water, it’s important to bear this in mind when choosing a spot.

You should also consider where you’re going to site the tub if you’re planning to use it during the colder months. Most inflatable hot tubs are designed to function correctly at temperatures over 4 degrees Celsius (40 degrees Fahrenheit), but below those temperatures, the water heater and pump may struggle to work properly.

You may, therefore, need to shelter your tub from poor weather. Adding an enclosure or extra insulation around it, or setting it up inside a garage or other outbuilding could be a good idea, and you may want to add an additional layer of insulation under the groundsheet before setting up the tub.