Inflatable Hot Tubs – Are They Really Worth The Money?

Posted by James Gardener in Spas & Hot Tubs

Choosing between an in ground and portable hot tub isn’t always easy as there are benefits to both. One of the most popular types of portable tubs are inflatable hot tubs because they are relatively cheap and can work well for a short period of time, but are they really worth the money?

First of all, an inflatable hot tub is generally a lot smaller than fixed shell models. This means that if you wanted to use it for a large number of guests then it may not be convenient.

Because of the way inflatable and portable tubs are made they generally don’t retain heat anywhere near as well as hard shelled models. If you wanted to use the tub for an extended period of time then you may find it begins to cool down much quicker than you’d like. In most cases you’ll only be able to use an inflatable hot tub for around 30 minutes before it becomes uncomfortable cold. While this is more than long enough for a single person it’s not ideal if you’re entertaining guests.

The other problem with inflatable hot tubs is that although they’re much cheaper they won’t last as long. As you can imagine, an inflatable tub is nowhere near as durable as a hard shelled one and all it takes is one accident for it to be badly damaged. However, because you can get an inflatable tub for less than $1000 in most cases they are a lot cheaper even if they aren’t a long term investment.

When buying an inflatable tub you still need to make sure you get one with comfortable seats and an automatic pump so that the tub is convenient to use. You also need to make sure it comes with heated water jets as not all inflatable tubs do.

Overall, if you don’t have much money available but still want to enjoy a hot tub then buying an inflatable one may be a good idea. However you need to be aware that inflatable hot tubs will not provide the same level of comfort as ones made out of hard shells so you shouldn’t expect the same quality. If you can’t decide then it may be a good idea to try and rent a hot tub for a short period of time to see whether you enjoy it and whether you’re willing to put up with the problems.

Related posts:

  1. Why Portable Hot Tubs?
  2. Choosing a Home Spa
  3. Hot Tub Chemicals – Keeping It Clean
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