Buying guide for best inflatable hot tubs for winter
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Is there anything better than warming up your muscles in a hot tub during the dark and chilly months? While a hard-shell hot tub can cost up to tens of thousands of dollars, an inflatable hot tub is a money-saving alternative. The best inflatable hot tubs for winter can be used indoors or outdoors, are budget-friendly and take next to no time to set up.
When choosing an inflatable hot tub, there are several things to assess before you buy. How many adults does it comfortably fit? How durable is the pump in the winter months? How much maintenance is required to keep the tub in tip-top condition?
We analyzed numerous models and considered their size, heating time, jet power and more in order to identify the best inflatable hot tubs for winter to suit all budgets and preferences. Our top pick is the reasonably priced Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub Spa, which features 140 soothing jets. And like all the options on our list, it includes a freeze-shield system, which prevents water from freezing in its inner components when the weather turns cold, so you can enjoy a spa experience year-round.
Which hot tubs are best for cold climates and winter?
Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub Spa
Best Overall Inflatable Hot Tub for Winter
Product specifications
Capacity: 4 to 6 adults | Dimensions: 77” W x 77” D x 28” H | Max Temp: 104 degrees | Shape: Round | Seating: No seats
The Coleman SaluSpa is a renowned product in the world of inflatable hot tubs. Thousands of homeowners rely on this four-season hot tub to relax and unwind. It’s a favorite among shoppers and hot tub experts for its heat retention, durability and reasonable price.
With its onboard freeze-shield technology, the hot tub heater automatically kicks on if the water gets too cold, keeping it between a comfortable 43 and 50 degrees to prevent freezing in the pipes. It’s operated using a digital control panel and gets as high as 104 degrees, the hottest recommended for any hot tub. You can schedule your soak with a convenient, power-saving timer that allows you to program the water temperature up to 72 hours in advance.
With 140 jets, you can relax while receiving a bubble massage directed at your back, neck and shoulders. As always, maintenance and cleaning are required for any pool or hot tub. Fortunately, there is onboard water filtration, and the system automatically dispenses the correct amount of chlorine to keep the water clean.
A locking cover is included. However, if you want to keep your water toasty warm, consider investing in a few heavy moving blankets to place atop the cover and keep heat from escaping.
Bestway SaluSpa Miami EnergySense AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub Spa
Best Bang for the Buck Inflatable Hot Tub for Winter
Product specifications
Capacity: 2 to 4 adults | Dimensions: 71” W x 71” D x 26” H | Max Temp: 104 degrees | Shape: Round | Seating: No seats
This model lets you unwind in warm, bubbling comfort in your backyard, even when the temperature drops. The SaluSpa Miami has 120 air jets that create a warm and relaxing experience, and you can choose from two intensity levels for pure bliss. It’s made with a DuraPlus material, which the company describes as a durable and puncture-resistant alternative to PVC.
The maximum temperature of this hot tub is 104 degrees, the highest temperature considered safe for adults according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. A convenient app allows you to control everything from your phone or tablet, so you can set your perfect temperature, activate jets, and adjust the filter from the comfort of the indoors. Of course, you have the option to use the onboard control panel, if you prefer.
Be prepared to factor in heating time, especially during initial use and when the outdoor temperature dips. The manual states that it can take 32 hours to reach a toasty 104 degrees if both the water and air temperatures start around 50 degrees. Heating time improves significantly in warmer conditions. At 86 degrees for both water and air, it only takes nine hours.
Those who live in colder climates enjoy peace of mind knowing this hot tub features a built-in freeze shield that automatically turns on to prevent the water from freezing and potentially damaging the pipes in chilly weather.
Bestway SaluSpa Hawaii AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub Spa
Best Six-Person Inflatable Hot Tub for Winter
Product specifications
Capacity: 4 to 6 adults | Dimensions: 71” L x 71” W x 26” H | Max Temp: 104 degrees | Shape: Square | Seating: No seats
This inflatable hot tub boasts a hassle-free setup and a more spacious design than the competition, giving each occupant plenty of elbow room. Its square shape comfortably seats four to six adults.
To save space, a single pump inflates the spa, heats the water, runs the filtration system and controls the massage jets. The spa reaches a toasty 104 degrees, and you’re pampered by its 140 onboard jets that release bubbles from the bottom of the tub. It’s one of the few inflatable hot tubs to offer built-in cupholders on the pump to hold drinks and snacks.
The inflatable walls are made of durable, puncture-resistant DuraPlus material. DuraPlus is a three-layer material that’s 33% more tear-resistant and 56% more stretch-resistant than PVC. The included freeze shield prevents its inner components from freezing during colder temperatures as well. When you’re not soaking your cares away, be sure to use the reinforced cover that not only keeps the water free from dirt and debris but also prevents heat from escaping.
Coleman SaluSpa AirJet Round Hot Tub
Best Two-Person Inflatable Hot Tub for Winter
Product specifications
Capacity: 4 adults | Dimensions: 71” W x 71” D x 26” H | Max Temp: 104 degrees | Shape: Round | Seating: No seats
Are you looking for a hot tub that comfortably fits a few adults without sacrificing space? This Coleman inflatable hot tub is a grand choice. Its convenient and effortless setup is faster than the competition, no tools required. Just keep in mind the manufacturer's note that it's not suitable for temperatures below 39 degrees. If you plan to use it in colder environments, we recommend placing heavy blankets on the cover for better heat retention and adding insulation under the ground cloth.
In addition to the tub, the most important piece of equipment is the pump, which is durable and powerful enough to inflate the hot tub, heat it and keep it warm, control the jets and run the filtration system. The ChemConnect system makes the process even more convenient, automatically dispensing the right amount of chlorine to keep the water healthy. All features and temperatures are controlled via the digital control panel, which sits outside the tub and can be operated before getting in or while you’re relaxing in the spa with its 60 soothing air jets.
In addition to its protective freeze-shield feature, it also comes with a chemical floater, two filter cartridges, a repair patch and a cover that holds in heat. While all hot tubs require some maintenance, this model simplifies the process with a replaceable cartridge that needs regular cleaning. There’s also a convenient, power-saving timer you can use to program the water temperature up to 40 days in advance so the water is just how you like it when you’re ready.
Bestway SaluSpa Helsinki Inflatable Hot Tub Spa
Best Inflatable Hot Tub for Winter with the Most Jets
Product specifications
Capacity: 5 adults | Dimensions: 71” W x 71” D x 26” H | Max Temp: 104 degrees | Shape: Round | Seating: No seats
For those who crave the therapeutic power of a hot tub, this five-person option offers 180 strategically placed air jets that target your back for a gentle massaging experience. Whether you seek deep relaxation or relief from muscle tension, this hot tub is designed to soothe and rejuvenate.
While this model uses the same material as others on the list, the walls are thinner and designed to be more rigid and sturdy, resembling a hard-sided tub. As a result, you get the look and feel of a traditional spa without the extra expense.
This model features a Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter system that grounds it to guard against electric shocks. It also has a freeze shield that automatically turns on the heater to keep the internal water temperature between 42 and 50 degrees. This prevents the water from freezing the pipes and damaging your investment. What’s more, the included cover helps prevent heat from escaping so the water stays at the set temperature.
How we analyzed
After intensive research to find the best inflatable hot tubs for winter, we narrowed the field to five top products. First and foremost, we made sure each model on our list was capable of performing in extremely cold temperatures. All of them have a freeze-shield setting to keep the pipes from freezing. Each inflatable hot tub also reaches the highest temperature allowed, which is 104 degrees. To make sure these products are worth your time, we spent hours analyzing every factor and feature that matters in all budgets.
How do inflatable hot tubs compare to traditional hot tubs?
You may be wondering: Is it worth it to get an inflatable hot tub? Should you spend a little more money upfront for a traditional hard-shell spa instead? Each type of hot tub has pros and cons, so it comes down to what features are most important to you.
- Price: Inflatable hot tubs offer a significant advantage in terms of affordability. The models we evaluated range from $400 to $700, making them far more budget-friendly than traditional hard-shell hot tubs, which can cost anywhere from $3,000 to a staggering $20,000 depending on size, features and materials.
- Lifespan: While traditional hot tubs typically carry a higher price tag, they also boast superior durability and a longer lifespan. With proper care, a well-maintained hard-shell spa can last an impressive 20 years or more. Inflatable hot tubs, while more budget-friendly, do not last as long. They tend to last three to seven years.
- Portability: One of the biggest advantages of inflatable hot tubs is their portability. Unlike traditional hard-shell hot tubs, which are essentially permanent fixtures, inflatable models can be easily deflated and stored when not in use. This frees up valuable patio space for other activities and allows you to move your hot tub to various locations. If space is a premium, an inflatable hot tub offers unmatched flexibility.
- Seating: Unlike most traditional hot tubs that feature molded benches or built-in seating, inflatable hot tubs generally don't have seats. Fortunately, many manufacturers offer inflatable hot tub seats that can be purchased separately.
- Jets: Inflatable hot tubs offer a relaxing soak at home, but the jet experience might differ from what you expect at a spa. Most inflatable models utilize air jets, which propel air bubbles through the water to create a massaging effect. While enjoyable and relaxing, air jets provide a gentler sensation compared to the powerful water jets found in traditional hard-shell hot tubs.
- Heat: While both hot tub types reach 104 degrees, inflatable models struggle to maintain heat, especially in colder weather. This is because inflatable tubs rely on air insulation, which loses heat faster than traditional tubs with thicker shells. To combat this, consider adding insulation under the ground cloth and placing heavy blankets on the cover for better heat retention.
What to consider when buying an inflatable hot tub for winter
Inflatable hot tubs come with different features and settings. Identifying which factors suit your personal preference will help you choose the best model.
Size
Inflatable hot tubs offer more flexible seating arrangements than hard-shell tubs with molded seats. But this flexibility comes at a cost. The advertised diameter includes the thick, inflatable wall, which reduces the usable space. This space shrinks even further when you factor in legroom. For instance, a 77-inch round tub may seat four adults, but comfort is compromised if everyone tries to stretch out.
Consider who will be using the hot tub, and choose a size that would allow everyone to relax comfortably. A good rule of thumb is that the largest models tend to fit up to six adults comfortably. Note that if you're willing to squeeze, a square-shaped tub can seat more people than a round one due to the extra space in its corners.
Shape
While round hot tubs are popular, you'll also find inflatable squares, octagons and more. The best shape for you depends, in large part, on your available space. For instance, a square or rectangular inflatable hot tub might nestle nicely in the corner of your patio, whereas a round tub might take up more patio room than you want to spare.
Consider your designated spot for the hot tub, and choose a shape that maximizes your relaxation area without getting in the way of your patio furniture.
Heating time
Inflatable hot tub heating times depend on two main factors: the starting water temperature and the surrounding air temperature. Many models come with a heating time chart. For example, a tub might take 32 hours to reach 104 degrees if the water and air are both around 50 degrees. But if the water and air are both 77 degrees, it might take only 14 hours for the tub to heat.
In general, expect the water temperature to rise by 1 to 1.5 degrees per hour during the initial heating process.
Jets
Inflatable hot tubs offer a relaxing soak at home, but as we’ve mentioned, the jet experience differs from that of a spa. Most inflatable hot tubs utilize air jets, which propel air bubbles through the water to create a massaging effect. While enjoyable and relaxing, air jets provide a gentler sensation compared to the powerful water jets found in traditional hard-shell hot tubs.
If high-powered water jets are a must-have feature for your ideal soak, research the specific model thoroughly, or consider investing in a traditional hot tub. Look for information about jet type (air or water) as well as the number of jets. Some higher-end inflatable hot tubs may incorporate a combination of air and water jets, offering a more customizable and thorough massage experience.
Our expertise
The BestReviews team stays up-to-date on the latest trends and product releases and is committed to finding the best products that make life easier. Bre Richey has been personally researching and testing products for almost a decade. She’s penned dozens of articles in the home, patio and outdoor categories, including the best portable hot tub for glamping.
FAQ
How hot is too hot when using a hot tub in cold climates?
Each of the hot tubs on this list reaches a maximum temperature of 104 degrees, which is the highest temperature considered safe for adults. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, the water temperature of a hot tub should never exceed 104 degrees: “A temperature of 100 degrees is considered safe for a healthy adult. Special caution is suggested for young children.”
What are the downsides of inflatable hot tubs?
While inflatable hot tubs offer an attractive price and are nicely portable, they come with some trade-offs. Durability is a concern, with a lifespan of just three to seven years — and some models malfunction even sooner, particularly in extreme cold.
Unlike traditional tubs with molded seats, inflatables generally require you to purchase seating separately. Maintaining a toasty soak can be a challenge because these tubs have less insulation than hard-sided models, too. This could lead to increased energy expenses for you, especially in colder weather.
What temperature should you keep your inflatable hot tub when not in use?
If you frequently use your inflatable hot tub, aim to keep it between 95 and 100 degrees to maintain the water chemistry and prevent freezing. If you use it rarely, consider deflating it between uses or lowering the temperature to around 50 degrees.
