We all know that hot tubs are a great way to relax. After a long, tiring day at work, you can find relief and comfort in the warm waters and air jets that massage the stress and worries of the day away. In reality though, not everyone can afford to spend hundreds and thousands of dollars to have a permanent hot tub installed in their home.
Due to this cost issue, an inflatable hot tub is becoming a very popular alternative to the traditional above-ground tubs. Inflatable tubs are cheap and portable and can obtained from a variety of retail outlets.
Why choose an inflatable hot tub?
Portability
One of the primary reasons why people go for an inflatable hot tub is because they are very portable.
While conventional tubs are impossible to move around, an inflatable hot tub is the exact opposite. It is easy to pack and carry around wherever you want to take it. You can place an inflatable hot tub in your backyard, at a campsite, anywhere, anytime. Inflatable hot tubs pack small and they are durable, making them convenient to bring even on long trips.
Heats up easily
Unlike traditional hot tubs, an inflatable hot tub heats up quickly. Meaning, you do not have to wait long for that relaxing bath. Also, the faster they heat up, the more energy and electricity you save.
Offers the same relaxing effect
What’s even better with portable hot tubs is that they give you the same soothing, warm, and relaxing experience that conventional hot tubs provide. An inflatable hot tub also comes with comfortable hot tub seats and water jets that produce bubbles for a “traditional hot tub like” effect and feel.
Maintenance
Inflatable hot tubs are very easy to maintain, even easier than a permanent hot tub. These tubs are generally smaller and are therefore easier to clean. When not in use you can just easily pack them away and store them somewhere free of dust and dirt. Even if they do get dusty over time, you can easily wash an inflatable hot tub and get it ready for use again.
Cost
Portable inflatable hot tubs are absolutely budget-friendly; they are cheaper, they are easier to maintain, and they save you electricity. They are less expensive mainly because they are made in a variety of materials, vinyl, plastic, and nylon.
Size
An inflatable hot tub usually comes in a small form factor, usually round, whereas traditional hot tubs are much larger in size due to the materials they’re constructed from. Modern traditional hot tubs are now usually constructed in rectangular, square, or other large form factor shapes to accommodate multiple persons (e.g. octagon shape). The small round size of an inflatable hot tub enables you to insert the tub into relatively small spaces around the home. Accordingly, an inflatable hot tub is usually more suitable for an intimate setting and suitable for fewer persons (1-2 people).
What are the disadvantages of an inflatable hot tub?
Of course, due to its size, the disadvantage of an inflatable hot tub is that it can only accommodate a limited number of people, depending on its total weight capacity.
Most inflatable hot tubs only accommodate up to 2 people. Accordingly, a hot tub and spa party may not be possible if you only purchase one of these smaller inflatable hot tub varieties. However, it is possible to purchase an inflatable hot tub larger in size that would permit more than the usual 2 persons. This is one factor that some consider a disadvantage of this type of hot tub over traditional tubs. However, the cost and convenience advantages usually outweigh this disadvantage.
An inflatable hot tub is usually manufactured from vinyl, plastic, and/or nylon. Accordingly, an inflatable hot tub is not as robust as permanent hot tubs which are manufactured from fibreglass and usually installed on steel frames. However, the technology of vinyl, plastic and nylon manufacturing nowadays means even these materials are very durable and robust. Therefore, you should enjoy many years of use and enjoyment from your inflatable hot tub if properly cared for.
What other equipment do I need?
When you decide to buy an inflatable tub, you will also need to purchase an air pump to get it up and running. There may also be other accessories to add depending on the type and needs of the portable tub you purchased (for example, a puncture repair kit). However, most inflatable hot tub packages include all the equipment you need to operate the hot tub so you can just sit back, relax and enjoy!