The 10 Best Portable Hot Tubs

Buying a hot tub for your home doesn’t have to be a huge, permanent decision. There are actually tons of good quality portable spas on the market that just might fit all your needs.

Many people choose these types of hot tubs for their portability and price. And we think they’re a great investment if you’re not ready for something more permanent, but we want to make sure you have all the facts before you decide for yourself.

The 10 Best Portable Hot Tubs

#1. Coleman 71×26 Four-Person Hot Tub

The Coleman SaluSpa may be inflatable, but it gives you all the luxuries you’d expect from a hot tub. From the rapid heating system to the reinforced cover, you’ll get everything you need for an enjoyable spa experience.

This tub holds up to 4 people and is equipped with 60 air jets for a relaxing massage. It also heats up to 104° super quickly so there’s no need to wait to take a dip. And it’s electronically programmed for maximum control.

It’s made from TriTech 3-ply inflatable materials, has a cushioned floor for comfort, and has 2 easy-lift handles for portability. 

This product comes with a pool liner, pool cover, pump, air pad protector, chemical floater, 2 filter cartridges, and an AirJet system.

#2. Intex Pure Spa Six-Person Hot Tub

This hot tub from Intex is made to hold up to 6 people. It’s also fast and easy to set up so you’ll be soaking in no time.

Completely programmable with its digital control panel, this tub can be ready to use in less than an hour. And its built-in hard water treatment system makes this product perfect for areas where hard water is a problem.

This kit includes an insulated cover, 2 inflatable headrests, a carrying bag, a ground cloth, and 2 filter cartridges.

#3. Bestway Helsinki AirJet Hot Tub

If you prefer the more elegant wood look of a spa with the same portability as an inflatable, this tub might be the one for you. It’s made of a highly durable tri-tech material that won’t lose shape or buckle under the weight of your bathers.

Don’t be fooled, though. Even though it might look like a high-end wooden spa, it actually is inflatable and just as easy to set up as the others. Simply blow it up, plug it in, and fill it up.

This spa comes with its own built-in water softening system that will reduce skin irritation. And it also comes with its own pump for easy inflating.

#4. Intex 77×26 Hot Tub

This inflatable hot tub by Intex can be set up and ready for water in less than 20 minutes. It comes with everything you need for immediate use, including an insulated cover, heater, filtration system, thermal ground cloth, inflation hose, 2 filter cartridges, carrying bag, chlorine floater, and test strip.

This hot tub is designed with simplicity and portability in mind. It has 100 high-powered jets all around the bottom for the ultimate spa experience. And it will heat water up to 104° with the push of a button.

It will comfortably fit up to 4 people and deflates quickly for easy storage and portability.

#5. Coleman 71×26 Square Four-Person Hot Tub

The Coleman SaluSpa Hawaii is designed a little differently than most inflatable hot tubs. Its square shape gives up to 4 bathers a little more room than other round models. 

This tub heats up quickly and has 114 surrounding air jets. It also comes with everything you need for fast and easy setup, including a spa pump, chlorine floater, filter cartridges, pool liner, cover, and air jet system. 

You can rest assured when you buy this product, too, because it comes with a 1-year warranty on the pump and a 90-day warranty on the liner.

#6. Bestway Four-Person Hot Tub

This hot tub by Bestway has 120 jets, which is more than almost any portable on the market. And it’s simple to set up, requiring no tools or special assembly.

All the controls for this spa are located on a control panel that can be operated from inside the water. It can even be set to a power-saving mode for up to 72 hours in advance.

The kit includes everything you need, including a cover, pump, 2 filter cartridges, an instructional DVD, and a chemical dispenser. Just inflate, plug it in, fill it up, and hop in.

#7. Bestway Hawaii Air Jet Hot Tub

This is one of Bestway’s most luxurious portable spas. The Hawaii is a square hot tub that comfortably seats up to 6 people and heats up to a soothing 104°. 

It comes complete with 114 powerful jets for a relaxing massage experience. And you can operate the digital control panel from right inside the tub. 

This spa can be inflated with its own pump and ready for use in under an hour. Of course, it’s also completely portable and comes with everything you need to keep the water clean and comfortable, including the pump, cover, chemical dispenser, and filters.

#8. Intex Portable Bubble Massage Hot Tub

This large six-person portable spa from Intex is great for backyard parties and vacation homes. And the 140 high-powered bubble jets make for a super relaxing experience for everyone.

This tub is constructed a little differently than many others with something called Fiber-Tech construction. It’s made of thousands of high-strength polyester fibers that give it extra stability and longer wear. You can even sit on the edge of this tub without making the walls sag.

It also comes with its own hard water treatment system so the water stays soft and easier on the skin.

#9. Bestway Paris AirJet Hot Tub

Another option for a larger, 6-person hot tub, the Bestway Paris is made with solid I-beam construction for added comfort and stability. It’s also surrounded with the highest quality Tritech material that keeps its shape and is puncture resistant.

What’s really unique about this spa is its built-in ambient lighting. The bottom of the tub is lined with LED lights that will change between 7 different colors with a touch of a button on the included remote control.

The user-friendly control panel on this tub allows you to control the flow of the bubbles and then temperature up to 104°.

#10. Intex PureSpa Soothing Jets Hot Tub

One of the best sellers in inflatable hot tubs, the Intex PureSpa is simply but perfectly designed. You’ll be able to fit up to 4 people and enjoy the benefits of 120 high-powered jets.

This spa is quick and easy to set up in around 20 minutes and comes with everything you need to keep the water safe and clean. The built-in hard water treatment system ensures its gentler on your skin and the included chlorine dispenser will keep it clean and germ-free.

Why Should I Buy a Portable Hot Tub?

There are plenty of great reasons to own a hot tub in general. Let us count them:

1. To help you sleep

According to medical experts, soaking in hot water a couple hours before bedtime can help you sleep better. This is because of the “rapid cool-down period immediately afterward” that relaxes you.

2. To clear your sinuses

Inhaling moist, warm air is an age-old remedy for upper respiratory issues.

3. To relieve pain

Hydrotherapy is the oldest method of pain therapy because it works. “Immersion, buoyancy, heat, and vibration all have useful biological and sensory effects.” These help people with a lot of issues, including pain and injuries.

4. To relieve depression

The same qualities of a hot tub that help with pain also aid with the relief of depression. This can mainly be attributed to higher body temperatures improving a person’s circadian rhythms.

5. For together time

Whether it’s used for a romantic evening for two or a get together with the neighbors, hot tub bonding is fun.

6. To alleviate anxiety

Soaking in a hot tub daily can help relieve stress by balancing out your parasympathetic nervous system (that helps you calm down).

And those are just the reasons to own a hot tub in general. But a portable hot tub…now that has some added perks.

• You don’t need special equipment to move it.
• You can take it to your vacation home when you go on trips.
• It’s easy to put up and take down.
• You can take it to a friend’s house for a party.
• You can move it from the yard to the sunroom.
• You can use it on a rental property.

Types of Portable Hot Tubs

There are basically only three types of portable hot tubs: inflatable, folding, and rigid/rollaway.

Inflatable Hot Tubs

These are just what they sound like. You blow them up and fill them with water.

These are made out of tough, commercial grade plastic-type material. They’re tough enough to withstand almost anything if they’re used right, but they’re not indestructible. 

Most of the time, inflatable hot tubs come with everything you need to use them, including pumps, filters, and covers. They’re not too heavy so they’re perfect for non-permanent locations or if you just prefer to store them away during certain seasons.

Folding Hot Tubs

Folding spas might have canvas or plastic exteriors, and they have vinyl liners inside to hold the water. You don’t see these very often and they’re typically just one-person units that may or may not have jets.

Rigid/Rollaway Hot Tubs

These types of portable hot tubs are usually made from plastic or rigid foam and have a vinyl liner. When they’re empty, they’re light enough to roll away.

Pros vs. Cons of Blow Up Jacuzzis

Although blow-up spas can be great, you certainly don’t want to go into any big purchase blind. Here are some of the pros and cons.

We already listed most of the pros in a previous section, but here’s where we’ll expand on them a bit.

Pros

• You don’t need special equipment to move it.

Permanent or built-in hot tubs weigh, on average, anywhere from 500-1,000 lbs. That means they’ll require at least a pickup in order to move them and probably a lot more than one person. A blow-up spa, on the other hand, can be deflated, stuffed in a bag, and carried by one person.

• You can take it to your vacation home when you go on trips.

Typically, vacation rentals with Jacuzzis will cost you more money to rent. So, instead, take your own and blow it up on the back porch.

• It’s easy to put up and take down.

Obviously, taking down a permanent hot tub is a crazy amount of work. But you can take your portable hot tub down just for the week if you want to.

• You can take it to a friend’s house for a party.

Forget BYOB. You’ll definitely be the hit of the party if you bring your own hot tub.

• You can move it from the yard to the sunroom.

Deciding on a whim to move your hot tub indoors is not a problem at all with a portable. You may need to drain it and fill it again, but you should do that occasionally anyway.

• You can use it on a rental property.

If you rent your home instead of owning it, there are a lot of restrictions as to what you can install. But a portable hot tub shouldn’t cause any issues. In fact, all you need is a regular electrical outlet to use it.

Cons

• Lack of Seating

Standard hot tubs usually have molded seating built right in, whether it’s a bench all the way around or individual seats. Portables, on the other hand, are simple structures so you just have to sit on the padded floor.

For most people, this is not a big deal, but if you’re short, you might struggle to keep your head above water. You also can’t just sit on the sides of most of these because it can break them down. 

You can buy blow-up seats for these that will solve the problem, but it’s still something to think about.

• Sub-par Heating

Unfortunately, the heaters that most portables come with don’t work at the same time the jets do. They’re very compact and made to either heat or bubble, but not both. 

In the summer months, this isn’t a problem for most people. You just use the heater for a little while to warm up the water, then turn on the jets for a massage. 

But in the winter, the water will probably get way too cold way too fast to be comfortable.

• Short Filter Life

Permanent hot tubs use filters that last at least a couple of years. And they’re easy to change out, usually just popping a new one right into the pump.

But portable hot tubs use filters that don’t last as long. They’re only designed to be used for a couple of weeks and then have to be tossed.

They’re also a little more difficult to install, usually inside the bottom of the portable spa.

5 Considerations For Choosing the Perfect Portable Hot Tub

Size

The first thing you’ll want to consider when choosing a portable hot tub is its seating capacity. They’re available in 2, 4, or 6-person size.

Appearance

You may not have a preference as to what the hot tub looks like, but some people prefer a certain appearance. They come in different colors, shapes, and materials. Some even look like they have wooden exteriors which give them a more permanent, built-in vibe.

Jets

Portable hot tub jets are either water or air and this can make a big difference in the bubbles it produces. Regular hot tubs usually have air/water combination jets that make for a powerful stream.

For your tub, pay attention to how powerful the jets are by checking out their reviews and asking questions. And keep in mind that more jets don’t always mean more power. 

Pump

The pump your hot tub comes with is probably the most important part of your purchase. Look for one with a lot of power and the longest warranty.

Accessories

Make sure your hot tub kit comes with everything you need to set it up and use it. For example, most come with a ground cloth to protect the bottom, a cover to keep it clean, and a pump to operate it.

Portable Hot Tubs vs. Regular Hot Tubs

There are obviously a lot of differences between regular hot tubs and portable hot tubs and you should definitely keep the pros and cons in mind when you make your choice.

Portability

Obviously, a portable hot tub is more portable than a regular hot tub. Inflatables, which can be deflated and carried by hand, are the most popular. They typically weigh less than 100 lbs, whereas regular hot tubs can weigh in at up to 1,000.

Seating

Regular hot tubs have molded seating, while portable ones do not. You’ll have to be content to sit on the ground in these.

Cost

Portable hot tubs are usually a lot less expensive than regular hot tubs. However, they don’t last quite as long, so you might end up spending more in the long run.

Jets

Like we talked about earlier, most portable hot tub jets are not as powerful as regular ones. They provide a lot of bubbles but not a powerful massage.

How to Set Up a Portable Hot Tub

The first thing you need to do is READ YOUR MANUAL. I know, it’s not fun and it’s not easy for folks who like to just jump in and figure it out. But the fact is, every model will have a little something different that you’ll need to know how to do.

Secondly, choose your spot. Sure, the hot tub is portable, but once you fill it with water, it becomes much harder to move. 

Your hot tub site should be close enough to its power source to easily reach it, but far enough away that it won’t get soaked.

Also, make sure the spot is level and even, brushing away any sticks and rocks that might poke through the bottom.

Thirdly, inflate your spa and put it in the spot you chose for it. Most hot tubs will inflate with the pump included in the kit.

Next, attach the pump and filter according to the instructions in your manual. Then, fill it with the recommended amount of water and plug the unit in.

Tips For Keeping Your Portable Hot Tub Clean and Maintained

Just because your hot tub is portable doesn’t mean you can pretend maintenance isn’t important. Keeping the water clean will not only preserve the life of the spa, but it will also keep your bathers safe.

The main thing you’ll need to do is add sanitizer to the water. Almost all portable hot tubs come with their own built-in or floating dispensers. 

You can use either chlorine or bromine sanitizer. Just be sure to read the product directions to determine the appropriate amount to use.

Also, clean or replace the filters regularly. Most portable spas come with filter types that need to be replaced every couple of weeks, but once again, check your owner’s manual for instructions.

Use a cover. This keeps out debris and keeps the water at an optimum temperature longer.

Make everyone rinse off in the shower before entering the hot tub. This will keep body oils and products from building up in the water.

Best Portable Hot Tub FAQs

Are inflatable hot tubs worth it?

This is really a question only you can answer. For the most part, you’ll get just as much enjoyment out of an inflatable hot tub as you will a regular one. 

But there are some pros and cons we wrote about above that you’ll want to check out. For one thing, they don’t last as long. For another thing, their jets aren’t near as powerful.

How long do portable hot tubs last?

Portable hot tubs, on average, tend to last around 2-3 years. But if you take really good care of it and keep it out of the elements, it’s possible to extend that.

Do you leave inflatable hot tubs on all the time?

The only time it’s recommended to leave your hot tub running all the time is if you will be using it 4 or 5 times a week. Otherwise, it’s more efficient just to heat the water up a little while before you get in.

Can portable hot tubs be used in the winter?

You can use your portable hot tub in the winter, but you’ll need to look specifically for certain features. The biggest problem with most portables is that you can’t heat them at the same time you’re running the jets. 

So, for these tubs, you’ll need to make sure they’re good and warm before you get in. you’ll also probably have to limit your time.

Look for portables that specifically mention they’ll withstand cooler temps.

What is the best inflatable hot tub 2022?

We really like the Coleman 71×26 Four-Person Hot Tub. It is made for the outdoors by a company that knows their stuff. It also comes with everything you need in order to use it, including a quality pump and powerful jets.

Conclusion

Choosing the best portable hot tub for you doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just make a list of the features that are important to you and consider who will use it and where it will be set up.

And be sure to let us know what model you choose and how you like it. Our readers would love to know!