You’ve just come back from an amazing holiday and the hotel had a great spa pool that you just loved to soak in at the end of each day. Wouldn’t you love to have that spa pool at home? Is your partner nagging you to get an inflatable spa pool?
Well now you can get a great spa pool at home without digging up the backyard or installing a permanent hot tub. Have you ever checked out inflatable spa pools?
Table of Contents
What’s an Inflatable Hot Tub?
Inflatable hot tubs are a great option when you want a portable spa that you can easily take with you when you move home, go on holiday, or pack away when not in use. Inflatables are lightweight, easy to store and transport, require little maintenance and cost much less than a fixed or semi-permanent spa pool.
The spa pools inflate within minutes, easily fill with water and quickly heat up to a maximum 104F (40C) ready for your enjoyment. Most people will prefer a temperature around 95 to 100F (35 to 38C) for a comfortable spa experience.
The pump serves multiple purposes – inflates the spa pool, circulates the water and powers the jets. The pump, filter and heater are housed in one waterproof unit with a digital control panel on the top.
Inflatable Spa Pool Features
Inflatable spa pools are basic in that they don’t have moulded headrests, seating, drink holders, built-in lighting etc., but while inflatable spa pools are more basic than a standard, fitted spa pool they still have many features.
Typical features:
- rapid inflation
- completely portable
- Multi-layer laminated PVC construction
- seat 2, 4 or 6 people
- massage jets
- cushioned floor
- pump motor & filter
- rapid heating system
- digital control panel
- chemical floater
- filter cartridges
- inflatable cover
- 700 to 1000 litres (160-220gal) capacity
How long does a spa pool take to heat up?
An inflatable spa pool will take up to 12 hours to heat up from cold water depending on the temperature of the cold water. Usually the heaters will heat at the rate of 1 to 1.5C per hour. So cold water that is 15-20C will take 12 hours to heat to 30-35C. The larger capacity spa pools may take a little longer as there is more water to heat. Keep the lid on to prevent heat loss while heating up the water.
If the water is very cold it will take longer but you can speed up the process by running some water from inside the house from a hot water tap to the spa or boiling some water in an electric kettle and pour carefully and slowly into the centre of the spa water. Ensure the spa is already half full before you add heated or boiling water to the spa pool as you don’t want to damage the PVC material. You may want to do this several times to reduce the start-up time to heat the pool.
Can Inflatable Spa Pools Be Used in Very Cold Weather?
Most inflatable spa pools are designed to operate in temperatures above 40F (4C) as very cold water can be too burdensome on the heater and pump. Also the spa pool material is laminated PVC which is not good in below zero temperatures.
Where to locate the Spa Pool
Choose a suitable location that will take the weight of the spa pool and the occupants and be sheltered from the weather. Spa pools carry up to 1000 litres of water so it’s recommended to place the spa on a concrete, paver or solid ground surface. Make sure the area is level and clear of any objects or debris that could damage the spa pool. The spa should be positioned is a shaded location as you don’t full sun on the spa all day especially in the hot summer season.
A full spa pool with 4 persons can weigh as much as a small car. Do not put on a raised timber deck or a balcony as those structures will not take the weight and may collapse.
The spa pool requires power to run the pump and heater so you need to locate it near a power supply outlet. Ensure the outlet cannot be splashed with water.
When using a spa pool there will be some water splashed from the spa on the ground around the spa so ensure you locate it where water will not be a problem. You don’t want water to run into the house, on to carpet or damage some other surfaces.
How to Set Up an Inflatable Spa Pool
Inflatable spa pools are easy to set up and only take a few hours to fill up with water. However, as with all hot tubs and spa pools they require overnight to heat the water.
- First, spread the protective ground blanket on your site.
- Assemble the pump, filter and heater unit.
- Lay out the spa pool on the ground blanket.
- Inflate the spa with the pump and blower hose.
- Setup the control panel
- Setup the filter
- Close the drain plugs
- Fill the tub with mains water.
- Add sanitizer chemicals (chlorine or bromine)
- Test and balance the water chemistry
- Turn on the heater and cover the spa.
- Wait 12 hours or overnight for the water to heat up.
Inflatable Spa Pool Maintenance
Inflatable Chemistry & Sanitization
Please ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for sanitizing your inflatable spa pool as the procedure may vary between models of spa pool.
If you are only using your spa pool for a few days you still need to sanitize the water with bromine or chlorine. Leaving water stagnant even for a short period of time only invites algae, bacteria, viruses and other contaminants into the water. Usually a floating sanitizer dispenser is enough to provide adequate sanitation to a spa pool.
Normally bromine is the best sanitizer for hot water spas and tubs because it works better than chlorine in warm water and is less irritating to skin. Usually saltwater sanitizing systems are not used for portable spa pools as they are more expensive.
Read our post on How to Drain & Clean a Hot Tub
Inflatable Filtration System
One issue with inflatable spa pools is most filter elements need to be cleaned after every use and are only designed to last for a month depending on the level of usage.
Once a spa filter becomes discolored or old they need to be replaced. Do not try to clean the filter with detergents or household cleansing products.
Draining & Cleaning an Inflatable Spa Pool
Inflatable spa pools contain a small volume of water, up to 1000 liters, which can quickly become saturated with chemicals and total dissolved solids (TDS). The only way to remove the chemical build up and contaminants is to drain, clean and refill the tub. You should change the water in your inflatable spa every 2 or 3 weeks.
The main issue with draining the water is where are you going to run the water?
I do not recommend to empty the spa water into the garden or on the lawn. The water is chemically treated and may harm the lawn and plants. Always try to empty the water into a stormwater drain.
Use a manufacturer recommended cleaning product to wipe out the inside of the spa before refilling or storage. Also clean the outside of the spa to maintain the material and finishes in good condition.
Inflatable Storage
Most tubs are safe to leave empty but should be covered to prevent dirt and debris accumulating in the tub or spa. The cover also prevents the spa surface from being damaged by UV light, heat and cold.
Pack up the pump, heater and filter unit to protect it from damage.
Store the spa inside in a dry, cool location such as a garage or shed.
Inflatable Spa Pool Safety
Check with your local council as to the regulations regarding spa pools. You will most likely find that the pool needs to be covered at all times when not in use to prevent child drownings.
Read our post on Corona Virus & Pool Safety
Most spas come with a strong tie down cover that is child proof. A child will not be able to remove the cover and the cover will take the weight of a child on top of the spa pool.
If possible locate your spa pool within a protected area that is fenced or inside your home. If you are not using your spa I recommend to drain it. Refill it when you need to use it again. Keeping water in an inflatable spa that is not used doesn’t make sense. You will need to continuously filter and heat the water costing you money.
Conclusion
In our experience most people who purchase an inflatable spa pool enjoy many years of usage and highly recommend the product. Portable spas are great for people who rent a home, live in a mobile home or go camping. Some people only use their spa in the cooler seasons so they empty and store it when not in use.
Whatever your reasons for wanting a hot tub we recommend trying a portable spa. They are inexpensive, easy to set up and operate.