After a busy day, there is nothing like a hot tub to relax a tired mind and strained muscles. An inflatable hot tub, also called a soft tub, gives you the experience without the cost of a permanent installation.
Inflatable hot tubs are portable and can hold up to four or six adults, they have temperature control and they are soft to sit against. The big advantage over a conventional hot tub is in the name: you can inflate it anywhere, indoors or out in the garden, and it is ready to go. Most come with bubble massage jets, a filter and a heater. Below we compare five popular inflatable hot tubs, followed by a short guide on how to choose and care for one.
| Product | Our Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Best overall
INTEX PureSpa 6-Person Inflatable Hot Tub with Energy-Efficient Spa Cover |
VIEW ON AMAZON | |
 |
Best value for 4-6 people
Coleman SaluSpa Hawaii Energy-Efficient 4-6 Person Inflatable Hot Tub |
VIEW ON AMAZON | |
 |
Best budget large tub
Bestway SaluSpa Honolulu Energy-Efficient 4-6 Person Inflatable Hot Tub |
VIEW ON AMAZON | |
 |
Best compact tub
SaluSpa Hot Springs 2-4 Person Round Inflatable Hot Tub, Energy-Efficient |
VIEW ON AMAZON | |
 |
Best for hard water
INTEX 28433EP PureSpa Bubble Deluxe Spa Set, 120 Bubble Jets, 4-Person Octagonal |
VIEW ON AMAZON |
Best Inflatable Hot Tub Reviews in 2026
Best Large Inflatable Hot Tubs (4-6 People)
1. INTEX PureSpa 6-Person Inflatable Hot Tub with Energy-Efficient Spa Cover
The Intex PureSpa 6-person is a large inflatable hot tub with heated air bubbles that relax the body, a heating system you can set to your preferred temperature and Fiber-Tech beam construction for stability. The foam spa cover is energy-efficient, locking in heat to improve efficiency by up to 50 percent.
- Seats up to 6 adults
- Heated air bubble massage
- Fiber-Tech beam construction
- Energy-efficient thermal spa cover
- Room for a whole family or a group of friends
- Best owner rating among the Intex tubs
- Insulated cover keeps the water warm for longer
- Strong, stable beam construction
- Straightforward setup without special tools
- Needs a large, level area and a strong electrical outlet
- Costs more than the smaller tubs in this roundup
Our Verdict: Our top pick: a spacious, well-reviewed hot tub with an effective cover for family and friends.
2. Coleman SaluSpa Hawaii Energy-Efficient 4-6 Person Inflatable Hot Tub
The Coleman SaluSpa Hawaii has 140 bubble jets for a relaxing massage for up to six people. Insulated walls and an insulated cover are up to 40 percent more energy-efficient than similar tubs, and the construction uses MaxHold internal fabric beams for stability and puncture resistance.
- 140 bubble jets for 4-6 people
- Insulated walls and cover, up to 40 percent more efficient
- MaxHold internal fabric beams
- Compliant with APSP-14 and Title 20 energy rules
- Lots of jets for a strong bubble massage
- Energy-efficient insulation keeps running costs down
- Compliant with energy rules in states such as California
- Lower price than the comparable Intex model
- Needs a flat area and a nearby GFCI outlet
- Owner ratings are good but not top-tier
Our Verdict: A good value 4 to 6 person tub with strong energy efficiency.
3. Bestway SaluSpa Honolulu Energy-Efficient 4-6 Person Inflatable Hot Tub
The Honolulu has 140 bubble jets for a warm, relaxing spa for up to six people and an EnergySense insulated cover that reduces heat loss. It uses the MaxHold internal fabric beam construction and meets the efficiency rules of several states.
- 140 bubble jets, 4-6 person capacity
- EnergySense insulated cover
- MaxHold fabric beams
- APSP-14 and Title 20 compliant
- Seats up to six people
- Insulated cover keeps the water warm
- Compliant for sale in states with energy rules
- Priced below the larger Intex model
- Lowest owner rating in the group
- Needs extra time and power to heat in cold weather
Our Verdict: A budget option for larger groups if you can accept slightly weaker reviews.
Best Compact Inflatable Hot Tubs (2-4 People)
4. SaluSpa Hot Springs 2-4 Person Round Inflatable Hot Tub, Energy-Efficient
A smaller round tub for two to four people, the SaluSpa Hot Springs has EnergySense insulated walls and cover that are up to 40 percent more energy-efficient than similar tubs. A multi-function pump inflates the tub, controls the heat up to 104 degrees F and runs the filtration, and the Freeze Shield feature helps it stay up all year.
- Round, 2-4 person capacity
- EnergySense insulated walls and cover
- Heats up to 104 degrees F, multi-function pump
- Freeze Shield for year-round use
- Compact enough for a patio or deck
- Lowest price among the branded tubs here
- Energy-efficient insulation
- Freeze Shield makes year-round use possible
- Seats fewer people than the larger tubs
- Can be tight for four adults
Our Verdict: The best compact choice for couples or a small family.
5. INTEX 28433EP PureSpa Bubble Deluxe Spa Set, 120 Bubble Jets, 4-Person Octagonal
This octagonal Intex Bubble Deluxe seats four, with 120 bubble jets and a PTC heater designed to maximize heat transfer to the water. Fiber-Tech beam construction gives it structure, a built-in hard water treatment system protects the tub, and the set includes an energy-efficient spa cover.
- Seats 4 in an octagonal design
- 120 bubble jets, PTC heater
- Built-in hard water treatment system
- Energy-efficient spa cover included
- Hard water treatment helps protect the pump and plumbing
- Rigid beam structure feels stable
- Cover and set included in the price
- A well-known brand with widely available filters
- Owner ratings are only average
- Needs regular maintenance of filters and chemicals
Our Verdict: A reliable four-person tub, particularly if you live in a hard-water area.
Types of Inflatable Hot Tubs
The most common types are round tubs, which are the simplest and usually the cheapest, and square or octagonal tubs, which give more usable seating. Tubs are rated by the number of people they seat, typically 2 to 4 or 4 to 6 adults. Some use air bubble jets only, while others add hydro jets, and the higher-end tubs have built-in heaters, filters and hard water treatment.
Advantages of an Inflatable Hot Tub
- Portable. Deflate, pack and move it to another place or store it for winter.
- Lower cost. A fraction of the price of a built-in or hard-shell hot tub.
- Quick setup. Inflate, fill, plug in and wait for the water to heat.
- Soft and comfortable. The padded walls are gentle on the body.
- Temperature control. Heat the water to the temperature you like, usually up to about 104 degrees F.
How to Choose the Best Inflatable Hot Tub
- Capacity. Choose the number of people you will actually use it with. A bigger tub needs more space, more water and more heating time.
- Energy efficiency. An insulated cover and walls make a big difference to heating costs and speed.
- Jets. More jets give a stronger massage, but they are bubble jets rather than the powerful water jets of a hard-shell hot tub.
- Heater and filter. Check the heat-up time, the maximum temperature and whether replacement filters are easy to buy.
- Location. You need a flat, level, firm surface and a nearby GFCI-protected outlet. Check local rules if you plan to use it outdoors in winter.
How to Use an Inflatable Hot Tub
- Place the tub on a flat, level surface that is free of sharp objects, and use a ground cloth.
- Inflate it with the pump that comes with the product, then check that it is well balanced.
- Fill the tub with water, checking its water capacity first so that you do not overfill it.
- Connect it to a suitable power supply and switch it on.
- Wait until the water reaches the temperature you want, then enjoy it.
Maintenance Tips
- Sanitize the water regularly, weekly or monthly depending on use and the instructions.
- Clean or replace the filter every week or as the manual advises.
- Drain, clean with soap and water and refill with fresh water every 3 to 4 weeks.
- Do not use sharp objects on or around the tub, and do not allow children to play with them.
- Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions to prolong the life of the tub.
Related guides
Check the water capacity and the energy rating, and choose the tub that fits your space and your budget. If you also enjoy heat therapy at home, see our infrared sauna reviews and our walk-in tub reviews.
Do the soft tubs come in rectangle or oblong?
You can find [url=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00600A0ZY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00600A0ZY&linkCode=as2&tag=walkinshowersss-20&linkId=DQOFJHDX7BO72344]AiriSpa oblong[/url] and [url=https://www.amazon.com/Intex-Recreation-28419E-Purespa-Bubble/dp/B014KOHWPM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1467283963&sr=8-22&keywords=inflatable+hot+tub&linkCode=ll1&tag=walkinshowersss-20&linkId=1a856b1e0500e4d6075d4f5cf76e93a3]Intex Recreation 28419E rectangle[/url] shaped…
Can this hot tub be used in doors?
Sure it can…