Are inflatable spas good?

Currently, there is a vigorous debate among people who want the calming benefits of a portable inflatable hot tub or spa. But they (a) don’t want to pay a fortune for them and (b) want to make sure they last.

Some fact-checking (as they say in current political debates) is in order.

Inflatable spas have come a long way since they were first introduced to the market several years ago. Today it is possible to get a very affordable (less than $ 375) soft-sided hot tub that is surprisingly sturdy.

Who are the leaders in the field?

There are several models released by camping equipment leader Coleman. And they consistently rank highest in customer satisfaction.

These spas have a sturdy, fabric-covered wall that is firm enough to sit on, but inflates in minutes.

The floor is padded (that’s where you sit too) and they come in a four-person model and a spacious six-person version.

One version (Lay-Z-Saluspa Paris) even has a built-in light show.

These inflatable hot tubs come with a heater, an air compressor (to inflate the spa and its cover), and an intuitive digital control panel. This elegant control panel allows you to set the temperature to 104 degrees F.

Additionally, a powerful motor drives a stream of massage bubbles through 120 jet nozzles around the upper perimeter of the spa.

Who has the most sustainable construction?

However, the Coleman brand, while the least expensive, does not have the most durable filter system and walls in the industry. That distinction goes to a company called Intex.

They assembled their inflatable hot tubs with proprietary, high-strength three-layer fibers woven into their side walls. This makes them virtually as stable to sit in as an inground spa.

And the Intex brand also features a unique hard water filtration system.

This system, according to the company, “makes the water in your spa gentler on skin, clothing and the entire spa system.”

Both the Coleman and Intex brands come equipped with easy-to-replace filter cartridges, floating chemical dispenser, and a carry bag with handles.

What about customer reviews?

In terms of reviews, both companies received scattered complaints about non-working components.

These included things like heaters not working properly and automatic shutoffs that came on too early, resulting in a longer wait time for hot water.

However, both companies responded to the concerns: Coleman faster than Intex, according to reviews left on Amazon’s site.

Two other distinguishing features:

• Coleman’s inner lining on the cover is made of aluminum foil to better retain heat and
• The straps on the Intex holster can be locked for added security.

Finally, one of the main advantages of inflatable spas is that you can easily deflate them, pack them up, and take them anywhere.

Take your tub to a vacation rental in the mountains or on the beach, or even to visit a relative for a long time.

As long as you can find a nice, level spot (on grass, wooden deck, or concrete) and have access to a garden hose and 110AC power supply, you’re good to go.

How long does it take to heat up?

It depends on how cold the water is when you first fill the hot tub. The average temperature of the water coming out of your garden tap is around 68 degrees.

Most Coleman and Intex spa customers reported that it took almost 24 hours to bring the water temperature to 104 degrees F.

However, once it reached that high temperature then it dropped to around 80 degrees with the cover in place, it only took a couple of hours to raise the temperature back to 104.

What about rising electricity bills?

It’s worth mentioning in passing that you should be ready for an increase in your electricity bill while you initially heat up the spa. After that, while in maintenance mode, just draw a drip.

Then a little spike when you turn the temperature up again.

This increase in electricity use will be especially noticeable if you decide to use your spa during the winter.

Cost vs ROI

Inflatable spas really are good value for money. They don’t last forever, of course, but:

• an average investment of $ 500
• spread out over an average use of, say, 20 relaxing baths a month, works for
• $ 1.04 per two hour session, even if the spa would only last 2 years.

That would give you a much better ROI than bearing the expense and landscaping disruption that digging and installing an in-ground hot tub would cause.

That kind of thing could easily cost $ 5,000 or more.

Summary

So are inflatable spas good? The answer, across the board, is yes.

While they do not become permanent assets for your home’s market value, they provide all the pleasant amenities that a spa experience offers at a fraction of the cost.

And, unlike their traditional cousins, they are extremely portable and durable, making inflatable spas a great option for those just looking for a relaxing bath at night.