Traditional Spa vs Inflatable Spa

You’re thinking about buying a hot tub, but you don’t know where to start. Hot tubs have traditionally been a luxury that not everyone could afford, until recently when we have started to see the emergence of products like the inflatable hot tub and also new products from various brands that have made it more affordable to the masses to own their very own spa experience at home.

The popularity of inflatable hot tubs has risen over the past year or so, with many people opting for this cheaper, seemingly more convenient option to complete their outside space. However, in the time that they have been available, what value have those owners got from their investment and what’s the difference between the more traditional hard based hot tub and the ‘easy’ inflatable option, other than the obvious?

When we talk about the inflatable hot tub, we don’t mean an oversized paddling pool, we are referring to brands such as the Lazy Spa which have taken the world by storm with their easy to construct, cheaper way to enjoy a dip with bubble action. Hard based spas are what they say on the tin, and come in all sorts of different styles and materials such as wooden or plastic bases with inner tubs made from more durable materials such as strong Polyethylene.

Now, before we get into it, we are not trying to intentionally dissuade you from buying an inflatable spa, but we feel it is important to understand all the pro’s and con’s before you choose to invest in either option (as you will still be parting with hundreds of pounds).

Inflatable hot tubs are like the cheap ‘do it yourself’ version of a spa. They come neatly packed and you can inflate them yourself, as well as deflate and store when not in use (although we don’t know many people that do not use their spa all year round!). They typically have a small pump system that plugs in and a couple of different settings to give you bubbles and jets and have deep sides and a flat bottom that will need to be placed on a soft surface, otherwise it’s not so comfy as the base is quite thin and there is nothing for you to sit in. In our experience, you can get up to 5-6 adults in there at a push but it will be a bit crowded!

The problem with the inflatable option is that they are not as durable. If you have any pets, you want to keep them away from your spa at all costs, as if they like to see what’s going on there is a high chance they could puncture it with their inquisitive paws. You will also need to continuously blow it up, as the temperature can affect air pressure just like any other form of inflatable object. If you ever need to put it down and store it away, you must ensure that the hot tub is completely, absolutely and totally clean and dry, or else it may become mouldy whilst in storage and lead to damage of the materials and mean a huge clean up job for you when you want to re-use it.

Generally, these types of hot tub have a life span of up to a year, even if you look after it and much less if you don’t.

Hard based hot tubs come in all shapes and sizes and become a permanent fixture in your home or garden. There are loads of famous brands – Jacuzzi, Catalina, Dream Maker and Clearwater and they all have one thing in common – longevity. These spas have ergonomic designs for comfort that are shaped to the body, and hard shells which come in a range of materials and colours to match your style. They typically include built-in jets with specific placement to target different areas of the body, lights, headrests, multiple settings and a hard edge which is great for balancing your drink on, unless your spa comes with a beverage holder! Extra’s include speakers & music, Bluetooth, wifi and so much more…

The hard shell spas are less likely to become damaged and if they do get scratched under general wear and tear, they can be easily sanded down and repaired. The heating and filtration systems are going to be much better than that on an inflatable spa, which already makes them a preferable option as you won’t have to change the water after all your hard set up work, for some time at least.

Hardshell hot tubs can also be used throughout the Winter months as they are often insulated and retain heat much better than inflatable plastic, plus they have better heating systems allowing them to rise to and stay at the correct temperature no matter what the weather – even if it is freezing. So whilst the inflatable spa may look like a more attractive option to your wallet, you will actually lose money in the long run. A Lazy Spa, for example, starts at around £350, but due to the fact that they only last around 9 months, you would have to buy a new one every year which can get pricey. Our hardshell hot tubs start from around £3,500 and will stand the test of time. It will require some light maintenance but can be easily taken care of and used ALL YEAR ROUND, as well as being more comfortable and having more features than the inflatable spa.

So in summary, if you want to test having a hot tub at home to see how much you will use it, how much you like it and to get used to the idea of having one at home for the Summer – an inflatable spa would be a good option for you. However, if you are looking to use your hot tub all year round, would prefer comfort over price and want better value for money, plus being able to choose your own style and add-ons – a hard shell spa is the better option for you.