There is currently a vigorous debate raging among people who want the relaxing benefits of a portable, inflatable hot tub or spa. But (a) they don’t want to pay a fortune for them, and (b) they want to make sure they’re durable.

A little fact-checking (as they say in current political debates) is in order.

Inflatable spas have come a long way since they were first introduced to the market several years ago. Today it is possible to get a very affordable soft-sided hot tub (less than $375) that is surprisingly sturdy.

Who are the leaders in the field?

There are several models brought to you by the leader in camping gear, Coleman. And they consistently rank highest in customer satisfaction.

These spas have a sturdy, fabric-covered wall that’s firm enough to sit on, yet inflates in minutes.

The floor is padded (so is where you sit), and they come in a four-person model and a spacious six-person version.

One version (Lay-Z-Saluspa Paris) even has a built-in light show.

These inflatable hot tubs come complete with a heater, air compressor (to inflate the spa and its cover), and an intuitive digital control panel. This elegant control panel allows you to set the temperature to 104 degrees F.

Additionally, a powerful motor pushes a stream of massaging bubbles through 120 jet nozzles around the top perimeter of the spa.

Who has the most durable construction?

The Coleman brand, while the most economical, does not have the most durable walls and filtration system in the industry. That distinction goes to a company called Intex.

They assembled their inflatable hot tubs with proprietary high-strength, three-layer fibers woven into their sidewalls. This makes them virtually as stable to sit on as an in-ground spa.

And, the Intex brand also features an exclusive hard water filtration system.

This system, according to the company, “makes your spa water gentler on skin, clothing, and the entire spa system.”

Both the Coleman and Intex brands come equipped with easy-to-replace filter cartridges, a floating chemical dispenser, and a carry bag with handles.

What about customer reviews?

As for reviews, both companies received scattered complaints about components not working.

These included such things as heaters not working properly and automatic shut-offs going on too early, resulting in a longer wait time for hot water.

However, both companies responded to concerns: Coleman faster than Intex, based on reviews left on Amazon’s site.

Two other distinguishing features:

• Coleman’s inner liner on the cover is comprised of aluminum foil to better retain heat and
• Intex cover straps can be locked for added security.

Finally, one of the main advantages of inflatable spas is that you can easily deflate them, pack them up and take them anywhere.

Take your bathtub to a vacation rental in the mountains or to the beach, or even to visit extended family.

As long as you can find a nice, level spot (on the grass, a wooden deck, or concrete) and have easy access to a garden hose and 110 AC power source, you’re good to go.

How long do they take to heat up?

It depends on how cold the water is when you first fill the hot tub. The average temperature of the water coming out of your garden faucet is around 68 degrees.

Most Coleman and Intex spa customers reported that it took almost 24 hours to bring the water temperature to 104 degrees F.

However, once it reached that high temperature, then dropped to around 80 degrees with the cover in place, it only took a couple of hours to get the temperature back up to 104.

What about rising electricity bills?

It’s worth mentioning in passing that you should be prepared for a spike in your electric bill while you initially heat the spa. After that, while in maintenance mode, it only consumes one drip.

Then a little spike when you turn the temperature up again.

This increase in electricity use will be especially noticeable if you decide to use your spa during the winter.

Cost versus ROI

Inflatable spas really are value for money. They don’t last forever, of course, but:

• an average investment of $500
• spread over an average use of, say, 20 relaxing baths a month, it works for
• $1.04 per two-hour session, even if the spa only lasts 2 years.

That would give you a much better return on investment than bearing the expense and landscaping disruption that digging up and installing an in-ground hot tub would cause.

That kind of thing could easily cost $5,000 or more.

Summary

So are inflatable spas any good? The answer, in general, is yes.

While they don’t become a permanent asset to your home’s market value, they do provide all the indulgent comforts of a spa experience at a fraction of the cost.

And unlike their traditional cousins, they’re extremely portable and durable, making inflatable spas a great option for those just looking for a soothing soak in the evenings.