9 best inflatable hot tubs to bring Mediterranean warmth to the comfort of your back garden
Post-2020, the best inflatable hot tubs have been well and truly established. Indeed, according to The Telegraph, during the first 12 weeks of lockdown their sales surged by a whopping 480%, with home and garden renovations at an all-time high. And inflatable pools were pretty popular, too.
Fortunately for us, that means no messing about in our search for an inflatable hot tub for summer 2022. From capacity to maximum temperature, there are a number of factors to consider and, thanks to a mass of online inflatable hot tub reviews circa 2020, you can just cut straight to the point and eliminate what you do and don't want in a portable hot tub. Zero faff.
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One of the best retailers for reviews is Argos, and their Cancun Lay-Z-Spa alone has racked up an impressive 176 comments. The things buyers are most concerned about? Size (does it actually seat eight people…), heat retention and price. Most inflatable hot tubs on the market hover around the four person capacity, but six person options are available, too. Regarding heat retention, the outer walls and cover are going to make all the difference. Look for an insulated cover, a thermal ground cloth and, if you're really concerned, you can even buy hot tub insulation jackets for the colder months.
Our pick of the best inflatable hot tubs? See this Tahiti Lay-Z-Spa from Blacks, with a sizeable spec - highlights include, LED lighting and that all-important massage jet system - at less than £300, it comes in at a much smaller price than its competitors. Elsewhere, this MSpa Premium 6 Person hot tub is as spacious as can be and gives other, more well known, names on the market a run for their money with a masterclass in luxury appeal. With a leather trim finish and ozone technology, negating the need for chlorine entirely, the MSpa is the high-end choice for us.
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How much do inflatable hot tubs cost to run (UK)?
Based on Lay-Z-Spa's Hollywood AirJet model - a four-person hot tub with LED lighting and a massage system - the brand estimates that the average customer spends £7-£10 a week in running costs.
What's the best inflatable hot tub?
Depending on your biggest priorities - price, style and/or performance - the best inflatable hot tub will vary from buyer to buyer. Below, we've rounded up our top-line recommendations for these categories:
- Best high-end inflatable hot tub - MSpa Soho Premium 6 Person Inflatable Hot Tub, £549.95, Amazon
- Best affordable inflatable hot tub - Bestway Lay-Z-Spa Tahiti AirJet Hot Tub, £285, Blacks
- Most aesthetic inflatable hot tub - Wave Spas Pacific 2-4 person inflatable hot tub, £360, Selfridges
- Best performing inflatable hot tub - Lay-Z-Spa Hollywood AirJet 4-6 Adults, £649.99, Very
Whether you're after a cosy hot tub for two or something for a family-friendly dip (with all the chlorine maintenance monitored for you), we've run through all the best options at a variety of prices. So, hopefully, when you're ready to checkout, you'll can rest easy in your decision.
After more outdoor content? We've found the best picnic blankets for gatherings in the park, the best picnic bags for transporting your boxed wine and the best umbrellas to keep you dry if the rain makes an appearance. Head this way for the best pizza ovens for al fresco dining, over here for the best BBQs and over here for the best patio heaters so you can kick back and never get cold. We've even got fire pits for a Love Island-style garden makeover, the best hanging egg chairs for your patio and the best garden furniture sets. You are most welcome.
For more from GLAMOUR UK Commerce Writer Lucy Smith, follow her on Instagram @luceeeeesmith.
Scroll for our full edit of the best inflatable hot tubs.
Best inflatable hot tub for winter UK
Wave Spas Pacific 2-4 person inflatable hot tub, £360, Selfridges
- Capacity: four people, 624 litres
- Highest temperature: 40°C
- Type and no. of jets: massage air jets, 95
- LED lights: N/A
- Weight (unfilled): 23.7kg
- Includes cover: Yes
Why we love it: With a square design for that little bit of extra space, this comfortable all-weather inflatable spa is eco-friendly and, with its rattan-effect PVC, even looks like a hardwearing jacuzzi.
Pros: Eco-friendly heating system, protective all-weather ground sheet and cover included, as well as a filter, inflation hose and five metre cable. Super-fast set up, has a six-month warranty on the main PVC lining plus one year on the smart control panel.
Cons: Doesn't come with the chemicals for safe water maintenance and needs to be moved indoors when temperatures are below 5°C. Plus, no neck cushions.
Customer review: “Love my Pacific, had it 18 months now and used every night, it’s been a total Godsend, very sturdy and easy to maintain.”
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Best inflatable hot tub UK 2022
Intex Inflatable 4 Person Hot Tub, £399.99, Aldi
- Capacity: four people, 795 litres
- Highest temperature: 40°C
- Type and no. of jets: bubble air jets, 135
- LED lights: N/A
- Weight (unfilled): 38.6kg
- Includes cover: Yes
Why we love it: With a generous capacity for a four-person hot tub (with most around 100 litres less), this Intex PureSpa hot tub is not only roomy, but it's extra comfy with added headrests, too.
Pros: Headrests, lengthy three-year warranty, thermal ground sheet, two filters, chemical kit, carry bag and a hardwater treatment system all included.
Cons: No steps, no massage function and no LEDs.
Customer review: “Lots more durable than a more popular make. You can actually sit on the side whilst getting in. Its hexagonal shape is more roomy than the round.”
Best 2 person inflatable hot tub
CosySpa Inflatable Hot Tub Spa, £299.99, Amazon
- Capacity: four people, 687 litres
- Highest temperature: 42°C
- Type and no. of jets: massage air jets, 135
- LED lights: N/A
- Weight (unfilled): 111.4kg
- Includes cover: Yes
Why we love it: Comfortably suited to two people - though it technically has enough space for four - this CosySpa hot tub is great for couples and, if you opt for the added comfort set, even comes with a drinks holder.
Pros: Cover, filter and ground cloth all included, as well as headrests, a drinks holder and air pump. It features aluminium foil across both the outer walls and lid to prevent heat loss, and the rapid heating system reaches a toasty two degrees higher than many of its competitors.
Cons: No steps or lights, filter requires daily cleaning and doesn't include a chemical kit.
Customer review: “Love our hot tub, perfect way to relax with the comfort headrests, drink in the holder and bubble jets on! It’s enjoyed by all the family, we couldn’t imagine the household without it now. It was delivered on time & easy to setup, definitely recommend this hot tub.”
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Best inflatable hot tub with hydro jets
MSpa Soho Premium 6 Person Inflatable Hot Tub, £549.95, Amazon
- Capacity: six people, 930 litres
- Highest temperature: 36°C
- Type and no. of jets: 360-degree hydromassage air-jet system, 132
- LED lights: No
- Weight (unfilled): 35.5kg
- Includes cover: Yes
Why we love it: One of the more uniquely designed inflatable hot tubs, this premium pick from MSpa comes with a handy ozone generator, negating the need for chlorine and a chemical floater entirely.
Pros: No need for chlorine, freeze shield technology to prevent ice from forming, child safety mode, optional automatic timer for the heater and cover included.
Cons: No mention of a ground sheet and only reaches 36°C.
Customer inflatable hot tub review: “Great product which is sturdy, wears well and easy to maintain. We bought it in the summer and we are still using it in February!! Copes with the winter well!”
Best 6 person inflatable hot tub
Deluxe Inflatable 6 to 8 person hot tub, £389.99, ManoMano
- Capacity: six adults or eight children, litres not listed
- Highest temperature: 42°C
- Type and no. of jets: ‘all-surround’ massage air jets, exact number not listed
- LED lights: N/A
- Weight (unfilled): not listed
- Includes cover: Yes
Why we love it: The only one of our picks to include a foot bath, this EzySpa really is bringing that spa experience to your back garden and we're all for it.
Pros: The only hot tub from our selection with the capacity for seven people plus, it heats up an extra 2°C compared to more premium competitors and, with a neck pillow, inflatable foot bath and airjet massage system, it ticks all the relaxation boxes.
Cons: Only one headrest included and no mention of heat retention, though it does state that the “heating system ensures the right temperature no matter the weather.”
Customer review: “For the price you can't get a better hot tub. Been looking for a while and seen this one, the price had been reduced so I bought it!! Extras are included, like a cover which locks, and a foot bath. Just waiting for the temperature to warm up so I can get in.”
Best Lazy Spas
Lay-Z-Spa Hollywood AirJet 4-6 Adults, £649.99, Very
- Capacity: six people, 908 litres
- Highest temperature: 40°C
- Type and no. of jets: AirJet™ massage system, 140
- LED lights: Yes
- Weight (unfilled): 39.6kg
- Includes cover: Yes
Why we love it: Complete with ambient LED lighting tech, this Lay-Z-Spa Hollywood is one of the best hot tubs for night-time and, with an integrated filtration system and cup holders, this high-end pick really does do all the hard work for you, leaving you to sit back, drink and relax.
Pros: Includes a generous four pillows, one filter cartridge, pump and insulated cover, not to mention a chlorine dispenser to ensure even cleaning throughout.
Cons: No cushioned floor, despite the higher price point and, while it does come with a puncture repair kit, the DuraPlus™ walls aren't fully puncture resistant.
Customer review: “What a product. Its my first spa and I'm glad I chose this one. Its quiet, easy to use and looks amazing.”
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Best buy inflatable hot tub
Bestway Lay-Z-Spa Tahiti AirJet Hot Tub, £285, Blacks
- Capacity: four people, 669 litres
- Highest temperature: 40°C
- Type and no. of jets: AirJet™ bubble massage system, 120
- LED lights: Yes
- Weight (unfilled): 33.7kg
- Includes cover: Yes
Why we love it: One of our top picks for affordability, this Bestway spa hot tub comes with a snazzy seven-colour LED lighting system and all the bits you need to get started - cover, ground sheet etc. - for less than half the price of its competitors.
Pros: LED lighting, cup holders, chlorine dispenser and an adjustable massage water jet system.
Cons: No carry bag for portability and water temperature isn't quite as high as some others for year-round use.
Customer review: “Beautiful, functional, easy to assemble and use; it looks great on the terrace.”
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All year round inflatable hot tub UK
Lay-Z-Spa Cancun 4 Person Hot Tub, £360, Argos
- Capacity: four people, 669 litres
- Highest temperature: 40°C
- Type and no. of jets: AirJet™ full-body massage system, 120
- LED lights: No
- Weight (unfilled): 26.8kg
- Includes cover: Yes
Why we love it: Being available at Argos, this affordable hot tub is your best bet for quick, or even same day - delivery. More like a permanent hot tub with its beam construction makeup, the Cancun Lay-Z-Spa is perfect for those aspiring for a rigid jacuzzi on a modest budget.
Pros: Blows up in under five minutes, protected from frost and UV and, with its hard top safety cover, provides even greater weather resistance.
Cons: No lights, even with the higher price than some other models, no cup holders and water capacity also is perhaps pushing it for four adults.
Customer review: “Bought a month ago at a great price, excellent size for 2, maybe a bit of a squeeze for 4 adults. Once read instructions, easy to set up and keep maintained. Would highly recommend.”
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Best square inflatable hot tub
Lay-Z-Spa Hawaii airjet 6 person Spa, £635, B&Q
- Capacity: six people, 840 litres
- Highest temperature: 40°C
- Type and no. of jets: AirJet™ system, 140
- LED lights: No
- Weight (unfilled): 36.3kg
- Includes cover: Yes
Why we love it: With a square structure, this B&Q Lay-Z-Spa is our favourite for appearance, with a sturdy exterior and seamless blue design and, with the capacity for six people, it's a top pick for big families, too.
Pros: Tritech liner, insulated lid and adjustable digital control panel.
Cons: While we love it, blue doesn't go with all exterior decor schemes, and a partial assembly is required with this one, too.
Customer review: “Purchased this hot tub from B&Q - excellent value for money. It’s better than I was expecting, we have been in it every day since commissioning it and that in itself was very easy and straightforward. Can’t think of anything negative to say!!”
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