The 6 Best Inflatable Hot Tubs Are An Affordable Alternative That Keep You Warm In Winter

Best Overall

Bestway SaluSpa Budapest Inflatable Hot Tub

This hot tub by Bestway has all of the essential features, like Title 20 compliance and freeze protection, as well as some nice add ons like cupholders.

This hot tub by Bestway has all of the essential features, like Title 20 compliance and freeze protection, as well as some nice add ons like cupholders.

It doesn’t have LED lights like some similar models, which is surprising given the higher price.

It doesn’t have LED lights like some similar models, which is surprising given the higher price.

Finding the best inflatable hot tub proved to be a bit of a challenge, because it had to have two essential features: It needed to be Title 20 compliant (a regulation having to do with energy efficiency) and therefore able to be shipped to all 50 states, and it needed to have protection against cold weather. Because it checks those boxes—in addition to some other promising features—our top pick is the Bestway SaluSpa Budapest hot tub.

The Title 20 compliance comes in the form of an EnergySense cover that’s 40% more efficient than the standard covers that typically come with hot tubs. This traps heat in, keeping the water warm even when not in use, and saving the consumer money on energy bills, too. The Budapest hot tub also features the brand’s proprietary automatic heating technology that traps the heat inside and protects the hot tub’s liner in order to be used in cold weather. It’ll keep the tub between 42 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit at all times in order to keep the parts from freezing up in cold winter weather.

The hot tub also has additional impressive specs surrounding its functionality. It fits up to six people, meaning that it’s a roomy tub, but it still weighs under 100 pounds without water. It needs no tools to set up: the user simply attaches the included pump and lets the tub inflate; that pump also runs the filtration and is reachable from inside the spa, so adjustments can be made while the tub is in use. It has a dispenser that evenly disperses the proper amount of chlorine, as well as a circuit interrupter that protects the user against electric shocks. Finally, it's made of a durable three-layered material that’s puncture-, tear- and stretch-resistant for additional longevity.

Finally, there are 140 jets that produce warm air bubbles (which is on the lower end, as some tubs can have around 180) and provide the same comforting massage that the hard-shell counterparts are known for. There are cup holders around the edges for snacks and drinks, two massage jet levels, a power-saving timer, an easy-to-read control panel, and the ability to connect to an app that makes it controllable from a smartphone. Perhaps the only missing features are LED lights for added ambience during nighttime use, although that can easily be remedied with the purchase of submersible water lights.

Key Terms to Know

EnergySense: EnergySense is important when considering the cover you may use with your inflatable hot tub. If a cover is labeled as EnergySense, that means it meets certain requirements in regards to energy efficiency.

Best Budget

Coleman SaluSpa Sicily AirJet

This Coleman option has a lot of nice features, including a whopping 180 jets, but is around 100 dollars less than our top pick.

This Coleman option has a lot of nice features, including a whopping 180 jets, but is around 100 dollars less than our top pick.

You can’t use this option in weather under 39 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can’t use this option in weather under 39 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Coleman SaluSpa is the best option we found at a relatively lower price that is still Title 20 compliant and has some protections against colder weather. However, while it has a Freeze Shield similar to that of our top pick to keep the interior components from freezing, the tub cannot be used when outside temperatures hit 39 degrees Fahrenheit or less.

Now, on to the other positives. The tub features a dispenser that evenly distributes the appropriate amount of chlorine. It’s made with a durable material that’s evenly cushioned on the bottom for comfortable seating, and is made to prevent stretching or changing shape after numerous inflations and deflations. Plus, it has 180 jets and fits up to seven people. Another nice feature is the addition of two comfortable carrying handles— at 82 pounds, it should be fairly easy for two people to move this around when needed.

Users should also note that the energy-efficient cover does not come with the option available at Walmart (it does come with a cover, just not the one needed to be compliant in some US states), so consumers in the affected states should use other vendors to purchase.

Best 2-Person

Intex SimpleSpa Inflatable Hot Tub

This is an affordable, basic option that’s perfect for a smaller household, as it fits up to four people but is ideal for two.

This is an affordable, basic option that’s perfect for a smaller household, as it fits up to four people but is ideal for two.

You’ll need to purchase a separate energy-efficient cover if you want this shipped to some states, or else the order might get canceled.

You’ll need to purchase a separate energy-efficient cover if you want this shipped to some states, or else the order might get canceled.

This Intex Simple spa is the ideal choice for one or two people; it’s small, and affordable, but still has most of the features you’d want. With 100 jets and a temperature range of 68 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, it can rise up to 3 degrees Fahrenheit an hour, too. It has an adjustable panel on the side for easy control and even has a hard water system built in to make the water pretty gentle on clothes, hair, and bathing suits.

The Intex Simple Spa comes with a thermal ground cloth that’s insulated to prevent heat loss, as well to protect the hot tub from external damage. The exterior is also made from a strong PVC material that features a mesh cover for additional security against scratches and tears. Plus, there’s a floating chemical dispenser for chlorine tablets, as well as two replaceable filter cartridges.

It’s a relatively small inflatable hot tub—it’s inner diameter is 57 inches, which you can compare to our top pick’s more roomy 67 inches, and it holds 210 gallons of water instead of the more standard 240 gallons and up—but it’s a great size for two or three people. And while it doesn’t have the fancy perks of some of our other options, it still heats up nicely. We should note that in some states, you will have to purchase an energy-efficient cover along with the hot tub to ensure it will be shipped out and the order won’t be canceled.

Best 6-Person

Intex PureSpa Plus Inflatable Square Hot Tub

This square inflatable hot tub has a few headrests and a multicolored LED light that makes it perfect for a group.

This square inflatable hot tub has a few headrests and a multicolored LED light that makes it perfect for a group.

This hot tub isn’t intended for freezing temperatures.

This hot tub isn’t intended for freezing temperatures.

The best inflatable hot tub for a crowd should have a high number of jets and some features that will keep the party going for a long time. The Intex PureSpa Plus has 170 high-powered bubble jets and two spa headrests, as well as color-changing LED lights that add both visibility at night and some serious ambience. Plus, with the ability to connect to an app, you can start heating up the water well before your guests arrive, even if you’re out buying party supplies. It’ll allow you to schedule and time when the tub turns on, too.

The built-in water softener keeps hair and skin soft, even if you sit in the tub all weekend long. Additionally, the saltwater system provides water sanitation and the conditioning system reduces calcium build-up, which will ensure the tub works like new for a long time. The three-ply laminate PVC material is made of thousands of fibers that are puncture-resistant, which also help to provide support, allow the hot tub to keep its shape, and keep it well-maintained.

It’s available to ship to all 50 states, thanks to a high-density, thermal-resistant locking cover that protects from weather damage and is supposed to be 59% more energy efficient than regular covers. The tub comes with four filter cartridges, a test strip to see how your water is doing, a floating chlorine dispenser, and a thermal ground cloth. Please note that it’s not made for freezing temperatures, and because it holds a lot of water (290 gallons!), it only heats up at a rate of 1 to 2 degrees Fahrenheit an hour, which is on the slower side.

Best for Winter

Bestway Zurich SaluSpa Outdoor Hot Tub

It’s one of the few options that can be maintained at colder temperatures thanks to an automatic heating function to protect the hot tub’s interior.

It’s one of the few options that can be maintained at colder temperatures thanks to an automatic heating function to protect the hot tub’s interior.

It’s on the smaller side, with a maximum occupancy of four people at a time.

It’s on the smaller side, with a maximum occupancy of four people at a time.

It’s fairly difficult to find an inflatable hot tub that can withstand temperatures under 39 degrees Fahrenheit— without the proper protections in place, consumers run the risk of damage. But the Bestway Zurich has something called FreezeShield, an automatic heating function that prevents the inner components of the hot tub, like the filter, from freezing or getting damaged when the temperature drops.

Plus, the energy-efficient thermal cover makes it compliant with some state regulations while providing even more protection from the elements. Additionally, the tough fabric is both stretch- and tear-resistant through many years of use. With 120 jets, a cushioned floor, and cup holders, it’s a nice option for winter lounging. Although it doesn’t come with LED lights, you could always buy them separately for days that turn into nights earlier and earlier.

It has most of the same specs as our top pick, but note that it’s much smaller despite being a similar price. Other features of note include the automatic distribution of chlorine to ensure water stays as clean as possible, and it also comes with a patch repair kit. There’s a convenient drain valve located at the hot tub’s bottom.

Best with Seats

RELXTIME Inflatable Hot Tub

The addition of padded seats elevates the comfort factor of this inflatable hot tub above many of our other top picks.

The addition of padded seats elevates the comfort factor of this inflatable hot tub above many of our other top picks.

Although it says it fits six people, its water capacity is low at 158 gallons—our guess is it would be better for four.

Although it says it fits six people, its water capacity is low at 158 gallons—our guess is it would be better for four.

If you want to level up your comfort significantly, opt for an inflatable hot tub with cushioned seating, just like this option from Relxtime. The tub comes with four cushioned spa seats for the ultimate relaxing experience—and it even has a soft foot pad. And while that’s perhaps the most unique feature of the tub, it’s certainly not the only good part. It has a built-in water filtration system and comes with an energy-saving spa cover to allow it to be shipped to all 50 states. It also has a handy minimum and maximum water line on the side so there’s no guesswork when it comes to filling it up.

The 130 jets pump out air bubbles and the temperature goes up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. It can also be used in colder temperatures, thanks to its freeze protection—it will safely work in external temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit. The touchscreen display is easy to use, and it will inflate and deflate in minutes, so it’s a fairly easy process to get set up.

There’s also a drain valve right on the side that’s easy to unscrew and release, as well as two handles for easy transport. Another nice bonus are the included accessories that include a cup holder, 20 water test strips, two PVC patches, a barometer, and two covers. Although it says it seats up to six people, the low water capacity (158 gallons) has us thinking it would be better for four.