Want the spa experience at home? Then get yourself an inflatable hot tub. These portable pools are the perfect way to unwind – whether it’s been a long day at work, or you just fancy chilling in the summer sun.
In this piece, we’ll cover how these tubs work, how to set them up and what to do to keep them clean. Throw in a few of the most common questions, and you’ll be an inflatables expert in no time. Let’s dive in…
How do inflatable hot tubs work?
Inflatable hot tubs are exactly what they sound like. They’re easy to set up hot tubs that use air and water circulation to create a hot (ha) pool. It’s kind of like a warm bath, except you’re outside!
Here’s a bit more on their parts and how they work:
Electric heating system – An electric heating system lets you set the water temperature to however you like it. And it’ll keep it nice and toasty for your entire soak.
Air jets – The built-in air jets make bubbles and create a lovely massaging effect. The amount (and placement) of these jets will vary depending on which model you’ve got, but they all serve the same purpose.
Pump and filtration system – These two circulate the water to keep it warm, clean and hygienic. The system also filters out any impurities so that your water stays clear.
Durable materials – Most inflatable hot tubs are made from rugged materials like PVC, fabric, or laminate. They’re made to withstand regular use and are easy to set up, store and transport.
How to set up an inflatable hot tub
Getting your inflatable hot tub up and running isn’t rocket science. Here’s how to do it…
Choose a location – Find a flat, stable surface to put the hot tub on. A patio, deck or grassy spot all work, just make sure it’s free of anything sharp. You’ll need an electrical outlet nearby too.
Inflate the tub – Use an electric pump (or the built-in inflation system) to get it pumped up. The manual should tell you how much air to put in. Some models might also need you to inflate different sections separately.
Fill the tub – Once it’s blown up, fill it with water. Use a garden hose or a bucket to fill it to the recommended level. Avoid overfilling the tub to stop water from spilling over the sides.
Set up the pump and heater – Follow the instructions in the manual and connect the pump and heater to the tub. All the connections should be secure. Otherwise, you’ll end up with leaks.
Test the water – Before you use the tub, test the water’s pH and sanitiser levels. Tweak the levels as needed to make sure the water is safe to use.
Sit back and relax – Once everything is set up it’s time for a soak! Find a temperature you like, adjust the jets and chill out.
Benefits of using an inflatable hot tub
Apart from just being plain nice to relax in, inflatable hot tubs have plenty of other stuff going for them…
Size & portability – You won’t find many that are stupidly big. So, they should fit in your back garden without taking up the whole lawn or patio. And if you can be bothered, they’re simple to pack up and move around too. That camping trip is about to get a whole lot better.
Cost – They’re usually cheaper than traditional hot tubs. Plus, they don’t need as much maintenance either.
Easy to use – Most models come with clear, straightforward instructions. And you can easily get everything set up in well under an hour. You don’t need to call in the pros here.
Health benefits – The warm water and air jets can soothe sore muscles, improve circulation and reduce stress. Sounds like a win, win, win!
Energy efficiency – Lots of these tubs are built to be as energy efficient as possible. Some come with energy-saving features like automatic shut-off and low power mode, all to try and keep your bills down.
How to clean an inflatable hot tub
Keeping your tub spic and span is important. I mean, you don’t want to be sat chilling in a swampy looking bog, do you?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning your inflatable hot tub:
Routine maintenance
Test the water – Regularly test the water’s pH and sanitiser levels. This’ll prevent issues like cloudy water, algae growth and skin irritation. Use a water testing kit to check the levels and adjust as needed.
Sanitise the water – You’ll need some chlorine or bromine to sanitise the water. Follow the pointers from the brand for the right dosage and frequency.
Clean or replace filters – Clean or completely replace your filters every two to four weeks. This’ll help them to work exactly how they should. Clogged filters can reduce how effective your filtration system is.
Emptying and refilling the tub
Drain the tub – Empty and refill the tub every four to six weeks to keep things clean. Follow the manufacturer's manual for how to drain the water properly.
Refill with fresh water – Once the tub’s empty, refill it with some fresh water and repeat the sanitising steps above.
Cleaning the tub surface
Use mild cleaners – Clean the tub’s surface and the inside with mild non-abrasive cleaners or a mixture of water and vinegar. Avoid any harsh chemicals that might damage the materials.
Wipe down the jets – Scrub the jets and other parts to keep them free from mucky buildup. Do it with a sponge of soft cloth to avoid scratching anything.
FAQs
Are inflatable hot tubs expensive to run?
This really depends on a few different factors, like the size of the tub and how often you use it. The energy efficiency of the heater and pump is going to make a big difference too.
On average, in the UK, it can cost between £10 and £30 per month to run your inflatable hot tub. And that’s mainly down to the electricity needed to heat the water and power the pump. After all, heating up that much water takes a lot of energy, especially if you’re going for a soak on the regular.
To keep your costs down, keep the water temperature to a consistent level and use a cover (when you’re not sat in it) to retain some heat. Using the tub during off-peak energy hours can help a bit too.
Can I leave my inflatable hot tub empty in winter?
It’s not a good idea to leave your tub empty during the winter. Especially if temperatures end up on the freezing side of things. Freezing water could pool in the bottom and damage the materials or the pump itself. And that repair bill – or the cost to replace the tub entirely – wouldn’t be a great Christmas present…
If you don’t plan to use it until spring rolls around, the best shout is to store it. Drain it completely, clean it, deflate it and put it away somewhere dry. Your garden shed will do. That way, your tub won’t get brittle and split in the chilly weather.
Can I use my inflatable hot tub in the rain?
Inflatable hot tubs are generally built to be used outside. And we do live in the UK, so it’s odds on that there’s going to be a shower or two at some point. If yours is out on the patio though, you don’t want any of the electrical components (like the heater and pump) to get soaked. Luckily, most tubs are way ahead of you, with waterproof electrical connections to keep things safe. Just double check the manufacturer’s manual first to see if that’s the case with yours before leaping in.
And it probably goes without saying – we wouldn’t suggest using the hot tub during a heavy storm or strong winds. If the water level gets too high, or the electrics get exposed to excess water, it could be dangerous. Instead, pop a cover over it and use it when the sun comes out again.
Can you have an inflatable hot tub indoors?
You sure can. But before you set it up, think about the space you’re about to put it in. You’ll need to measure the area and see if there’s actually enough room to fit the tub in. Inflatable hot tubs can be really heavy once they’re full of water too. Meaning you’ll have to be confident your floor will properly support the weight. If it cracks, you’re about to have water everywhere.
Your room also needs to be well ventilated. Hot tubs release lots of moisture into the air. And if you haven’t got many windows nearby, it’ll have nowhere to go. That complete lack of airflow will eventually lead to mould or mildew. And that’s just icky.
Lastly, you need a power source to heat the water and run the pump. Just don’t put the tub too close to it. After all, water and electricity doesn’t mix well.
Can you pressure wash an inflatable hot tub?
No, you definitely shouldn’t pressure wash your tub. The high-pressure water can easily damage the materials and cause leaks. And that’ll put a real dampener on things…
Take the gentle approach instead. You can wipe down the outside with a soft cloth or sponge and some mild soap. Then for the inside, grab some non-abrasive cleaner – or a mixture of water and vinegar – to get rid of any stains. All done? Make sure you give the tub a proper rinse to remove any residue that might affect the water chemistry.
Do inflatable hot tubs puncture easily?
Inflatable hot tubs are generally pretty sturdy things. But like anything inflatable, they’ll puncture if they come into contact with sharp objects, rough surfaces, or a lot of pressure. Pop yours on a flat, smooth spot – and don’t accidentally leave your keys near it.
A lot of inflatable hot tubs come with a handy repair kit for patching up small punctures. So, don’t panic if you suddenly spring a leak.
How to dispose of an inflatable hot tub in the UK
When your hot tub’s on its last legs, here’s what you’ll need to do:
Drain and clean – First off, drain all the water from the tub. Then clean it thoroughly to stop any mould or mildew from building up.
Deflate – Remove all of the air from the hot tub.
Waste disposal – Depending on what sort of nick your tub’s in, you’ll either be able to recycle the materials, or bin them as general waste. The local tip should accept plastic and rubber parts but give them a ring before you lug it all the way down there.
Check for local collection services – Some councils run a bulky waste collection service for any larger items. Waste disposal companies might even come to you if the tub’s beyond repair and can’t be recycled.
Sell it – If you’re upgrading tubs – and this older one it still working ok – you could always try selling it online. Then you’ll have some cash to put towards your new hot tub.
That’s the inflatable hot tub sorted, but what about the rest of your outside space? Here’s a few tips on getting your garden in shape. And if it’s your turn on hosting duties, don’t sweat it. We’ve made a handy guide on how to host the perfect garden party – whatever the weather. You can thank us later.
