Are Inflatable Hot Tubs Worth it?

There’s nothing quite like relaxing in your own hot tub. Soaking in one can improve your sleep, ease sore muscles, improve circulation, and more. But suppose you don’t quite have the budget for a regular hot tub, or you’re looking for a quick and simple alternative to relax in. In that case, an inflatable or blow-up hot tub is the perfect solution, allowing you to have an enjoyable and luxurious hot tub experience at home.

What is an Inflatable Hot Tub?

Inflatable hot tubs, or inflatable spas, are a blow-up alternative to regular hot tubs. Similar to paddling pools, you sit on the floor of an inflatable hot tub rather than a solid seat in regular hot tubs. 

Although they offer the same benefits as a regular hot tub, an inflatable hot tub will include multiple air jets for an overall massage experience rather than massage jets built into the seats of a regular hot tub that target specific areas of your body.

At 1st Direct Pools, we stock a variety of inflatable spas from leading worldwide brands, offering the best technology and premium designs for an incredible hot tub experience without the cost or hassle that can come with a regular hot tub. 

Friends drinking in a hot tub

What are Inflatable Hot Tubs Made of?

Inflatable hot tubs are made from durable and flexible materials like laminated or reinforced PVC, which are designed to withstand the outdoor elements and hot water use.

Are Inflatable Hot Tubs Any Good?

Inflatable hot tubs, or spas, are an excellent solution for those looking to purchase a home tub without the commitment of a regular hard shell hot tub. They are lower in cost, easy to set up, and very portable, meaning you can move them around your garden easily if you want to change things up. Ultimately, they offer much more flexibility than a regular hot tub. 

Differences Between Inflatable Hot Tubs vs. Regular Hot Tubs

As experts in both inflatable lay-z spas and regular hot tubs, we understand that each type comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are the main differences between the two:

 

INFLATABLE HOT TUBS

REGULAR HOT TUBS

Made from reinforced PVC

Made from acrylic or fibreglass

Lighter, easier to move around

Heavier and more solid

Less durable

More durable

More compact (great if you have limited space)

Can take up more space

Easier set-up

More complicated set-up

Cost-effective

Higher cost

 

An inflatable hot tub is an ideal choice if you’re looking for an easy set-up and want to be able to move your hot tub around freely. Perhaps you’re considering using a hot tub during a specific time of year, like the summer or winter. In this case, an inflatable hot tub would be perfect. 

Or, if you want to use your hot tub all year round and have a designated area of your garden where you’d be happy to keep it forever, a regular hot tub could be the one for you. 

Water bubbles in a hot tub

How to Clean an Inflatable Hot Tub?

You should drain and clean your inflatable hot tub every 3 to 4 months. To clean the inner and outer surfaces use a microfibre cloth and a specialised surf cleaner once you’ve drained your hot tub. We recommend using the Sunspot Spa Surface Cleaner, which is non-abrasive and effectively removes oil and greases. 

How to dispose and replace hot tub water

How Much Does an Inflatable Hot Tub Cost to Run?

Our range of Lay-Z spa hot tubs is the most energy-efficient inflatable hot tub brand on the market. They use less energy to maintain the temperature, making them a reliable, more sustainable, and cost-effective choice.

Many factors go into how much the running cost of your inflatable hot tub will be, such as your water and electricity supplier, how often you use your hot tub, and when you’re using it. 

Our table below shows a rough estimate of how much lay-z spa running costs could be; however, figures may not be accurate. 

 

 

Saturday - Sunday Usage 

Full Week Usage

Summer Time (Average Temperature)

£10

£18.50

Summer Time (Average Temperature)

With a Thermal Cover

£7.40

£11.30

Winter Time (Average Temperature)

£15

£25

Winter Time (Average Temperature) Using Thermal Cover

£10.50

£16

 

Bubbles underwater

The Best Inflatable Hot Tubs 

At 1st Direct Pools, we offer a range of inflatable hot tubs, all of which feature some of the best, most advanced hot tub technology around. Here are some of our top inflatable hot tubs available.

1. Lay-Z-Spa Helsinki AirJet

The Helsinki AirJet has a Nordic-inspired look and a realistic wooden design that’ll seamlessly blend with and complement your outdoor space. It features innovative, unique freeze shield technology, allowing you to enjoy your hot tub all year round - no matter how cold the temperature gets!

With an ultra-strong drop-stitch construction, the Helsinki AirJet is exceptionally durable, making it a reliable and worthwhile investment for years to come. Other spa features include a capacity of 5-7 people, a rapid 40°C heating system, a 180 massage jet system, a power-saving timer, and no tools required for set-up. 

Shop now Lay-Z spa accessories

2. Lay-Z-Spa Hollywood Airjet

If you like the sound of an inflatable hot tub with a luxurious lighting system, look no further than Lay-Z Spa’s Hollywood Airjet. Featuring a captivating LED lighting system and semi-transparent exterior, a capacity of up to 6 people, soft-touch pillows, an energy-efficient rapid heating system to 40°C, an invigorating massage system, and a superior strength material construction (premium DuraPlus) for ultra-strong stress-free construction.

3. Lay-Z-Spa Aruba Airjet

Looking for something a little more intimate or smaller in size? The Aruba Airjet is super easy to set up and provides a soothing massage experience courtesy of the 110 air jet massage bubbles, innovative winterising technology, a visually appealing and delicate flower print on the outer walls, and very durable construction.

Suitable for up to 3 people, the Aruba Airjet offers a more intimate experience for couples or close friends. 

Explore our other lay-z spa chemicals and keep your inflatable hot tub clean and healthy with various spa chemicals, water balancers, and more. 

The complete guide to Lay-Z spa chemicals

4. Lay-Z-Spa St. Moritz AirJet

Indulge in some luxurious relaxation in the comfort of your own outdoor space. Featuring innovative Durplus construction of the inner and outer walls, offering protection from sharp objects and outdoor elements, space for 5-7 people, freeze-shield technology, a 180 massage jet system, a rapid heating system, a power saving timer, and a digital control panel. 

The St. Moritz spa also features an aesthetically appealing dark rattan style, seamlessly complementing any outdoor garden space of your home. 

5. Lay-Z-Spa Mauritius Airjet

A little different from our other recommendations, Lay-Z Spa’s Mauritius Airjet features an elongated oval shape, perfect for families and friends to socialise while still keeping their personal space. 

The extra room provided allows you to stretch out and relax in the tub’s brilliant massage system. Suitable for up to 5-7 people and features freeze-shield technology and a fast-heating system - the St. Mauritius has it all!

We have a wide variety of inflatable hot tubs at 1st Direct Pools, so if you haven’t found what you’re looking for yet, then explore our range of Lay-Z Spa hot tubs today. 

Shop now lay-z spa hot tubs