We tested and researched the top inflatable hot tubs to find which ones provide the best value, comfort, and special features such as jets and lights. Our top pick, the Intex PureSpa Plus Bubble 6-Person Hot Tub, which seats up to six adults, has many of those premium features, as well as a built-in heater. Here are the best inflatable hot tubs for your backyard oasis. It also has a built-in hard-water treatment system. This makes it easy to monitor the water quality, keep your bathing suits in the best shape, and keep your skin from drying out. By treating the water, it also helps the spa last longer. The kit comes with an integrated heater/blower/filter system that also treats hard water; two filter cartridges; a chlorine dispenser that floats in the filled hot tub; and a test strip. It also has a cover, carrying case, ground cloth, and inflation hose to make setup easy. While the jets are comfortable, they are a bit spaced out, considering the inflatable hot tub’s large size and capacity, and some adults may want additional features. You can purchase accessories such as additional headrests, drink trays, and seats separately. Price at time of publish: $849 The hot tub—which seats up to four adults, ideal for smaller spaces—makes a decor statement, with its black exterior and white interior. The construction is extra durable and has an I-beam support for the side walls, so you don’t need to worry about the hot tub losing its shape even if you do have it set up when not in use. Price a time of publish: $600 The included thermal cover helps keep the heat inside the hot tub. Other extras include a ground cover; carrying bag; four filter cartridges; two headrests; a test strip; and a combination heater, filter pump, hard-water treatment system, and saltwater system. How much does all of this cost? More than double some of the more affordable versions. Price at time of publish: $920 This hot tub holds 145 gallons of water, which is a smaller capacity than larger products, but still plenty for two people. It also has a good lounge setup for one person to use as a therapeutic space, and is ideal for competitive or weekend athletes, or those who have mobility issues. It includes a filter pump but does not treat for hard water or have a saltwater compatibility feature. Price at time of publish: $429 The sides are made with vertical beams, so the hot tub maintains its shape. It is also one of the more budget-friendly options for four people, particularly considering it comes with a liner, filter, floating chemical dispenser, pump, air pad protector, patch cover, and two filter cartridges. The manufacturer stresses that this product can’t be used in temperatures lower than 39 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are okay with fewer jets, and your cool-season temps don’t sink so low, this is a great option. Price at time of publish: $531 (gray) Because it is larger, this hot tub is one of the more expensive on our list. It also doesn’t have as many jets as you may expect, just 140 for a 290-gallon capacity. The pump does have a built-in hard water treatment system to reduce calcium deposits and make your hot tub last longer. If you are going to spend more on a hot tub, it’s important that you get your money’s worth over many years. Price at time of publish: $780 The Hawaii hot tub is also easy to set up and inflate, since indoor spaces usually have less room than outdoor. Just plug in the built-in pump, inflate the hot tub, and fill it. The combination pump and filter does everything else. If you do need to adjust the location, use the built-in handles. This product also comes with a cover, which helps keep it in great shape and prevent leaking. Price at time of publish: $698 This hot tub is affordable but since it requires no assembly, it’s slightly smaller than other options meant for four people. It also has fewer jets. If you want something for occasional use that still provides plenty of comfort and ambiance, it is a great choice. Price at time of publish: $580
Jets
A hot tub does more than provide warm water immersion—it also offers bubble jets to massage your muscles. If this feature is essential to you, compare the number of jets when shopping for an inflatable hot tub, keeping in mind that the number of jets also varies, based on the size of the hot tub. On average, most models have 80 to 140 jets.
Other Features
Additional features can improve your hot tub’s energy efficiency, convenience, and ambiance. For example, some inflatable hot tubs come with an insulated cover and ground cloth to reduce energy loss. If you live in a cool climate and plan to use your hot tub outdoors, these add-ons can effectively maintain comfortable water temperatures. Other inflatable hot tub options include a digital control panel or smartphone controls to adjust temperature settings or operate the jets. Lights are also available on some portable hot tubs, adding a fun or relaxing ambiance.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Begley, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. To make this list of the best inflatable hot tubs, she looked at size, cost, and special features such as jets and accessories. Also, a full hot tub is very heavy, so be sure your floor can support the weight. A room on the ground floor is usually a better choice—and also avoids the risk of water damage to your ceiling in the event of a leak.
