The Best Hot Tubs
If you've already had a taste of the soothing power of hot tubs, you might be surprised to learn that you can enjoy one for a fairly affordable price right at home. Today's hot tubs offer an affordable entry point to the world of home spas, and they couldn't be easier to set up in your very own backyard. We've gathered this list of some of our favorite hot tubs. Take a look below, and you'll be ready to unwind in the bubbles in no time.
What to Look For
Not all hot tubs are built the same, so we had four key questions in mind during our search: What’s the total capacity, and how many people can fit inside? Is the pump easy to operate for novices and experienced users alike? Does the package come with maintenance equipment included or will you have to purchase these items separately? Is the price reasonable for the quality? Our favorite overall is the Coleman SaluSpa 13804. This fully-featured bundle pack comes brimming with accessories, giving you all that you need to keep the tub up and running for some time to come. We also appreciate the intuitive interface design on the Intext PureSpa Plus, including an easy-to-use integrated app. Read on below to discover the rest of our top picks.
Coleman SaluSpa 13804 Hot Tub
All inclusive
Whether you’re a first-timer in the world of domestic spa appliances or an experienced bubble-bathing aficionado, you need to have the right hardware on hand to run your home hot tub. The Coleman SaluSpa makes it simple to get started, with a fully-loaded pack that contains all of the goods needed for installation and maintenance. Once inside, you won’t be short of space either, with a generous capacity of 192 gallons offering blissful relaxation for up to four bathers.
Pros:
- This bundle also includes a set of puncture repair patches, so you’ll be ready if disaster strikes.
- Despite its inflatable design, this tub is seriously sturdy. Thanks to the triple-ply PVC walls and muscular L-beam supports you can safely sit on the sides to cool off before jumping back in.
- The filter can be screwed off by hand for quick and easy cleaning.
Cons:
- The cord on the pump is only 9 feet long, so you might need to combine it with an extension.
Intex PureSpa Plus 77 Hot Tub
There's an app for that
Manual pumps can sometimes be frustrating, especially if you have to disrupt a relaxing hot tub session to fiddle with cryptic pressure and temperature controls. The Intex PureSpa Plus has this burden in mind, and with their smart pump control app keeping your hot tub in tip-top condition has never been easier. You can meter and adjust temperature and water pressure directly from within the app, and there’s also a versatile timer function so you can kick back and relax.
Pros:
- Durable Fiber-Tech and triple-ply laminated materials make this tub impervious to punctures and suitable for use in all seasons.
- With 140 soothing high-powered jets inside, you’re sure to enjoy a thorough massage.
- There are two detachable headrests included for added comfort during long sessions.
Cons:
- The tub inflates in multiple stages, which can be confusing and time-consuming during the first setup.
Bestway SaluSpa Miami Hot Tub
Relaxation made simple
This all-inclusive hot tub package from Bestway certainly lives up to the luxurious reputation of the city from which it takes its name. Equipped with a powerful Airjet pump, this creates a soothing whirlpool of up to 104 degrees through 120 carefully distributed bubble jets. The pump is operated through a plain-and-simple digital button interface, so you can skip the manual diving and get straight to the fun.
Pros:
- For mindful electricity usage, this pump is equipped with a power-saving timer that can be programmed up to 72 hours in advance.
- You won’t have to hassle with measuring chlorine, thanks to the handy Chemconnect dispenser. Simply attach it to the pump outlet and it will gradually disperse a stable level of chlorine as you bathe.
- The pump is also equipped with a freeze shield function. It will detect when external temperatures drop to a critical level and activate warming mechanisms to protect internal components.
Cons:
- The bubble jets on this option are much stronger than typical, producing larger bubbles. This can give you a more intense massage, but also results in a higher operational volume.
Coleman Saluspa Atlantis 90454 Hot Tub
The more the merrier
There’s no party like a pool party, and this extra-large hot tub from Coleman makes sure that you can extend the invitations far and wide. With a monstrous capacity of 220 gallons, it offers a comfortable bathing experience for six, making it one of the largest inflatable tubs on the market. It comes with a powerful pump to match, ready to blast soothing bubbles through the 140 surrounding air jets for a truly immersive massage.
Pros:
- A chemical floater is included, so you won’t have to purchase additional specialized filter components to purify the water within.
- The Tritech triple-ply walls are incredibly comfortable to rest against and also provide durability against potential punctures.
Cons:
- Because it’s larger than average, this tub can take longer to heat up. We found that it could take up to four hours of covered heating to reach 100 degrees.
Bestway SaluSpa Helsinki AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub
Soak in style
If you’re looking for an option that looks a little closer to the real deal, you’ll love the finishes available on the Bestway Helsinki. With a range of faux-wood finishes to choose from, you can channel the rustic aesthetics of a Scandinavian spa right from the comfort of your backyard. Best of all, this handsome external print doesn’t compromise on structural resilience, with the same tough triple-ply material beneath to ward off punctures and the like.
Pros:
- A clear digital interface with extensive pre-timer features makes operating this hot tub a breeze.
- The package comes with a portable pump included for inflation, so you won’t need any additional tools on hand to get it up and running.
Cons:
- The main pump has an automatic shutdown feature that will activate after four days. This can be disruptive if you want to keep the tub running continuously.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the costs of maintaining a hot tub at home?
While inflatable tubs can offer an affordable entry point to home bathing, it’s worth taking the time to research the maintenance costs before you buy to avoid an unwelcome surprise. To keep the water in your tub clean, you’ll need to regularly replace filters and invest in various chemical treatment solutions. It’s also worth factoring in whether or not you want to have the tub running continuously, as doing so could add a significant dent to your utility bills.
Can I use my hot tub outdoors in all seasons?
What could be more romantic than taking a steamy bubble bath in the cool late-season air? These inflatable tubs are built with weather resistance in mind and can be used outdoors for most of the year. It’s worth checking the specifications before you buy for extreme climates, though, as the components in some pumps have a minimum operational temperature.
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