Why Inflatable Hot Tubs Don't Save You Money
A cheap inflatable hot tub may cost less at first, but are they worth the investment even at the lower price? Read on to learn why blow up hot tubs might just be hot air.
Are Inflatable Hot Tubs Worth The Frugal Price?
Getting an outdoor hot tub is the ultimate goal for many people who want the best backyard relaxation experience possible. Portable hot tubs entice would-be spa owners strapped for cash due to the low cost and compact DIY setup. However, there are some drawbacks to buying those inflatable hot tubs you see for sale that may not be worth your while. In this blog post, we will go over five reasons why you may want to reconsider buying an inflatable hot tub and instead buy a traditional hard-side hot tub.
1. Durability Issues
The first reason is that they are not as durable. Many people report having to buy a new blow-up hot tub within two to three years of setting it up, which may be more than you want to spend when saving money was your original goal. Unlike a hard-side spa that can last 20 years or more, even the best inflatable hot tubs will only last five or six years at most before needing to be replaced.
2. Less Room To Soak
Portable hot tubs are deceptive in size when you consider wall thickness, which is usually about a foot thick after inflating. You may think you are getting a spa spacious enough for hot tub parties based on the spa dimensions listed on the box, but once inflated you could be unpleasantly surprised with how little room you and your family have to soak.
3. Poor Thermal Energy Efficiency
The third reason is that they are not as energy efficient as traditional hot tubs; this means that you may be spending more money on electricity, in the long run, to heat your portable spa tub.
Not to mention the fact that as the outside air temperature drops below 50° F, it becomes increasingly difficult for your inflatable hot tub heater to maintain a water temperature of 104° F. That’s not always true. Still, in most cases, you can expect water temperatures well into the 90 degrees area depending on how cold it becomes.
4. Poor Water Filtration
If you regularly have four or five persons in a 200-300 gallon hot tub, the water will need to be changed more frequently to keep it clean. The undersized spa filters that come standard on inflatable hot tubs can be overwhelmed by a heavy bather load or frequent usage.
It’s also worth noting that the hot tub water can get unpleasant rather swiftly, even if everyone takes a shower first. If only one or two people use the hot tub frequently or rarely, you won’t have to worry as much. Still, compared to hard-side hot tubs – portable hot tubs require more of a need for you to keep up with constant water quality checks, chemical rebalances, and water changes to maintain a spa that provides a relaxing sense of “Awe” rather than a revolting experience of “EW”!
5. Safety Concerns
Inflatable spas tend to be shorter than most standard hot tubs. The danger of this is for parents because toddlers can easily climb into an open hot tub that is only 28” tall. A locking lid should keep most kids out and minimize the chance of a drowning accident, but inflatable spa covers are often equipped with cheap flimsy strap clips that young children can open with ease. If you have kids, make sure the hot tub you choose has a good quality lockable hot tub cover.
6. Less Comfortable Seating
Inflatable hot tubs do not include solid molded seats or a bench-type platform to sit on. Instead, you’ll likely be sitting on the floor of the hot tub at ground level as opposed to the luxury amenities you get with a conventional spa. Because of this, they might not be as pleasant for lengthy soaking sessions and may be challenging for some to get in and out.
7. Not As Versatile As They Appear
Even though inflatable hot tubs are lightweight when full they become quite hefty. Being easy to carry compact in the box you might think you can set them up anywhere, but that is not the case as they’re not ideal for elevated floors, roofs, and balconies that aren’t sufficiently reinforced to carry the extra weight. Full of water and people, inflatable hot tubs can weigh a hefty up to 2,500 lbs! It’s critical to position them on a flat ground-level surface, such as a flat location in your yard, a concrete pad, or on the lowest level floor of your home in the basement or first floor.
Buy The Best To Feel Your Best
Overall, inflatable hot tubs are not as durable, take up more space, provide less safety, get dirtier faster, and are less energy efficient than traditional hard-side hot tubs. If you are looking to buy a hot tub for your backyard, it is essential to consider all of these factors before deciding.
Seven Seas Pools & Spas Has You Covered
High-quality hot tubs from Seven Seas Pools & Spas offer unmatched long-term health, relaxation, and energy efficiency benefits that even the best inflatable spas can’t match. We only sell hard-side models because they’re more reliable than their softer counterparts, so you know your investment is going into something truly worth the money.
Concerned about the cost? We offer a wide range of convenient financing options and incredible money-saving promotions throughout the year to make buying a new hot tub as easy and affordable as possible. Contact us today, and we will help you find the perfect spa that will bring you luxurious relaxation and cherished memories with friends and family for years to come!
