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Adding an inflatable hot tub to your deck or backyard can offer a place to relax, but choosing the right style and size may feel difficult. To help you in your search, we researched the best hot tubs on Amazon and named the Intex PureSpa Plus Hot Tub as our top pick.
Whether you want a large hot tub to host friends and family or a smaller version for muscle relief, the right model for you will depend on your budget and preferences. Learn more about our top-rated hot tubs in this detailed review.
Compare Top Hot Tubs
| Product | Capacity | Diameter | Number of Jets | Accessories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intex PureSpa Plus Hot Tub | Four people | 77 inches | 140 | Insulated cover, heater/filter/blower/hard water system, LED light, two filter cartridges, two headrests, thermal ground cloth, inflation hose, carrying bag, floating chlorine dispenser, test strip |
| Bestway SaluSpa Miami Hot Tub | Four people | 71 inches | 120 | Cover, pump, chemical dispenser, filter cartridge |
| Coleman Atlantis SaluSpa | Six people | 71 inches | 114 | Liner, cover, spa pump, chemical floater, two filter cartridges, repair patch, AirJet system |
| Intex SimpleSpa Hot Tub | Four people | 77 inches | 100 | Insulated cover, heater/filter/blower/hard water system, LED light, two filter cartridges, thermal ground cloth, inflation hose, carrying bag, floating chlorine dispenser, test strip |
| Bestway SaluSpa Helsinki AirJet Hot Tub | Seven people | 71 inches | 81 | Cover, pump, chemical dispenser, two filter cartridges |
| Product | Capacity | Diameter | Number of Jets | Accessories |
In This Guide: Top 5 | Buyer’s Guide | How to Fix a Leak | FAQs | Why Trust This Old House
Top 5 Hot Tubs
- Best For Muscle Relief: Intex PureSpa Plus Hot Tub
- Best For Small Groups: Bestway SaluSpa Miami Hot Tub
- Best Square Tub: Coleman Atlantis SaluSpa
- Best Entry-Level: Intex SimpleSpa Hot Tub
- Most Decorative: Bestway SaluSpa Helsinki AirJet Hot Tub
Best For Muscle Relief: Intex PureSpa Plus Hot Tub
Intex PureSpa Plus Hot Tub
- $1,139.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Includes a patented fiber-tech construction for superior structural stability
✔ Has built-in hard water treatment
✔ Has a tilt-adjustable control panel
✘ Some customers said that air escaped easily
✘ Can take a long time to reach its maximum temperature
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who liked this hot tub said that it was easy to assemble, had excellent durability and produced a satisfactory number of bubbles. Negative reviewers said that air escaped from its body easily and that it used a significant amount of electricity.
Best For Small Groups: Bestway SaluSpa Miami Hot Tub
Bestway SaluSpa Miami Hot Tub
- $456.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a power-saving timer that can automate temperature up to 72 hours in advance
✔ Made with UV-resistant TriTech material
✔ Includes a durable cover to protect it when it’s not in use
✘ Doesn’t include a hard water treatment system
✘ May be too small to fit as many people as advertised
What Customers Are Saying
Reviewers who enjoyed this product said it was roomy, stayed at their desired temperature even in cold weather and was easy to maintain. However, some reviewers felt that the tub and its components used cheaper materials. Several customers specifically mentioned having to replace the heat pump.
Best Square Tub: Coleman Atlantis SaluSpa Hot Tub
Coleman Atlantis SaluSpa Hot Tub
- $616.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a reinforced cover with safety lock clips
✔ Includes two easy-to-lift handles
✔ Comes with a chemical floater
✘ Some customers had issues with the temperature fluctuating
✘ Has a higher price range than some other four- or six-person tubs
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who left positive reviews liked that this hot tub was affordable, had LED lights, and eased back pain. Dissatisfied customers said that this product sometimes came with a broken pipe and that the directions were hard to understand.
Best Entry-Level: Intex SimpleSpa Hot Tub
Intex SimpleSpa Hot Tub
- $499.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Includes an insulated cover to keep the water at an optimal temperature
✔ Comes with an insulated ground cloth
✔ Has horizontal beams for more structural support
✘ Can have a noisy operation
✘ Some customers complained of error cords frequently appearing on the control
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied reviewers said they liked this hot tub’s temperature control, deep depth, and soothing jets. Dissatisfied customers said its price fluctuated frequently depending on the time of year.
Most Decorative: Bestway SaluSpa Helsinki AirJet Hot Tub
Bestway SaluSpa Helsinki AirJet Hot Tub
- $616.9
- $727.99
- 15% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a built-in softening system, which reduces the effects of hard water
✔ Gives you access to the control panel from inside of the tub
✔ Has drop-stitched material for strength and durability
✘ Has fewer air jets than some other tubs
✘ Can use up a lot of electricity
What Customers Are Saying
Many reviewers liked this hot tub’s timer function, sturdiness, and easy setup. However, some reviewers claimed that this hot tub was not energy-efficient and used an excessive amount of electricity. Others said it sometimes shut off without warning or displayed unknown error messages on its control panel.
Buyer’s Guide
Buying a new hot tub can be a challenging experience since there are so many options on the market. This buying guide will make the process easier by exploring the top factors that you should take into consideration to ensure you’re getting the best hot tub experience.
Type
There are three types of hot tub models.
Portable
Portable hot tubs are made of durable, molded material that can withstand all weather conditions for long-lasting use. They’re considered portable because they can be transported if needed.
In-Ground
In-ground hot tubs are typically the most expensive hot tub option. They’re often connected or adjacent to in-ground swimming pools, so they’re typically custom-made by professionals.
Inflatable
Inflatable hot tubs are typically the most budget-friendly options on the market. The best inflatable hot tubs are easy to set up and maintain, but they may lack the features and durability of the other types of hot tubs. They’re also seasonal, as they can’t withstand colder temperatures.
Size
Determine what size fits your needs best. Think about how many people plan on using it and where it will be placed in your yard. Some tubs are two-person tubs that are ideal for couples or those who live alone and may have guests. Larger four-person, six-person, or eight-person tubs may work better for families or large gatherings.
Jets
Massaging jets can make a hot tub more relaxing. They alleviate muscle pain, providing a therapeutic experience. Most hot tubs have hydrotherapy jets, though the number of jets varies from model to model. More jets will create a more rigorous massage experience, while fewer jets will leave the water looking calmer.
Installation
Each type of hot tub requires a different installation process. In-ground hot tubs are installed by professionals. While this saves you the hassle and time of doing it yourself, it’s more expensive.
Portable hot tubs come fully assembled—all you have to do is find a proper place to put them and add their pumps, ground cloths, and other accessories. Inflatable hot tubs have a similar installation process to portable hot tubs except you have to blow them up.
How To Fix a Leak in Your Hot Tub
If you have a leak in your hot tub or jacuzzi, fixing it can be confusing and difficult. Leaks in your hot tub could come from numerous areas, each requiring a different form of treatment. To properly treat your leak, you must first locate it. Here are some tips for finding and fixing a leak in your hot tub, no matter where it’s located.
Fixing a Small Leak
If you have a small leak, you might be able to fix it by simply removing the hot tub filters with a bottle of leak-sealing product. With the pump running, pour ¼ to ⅓ of the bottle into the filter area. Allow the hot tub to run for 24 hours and see if the water level improves. Add more leak sealer if needed.
Fixing a Leak in the Pump or Heater
To check if your pump or heater has a leak, remove the side panels and see if water is spraying, leaking, or dripping. If so, power off the unit and close the gate valves on either side. Then, remove the leaky fittings using a screwdriver and pump pliers. Bring them to a local pool supply shop to find adequate replacements.
Once the you’ve replaced the original fittings, open the tub’s valves, power on the pump, and check for additional leaks before refilling it.
Fixing Leaks Around the Light
If you have a leak near your hot tub’s light, you may have a crack in the fixture or the gasket behind it. First, shut the power off and remove the side panels. Then, check each light from under the tub to see if any of them are waterlogged.
Once you’ve located the leaking light, remove the bulb and use water pump pliers to remove the plastic retaining nut that holds the fixture in place. Push the lens from the back so that it drops in the tub. Replace the bulb at your local supply store and reinstall it.
Fixing Insulation Leaks
Another possible leakage area is the insulation of your hot tub. To find the source of a leak inside your installation, you’ll need to carefully remove the side panels and use a flashlight to look underneath and see if you can detect drips or wet foam.
Once you’ve located the leak, use a spackle knife to cut away the foam around the drip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my hot tub indoors?
Most hot tub models are belong outdoors, but some indoor hot tub models do exist. However, before buying an indoor model, ensure that your home has the proper space, floor protection, and structural integrity to support the weight of a full hot tub.
How do you clean a hot tub?
To clean your hot tub, drain it, and use a water and vinegar mixture or a specific hot tub cleaner to scrub grime from its walls. You should also rinse your tub’s filters regularly to wash out debris.
How long will hot tubs last?
In-ground hot tubs can last decades, while portable hot tubs can last up to 20 years with proper upkeep. Expect inflatable hot tubs to last around five years.
What’s the difference between a hot tub and a jacuzzi?
A jacuzzi is actually a branded name for a hot tub, much like Kleenex is for a tissue or Band-Aid is for a bandage. A hot tub refers to any branded heated above-ground pool of water.
Why Trust The This Old House Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.
We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.
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