Inflatable spas have recently been gaining popularity, and many homeowners are making the investment and getting one. Before you go hot tub shopping, here are a few things you should know about inflatable hot tubs. This article will answer important questions like can you use inflatable hot tub in winter, and what expenses you should expect to incur.
The Issue With Cold Weather
It is important to realize that despite advances in technology and the materials used, the insulation properties of an inground hot tub are far superior when compared to an inflatable one. This simply means that you may need to heavily insulate the surface beneath the hot tub if the weather in your area gets particularly cold and you want to use your hot tub during the winter months.
Do Inflatable Hot Tubs Have Jets?
You may be thinking that because they are inflatable, they are more like a bathtub of hot water than an actual spa. However, most inflatable hot tubs have a ring of jet at the bottom that blows air into the water and gives an invigorating massage. The massage is slightly different than one you would get in a fixed hot tub because it does not focus on certains areas (or muscle groups) in your body. Instead, you would feel a massaging sensation all over your body at once.
Addressing Common Concerns
These are some of the most frequently asked questions about inflatable hot tubs.
Are they easily punctured?
Unless you deliberately take a sharp object (like a knife) and stab the walls of your hot tub, there is no reason to worry that it will be punctured. The materials used in modern inflatable hot tubs are resistant to heat and not easily punctured.
Do they use up more energy than a fixed hot tub?
The energy costs vary depending on how often you use the hot tub, but do not expect to spend significantly more or less than you would with a fixed hot tub. In other words, the cost of heating up a hot tub and keeping it hot is relatively similar between fixed and portable models.
Can they really substitute fixed hot tubs?
We cannot honestly say that they are perfect equivalents of each other. That being said, inflatable hot tubs are a close substitute that are more easily set up and cost less upfront. Additionally, many people don’t have the space in their backyard for a permanent fixture like a hot tub, and may only use it during a few months every year. Fixed hot tubs either need to run throughout the winter months or turned off which subsequently requires deep cleaning which is costly and time consuming. Inflatable hot tubs can simply be drained, deflated, and stored in a dry place if not intended to be used for prolonged periods.
In short, inflatable (portable) hot tubs or spas are worth the investment, even if they give a slightly different experience. Hopefully you have all the information you need to make a suitable purchase for your needs.
