Picture this: You’ve had a long day at work and you’re exhausted. All you want to do is relax and unwind. Now imagine sinking into a warm, bubbly hot tub right in your own backyard. Sounds amazing, doesn’t it? But what if you don’t have the space or budget for a traditional hot tub? That’s where Inflatable Hot Tubs come in. How do inflatable hot tubs work? How are they different from traditional hot tubs? How much work are they to maintain?
We’ve got the info you need to know – answers to all of your Inflatable Hot Tub FAQs – right here.
Table Of Contents
- What Is An Inflatable Hot Tub and How Does It Work?
- How Does An Inflatable Hot Tub Stay Firm?
- How Is The Water Heated In An Inflatable Hot Tub?
- How Is The Temperature Controlled In An Inflatable Hot Tub?
- How Long Does It Take To Set Up An Inflatable Spa?
- Do You Need A Base Under Your Inflatable Hot Tub?
- Do Inflatable Hot Tubs Need Chemicals?
- How Long Can You Keep Your Hot Tub Filled Before You Need New Water?
- What Are The Benefits Of Owning An Inflatable Hot Tub?
- Differences And Similarities: Inflatable Hot Tub vs Traditional Hot Tub.
What Is An Inflatable Hot Tub and How Does It Work?
An inflatable hot tub is a portable hot tub that you can inflate and deflate as needed, usually sized for approx 4 people.
Although LITERALLY it is a blow up pool meant to hold adults and hot water, it is much more complex than a simple inflatable kiddie pool. It comes an air pump and air pressure gauge, control panel, and outer cover that helps spread out the weight of the water and people inside the hot tub.
How Does An Inflatable Hot Tub Stay Firm?
Inflatable hot tubs are designed to stay inflated using an air pump that comes with the hot tub.
This pump is used to fill the walls and base of the hot tub with air when you’re setting it up, and it’s also used to maintain the right amount of air pressure inside the hot tub as time passes.
This doesn’t mean you have an air pump running all the time though. To make sure that the hot tub stays adequately inflated to handle the weight of the water, most inflatable hot tubs have an air pressure gauge on the control panel. This gauge tells you how much air pressure is inside the hot tub, and you can adjust it if needed (your manual will give you the recommended number to keep it at).
Besides the air pump (which is the main thing), the outer cover layer of the hot tub also helps to keep it inflated. The cover layer helps to spread out the weight of the water and the weight of the people inside the hot tub, which helps to prevent the hot tub from collapsing or losing its shape.
How Is The Water Heated In An Inflatable Hot Tub?
Most inflatable hot tubs use an electric heater to warm the water. This electric heater is similar to that of a regular inground or above ground electric pool heater, but designed for hotter temperatures and less water.
The heater is typically located near the filtration system, so as the water is pumped through the filter, it is heated before it shoots back into the tub. It takes some time to bring up the water from cold to hot, but once you’re there, it is simply maintenance.
How Is The Temperature Controlled (Maintained) In An Inflatable Hot Tub?
If you’re wondering how an inflatable hot tub stays hot, it’s actually pretty simple. These portable hot tubs have a built-in heating system that works to heat up the water and maintain a comfortable temperature for soaking.
The heating system is usually located in the control panel or pump unit of the hot tub, and it’s designed to be easy to use and maintain.
To get started, you simply fill up the hot tub with water and turn on the heating system. Most inflatable hot tubs have a thermostat that allows you to set the desired water temperature, which is typically between 100°F and 104°F (37°C to 40°C).
The heating system will then work to maintain this temperature by turning on and off as needed, so you can enjoy a relaxing and comfortable soak without having to worry about constantly adjusting the temperature.
(One thing to keep in mind is that the heating system in an inflatable hot tub may take a bit longer to heat up the water compared to a traditional hot tub. This is because inflatable hot tubs have less insulation and may not be able to maintain the water temperature as effectively as a more permanent hot tub. However, most inflatable hot tubs come with an insulating cover that helps to retain the heat in the water, so you can keep the water hot for longer periods of time and save on energy costs.)
How Long Does It Take To Set Up An Inflatable Hot Tub?
Setting up an inflatable hot tub can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the model.
Most inflatable hot tubs come with detailed set up and storage instructions, making it a pretty simple and painless process.
Do You Need A Base Under Your Inflatable Hot Tub?
Yes, you want to be SURE you have a flat and sturdy base under your inflatable hot tub so that you’re setting it up on a stable and level surface.
Check out this article here about what you can put under your inflatable hot tub for more info on this topic.
How Do You Keep An Inflatable Hot Tub Clean? Do You Need Chemicals?
To keep the water in an inflatable hot tub clean and safe to use, you will likely need to add some chemicals. The specific chemicals required will depend on a few factors, including the size of your hot tub, how often you use it, and the quality of your water source.
So if you’ve never used pool chemicals before, this can sound quite intimidating, but trust me it’s not that bad (we got an above ground pool last year and yes, pool chemicals are a bit of a learning curve, but you’ll catch on quickly).
Typically, you will need to add a sanitizer such as chlorine or bromine to kill bacteria and other contaminants in the water. You may also need to adjust the pH and alkalinity levels using chemicals such as pH increaser or pH decreaser. Some hot tub owners find they need to add a clarifier or flocculant to help filter out small particles and keep the water crystal clear.
Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions and start with the recommended chemicals for your hot tub. Regularly testing the water using a test strip or liquid test kit can help you monitor the water chemistry – you can make adjustments as needed to keep your hot tub clean and enjoyable.
How Long Can You Keep Your Inflatable Hot Tub Filled (Before You Need Fresh Water)?
Most inflatable hot tubs can be left filled with water for several weeks or even months, depending on the quality of the water and the level of maintenance performed. If you test the water quality regularly, you’ll have a good handle on it.
Differences and Similarities: Inflatable vs Traditional Hot Tubs
While inflatable hot tubs have many benefits (including a significantly lower price tag), they do have some limitations. Here’s a chart outlining how inflatable hot tubs and traditional hot tubs compare to each other.
| Category | Inflatable Hot Tubs | Traditional Hot Tubs |
|---|---|---|
| Construction & Material | Made of soft, durable material like PVC or vinyl | Typically made of hard, solid materials such as acrylic, fiberglass, or wood |
| Size & Capacity | Generally smaller in size and have a lower capacity | Can accommodate a larger number of people |
| Portability & Installation | More portable and easier to install | Often require professional installation and a permanent location |
| Maintenance | May require more frequent maintenance due to their soft material and smaller size | Often have more sophisticated filtration and sanitation systems which can be more effective and easier to maintain |
| Cost | Generally less expensive | More expensive |
| Features | May offer some simple features, but not as many as traditional hot tubs | Often come with additional features like built-in lighting, jets, and audio systems |
| Durability & Longevity | May not last as long due to their soft material and frequent usage | Tend to be more durable and have a longer lifespan |
So... What Are The Benefits Of Owning An Inflatable Hot Tub?
Some of the benefits of owning an inflatable hot tub include affordability, portability, and ease of use.
Like a traditional one, they can be a great way for you and your family and friends to relax and relieve stress, improve circulation, and soothe sore muscles.
Check Out This Video For More
In Summary
Inflatable hot tubs can be a great way to enjoy the benefits of a hot tub without the high cost and installation requirements of a traditional hot tub. By understanding how they work and how to maintain them and the water properly, you can enjoy a relaxing spa experience in the comfort of your own home.
