In recent years, inflatable hot tubs have become a popular product in the hot tub industry. While they may appear to be flimsy and cheap, inflatable hot tubs are made from durable materials easy to transport. If you’re considering getting an inflatable hot tub, it’s important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of installing one. Today, we’ll dive into the 6 pros and 6 cons of inflatable hot tubs, and whether or not they’re worth buying.
6 pros of inflatable hot tubs:
- Inflatable hot tubs are portable
- Inflatable hot tubs are inexpensive
- Inflatable hot tubs introduce you to hot tub ownership
- Inflatable hot tubs take up less space
- Inflatable hot tubs create a relaxing environment
- Inflatable hot tubs are compatible with accessories
6 cons of inflatable hot tubs:
- Inflatable hot tubs do not have seats
- Inflatable hot tubs are not well-insulated
- Inflatable hot tubs have poor filtration
- Inflatable hot tubs lack hydromassage jets
- Inflatable hot tubs take longer to heat
- Inflatable hot tubs are not as durable
Pros of Inflatable Hot Tubs
1. Inflatable Hot Tubs Are Portable
One of the greatest benefits of inflatable hot tubs is their ability to deflate. Because these hot tubs are designed to fold up, they are easy to relocate or pack away. This is particularly beneficial if you move a lot or want your hot tub relocated to a different location.
Because traditional hot tubs are built in somewhat permanent positions, it can be a challenge to disassemble and relocate them to a new location. For this reason, inflatable hot tubs are a valuable investment if you plan on relocating the hot tub. Whether you’re planning on moving or simply want your hot tub in a new location, inflatable hot tubs are an ideal option if you’re looking for something portable.
In addition to being easy to disassemble, inflatable hot tubs are extremely easy to set up. By using a small pump, inflatable hot tubs can be assembled in a matter of minutes. Because inflatable hot tubs do not require major plumbing or electrical connections, they can be assembled without the need to hire an electrician or pool expert. They are also a great way to introduce you to the hot tub world without having to set up a large, heavy spa.
2. Inflatable Hot Tubs Are Inexpensive
Buying an inflatable hot tub can save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars, as they cost much less than traditional hot tubs. If you’re new to the world of hot tubs, inflatable hot tubs may be an excellent choice. By installing an inflatable hot tub, you can decide whether or not a hot tub is worth having without spending thousands of dollars on one.
Of course, it’s important to understand that inflatable hot tubs do not last as long as traditional hot tubs. Because they are not made of strong, solid materials, they are more likely to be punctured or ripped. However, using an inflatable hot tub is a great way to learn how hot tubs operate. Once it’s time to replace the hot tub, you may be ready for a traditional spa.
3. Inflatable Hot Tubs Introduce You to Hot Tub Ownership
Installing a hot tub can be a big investment, especially if you’re new to owning hot tubs. If you’re unsure about committing to a traditional hot tub, an inflatable tub may help you become familiar with hot tub ownership. In addition to learning the basics of hot tub maintenance, you’ll get to decide whether or not a hot tub fits into your lifestyle.
Oftentimes, homeowners simply want to find out if a hot tub is a worthwhile investment. Because it can be expensive and time-consuming to install a traditional hot tub, inflatable hot tubs are highly appreciated by first-time hot tub owners. While inflatable tubs may be different, they still introduce you to hot tub maintenance and the hydrotherapy experience.
Even if you decide not to own a hot tub, an inflatable hot tub can be brought out for special occasions, such as backyard parties. When not in use, an inflatable tub can be deflated for easy storage.
4. Inflatable Hot Tubs Take Up Less Space
A concern many homeowners have is finding a location for their hot tub. Even the smallest traditional hot tubs can take up a large amount of space. If you have a small backyard, an inflatable hot tub allows you to enjoy the hot tub experience without taking up much space.
Because inflatable hot tubs require little space, many homeowners install inflatable hot tubs inside their homes. Decks and gardens also make great locations for portable hot tubs. Even apartment balconies may handle holding an inflatable hot tub due to the tub’s small size.
5. Inflatable Hot Tubs Create a Relaxing Environment
Similar to traditional hot tubs, inflatable hot tubs create a peaceful environment to relax in. With the warm temperature and bubbly water, portable hot tubs are an excellent way to decrease stress and promote better sleep quality.
Soaking in an inflatable hot tub 90 minutes before bed encourages peaceful, undisturbed sleep. Additionally, inflatable hot tubs can be beneficial for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Not only will it help you unwind, but a hot tub can ease joint and muscle pain.
6. Inflatable Hot Tubs Are Compatible with Accessories
If you want to boost your inflatable hot tub experience, consider installing certain inflatable accessories. Inflatable hot tub accessories come in a wide range of forms, including headrests, seats, cup holders, and much more. Because they are inflatable, there is no need to worry about puncturing the tub with these added accessories.
In addition to coming with a variety of accessories, inflatable hot tubs come in an assortment of designs. From LED lighting hot tubs to powerful hydrotherapeutic jet spas, there is a large selection of inflatable hot tubs to choose from.
Cons of Inflatable Hot Tubs
1. Inflatable Hot Tubs Do Not Have Seats
Unlike traditional hot tubs, inflatable hot tubs are designed with minimal materials. To make disassembling easier, these hot tubs lack certain equipment and features, including seats. Thus, sitting in an inflatable hot tub may feel like you’re sitting on the ground.
Despite the fact that they lack seats, inflatable hot tubs are surprisingly well-cushioned. Although you may feel like you’re sitting on the floor, you won’t have to sacrifice comfort to use an inflatable hot tub. The soft material increases the comfort you’ll receive when relaxing in your hot tub.
If an inflatable hot tub feels too uncomfortable, you may purchase inflatable cushions or seats. However, many hot tub owners find inflatable hot tubs to be just as comfortable as traditional hot tub designs. Because inflatable hot tubs are neither hard nor slippery, they can be quite comfortable to sit in, even without seats.
2. Inflatable Hot Tubs Are Not Well-Insulated
One of the greatest selling points of inflatable hot tubs is their lightweight and easy-to-assemble design. Unfortunately, their thin material is not well-insulated and will cause heat loss over time. As a result, you may end up spending more on running costs than you would with a traditional hot tub.
Because inflatable hot tubs are not well-insulated, they should not be used during the winter season. In fact, inflatable hot tubs are not recommended for use when temperatures drop, even during the spring or fall. Using an inflatable hot tub during cold temperatures will not only be uncomfortable for the user, but the hot tub may become damaged.
If you still desire to use your hot tub during the winter, you may disassemble it and bring it indoors. Because these hot tubs easily fold, little effort is involved with moving them to different locations. If you’ve always dreamed of having both an indoor and an outdoor hot tub, an inflatable hot tub may be the perfect inexpensive option for you.
3. Inflatable Hot Tubs Have Poor Filtration
Inflatable hot tubs lack a filtration system for keeping pool water clean. While it’s possible to install floating filtration devices, the water may not be as sanitized as traditional hot tubs. Floating dispensers are typically not very accurate when it comes to giving correct chemical dosages in the water. When incorrect chemical dosages are given, the water is at risk of becoming unbalanced. As a result, the water may be uncomfortable to swim in.
To ensure chemicals are balanced, it’s important to test the water regularly. If the water appears unsanitized, you may need to manually add chemicals to the water. Soaking in unsanitized water is not only uncomfortable, but it can be unsafe for your health. For this reason, it’s important to install a high-quality filtration system for your portable hot tub.
4. Inflatable Hot Tubs Lack Hydromassage Jets
Although inflatable hot tubs are equipped with blowers, they lack hydromassage jets that target certain muscles. Rather than gently combining water and air to make bubbles, inflatable hot tubs only produce air. The jets are located at the bottom of the tub, and thus are quite different than hydrotherapeutic jets.
Another disadvantage is that the jet’s temperature is only as warm as the ambient air temperature. If the temperature outside is cold, the jets will cause the hot tub to cool faster. In order to keep the water heated, you will need to run the heat pump, which cannot operate when the air is on.
Inflatable hot tubs still provide hydromassage benefits to those who suffer from stiff or sore muscles. However, they offer a slightly different experience than traditional hot tubs. Unlike most hot tubs, the jets of portable tubs cannot be controlled.
5. Inflatable Hot Tubs Take Longer to Heat
A downside to inflatable hot tubs is that they take a while to heat. In fact, certain portable hot tubs only heat by 2 degrees per hour. Because inflatable hot tubs are not well-insulated, they tend to cool faster than traditional hot tubs.
Another issue with inflatable hot tubs is that the heater cannot operate when the air is on. If you want to enjoy the bubbly effect of the blowers, you’ll need to keep the heating pump turned off. Unfortunately, this can cause the hot tub to cool down quickly.
6. Inflatable Hot Tubs Are Not As Durable
Although inflatable hot tubs are built with strong materials, they are not as durable as traditional hot tubs. Generally made of PVC materials, inflatable hot tubs may be punctured when in contact with sharp objects. Thus, inflatable hot tubs do not last as long as traditional tubs.
In short, inflatable hot tubs have their disadvantages, but overall they are an excellent investment. If you’re new to owning hot tubs or are looking for something portable, an inflatable hot tub may be the perfect option for you. While they may not be as durable as traditional hot tubs, they are still high-quality and offer many incredible benefits.