Best inflatable hot tubs
Though we’re only just entering the height of summer, most of us have spent more time at home - and particularly, in our back gardens - than ever before. Now is the time to make the most of the plots at hand.
For some, it’s small tweaks like new house plants or new lighting, while those with space and savings are looking for bigger and better upgrades bigger, splashing out on new furniture or outdoor toys. Cue the hot tub.
During the first 12 weeks of lockdown, there was a 480 per cent surge in hot tub sales as Britons prioritised relaxation when holidays were off the table. Not only do they transform gardens into holiday-worthy sanctuaries, they take up minimal space unlike pools.
Even better? Hot tub technology is now so advanced you don’t need to rip up your garden to get your hands on one. Inflatable hot tubs are now just as innovative as their heavier, more expensive counterparts, and can be enjoyed the very same day they’re delivered.
Can inflatable hot tubs be used in the winter?
Yes, but not all of them. Many people prefer to drain their hot tubs in the winter, while other (arguably, braver) souls keep them running.
When temperatures drop low enough, water that is not circulated or heated will freeze and cause damage to your inflatable hot tub. To avoid this, you want to ensure your hot tub is filled and heated before it’s too cold outside, and emptied when temperatures start dropping below 10 degrees.
With that said, there are a few, high-end inflatable hot tubs that have been specially designed to work year-round.
Here are the best inflatable hot tubs of 2020 you can buy today:
1. CleverSpa Onyx 4 Person Hot Tub
This brand new inflatable CleverSpa is not only as clever as its name suggests, but an absolute steal at under £400. With a black ‘leatherette’ finish, the ‘Onyx’ would look stylish in any summer garden year-round (and thanks to its FreezeGuard, can also be used year-round).
In this four-person hot tub, adults will be close but comfortable, while couples keeping the space intimate have enough room to stretch their legs out for evening soaks. Either way, the hot tub’s 110 air jets do a wonderful job of relaxing the body.
Best of all? It comes with an insulated top cover with double-locking safety clips, two safety locking clip keys, a full filtration kit (with sock), an inflation hose, a repair patch, and inflates in less than five minutes.
2. Lay-Z-Spa Helsinki 7 Person AirJet Hot Tub
The next best thing to a wooden hot tub is a wooden-effect inflatable hot tub, as far as we’re concerned. At less than half the price, it's arguably a much better option. This seven-person inflatable hot tub ticks every box; tonnes of space (1123 litres of water worth!), tonnes of power (with the help of 87 smart air jets), and Freeze Shield™ technology which protects the hot tub during colder months.
As its external shell was inspired by traditional Nordic hot tubs, it’s a real crowd-pleaser at summer and winter parties (which is where its drop-stitching shines best, staying stable and strong as people climb in and out). As a bonus, Lay-Z-Spa also boasts a dedicated UK customer service team and a two-year warranty.
3. MSpa Silver Cloud Inflatable Hot Tub
This four-person hot tub is a brilliant investment for anyone who wants to go from box to bliss in minutes. The hot tub inflates in just two minutes with the simple press of a button, at which point the control box and PTC safe heating technology will handle everything else you need.
With 118 air jets, the Silver Cloud is a great choice for people looking to soothe muscle pain or indulge in something of a full-body massage. A built-in spa cover, wired controller, filter cartridge, digital lock, and garden hose adapter are also included.
Though it does heat up to 42 celsius, it is described as little more than ‘frost-resistant’. We advise extra care in winter months to prevent weather damage. Six-month spa pool guarantee and 12-month electrical part guarantee included.
4. Lay-Z Spa Paris
The ‘Paris’ is the ‘dinner and a show’ of hot tubs. As well as soothing and entertaining its occupants with super-charged bubbles below the water, this inflatable hot tub’s lighting system adds that little something extra. It rotates seven colours, illuminating night-time dips with the colour of your choice. There’s even a wireless remote control, should you change your mind in the tub.
As it comes part-assembled, it also only takes about ten minutes to set up before it's ready to fill with water.
Complete with 87 jets, Lay-Z-Spa’s brilliant AirJet Massage System is also considered one of the bubbliest on the market, creating powerful streams to massage the skin as the heat (up to 40 degrees, which can be timer-controlled) relaxes the muscles. Leatheroid exterior cover with Double Lock safety clips included.
