Inflatable Hot Tubs: Are They Worth Buying?
Health and Wellness,  Outdoor Entertainment,  Outdoor Living

Inflatable Hot Tubs: Are They Worth Buying?

Imagine dipping your toes into an inflatable hot tub spa on a cold winter evening. Maybe there’s a touch of frost on the outdoor foliage; maybe you can see your breath fog the air in front of you. As you dip deeper into the warm, soothing water, you exhale the stressors of the day. Namaste. 

Are inflatable hot tubs worth it? If bringing a spa-like experience into your home is on your priority list, then absolutely. 

Budget-friendly and easy to maintain, inflatable hot tubs can transform an outdoor space into your personal oasis. Plus, what makes a party more festive than an afternoon dip in the jacuzzi? There are many reasons to consider an inflatable hot tub—so, let’s take the plunge.  

8 Reasons You Need An Inflatable Hot Tub

If you’re dreaming of having a backyard oasis where you can relax, unwind, and steam away the pressures of the day, consider including a regular or portable hot tub in your backyard blueprint. With comfort, quality, and ease of use, inflatable hot tubs are the perfect way to soothe your body and your mind, even in freezing temperatures. Plus, their affordable price point and simple maintenance make them an option for any space. 

Is an inflatable hot tub worth it? Here are how inflatable hot tubs can elevate your outdoor spa space. 

#1 – Relaxing Spa Experience At Home

No need to make an extra trip to the gym—with an inflatable tub, you get the relaxing, muscle-melting hot tub experience in the comfort of your home. You won’t need to shell out big bucks for gym memberships or spa visits since you’ll have all the soothing and massaging bubble jets and temperature options you could ask for. 

#2 – Improved Health and Wellness

Warm water and hydro jets are the perfect combination to soothe your body and your mind. The calming effects of water help decrease stress and provide a tranquil distraction from daily pressures while massaging air jets help target tense muscles, allowing them to relax. 

Plus, sitting in hot, steamy water has tangible benefits for blood flow and circulation. In fact, studies have found that with just eight weeks of hot water immersion therapy, individuals decreased arterial stiffness and diastolic blood pressure—among other hot tub benefits

Put simply, if you’re interested in bio-hacking your way to a healthier life, hot tubs are an incredible tool in your arsenal.


#3 – Accessible Price Point

Treating yourself to warm water and hydrotherapy jets in your backyard with an inflatable spa is more affordable than you think. Depending on the size and the bells and whistles, inflatable hot tubs can be purchased, set up, and soaked in for less than $500—an affordable option for even the most budget-minded. 

#4 – Portability

Unsure of how your landscaping dreams will match the aesthetic of a regular hot tub? No need to commit to a permanent location—when you have an inflatable hot tub, you can quickly install it on any flat, solid surface. When you feel like rearranging your backyard space, simply drain the water and reinstall it wherever you like.


If you move homes frequently, have seasonal housing, or take extended trips, portable inflatable hot tubs offer trouble-free packing and portability, making them ideal for bringing with you on your next vacation.

Inflatable hot tubs are a perfect choice for renters, too, since you can easily disassemble them and take them with you to your next home when your lease is up, without permanently changing the landscape of the yard. 

#5 – Low Maintenance

The thought of spending more time maintaining a swim spa or jacuzzi than actually enjoying it might make you think twice before adding another element to your outdoor space. 

However, when learning how to clean inflatable hot tub units, they’re quite simple to maintain, requiring only basic cleaning and upkeep to operate efficiently. To ensure long-term performance, replace the filter annually and regularly drain the hot tub to clean and sanitize the entire space. 

You can also automate much of the maintenance—keep it pristine between deep cleans with a floating chlorine dispenser and regular filter cartridge changes. 

#6 – Ease of Installation

Readying an inflatable spa, or inflatable hot tub, only requires a few basic steps. Simply inflate, assemble, and fill for a same-day home spa experience. Easy installation and easy breakdown—even the equipment provides a spa-like experience.

#7 – Adjustable For Small Spaces

Inflatable hot tubs are an ideal addition if you’re looking to maximize the functionality of a small outdoor space, and their adaptable water capacity is a bonus. Since they’re not a permanent landscape feature, you can set up your hot tub when you want to use it, and break it down and store it away when you want to rearrange your outdoor area to make room for other activities. 

#8 – Perfect For Parties

When you’re hosting a party in warm or cold weather, hot tubs provide the ultimate chill zone for your guests to relax, unwind, and enjoy the company. Adding headrests, drink trays, and cup holders will ensure your partygoers have an unforgettable hot tub experience. 

Inflatable Hot Tub vs. Traditional Hot Tub: What’s The Difference?

When you’re deciding between an inflatable hot tub and a hard-sided hot tub, three main considerations might sway your decision: budget, function, and location.

  • Cost – Inflatable hot tubs are available at a much more reasonable price point than hard shell hot tubs, making them a viable option for individuals on a budget. Are inflatable hot tubs worth it? Price-wise, inflatable hot tubs are a low-cost option that provides a comparable spa experience to a traditional hot tub. 
  • Materials – Modern inflatable hot tubs are made with increasingly more durable vinyl, which can hold up better to wear and tear while still being movable and reusable. Traditional hot tubs are usually crafted with long-lasting materials like wood, but their installation process means they’re a permanent fixture in your outdoor landscape. 
  • Life span – You’ll get years of enjoyment out of an inflatable hot tub or traditional hot tub with the right care and maintenance. A regular cleaning schedule and proper use and storage will extend the life of your inflatable hot tub, giving you years of enjoyment at a fraction of the cost of a traditional hot tub. 
  • Year-round use – While both types of hot tubs can be used year-round, you need to take extra care of a traditional standard hot tub. Inflatable hot tubs can be packed away when they’re not needed, allowing you to bring them out whenever you desire, without worrying about their longevity.
Person setting up inflatable hot tub

How To Find The Right Inflatable Hot Tub

When you’re looking for the best inflatable hot tub for your space and lifestyle, there are some factors to keep in mind. 

Shape

In addition to appearance, the shape of an inflatable hot tub influences the layout when you’re sitting in it with others. When searching for portable home jacuzzi spas, you’ll find most inflatable hot tubs in the following shapes:

  • Oval 
  • Round
  • Square
  • Rectangle

From square hot tubs to oval hot tubs, choose a shape that best fits the space you’re looking to place your inflatable hot tub. A cozy corner of the deck might be a perfect fit for a square hot tub. In contrast, a round inflatable hot tub with room for friends will make an ideal focal point for an outdoor entertaining area, and an oval inflatable jetted hot tub is the right size to fit in any space. 

Capacity

Consider how you plan to use your inflatable hot tub—is it an intimate space for you and your partner, or will it be the highlight of your weekend barbecues with friends and family? The most common inflatable hot tub capacities are:

  • Two-person inflatable jetted hot tub
  • Four-person inflatable jetted hot tub
  • Six-person inflatable jetted hot tub

The higher the capacity, the bigger the footprint. So, if you’re working with a small space, be sure to compare measurements for a comfortable fit. If you prefer extra legroom, you might want to consider a higher-capacity spa for room to spread out. 

Bells & Whistles

Are you looking for a basic spa, or do you prefer the best inflatable hot tub that includes extra cushions and cup holders, and LED lights? Even if the model you like doesn’t have everything you’re hoping for, there are plenty of aftermarket ways to customize your spa, such as headrests with drink trays, cup holders, and party lights to create the ultimate hot tub experience.

Find Your Home Spa Experience With ALEKO

Incorporating a home spa into your outdoor space will make it extra easy to relax your mind and rejuvenate your body. If you’re in search of a spa experience that won’t break the bank, an inflatable jetted hot tub will allow you to unwind at the end of a long day—no special memberships or appointments required. 

Here at ALEKO, our mission is to elevate backyard spaces to create the luxury spa experience from the comfort of your home. So, when you’re ready to slide into your own slice of hot tub serenity, explore our selection of inflatable hot tubs to complete your outdoor oasis. We also offer a selection of luxury saunas if you’re looking for additional ways to upgrade your home relaxation routine.

Sources: 

Better Home + Living. Are Inflatable Hot Tubs Worth it? I Discovered The Truth About These Inexpensive Spas. https://betterhomeliving.com/are-inflatable-hot-tubs-worth-it-read-what-i-learned-before-you-buy/

Cleveland Clinic. Hydrotherapy. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23137-hydrotherapy

NCBI. Passive heat therapy improves endothelial function, arterial stiffness and blood pressure in sedentary humans. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5023696/

Hot Tub Insider. Inflatable Spas. https://hottubinsider.com/guides/hot-tub-types/inflatable-spasinflatable-spas/

Reviewed. Should You Buy An Inflatable Hot Tub? https://www.reviewed.com/home-outdoors/features/what-to-know-about-inflatable-hot-tubs

Stephanie Swenson is a seasoned writer and home improvement aficionado. An avid enthusiast in the realm of innovative products and lifestyle enhancements, Stephanie effortlessly blends her passion with practical insights and has a knack for making complex topics accessible. She guides readers through the world of home and outdoor living improvement with friendly expertise.

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