What Is the Best inflatable Hot Tub in 2022?
Stress Relief
Improves Circulation
Better Sleep
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Our top pick
Bestway SaluSpa Miami
4-Person
Take a luxury soak with your loved ones in great confort.
Superior stability and durability
It never loses its shape and stability even when people sit on the side walls.
Let your stress melt away in minutes!
Easy to setup and use.
Bestway SaluSpa Miami
Other options
What is an inflatable hot tub?
An inflatable hot tub is just what it sounds like.
It’s a tub that works like a hot tub, but you can take it down and move it without much effort.
Simply inflate and deflate with the spa’s own pump! Then just put it back in its box, for easy storage and transportation when needed.
What’s more? You don’t even have to spend a fortune to get a hot tub anymore.
You can have your very own outdoor portable spa with very little hassle and a fraction of the price!
Is It Easy to Install?
The units in this review are all easy to install.
It’s just a matter of inflating the tub with the spa’s own pump and fill it with water.
You don’t need special tools or a costly professionnel set up!
The set up is about 10 minutes and the filling time can take up to 2 hours, depending on your water pressure and the size of the inflatable hot tub.
Why do you need one?
A better question here is why would you think you don’t need one?!?
There are many benefits to having an outdoor inflatable spa, but one of the biggest is stress relief!
Think how relaxed you felt the last time you sat in a hot tub. Now, imagine that capability in your own private space. No fears of how well the tub was cleaned or who will join you. It’s all yours, bubbles and all.
Having a portable hot tub is also really handy when you are entertaining. Would you rather stand around at your next BBQ or sip cocktails in your very own hot tub? Now, that’s entertaining in style!
It’s a great reason to invite friends or family over. They can make any occasion that much more enjoyable!
What are the health benefits of a hot tub?
There are so many positive results you can get from a hot tub, but let’s talk about the health benefits.
1. Stress Relief
It’s no secret that sitting in a hot tub is relaxing.
The warm water, the sound of the bubbles, and the peace that comes over you generally has everyone taking a collective sigh as they sink in.
If you add in a beautiful environment and the people you love being around, well, it’s hard to be stressed.
2. Muscle Relief
Aches and pains are a part of our daily lives. Whether they stem from physical activity or lack thereof, all of us have muscles that are sore at some point or another.
Sitting in a hot tub helps ease tension in your muscles allowing them to relax and the pain to diminish.
The warm water acts as a heat therapy that many people use to ease tension in their muscles. Your grandma has a rice pack and you have a hot tub!
If you have jets in your portable tub, the pressure can help reduce tension in your muscles as well. It’s perfect for focusing on problem spots that you just can’t get the knots out of.
3. Improve Circulation
Circulation is such an important system in our body. A lot of people struggle with good circulation and a hot tub can really help!
Basic science tells us that when we get warm, our blood vessels dilate. This allows blood to move faster and more freely throughout your body.
It’s important to note that arthritis sufferers can really benefit from this. The increased blood supply to joints can help with stiff and painful joints.
Combined with the ability to move in the water, less stress on joints, a lot of people will tell you a nice soak is a miracle.
4. Lower Blood Pressure
This is no surprise as we have listed stress reduction and improved circulation as benefits. The combination of these two equates to lowering blood pressure.
With high blood pressure being fairly dominant in our society, a lot of people can benefit from this!
5. Improved Sleep
Most people do not get the required amount of sleep each night. The results are detrimental. When you have trouble falling asleep it can be incredibly frustrating.
A hot tub can actually trigger your body for sleep. The reduced stress, reduced muscle tension, and warm water will have you ready for bed in no time.
Is there any risk of using a Hot Tub?
There are always going to be risks when you have water and heat in the equation. In this case we have both!
However, after educating yourself on the do’s and don’ts of hot tubs, the risks are significantly lower.
1. Skin Rashes
There is such a thing as a hot tub rash.
If you experience this, simply avoid long periods in the hot tub, shower before and after, and monitor your results.
Some people’s skin is more sensitive than others so it may or may not affect you.
Regardless, use common sense. If you have a rash, don’t soak!
2. Legionnaires’ Disease
While it is possible to contract this disease from a hot tub, the likelihood is very slight.
Legionnaires’ disease can be caused by inhaling the steam from an infected water source, a.k.a., the hot tub.
If you are a heavy smoker, older in age, or have a weakened immune system, your chances of getting this does go up.
Take caution if you fall under this category.
3. Body Fluids
Ok, this one is pretty gross. Most people are not quite as clean as we like. That’s a very polite way of saying that!
Body fluids in the hot tub can cause irritation to your skin and eyes.
There’s a very simple solution to this. Shower before and after you get in.
Clean your hot tub regularly.
Don’t let someone especially stinky in! Easy peasy.
4. Shigellosis and E. coli
This is another situation that can be prevented by making sure you have a properly cleaned hot tub and the people in it have rinsed off before getting in.
5. Waterborne Diseases
There are quite a few waterborne diseases out there. Some can be obtained in a hot tub.
This is yet another reason to keep you and your hot tub clean!
6. Hot Water Negative Consequences
Any time you are dealing with hot water, you have the potential for burns and scalding.
Be careful to keep your hot tub at the correct temperature and practice checking your thermometer before getting in!
Can I use a hot tub if I’m pregnant?
Great question! This is a tricky one to navigate and you should always contact your physician.
If you are newly pregnant, or in your first trimester, it’s best just to steer clear. Raising your core temperature up too much can be harmful for those delicate cells!
If you are beyond your first trimester with no health concerns, ask your doctor if a 10-minute soak would be ok. It’s important to notice signs of needing to get out such as dizziness, overheating, and excessive thirst.
A lot of people say to just skip the spa all together when you are pregnant. A lot of moms would argue that it’s the best time to go in because you feel weightless and have sore muscles.
Whatever you choose is fine as long as your physician agrees!
Are they energy efficient?
This depends on the size and type of tub you get.
If you run it all the time to keep it up to temperature, you will definitely see an increase in your energy bill.
However, most owners claim that it’s not a large amount considering you are adding a hot tub to your bill!
This also depends on your electricity pricing in your area. Owners have proclaimed prices around $60-$100/month increase.
Most tubs have a power saving timer. It lets you program when you want to heat up the spa. Meaning better energy efficiency and lower bills.
How to set up your inflatable hot tub?
Before taking the plunge, you need to consider a few things.
First of all, you need to find a suitable flat and level ground to install your spa.
Then, you need to make sure you have enough space for the pump.
You must also consider if you want some extra features around your spa, like a canopy, a wind blocker or a sitting area.
Remember that a full hot tub is very heavy, so choose your spot carefully before filling it up!
Also you will need access to a drain nearby and a grounded socket with RCD protection. The Bestway spas come with a 9 feet cord. You might want to invest in a submersible water pump removal if you don’t already own one.
You need to buy a ground mat, which will protect the base of your spa and reduce heat loss.
Do I need to buy anything else?
The Bestway spas all come with a pump, a filter and a cover.
All you need to buy is a ground mat and chemicals.
We will suggest a few items you might want to consider to make the best your home spa at the end of this article.
What maintenance is required?
Like a real hot tub, your portable hot tub needs maintenance. However, it’s minimal and can be done easily.
Draining your hot tub and giving it a good scrub every 3-month is the biggest maintenance .
Once your hot tub is drained and cleaned, you can fill it back up or store it.
The standard maintenance for a hot tub is :
– daily : Maintain sanitization levels
– weekly : check alkalinity and pH. Remove debris from the filter.
– monthly : clean filter.
– quarterly: change the water and clean the tub.
What chemicals to use?
This depends on what water filtration option you chose.
Some of the tubs have it built in and some require that you have a free-floating device for chemicals.
If it’s built in, simply insert chlorine or bromine according to the manufacturer’s recommendation in. If it’s in a free-floating device, the same can be done.
There are other options available now if the chlorine and bromine are too harsh for you or your skin. Ozone, silver ionizers, copper ionizers and zinc ionization are becoming more and more popular.
Want to be kinder to the environment and your skin?
Spa Marvel does enzyme based water treatment and conditioner, and filter cleaner.
The treatment last for about 3 months.
Let’s move on to the reviews.
OUR TOP PICK
Bestway SaluSpa Miami
PROS
- Soothing AirJet™ bubble massage system (120 jets)
- Ultra-strong DuraPlus™ walls
- Freeze Shield™ automatic heating
- ChemConnect™ dispenser
- Power-saving, timer-controlled heating system
CONS
- Ground mat not included- about $60
- No Accessories
This little spa is so great if you are just wanting to try one out.
Bestway has been committed to creating high-quality and innovative products since 1994 and is represented in 110 countries all over the world.
They are manufacturing the SaluSpa®, the Lay-Z-Spa® and also the Coleman® spas.
Despite its entry-level price tag, the Miami offers everything you need to enjoy a wonderfully relaxing soak in your own patio.
Design
- Capacity: 2-4 adults
- Water Capacity: 177 gal. (669 L)
- Inflated Size: 71 x 26 in. (180 x 66 cm)
- Inner Size: 52 in. (1.32 m)
- Filled Weight: 1,534 lbs (696 kg)
- Actual Water Flow: 320 gal./h
- Heating System: App. 2-3˚F/h
- Max. Heat Capability: 104˚F (40˚C)
The SaluSpa® Miami 4-person is compact and can fit in small backyards.
It can accommodate 2 to 4 people, although to be honest, it would be a bit of a squeeze to fit 4 adults inside.
It’s perfect for one person, a couple or a family with one or two kids.
The puncture-resistant tri-tech (3-ply reinforced PVC) material and I-beam construction ensures your hot tub doesn’t lose its shape and stability. The outer walls and their ultra-strong DuraPlus™ technology assure good durability.
The Bestway Miami comes in black outside and white inside, which makes it fit nicely in any surroundings.
It has carrying handles so it can be moved easily from one location to another (when empty of water).
Features
The Bestway Miami has plenty of features for a small blow up hot tub.
For a start, it comes with the AirJet™ technology. The 120 jets release warm air into the water, creating a soothing bubble massage all around you.
The power saving timer allows you to program the heating of your spa 40 days in advance. No more worrying about your bills! You can heat up your hot tub only when you are going to use it.
The ChemConnect™ dispenser, integrated directly into your hot tub, provides a stable level of chlorine throughout the spa.
The pump has an integrated filtration system and a digital panel that can be used from inside the tub. It also doubles up as a drink holder.
The included cover has an inflated round part so it fits perfectly into the hot tub. It comes with safety lock clips so you don’t have to worry it’s blown away by the wind.
The Freeze Shield™ automatic heating technology prevents water from freezing & damaging the spa when the temperature drops too low.
Image Source : bestwayusa.com
Set Up
Installation is super easy and you don’t even need any tools.
It should take about 30 minutes.
Make sure you read the user’ manual first.
This video will show the step by step :
And how to connect the water hose to the pump:
Use
Once you’re all set up, it’s just a matter of heating the water at the right temperature and you’re ready for your first soak!
Note that you should leave the cover on while the heating is on. That will reduce the heating time and save energy. The heating to 104 F can take up to 30 hours so make sure to prepare in advance before inviting your friends!
The digital panel is pretty straightforward to use but make sure to read the instructions first.
You can program the heating to start at the desired time, up to 999 hours in advance (41 days). This way, you can heat it up only when you need to and save energy.
Now get your favorite drink, slip into your hot tub, start the massage system and enjoy.
Congratulations, you’ve just had your first home spa experience!
Accessories
Included in your purchase is:
- a spa cover,
- a pump,
- a 9 feet cord,
- a filter cartridge,
- a ChemConnect™ dispenser
- a repair patch
- a drain pipe
Make sure to buy chemicals and cleaning accessories at the same time so you don’t have to wait for another delivery.
The filter cartridge (type VI) should be cleaned once a month with clear water. It will last 10 to 15 months, depending on how much you use your spa. A set of 2 replacement cartridges costs $12.99 on Amazon.
It’s recommended to use a filter cleaner every 3 to 6 months, to remove oil and mineral deposits.
We highly recommend buying a floor mat. It will both protect the base of your spa and reduce heat loss. If you live in a windy area, a wind blocker can also be a good investment to reduce heating cost. An instant canopy is an easy way to do this and is very cheap.
Unfortunately, Bestway doesn’t manufacture accessories, like headrests or drink holders.
OUR TOP PICK
Bestway SaluSpa Miami
- Install in 30 minutes or less with no special tools needed.
- You get a lot of features on a budget!
- Power Saving Timer lets you program the temperature 40 days in advance.
Our Verdict
The SaluSpa® Miami is the best value entry-level inflatable hot tub on the market.
Obviously, you won’t get all the fancy features of a plug and play hot tub, like integrated ozonator, waterfall, hydro-therapeutic jets, multi-color LED lights etc. But those cost $4.000 or much more for a high-end model!
But you still get a decent amount of features and a wonderful relaxing experience, right into your own backyard!
For this price and how easy the set up and maintenance are, we can’t see any downside of getting one.
With the pandemic fatigue and depression affecting most of us, it’s an incredible gift to make to yourself or your loved ones.
OTHER OPTIONS
Other options are the SaluSpa Vancouver AirJet Plus, the SaluSpa St. Lucia Airjet and the Helsinki AirJet.
SaluSpa Vancouver AirJet Plus
The Vancouver offers a deeper massage.
The main upgrade of this unit is that you get 2 intensity levels for the massage system. The bubbles are released from the middle of the tub as well as from the side. It means it’s a lot easier to massage your legs and your feet than on the AirJet series.
Another handy extra is that the pump is Wi-Fi enabled. You can connect your system to the Bestway® Smart Hub™ App, which lets you set the temperature, activate the Power Saving Timer, run the water filter and control the massage system.
Note : 5GHz networks are not supported. If you have a dual-band, you need to connect the pump to the 2.4GHz network.
SaluSpa St. Lucia Airjet
The St. Lucia can accommodate up to 3 persons although it’s ideal for 2.
It has the same features as the Miami.
It’s also the cheapest option and the smallest of all.
SaluSpa Helsinki Airjet
The Helsinki is a little bigger than the Miami and has the same massage system.
Il also has a great design and looks like the real thing! Not surprisingly, it’s also the most expensive.
SaluSpa Miami AirJet
- 71 in. x 26 in.
- 4 Adults
- PVC and DuraPlus™
- Freeze Shield™
- AirJet
- < 450 $
St. Lucia AirJet
- 67 in. x 26 in
- 3 Adults
- PVC and DuraPlus™
- Freeze Shield™
- AirJet
- < 430 $
SaluSpa Vancouver AirJet Plus
- 61 in. x 24 in.
- 5 Adults
- Drop stitch material
- Freeze Shield™
- AirJet
- Foot Massage
- App Enabled
- > 740 $
SaluSpa Helsinki AirJet
- 71 in. x 26 in
- 7 Adults
- Drop stitch material
- Freeze Shield™
- AirJet
- > 850 $
Frequently Asked Questions
Since the spa is equipped with the Freeze Shield™ technology, it is not necessary to disassemble the spa during the winter period.
The Bestway spa heater can stay outside during rainy days. Be sure that the socket is plugged into a power outlet for outdoor use. If the outlet is not designed for outdoor use, it may cause serious damage to the spa heater or create a dangerous situation for the user. IMPORTANT: don’t use the spa during rainy days. People must not enter into the pool.
For the correct performance of the filtration system, 8 hours a day is more than enough and with the correct chemical maintenance, it will keep the water clean for a long time.
This appliance can be used by children ages 8 and older or people with a lack of sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have been given supervision or instructions concerning the use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards involved. Children should not play with the appliance. IMPORTANT: Water attracts children; always attach a spa cover after each use.
The salt can damage the internal component and the surface of the material if used in high percentage. The safe concentration of salt that can be used in the spa water is 1 ppm (1gr per liter of water). If the percentage of salt exceeds this concetration, the water must be changed in order to avoid damage to the internal mechanical part of the spa pump.
So, what inflatable hot tub should you get?
Obviously, it will depend on your own needs.
First, the size. If you want to accommodate 6 people easily, you will need the Helsinki. If it’s just for one or two people, the Miami will work for you. Also you need to consider the space you have in your backyard.
Then, the features. Remember that the AirJet series only has bubbles around the edge of the spa. The AirJet Plus also has bubbles in the center, which is fantastic to relieve the legs and massage the feet and is Wi-Fi enabled.
And finally, the price. The prices can vary from $450 to a little more than $850.
Our favorite is the SaluSpa Vancouver AirJet Plus because of its features and the fantastic design. It only comes second because the price is a little high.
If your budget is a little smaller, the Saluspa Miami is fantastic value.
Whichever you choose, you will wonder why you haven’t done it sooner!
Recommended Products
A few products are necessary to run your hot tub, like a ground mat, chemicals and test strips.
You also might want to stock up on future supplies, like getting some spare filters.
Some products are optional but will make your life easier and prolong the life of your pump.
Essentials
Optional
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