The 9 best inflatable hot tubs of 2025, reviewed and tested
Looking for the best inflatable hot tub to enjoy this summer? We’ve ranked and reviewed our top nine models with the help of hot tub experts
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Powered by energy-efficient pumps, fitted with filters and furnished with air jets, the best inflatable hot tubs are the grown-up version of ever-popular paddling pools. Along with the best garden parasols and the best fire pits, they are an invaluable accessory for outdoor entertaining.
“The most popular brand of inflatable hot tub is the Lay-Z-Spa,’ says Tom Gibbs, the Hot Tub Engineer. “Costing around £530, a Lay-Z-Spa is a great introduction to hot tub ownership, with some owners upgrading to acrylic tubs.”
We’ve ranked and reviewed nine of the best inflatable hot tubs from leading brands, including Lay-Z-Spa and Intex, as well as smaller specialist stores. We regularly check and update this guide to include our latest test results, with our top five below if you’re in a hurry. You can also find answers to frequently asked questions at the bottom of this guide.
The best inflatable hot tubs: At a glance
- Best Buy inflatable hot tub: Lay-Z-Spa Rome AirJet
- Best Value inflatable hot tub: Lay-Z-Spa New York AirJet
- Best 6-seater inflatable hot tub: Wave Tahoe
- Best inflatable hot tub for year-round use: Lay-Z-Spa Milan AirJet
- Best inflatable hot tub for parties: Lay-Z-Spa Paris AirJet
How to choose the best inflatable hot tub
First, set a budget. “The average price of an inflatable hot tub ranges from around £379 up to £1300,” says Gibbs. “Where your hot tub falls on that spectrum will depend on its size and the number of seating options.”
You’re looking for a tub that’s big enough to seat several people without taking up too much space on your porch or patio. According to Gibbs, “a suitable size would be whatever accommodates the whole household, so you have room to relax and connect with family and friends”.
Before you buy, make sure your tub features the basic functions, starting with a filtration pump and filter. “A filtration pump draws water over the filter to maintain clean water and through the heater to maintain your desired temperature, up to 40C,” explains Gibbs.
“You might also be interested in special features, such as LED lights to create ambient lighting and a bubble pump for a massage effect. From a practical perspective, make sure your hot tub comes with a cover to keep your water clean and maintain heat when not in use.”
How we test inflatable hot tubs
Homes and gardens expert Emily Peck has reviewed several inflatable hot tubs. Each hot tub is tested over the course of a week or longer and we assess each inflatable hot tub against the same criteria:
- Ease of use: We set up and pack down each inflatable hot tub. We time how long it takes to fill and describe day-to-day maintenance.
- Design: We’re looking for tubs that are spacious without taking up too much room in your garden or storage. We’re also interested in special features such as integrated LEDs.
- Heating: We measure the temperature of the water from the centre of the tub throughout the heating process and compare our findings against the manufacturers’ claims.
- Comfort: We consider the look and feel of the walls, base and seats of each hot tub.
- Quality and value: We estimate the cost of running each hot tub and compare it against the price to determine value for money, factoring in any warranties and guarantees.
We’ve also asked experts what they would recommend, including Tom Gibbs, the Hot Tub Engineer and John Delvin, author of the Inflatable Hot Tub Guide.
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All opinions are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more.
The best inflatable hot tubs of 2025
1. Best Buy Inflatable Hot Tub: Lay-Z-Spa Rome AirJet Hot Tub
Score: 9/10
We like: Easy to assemble, built-in motor, energy-efficient design
We don’t like: Six adults is a squeeze
Lay-Z-Spa’s Rome hot tub benefits from the company’s latest fully integrated EnergySense thermal insulation, resulting in a more energy efficient hot tub. It also comes with 140 airjets to create a soothing tub with bubbles that are evenly dispersed. I found the pressure satisfyingly strong and its frame comfortable to lay back on.
Of all the hot tubs I’ve tested, the Rome’s design was the easiest to assemble and pack away. Its UltraFit heater and filter system sets it apart, built directly into the liner rather than sitting on the side. This means it was much less fiddly to connect and disconnect. It also allows for more room around the tub itself, which is a bonus if you have a tight patio space and don’t want a hot tub to take up too much room.
Rome has an attractive marble finish that doesn’t feel too imposing on the patio. It can house up to six, but having tested it with a few friends, it’s more comfortable for four adults to ensure everyone has enough leg room. It’s also square rather than round so everyone can stick to their corner with four. As well as being able to control this hot tub via your smartphone, Rome also comes with its own remote control so no one needs to move far to adjust the settings.
This hot tub has clearly been popular over our recent warm weather - it’s currently only available for pre-order, shipping in early to mid-September. That’s something to keep in mind if you have a party planned sooner.
Key specifications
- Dimensions: W 180cm, L 180cm, D 71cm
- System: 140 bubble jets
- Water capacity: 840 litres
- Maximum temperature: 40C
- Number of people: Up to six
2. Best Value Hot Tub: Lay-Z-Spa New York AirJet
Score: 9/10
We like: Dark green finish, energy saving design, easy to set up
We don’t like: White inner lining not as premium as some
With its attractive green finish, the design of the Lay-Z-Spa New York hot tub makes for a nice change from the majority of beige and greige colourways around. It snugly seats up to six people and has 140 airjets to create tiny massaging bubbles that soothe and invigorate after a long day.
Like the Rome reviewed above, the Lay-Z-Spa New York has the new EnergySense thermal insulation technology, which claims to be 58 per cent more energy efficient than a regular inflatable hot tub. An inside layer of synthetic fibre acts as a thermal barrier so the hot tub heats up fast and retains heat, and the idea that this may help me save on hot tub energy bills instantly put me in the hot tub party mode.
Set up was straightforward and my partner and I managed to get this hot tub connected and inflated within 10 minutes. Lay-Z-Spa suggests it can be assembled in five, but it took me a while to get my head around the instructions, ensure I had a suitable and protective surface to house it and successfully connect it up.
Its adjustable control panel is easy to use, with a default temperature setting of 35C, though this can range between 20C to 40C. I left it to heat overnight and the New York was ready to use the next day. It heated effectively, but the cooler temperature was also preferable when the weather was hot.
Key specifications
- Dimensions: W 196cm, L 196cm, D 66cm
- System: 140 air jets
- Water capacity: 908 litres
- Maximum temperature: 40C
- Number of people: Up to six
3. Best 6-Seater Inflatable Hot Tub: Wave Tahoe 6-Person Eco Foam Hot Tub
Score: 8/10
We like: Spacious design, sturdy build quality, integrated heater
We don’t like: Tricky to assemble
It has a premium price tag but the Wave Tahoe hot tub has a built-in heater for 50 per cent more thermal efficiency than a conventional model and its large, streamlined design fits up to six people. An advanced filtration system keeps the water clean and I found it whisper quiet to run too. It can be operated by the wired controller on the side of the tub, but it also has a dedicated app for smartphone control.
This hot tub looks quite pretty too and is roomy to sit back in. It doesn’t have that swollen inflatable look that some hot tubs do, with its neutral design instead sitting serenely on the patio waiting to be brought alive with bubbles.
Wave suggests that the Tahoe can be set up in just 20 minutes, but that is optimistic in my experience. The design has a foam core construction and getting the blocks to align wasn’t straightforward. After contacting technical support however, I was advised to ‘stand in the centre and push the foam walls into place as far back as they can go to help align everything’, which did the trick.
I also filled the Tahoe with a little more water than the advisory line as it’s quite deep and I wanted my shoulders covered. Overall, while set up was tricky, I was pleased with the results of this hot tub and as per my photo, enjoyed it with a smile on my face.
Key specifications
- Dimensions: W 184cm, L 184cm, D 70cm
- System: 90 bubble jets
- Water capacity: 985 litres
- Maximum temperature: 40C
- Number of people: Up to six
Best inflatable hot tubs recommended by our experts
The hot tubs below haven’t been reviewed by the Recommended team and therefore you won’t see a score against them. However, several come recommended by John Delvin, one of our hot tub experts and author of Inflatable Hot Tub Guide, so they have been included in this guide in case you are looking for some extra options. We have also included reader input for a couple of the models.
4. Best Inflatable Hot Tub for Parties: Lay-Z-Spa Paris Hot Tub
We like: Super bubbly for relaxation, integrated lights, part assembled
We don’t like: You have to buy chlorine tablets separately
As we mentioned, Lay-Z-Spa is the industry-leading hot tub brand, hence its multiple appearances in this Recommended guide. The Paris hot tub is its ‘dinner and a show’ model.
As well as soothing and entertaining its occupants with super-charged bubbles below the water, the LED lighting system adds a little extra atmosphere. It rotates through seven colours, illuminating night-time dips with the colour of your choice. There’s also a waterproof, wireless remote control.
As it comes part-assembled, the Paris is quicker to set up and inflate than other hot tubs and requires no tools or extra accessories. Complete with 140 jets, Lay-Z-Spa’s brilliant AirJet Massage System is also considered one of the bubbliest on the market, creating powerful streams to massage the skin as the heat (up to 40 degrees, which can be timer-controlled) relaxes the muscles. One thing to note is that you’ll need to buy chlorine tablets, which keep the water clean, seperately.
Key specifications
- Dimensions: W 196cm, L 196cm, D 66cm
- System: 140 airjets
- Water capacity: 806 litres
- Maximum temperature: 40C
- Number of people: Up to six
5. Best Inflatable Hot Tub for Year-Round Use: Lay-Z Spa Milan Hot Tub
We like: Great design, smart features, can be used all year
We don’t like: The air jets aren’t adjustable
Why on earth would a hot tub need Wi-Fi connection? It’s a great question and one that bewildered me too, at first. The Wi-Fi connection means you can activate the pump from a smart device and use voice control. It’s great for when you fancy a hot tub session on a chilly day: you can set up the hot tub from inside before making a quick dash for it.
Our expert John Devlin is also a fan. “Good for a large family, the Milan has terrific features that include voice control capabilities allowing you to set it up as soon as you get home. Freeze Shield technology also means the water won’t freeze in the Winter, allowing for use all year round.”
Key specifications
- Dimensions: W 196cm, L 196cm, D 71cm
- System: 140 airjets
- Water capacity: 669 litres
- Maximum temperature: 40C
- Number of people: Up to six
6. Best Inflatable Hot Tub for Families: Lay-Z-Spa Helsinki Hot Tub
We like: Clean Nordic design, wood-effect finish, good capacity
We don’t like: Heat is lost through the lid when not in use
The top recommendation from hot tub expert John Devlin is this Lay-Z-Spa model, which he says looks “less like a kid’s paddling pool and more like a luxurious Nordic Spa.”
The Helsinki is a seven-person inflatable hot tub with plenty of space (1,123 litres of water worth), heaps of power (with the help of 87 smart air jets), and Freeze Shield technology that protects the hot tub during colder months so you can use it all year round. “Many inflatable spa capacities are questionable, but this can comfortably fit seven people in just as it says,” explains Devlin.
The Lay-Z-Spa Helsinki only takes five minutes to set up and the 40 degree rapid heating system means you can both heat and filter the water while running the massage system. As a bonus, Lay-Z-Spa also has a dedicated UK customer service team and offers a two-year warranty.
Reader input:
Telegraph reader Richard Halstead surprised himself at how much he liked his Lay-Z-Spa. “We installed one and have never looked back,” Richard says. “The lid avoids condensation issues and we have all-year-round luxury.
“We have also installed fake grass on the floor of the conservatory so wet feet don’t slip. All it needs is a regular top-up of chemicals from a choice of either chlorine or bromine, the latter being less reactive on skin and less smelly.”
Key specifications
- Dimensions: W 180cm, L 180cm, D 66cm
- System: 180 airjets
- Water capacity: 1,123 litres
- Maximum temperature: 40C
- Number of people: Up to seven
7. Best Inflatable Hot Tub with Seats: Intex Purespa Jet and Bubble Deluxe Set
We like: Headrests included for relaxation, seats for comfort, lockable cover
We don’t like: A little cosy for six people
This large hexagonal inflatable hot tub has been massively popular over the last couple of years, and it’s back again this summer. The Intex brand comes recommended by Devlin, who says Intex offers comparable quality and features to Lay-Z-Spa (although it doesn’t have as wide a range of tubs).
This particular Intex model has a 1,098 litre capacity that’s big enough for six people (although it’s a touch on the cosy side, so it would be brilliant for four if you want a roomier fit). It has seats, headrests and bubble jets, as well as a lockable cover and built-in limescale protection.
Key specifications
- Dimensions: W 218cm, L 218cm, D 71cm
- System: 140 bubble jets
- Water capacity: 1,098 litres
- Maximum temperature: 40C
- Number of people: Up to six
8. Best Budget Inflatable Hot Tub: Lay-Z Spa Cancun Hot Tub
We like: Rattan design blends with garden furniture, great value, good quality build
We don’t like: Filters clog up fairly quickly, massage system not that powerful
Lay-Z-Spa dominates the inflatable hot tub market, so it’s not all that surprising to see its hot tubs recommended both at the top and the bottom end of the price scale. John Devlin recommends the Cancun Hot Tub from Lay-Z Spa as a good budget option. “This model is superb as it has a good-looking wicker-effect design to match most rattan garden furniture, is good for a small family and is one of the lowest-priced tubs on the market,” he says.
The Lay-Z Spa Cancun takes less than five minutes to inflate and has a 120 AirJet system for a gentle massage. The energy saving timer, a norm on most inflatable hot tubs now, means you can have it on and heated by the time you get home.
The build is high quality given the price too, made from tear and a stretch resistant DuraPlus material. It may not be the most powerful massage system, but in this hot tub you’ll find every other feature you’d need wrapped up in a relatively affordable price.
Reader input:
Reader Mike Smith was initially dubious about his three-person Lay-Z-Spa, which his wife bought for him to ease his pain, but found himself using it more than he thought. He said, “It turns out to be quiet, comfortable, with touch screen controls.
“With the increase in electricity prices, it costs 20 quid per week to run at a constant 38C. It’s lovely at 6am though, watching birds in the garden.”
Key specifications
- Dimensions: W 180cm, L 180cm, D 62.5cm
- System: 120 airjets
- Water capacity: 669 litres
- Maximum temperature: 40C
- Number of people: Up to four
9. Best Inflatable Hot Tub for Relaxing: Intex Pure Spa Greywood Deluxe
We like: Plush foam headrests, integrated lighting, wireless control
We don’t like: No interior seating
Some hot tubs are designed for large families, others for couples, some for parties – but John Devlin’s second recommendation from Intex has been designed with relaxing in mind.
It has large foam headrests, 170 bubble jets for relieving muscle tension and an LED lighting system for setting the mood. The wireless control means you can change settings without getting out of the water too.
Devlin calls the Greywood “a brilliant jacuzzi that boasts fibre-tech construction, allowing for greater durability. I enjoy it as it has high-performing bubble jets and a built-in hard water treatment system, meaning the water is softer on the skin.” If your idea of a hot tub is more spa-like than Ibiza, this Intex might be one to consider.
Key specifications
- Dimensions: W 216cm, L 216cm, D 71cm
- System: 170 bubble jets
- Water capacity: 1,098 litres
- Maximum temperature: 40C
- Number of people: Up to six
Inflatable hot tubs FAQs
“It takes between 12 and 40 hours to reach the maximum temperature,” says John Devlin, author of the Inflatable Hot Tub Guide, explaining that “the average hot tub heats the water at a rate of one to two degrees per hour”.
“The exact time depends on several factors, including water capacity and ambient air temperature,” Devlin adds.
“Lay-Z-Spa claims that using their tubs two to three times a week will incur weekly running costs of between seven and £10,” says Devlin.
“However, this was before the recent increase in energy prices and as Lay-Z-Spa are much more energy-efficient than some other brands, this is a conservative estimate. Our research shows that whilst most users see increases of about £12-£15 per week, you could spend as much as £50 on a large spa that’s used daily.
“You also need to consider the running cost of the filters, which need replacing regularly, and the chemicals.”
“Chlorine is essential,” says Tom Gibbs, the Hot Tub Engineer. “You can insert chlorine tablets into the dispenser or add chlorine granules to the water. Chlorine will kill any water borne bacteria when maintained at three to five parts per million so testing strips are essential to test and maintain this level.”
“Also very important is the pH level of the water,” Gibbs continues. “The correct level is between 7.2 and 7.4. This level ensures optimum chlorine efficiency and bather comfort as well as prevention of scale formation or acid erosion.”
“Inflate your tub using the Hydrojet pump and inflation hose,” says Gibbs. “Once inflated, the Hydrojet is attached to the tub, the filter installed in its own designated attachment, chlorine tablets inserted into the integrated dispenser and the tub filled. Once full, plug the tub in, test the chemicals and set your desired temperature: then, it’s ready to use.”
Every hot tub requires regular maintenance: you’ll need to service it, clean it and check the pH level of the water. The filters will also need rinsing weekly and cleaning monthly. Inflatable hot tubs are said to be easier to maintain than permanent ones, however.
In terms of placement, Gibbs says the best place for an inflatable hot tub is “on a patio area close to the back of the house, so the dash back indoors is as short as possible”. You’ll need to find a secluded spot within reach of a plug socket and away from high-traffic areas to avoid taking up too much space.