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/AmazonThe 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. 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 also 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.
Pros
- Can be used all year round
- AirJet massage system
- Wi-Fi enabled
Cons
- Can be costly to run
Best inflatable hot tub with LED lights
Argoswww.argos.co.uk
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.
Pros
- Built-in coloured lights
- Soothing massage bubbles
Cons
- Small capacity for up to four people
Best octagonal inflatable hot tub
www.ebay.co.uk
Intex is another brand that is well-trusted to create the best inflatable hot tubs. You could lay back in this four-seater hot tub, which has two integrated headrests and 135 jets to generate massage bubbles. This hot tub features fibre tech technology, an integrated heated bubble air blower system, a hard water system, and limescale protection, something reviewers that live in hard water areas greatly appreciate. This comes complete with a lockable cover and a carry case, should you want to take it round to a friend's house.
Pros
- Holds its temperature well
- Easy to inflate
- Powerful bubble jets
Cons
- Replacement parts are hard to come by
Editor's pick
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.
Pros
- 2021 models and up can be controlled by an app
- Can be use all year round
Cons
- Some customers have commented that the app control doesn't always work smoothly
Best looking inflatable hot tub
Argoswww.argos.co.uk
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. Additionally, it is 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.
Pros
- Grey rattan design blends in
- Sturdy beam construction
Cons
- Smaller capacity than some
Best inflatable hot tub for social gatherings
www.very.co.uk
Just imagine taking a dip in this lovely, Alpine-inspired hot tub. This big seven-seated model is ideal for families and social gatherings. It comes equipped with Freeze Shield so that you can hop into your mini alpine 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.
Pros
- Very large capacity
- Elegant wood effect
Cons
- Uses a lot of electricity
Best hot tube for hard water areas
Intex/AmazonIntex'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.
Pros
- Hard water treatment system
- Handy LED control panel
Cons
- No cup holders
Best budget inflatable hot tub
MSPA/AmazonThe 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 and has an energy-saving timer to save you money. Budget-conscious reviewers report being impressed by the quality and performance that a hot tub at this price point offers.
Pros
- Energy-saving timer
- "Rhino-Tech" PVC
Cons
- Controller not built-in
Best hot tub with aromatherapy system
Canadian Spa/Argoswww.argos.co.uk
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 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.
Pros
- Generous, comfortable depth
- Integrated aromatherapy system
Cons
- No aromatherapy beads included
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.
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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.