There are many questions that people ask themselves when they are considering an inflatable hot tub. Are they worth the money? Are they durable enough to last for a long time? Are there any safety precautions that need to be taken into consideration before using them? The answers are yes, no, and yes!
In this blog post, we will discuss all of these questions and more so you can make your decision with confidence!
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Are they worth the money?
Yes, inflatable hot tubs have many benefits over standard hot tubs:
- They are cheaper than standard hot tubs. Inflatables cost up to $600 whereas standard tubs cost $3000+
- They are easier to install and maintain
- They are easy to transport for use in different locations like RV camping
- You can bring them to a friend’s pool party
- They have a lifespan of around 5 years.
- The soft sides make a comfier backrest
- You can move them around your property to find the best location (hard spas don’t move easily so choose wisely!).
- You can use them indoors
Are Inflatable Hot Tubs Expensive to Maintain?
Inflatable hot tubs cost $50 per month on average for electricity, cleaning chemicals, and filter changes. This is $10 to $20 more per month than a standard hot tub since inflatables use small paper filters that require changing more often. Electrical costs run $15 per month if you leave it on all the time at temperatures averaging 50 degrees F and up.
If you leave it in the sun you can expect to replace the cover every year. Instead, we recommend buying a simple $10 tarp and using that on top of the inflated cover. That tarp should last for years.
How Much Does an Inflatable Hot Tub Raise Your Electric Bill?
On average inflatable hot tubs cost $15 to $50 extra per month in electrical costs ($0.50 to $2 per day). The higher side is for users that turn it off and need to fully heat it several times a month. The lower side is for warmer average outdoor temperatures and running it continuously to maintain an even 104 F.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Run a Hot Tub?
- Use a lower temperature setting
- Leave it running constantly and use it more often!
- Add an insulated outdoor blanket over the cover
- Keep the filters clean
- Install a more robust filter that can be washed in the sink (instead of paying for new paper filters)
- Insulate the recirculation lines
- Keep the pump and heater in an insulated cabinet
- Install a solar hot water heater
Do You Leave Inflatable Hot Tubs on All the Time?
Yes, if you plan to use your hot tub several times a week it’s more efficient to leave it on all the time throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Inflatable hot tubs only heat the water 1 degree Fahrenheit per hour so it can take up to 50 hours (2 full days) to raise the temp from a starting temp of 55 F up to the standard 104 F.
Leaving it on all the time will reduce the lifespan of the pump and heater from 5+ years to 2-3 years. Most models have a 12 month warranty but that doesn’t account for using the system only 4 months out of the year.
How Long Do Inflatable Spas Last?
Inflatable hot tubs last anywhere from 3 to 10 years, depending on how often you use them and if you maintain them properly. Using a water softener will extend their life by preventing scale inside the pump and heating components. Covering the spa with a cheap tarp will prevent sun damage to the vinyl. Most inflatable hot tubs come with a 12-month warranty.
Do Inflatable Spas Have Seats?
No, most inflatable hot tubs do not have built-in seats. The base is inflated though as well as the walls which provide a comfy place to sit. Hard seats are available to purchase and place on the bottom of your spa if desired.
Do Inflatable Hot Tubs Get Hot?
Yes, inflatable hot tubs come with a control unit designed to inflate the tub, operate a filter, and circulate and heat the hot tub water. On average these units heat the water 1 degree Fahrenheit per hour and work best when the nighttime average stays above 40 F. Using their inflatable covers, these tubs will maintain this temperature for as long as it’s plugged in and on. The average cost to maintain 104 F (after it’s heated to this temperature) when you leave the unit on all the time is $15 per month in electricity.
Do Inflatable Hot Tubs Work in Winter?
Yes, inflatable hot tubs work fine in winter and will easily maintain a 104 F temperature as long as the average temperature stays above 40 F. This means they work best for winters along with the southern united states. For colder areas in the north, you’ll want to keep your inflatable inside a greenhouse or partially insulated porch during the winter. An insulated ground mat will be essential when using this outside and the average temperatures are between 40 to 50 F.
Why is this the case? The motor unit that heats and circulates the water can get damaged if used in freezing conditions. The tub itself is highly insulated and could maintain warm temperatures and withstand freezing or snow conditions at night.
One common solution, which again is way cheaper than buying a standard hot tub, is to install a tankless water heater or use a portable tankless water heater to heat the water in the winter. These use a propane heater to heat water as it passes through the unit.
To make the portable heater system work you’ll need an additional pump and hose to recirculate the water. You’ll need to drain the lines when you’re done so they don’t freeze at night.
Also, you’ll want to store the original heater system that came with your inflatable indoors so it doesn’t get damaged.
How Noisy Are Inflatable Hot Tubs?
Inflatable hot tubs are not very noisy in water pumping and heating mode. They are at their loudest when you are initially inflating them. Second to the inflation noise is using the jets. On average inflatable hot tubs generate between 40 and 75 decibels of noise when in use. Hearing damage doesn’t occur until 85 decibels.
You can reduce the noise by storing the control device (pump and heater unit) in a small box.
How Often Should You Change the Water in an Inflatable Hot Tub?
Change out the water in your hot tub once every 2 months. Over a typical 4 month season expect to refill it twice. If you use it several times a week and lots of people use it then you’ll need to change the water at least every 6 weeks.
An inflatable hot tub holds 200 to 250 gallons of water. A normal hose runs at about 3-5 gallons per minute so it will take about 2 hours to drain and refill.
How Do You Keep Inflatable Hot Tub Water Clean?
In addition to changing the water every 6-8 weeks, you should use a chlorine or bromine based disinfectant to keep the water clean. Tub users should also shower prior to entering the spa. Most models include paper filters that will remove leaves and debris and these should be changed every 1-2 weeks. Expect these tasks to take about 15 minutes per week for filter changes and chemical additions. Water changes take about 2 hours.
We recommend buying a separate washable filter to reduce costs. Choosing a location away from overhanging trees can also help keep the water cleaner and reduce filter changes.
