Show of hands - who else bases their staycation on whether the accommodation has a hot tub or not? I know I do!
There's something totally luxurious about lounging around in a hot tub, especially after a long walk, workout or just a generally tough day. However, having access to a hot tub doesn't have to be reserved for special occasions, nor does it have to cost you an arm and a leg.
Instead of opting for a built-in hot tub that could set you back up to £5,000 (or more!), inflatable hot tubs give you a similar experience but for much less money and less maintenance.
They're easy to move around, so you can pick the perfect spot in your garden, can be stored away when you don't want to use yours and there's a huge array of options for any budget. So, crank up the speakers, send the kids to play on the trampoline and get ready to take a few much-needed moments of calm.
Let's check out the best inflatable hot tubs to relax in:
Best inflatable hot tubs
1 of 7Lay-Z-Spa Ibiza Hot Tub
Top pick: The Lay-Z-Spa Ibiza fits four to six people, heats up to 40°C, has a dual operation heating and massage system, and is easy to set up and transport. All Lay-Z-Spas include a water filtration system to help keep your water clear and this one comes with a leatheroid cover with inflatable lid, featuring double lock safety clips and an air pad floor mat.
Review: "Bigger than expected, easy to set up and an absolute luxury product, the jet bubbles make if feel like a day at the spa."
2 of 7Intex Inflatable 4 Person Hot Tub
Available while stocks last: Turn your outdoor space into a garden retreat with the Intex inflatable hot tub. This octagon shaped hot tub has 135 bubble jets, heated air bubbles and a 795L capacity. Perfect for up to four adults, it also comes with an insulated and lockable cover.
Review: "Had this a few weeks now and we love it. Our cleverspa tub broke down and it wasn't worth repairing. I'm glad we bought this as the quality is miles better than the cleverspa one, from the power of the bubbles to overall construction and quality of the materials. For the price I couldn't believe how much you get with it. Headrests, proper insulated ground sheet and an inflatable bladder for the lid to keep it insulated from losing heat. We didn't get any of that with the cleverspa for the same money."
3 of 7CosySpa Inflatable Hot Tub Sp
Best value: This affordable hot tub is great for anyone who doesn't want to spend too much. Choose from a four or six person hot tub, as well as a number of accessory packs too. It's easily set up in five minutes, comes with 130 air jets, reaches 42°C and comes with a ground cover and lockable top cover.
Review: "The hot tub is so comfortable. We put a base of the foam squares under ours. It is so easy to set up. One of the best things we have bought. I would never have believed we would be outside in a hot tub at this times of year. It is so cosy and warm. My only regret is that we didn't buy one sooner."
4 of 7Lay-Z-Spa Bali 2-4 Person LED Hot Tub
Best inflatable hot tub with LED lights: The Lay-Z-Spa Bali hot tub is suitable for 2-4 people and heats the water to 40°C, while the 81 AirJet massage system delivers a relaxing hot tub experience. It's made from premium 3-ply reinforced TriTech material, is puncture resistant and durable. It comes with a cover and there's a built in seven colour changing LED lighting system, which is pretty cool.
Review: "Highly recommended and great value for money. We love this tub and use it every day. It comes with an extended warranty if you register it when you open the box. Don't forget to purchase the chlorine kit, it says chlorine granules are not recommended but it does have a chlorine block holder just make sure you get the small ones! Great to use and easy to set up."
5 of 7Lay-Z-Spa Vegas Hot Tub
Editor's pick: The Lay-Z-Spa Vegas has 140 air jets, can fit 4-6 people with ease and can heat the water to 40°C. It's elegant and thoroughly enjoyable. It features an insulating and cushioned bottom and comes with a handy insulated leatheroid cover.
Review: "Really good value, easy to install and perfect for these long hot summer days. I did have previous experience as a friend has had this model for a few years and it has lasted well. Would definitely recommend."
£440.00
- Rrp: £599.00
6 of 7Lay-Z-Spa Cancun 2-4 Person Hot Tub
Best budget inflatable hot tub: The Lay-Z-Spa Cancun is stylishly designed, has an 81 AirJet system, and reaches 40°C. You'll have this one set up in ten minutes without any tools. Like the Miami, it has a cushioned floor, reinforced TriTech material, insulated leatheroid cover and ground fault detection system. Plus, it has the ability to schedule your hot tub session.
Review: "Wanted a lazy spa for ages… and have not been disappointed. Great buy, would highly recommend!"
7 of 7Helsinki 7 Person Lay-Z-Spa AirJet Hot Tub
Best inflatable hot tub for social gatherings: One of the largest hot tubs on the list, this wood effect hot tub seats seven people. Inspired by the hot tubs of ski resorts, it's equipped with Freeze Shield™ for year-round, all-weather use. The integrated 87 AirJet system provides a lovely massage experience, it heats the water to 40°C and is setup in five minutes.
Review: "This spa has definitely met up with the standard of other reviews. We have found it to be really well made and simple to erect. Just need to see if it holds up to the winter temperatures as this is a new design that has freeze proof exterior. Looks fab and is great to relax in under the stars!"
All of these inflatable hot tubs have been hand-selected by What's The Best shopping experts. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching inflatable hot tubs, so you can choose the best one. Plus, we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in. Find out why you should trust us here.
Inflatable hot tub maintenance
Once your new hot tub has arrived, make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully to get clued up on the maintenance your hot tub needs. This will, no doubt, include regular cleaning.
If your hot tub doesn't come with a test kit, you'll need to invest in one to test the pH and alkalinity of the hot tub water at least once a week. You should aim for 7.4 to 7.6 pH for an inflatable hot tub - too low and you could damage the material.
To clean the water, add a sanitiser like chlorine, which will come in tablet form or granules. Depending on your usage, you should look to add sanitiser to your hot tub every day, or at least every couple of days. Check the instructions to find out which sanitiser your hot tub needs and ensure to follow the recommended amounts so you can always use your hot tub.
Remove the filter at least once a week to clean it (some hot tubs require this to be done daily) and ensure it isn't clogged with leaves, grass, and other debris. Inflatable hot tub filters can become clogged a little more quickly than permanent hot tubs.
Every few weeks, you should drain your hot tub in order to clean it with liquid soap and water - again, your instructions will tell you the best formula to use.
Containing everything you could need to keep your hot tub clean, this starter kit is specifically manufactured for use with Lay-E-Spa hot tubs. It comes with 500g chlorine, 700g pH minus 500g pH plus, 500ml foam remover, 25 test strips, and a dosing guide.
Keep your filter clean with ease using this cartridge cleaner. Simply add 500ml to 10 litres of water and soak the filter overnight, then rinse off thoroughly with a hose.
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Jade Moscrop is a Deputy Editor for WhatsTheBest, specialising in lifestyle topics. She also writes for Closer, Heat, and Mother&Baby.
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