The 6 Best Inflatable Hot Tubs for Backyard Relaxation

The Miami is built for two people who want a hot tub without much fuss or yard space. It’s round, 71 inches across, holds 177, and fits two adults comfortably or four if everyone doesn’t mind a snugger fit.

The insulated EnergySense cover and liner retain heat, and Coleman rates the tub 40 percent more energy-efficient than comparable inflatables, so it uses less power over a season of use. A Freeze Shield feature turns the heater on automatically when the water temperature nears freezing, so the pump and liner won’t ice up. A power-saving timer also lets you schedule heating for when you’ll actually use it.

The 120 air jets are spaced around the seating area, so the bubbles reach your back and legs. Setup needs no tools, and the box includes the heater pump, a ChemConnect chemical dispenser, a Type VI filter cartridge, and the insulated cover. The one compromise is size. At 26 inches tall with a 52-inch interior, it’s shallower and snugger than some of the six-person tubs on this list.

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For large groups, you can’t go wrong with this Bestway inflatable hot tub, designed for up to eight adults. What I love most about this model is that the pump doesn’t hang off the side—it’s integrated, built directly into the liner. A control panel extends above the rim, so you don’t need to get out of the tub to change the temperature or massage system. It’s a big improvement over models with exterior pumps that have hard-to-reach control panels on top. And, if you’re sitting on the opposite side of the tub and want to make an adjustment, you can do so through the brand’s app.

Another plus is this hot tub’s energy-efficient design, with insulated walls and an included cover, plus the three-layer material is said to be durable enough to withstand punctures. The hot tub features 190 jets, a 380-gallon capacity, and a power-saving timer.

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Made of laminate PVC and polyester mesh, this 222-gallon hot tub seats four people—perfect for a backyard gathering. This hot tub is similar to the 6- to 8-person model we wrote about above, just smaller and without some of the higher-end features, including an upgraded pump.

The 4- to 6-person model has 140 high-powered jets, an all-in-one heater and filtration system, and a pump mounted high off the ground for easy access to the digital panel.

There’s also a floating chlorine dispenser to regulate the amount of chemicals in the water, plus two filter cartridges and a carrying bag. The insulated cover and thermal ground cloth help keep your hot tub warm when you aren’t using it, so you can spend less money heating it every time.

Key Specs

The Intex PureSpa Greystone Deluxe is designed to hold its heat when the weather turns cold. The cover is filled with high-density thermal foam instead of air, and Intex rates it up to 50 percent more efficient at retaining heat, so the heater cycles on less often. The heater covers 50 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and the Intex Link app lets you schedule heating ahead of time, so the water is ready when you get home from work.

The control panel is wireless. You can take it off its dock and adjust the temperature, jets, or multicolor LED light without fully climbing out. The blower heats the air before it reaches 140 bubble jets, so running the jets doesn’t cool the water as much. The square shell is 69 inches on each side and holds 120 gallons, and Intex rates it for four people. It also has a built-in hard-water treatment system to reduce mineral buildup and extend the life of the heater and pump.

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With a name like Palm Springs, it’s no surprise this Coleman inflatable hot tub performs better in milder climates. Coleman says the tub can’t run when the air drops below 39 degrees Fahrenheit, so it suits patios in states where it doesn’t snow for much of the year.

Its EnergySense cover traps heat, and Coleman rates it 40 percent more efficient than covers on similar inflatables. Free Shield turns the heater on automatically if the water nears freezing, protecting the pump during an unexpected cold snap.

The tub is 77 inches across and holds 242 gallons, with 140 AirJet bubble jets in a ring around the floor. The DuraPlus walls have three layers and stretch 56 percent further than PVC before tearing, so a stray branch or a dog’s claw is less likely to cause a leak.

Key Specs