Are Inflatable Hot Tubs Worth It?

Key Takeaways:

• Affordability: National average cost of an inflatable hot tub is $400 to $1,500 (hard-sided hot tubs are $3,000 to $10,000)

• Durability: Constructed with long-lasting materials that resist punctures and stand up to weight, strain and movement

• Easy Setup and Portability: Inflates quickly with the heater pump and can be easily moved to another location

• Easy Maintenance: Simple to clean and maintain with the right tools

When you’re on the hunt for ways to unwind after a long, hard day, hot tubs should be at the top of your de-compression list!

Taking a nice, soothing soak promotes overall relaxation of the mind and body and boosts mood and sense of well-being, allowing you to recover and recharge for the following day.

So, if you’re asking yourself, “Are inflatable hot tubs worth it?” The short answer is: Yes!

Keep reading for the more complete answer – 5 reasons why inflatable hot tubs are worth the money.

1. Affordability

Inflatable hot tubs are far less expensive than hard-sided hot tubs.

The national average cost of an inflatable hot tub is $400 to $1,500* while an above ground hard-sided hot tub averages $3,000-$10,000. An in-ground hot tub that’s professionally installed will set you back $8,000 to $25,000, depending on the number of features.

SaluSpa® inflatable hot tubs, The Original Premium Portable Spa™, range from $500 to $1,400 – making them the more affordable choice.

2. Durability

Now, don’t let the affordable price make you think inflatable hot tubs aren’t durable.

SaluSpa inflatable hot tubs are constructed with long-lasting materials that resist punctures and stand up to weight, strain and movement. These materials include:

• Tritech®: a 3-layer material that’s stress tested to offer superior durability and puncture resistance 

• MaxHold™: fabric internal beams that provide superior air pressure retention, stability and lightweight portability – maintains its intended shape over time, no matter how many times you inflate/deflate it

• FortiFiber™ Drop Stitch: high-quality material provides rigidity, strength and durability while still being lightweight and portable when deflated

In addition to inflatable hot tubs, SaluSpa also makes portable hot tubs that feature a thick, durable ThermaCore™ foam material that’s surrounded by a Tritech cover to efficiently hold in heat. This special construction provides a sturdier, more durable option that is up to 60% more energy-efficient than a traditional inflatable hot tub.

3. Easy Setup

Another reason inflatable hot tubs are worth it is ease of setup.

Unlike hard-sided hot tubs that require extensive setup, multiple tools and often have more difficult power requirements that sometimes necessitate an electrician, inflatable hot tubs set up with the press of a button – no professional installation required!

SaluSpa traditional pumps and UltraFit™ pumps (space-saving pump that’s built directly into the liner) do all the work for you. The easy-to-reach, digital control panel on the multi-function pump inflates the hot tub, heats the water up to 104ºF (which is just as hot as a hard-sided hot tub!) and runs the massage and filtration systems.

Bonus: The pump features 2 built-in cup holders to keep your drinks and snacks close by!

Not convinced? Just follow these 5 quick and easy setup steps. 

4. Portability

Now, if you’re still asking yourself, “Are inflatable hot tubs worth the money?” A huge benefit is portability.

If you change your mind about the location, portable hot tubs are easy to take down and move to another spot in your backyard oasis! They’re also simple to take down at the end of the season and put back up when it’s hot tub season again.

Unlike hard-sided hot tubs that are extremely heavy and more difficult to put back together, inflatable hot tubs are lightweight and portable – taking the stress out of moving locations.

5. Easy Maintenance

Lastly, inflatable hot tubs are worth it because they’re easy to maintain, especially with the right tools, like a chemical starter kit and an all-in-one cleaning kit.

 
Just like a hard-sided hot tub, you want to regularly clean your inflatable hot tub to extend its lifespan so you can continue to enjoy your hot tub year after year.

And chemical maintenance doesn’t need to be complicated! Just follow these 3 easy steps to keep your hot tub crystal clear.

Ready to rest and recharge in your own backyard? 

Explore our SaluSpa hot tubs and find your perfect fit today! 

*Per HomeGuide's 2025 hot tub cost analysis.