The best inflatable hot tubs for taking a dip come rain or shine

Treat yourself to a relaxing evening with our top picks of inflatable hot tubs.

inflatable hot tub

by Ellen Kinsey |
Updated on

If your eyes light up when you spot a hot tub on your holiday, then the best inflatable hot tubs are an accessible way to wind down and relax in your backyard. You don't need to wait for a staycation to live the high life. Inflatable hot tubs are easy to transport and store when you are not using them. We've put together a guide to our favourites.

There is something so luxurious about sitting in a warm tub with bubbles and jets, especially after a hard day at work, or a tiring workout. Permanent built-up models are a huge luxury but can sometimes cost around £5,000. However, the best inflatable hot tubs give you a similar experience for well under £1,000 - not to mention it requires much less maintenance. They're a little bit nicer than a paddling pool, for example.

Best inflatable hot tubs at a glance

Best inflatable hot tub overall: Lay-Z-Spa Milan Hot Tub - view on Amazon UK
Best inflatable hot tub with LED lights: Lay-Z-Spa Bali 2-4 Person LED Hot Tub - view at Argos
Editor's pick: Lay-Z-Spa Vegas Hot Tub - view on Amazon UK

The cost of running the best Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs or inflatable hot tubs comes down to how much you intend to use them and which model you choose. Overall, they can be quite expensive to run; however, some models have high-tech energy-saving systems which can maintain the temperature. The running price of a hot tub is also dependent on how high your temperature is set and how warm it is outside.

If you are looking for luxury without the deluxe price tag, why not consider investing in an inflatable hot tub? Then, you will have the most popular hangout in your neighbourhood. If you are considering investing in this luxury product, then check out our recommendations below for the best inflatable hot tubs currently available.

Best inflatable hot tubs

Best inflatable hot tub overall

Lay-Z-Spa Milan Hot TubLay-Z-Spa/Amazon
Price: £303.95

The Lay-Z-Spa Milan model can fit four to six people, depending on how friendly you all are, and reach up to 40°C. It has a dual-operation heating and massage system to take the edge off after a hard day, with reviewers really happy with the amount of bubbles the 140 AirJets produce.

One reviewer even claims investing in this hot tub has changed their leisure time forever, and another enjoyed a bubbly soak on Christmas day! This also gets point for economical operation from many reviewers who haven't seen a dramatic increase in their bills.

All Lay-Z-Spas include a water filtration system that helps keep your water clear, and this one comes with a hard top safety cover. We, and many reviewers, love the built-in Wi-Fi module, which means your spa can be controlled through a companion phone app, or even via voice control, to provide hands-free operation - it doesn't get much more convenient than that.

Pros

  • Can be used all year round
  • Boasts Lay-Z-Spa's "AirJet" massage system
  • Wi-Fi enabled and can be controlled via voice apps

Cons

  • Can be costly to run if used often
Capacity:916L
Dimensions:H71cm x W196 x D71cm
Weight:34.6kg
Number of jets:140
Maximum water temperature:40°C
  • Bestway Smart Hub™ App - control the temperature, timer, filter and massage system
  • AirJet Plus
  • DuraPlus™ material
  • Freeze Shield™
  • ChemConnect™

Best inflatable hot tub with LED lights

Lay Z Spa Bali 2-4 Person LED Hot TubLay-Z-Spa/Argos

This smaller-sized Lay-Z-Spa hot tub is one of the best inflatable hot tubs for two to four people. The 120 AirJet massage system delivers that soothing hot tub experience that you're looking for. This tub is made from Lay-Z-Spa's premium DuraPlus material, which is puncture-resistant and robust.

The most unique feature of the Lay-Z-Spa Bali is that it comes with a built-in, seven-colour-changing LED lighting system, something very popular with reviewers, with one person stating that the illumination adds to the overall therapeutic experience of relaxing in an outdoor spa.

While reviewers don't think much of the included set-up instructions, they none-the-less say getting this spa up and running is generally straightforward and quite easy to do, especially if you take the time to watch a few YouTube how-to videos.

Pros

  • Built-in coloured LED lights
  • Creates lots of soothing massage bubbles
  • Made with robust, DuraPlus material

Cons

  • Small capacity for up to four people
Capacity:669L
Dimensions:H66 x W180 x D180cm
Maximum water temperature:40°C
Number of jets:120
  • 4 person capacity
  • 120 air jets
  • Seven colour LED light settings

Editor's pick

Lay-Z-Spa Vegas Hot TubLay-Z-Spa/Amazon
Price: £339.90

The Lay-Z-Spa Vegas can seat four to six people and can heat the water to 40°C. Featuring 140 air jets, this model does not only look elegant but will be the highlight of any garden. It contains an insulating and cushioned bottom and comes with a handy insulated leatheroid cover to keep leaves and other foreign objects out.

Reviewers report this is pretty effortless to set up and give good marks for how comfortable the base of the tub is to sit on. Other features of note are the Freeze Shield protection for colder weather, the sturdy, beam-based construction, and the fact you can control the water temperature via a timer.

If you need to adjust the settings whilst you're sat in the tub, this Vegas hot tub gets points from reviewers who appreciate the tilt and lift design of the control panel, which means you don't have to lean out of your cosy spa to change the temperature, etc.

Pros

  • 2021 models and up can be controlled by an app
  • Can be use all year round
  • Cushioned base for comfort

Cons

  • Some customers have commented that the app control doesn't always work smoothly
Dimensions:W195 x D195.6W x H61cm
Maximum water temperature:40°C
Number of jets:140
  • 4-6 person capacity
  • Freeze Shield™
  • 2-year warranty
  • DuraPlus™ material
  • 140 AirJet system
  • Energy saving timer

Best looking inflatable hot tub

Lay-Z-Spa Cancun 2-4 Person Hot TubLay-Z-Spa/Argos

This trendy Lay-Z-Spa has a 120 AirJet system and can reach up to 40°C. Reviewers are generally impressed with how well this hot tub holds its temperature and describe the bubbles it can generate as fierce - in a good way. Additionally, this inflatable tub is said to be easy to set up without any complicated instructions or tools.

The Cancun model contains a cushioned floor, DuraPlus material, an insulated leatheroid cover, and a ground fault detection system. Also, it has an option to schedule your hot tub session, so you can look forward to your spa treat all day, knowing it will be ready when you are to have a relaxing soak.

Many reviewers state they use their Cancun hot tub every day and consider it one of the best investments they ever made. It gets particularly high ratings from anyone with back or joint issues who find those fierce bubbles especially soothing.

Pros

  • Grey rattan design blends in to most garden decors
  • Sturdy beam construction
  • Timer functionality to schedule spa sessions

Cons

  • Smaller capacity than some
Capacity:669L
Dimensions:H66 x W180 x D180cm
Weight:26.8kg
Number of jets:120
  • DuraPlus™
  • Freeze Shield™
  • Digital control panel
  • Power saving timer
  • 120 bubble jets
  • 1-year guarantee

Best inflatable hot tub for social gatherings

Lay-Z-Spa Helsinki 7 Person Lay-Z-Spa AirJet Hot TubLay-Z-Spa/Argos

Just imagine taking a dip in this lovely, Alpine-inspired hot tub that reviewers rate as feeling more luxurious than cheaper alternatives. This big seven-seated Lay-Z-Spa Helsinki model is ideal for families and perfect for social gatherings. It comes equipped with Freeze Shield so that you and your guests can hop into your mini Nordic-inspired retreat all year round.

This tub provides a lovely massage with an integrated 180 AirJet system and water that can heat up to 40°C. This hot tub is another option that has pleasantly surprised reviewers with how easy it is to set up - in theory, you could be up and running in as little as five minutes.

The insulated cover this hot tub comes with gets praise from reviewers for not just keeping debris out of the water, but also helping to maintain the temperature when not in use.

Pros

  • Very large capacity
  • Elegant Nordic-style wood effect
  • 180 AirJet massage system

Cons

  • Uses a lot of electricity
Capacity:1123L
Dimensions:H66 x D66 x W180cm
Weight:32.28kg
Material:PVC
Maximum water temperature:40°C
Number of jets:180
  • Fits up to seven people
  • 180 AirJets™
  • Freeze Shield™
  • 2-year guarantee

Best hot tub for hard water areas

Intex PureSpa hot tub Intex/Amazon
Price: £355

Intex's PureSpa range of inflatable hot tubs is a solid choice and this version has space for six soakers. This comes as a kit that includes a three-way test strip, two filter cartridges, a floating chlorine dispenser, a thermal ground cloth, an inflation hose, and a carry bag.

Intex states the built-in hard water treatment system makes water gentler on skin for a soothing experience. Reviewers describe the bubbles this tub produces as amazing. The control panel has an LED display so you can check the temperature at a glance before you take the plunge.

This PureSpa hot tub has a 4.4-star Amazon rating with even sceptical reviewers, such as one reluctant customer who thought this was just a giant paddling pool, singing its praises as a reliable, comfortable, and very soothing choice for your outdoor space.

Pros

  • Built-in hard water treatment system
  • Handy, easy-to-view LED control panel
  • Comes complete with many useful accessories

Cons

  • No cup holders
Dimensions:216 x 71 x 72 cm
Capacity:1098 litres
Weight:Not specified
Number of jets: Not specified

Best budget inflatable hot tub

MSPA spa tub MSPA/Amazon
Price: £189

The Silver Cloud spa is an affordable choice from MSPA that has compact dimensions and offers portability. It's made from reinforced, six-layer "Rhino-Tech" PVC that is UV-, frost-, and tear-resistant.

This can seat four people who can enjoy the bubble effect generated by 118 dynamic air jets. This can heat up to 36 degrees which, some reviewers report, can take up to 24 hours, so do ensure you set this up well in time for any social events you're planning to host in it.

This hot tub has an energy-saving timer to save you money in the long run. Budget-conscious reviewers report being impressed by the quality and performance that a hot tub at this low price point offers.

Pros

  • Energy-saving timer functionality
  • Tough "Rhino-Tech" PVC material
  • Child safety lock for peace of mind

Cons

  • Controller not built-in
Dimensions:180 x 180 x 70 cm
Capacity:650 litres
Weight:23 kilograms
Number of jets: 118

Best hot tub with aromatherapy system

Canadian Spa hot tub Canadian Spa/Argos

There's a lot to like about Canadian Spa's Grand Rapids V2 hot tub. This four-person, coffee-coloured inflatable spa has a three-speed pump that powers 125 air jets. There are microban filters to keep things clean and a six-inch inflatable locking cover to stop debris from getting in when the tub's not in use.

We, along with many reviewers, particularly like the built-in aromatherapy system - a canister that mixes scented beads with warm air to release the smells when in the spa. It's amazing what difference some gentle fragrance can make to a soak in the tub, you can choose to invigorate yourself with citrusy scents or unwind with more serene options like chamomile or lavender.

This is a well-reviewed option but for one point that's worthy of note - reviewers suggest that if you want to spread out and relax this only really offers capacity for three people, not the four as advertised.

Pros

  • Generous, comfortable depth
  • Integrated aromatherapy system

Cons

  • No aromatherapy beads included
Dimensions: Depth 178, Width 178, Height 74, Diameter 178cm
Capacity:800 litres
Weight:32 kilograms
Number of jets: 125

How we chose the best inflatable hot tubs

All of these inflatable hot tubs have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered size, capacity, and functionality in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching inflatable hot tubs to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.

Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.

What maintenance does an inflatable hot tub need?

Once you have received your new inflatable hot tub, take a look at the hot tub brand's instructions to find out what maintenance it requires. Most hot tubs require regular cleaning.

Checking the pH

Before you can do anything else, you will need to first clean the tub itself and the filter. Then, you need to test the pH and alkalinity of the water. If your hot tub doesn't come with a test kit, you'll need to purchase one. Here, you should test the pH and alkalinity of the hot tub water at least once a week.

You should aim for 7.4 to 7.6 pH for an inflatable hot tub. Too low of a pH and you could damage the material. If you are looking for the ultimate starter kit, then the Clearwater Hot Tub Chemical Starter Kit has everything you need to maintain hygienic and clean water.

Cleaning the water

To clean the water, you will need to add sanitiser like chlorine, which will come in tablet form or granules. Depending on your usage, you should look to add sanitiser to your hot tub every day, or at least every few days. Check your instructions on the model you have purchased to determine which sanitiser your hot tub will need and follow the suggested quantities.

Cleaning the filter

You can remove the filter weekly to clean it by using filter cleaner. However, some models will require daily cleaning. Inflatable hot tub filters can become clogged more frequently than permanent hot tubs. So, it’s best to be consistent and clean it often. Every few weeks, you should drain your hot tub to clean it with liquid soap and water. Check your model’s instructions to find out the best formula to use.

If you are looking for a product to keep your filter clean, this Pro-Kleen Filter Cleaner will do the trick nicely. Just add 500ml to 10 litres of water, soak the filter overnight, and then rinse off with a hose. Lastly, every few weeks, you should completely drain out your hot tub and clean it with liquid soap and water.

FAQs

How expensive is it to run a hot tub?

This all depends on how much you intend to use your hot tub and which model you choose. Overall, hot tubs can be quite expensive to run; however, some models have high-tech energy-saving systems which can maintain the temperature. The running price of a hot tub is also dependent on how high your temperature is set and how warm it is outside.

If you're looking to save money on your hot tub, we'd recommend keeping an eye out for hot tub deals. You'll often find that some retailers like Aldi have affordable options, and sale events such as Prime Day and Black Friday have fab hot tub deals available.

Best hot tub deals 2024

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Ellen Kinsey was a Senior Health and Wellness Product Writer and has been a part of Bauer Media since 2020. She has left Bauer Media to study Ayurveda in India to expand her knowledge and skills in the health and wellness field, where she plans to continue making journalistic contributions.

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