Cost of Inflatable Hot Tubs

Looking for an affordable inflatable hot tub under $200 or $300? We’ve got budget-friendly options that won’t break the bank. Learn how to manage electricity costs and choose the best hot tub for winter. Plus, find nearby stores with same-day pickup or great clearance deals to get your perfect hot tub today.

When considering the cost of inflatable hot tubs, several factors come into play, including size, features, brand, and additional accessories.

Costs depend on these factors, including:

• Size: Larger hot tubs will obviously cost more than smaller ones.
• Features: Hot tubs with more features, such as built-in jets, filtration systems, and LED lights, will be more expensive.
• Brand: Some brands are known for their quality and durability, and these brands will typically charge more for their hot tubs.

Inflatable Hot Tub Electricity Costs:

In my personal perspective, I’ve been in the same boat, and after tracking my energy usage over the seasons,

I’m here to explain the exact cost of running one of these tubs, and offer suggestions on how to keep things affordable without sacrificing comfort.

How Much Power Does an Inflatable Hot Tub Use?

Depending on your setup, it can cost anywhere from $20 to $150 per month to operate. Here’s the breakdown:

• Winter Usage: In colder months, heating the water takes a lot more energy. My 177-gallon “4-person” tub, for instance, runs at about 9 kWh per day when temperatures drop to around 45°F. If you’re in an area where electricity costs are high (like where I live in the San Francisco Bay Area), that can add up to $135 a month just for the heating element alone.
• Summer Usage: In warmer months, you’re looking at around 4 kWh per day, which drops your monthly cost to about $60 to $90—a nice break from winter’s energy demands.

The Hidden Costs: Pump and Heating

Now, it’s not just the heater that’s pulling energy. The pump that circulates the water also uses power, though it’s a much smaller drain. My pump, for example, draws about 35 watts, which equates to around 0.84 kWh per day.

• Pump Power Usage: Running it continuously will cost you anywhere between $0.08 and $0.42 per day, depending on your electricity rate. If you’re really looking to save, you can reduce the runtime of the pump—half the time equals half the cost.

Although the pump isn’t expensive, it’s still an ongoing expense that you’ll need to keep track of.

Heating Time: How Long to Reach the Right Temp?

I’ve learned the hard way that pre-heating the water with tap water is a game-changer, saving me hours of waiting—and money on electricity.

• Cold Water (54°F): If you fill your tub with garden hose water, it’ll take about 25 hours to get to a cozy 104°F—that’s a lot of energy and time.
• Hot Tap Water: If you’re able to use hot tap water, the tub can be ready almost immediately. Just be cautious about the water temperature—most garden hoses aren’t designed for water over 120°F, so don’t push it!

To Turn It Off or Leave It On?

Here’s the big debate: Should I leave the hot tub running when not in use? For a while, I’d turn it off to save energy, but I quickly realized it wasn’t as simple as it seemed.

• Turning It Off: You can save some power by turning it off, but it doesn’t work as well as you might think. It takes several hours (8-20 hours) to heat it back up, so turning it off for short periods doesn’t really make sense unless you’re leaving town for a while.
• Lowering the Temp: I found that keeping the tub at a lower temperature—around 88°F—is the best option when I’m not using it. Since the tub warms up at about 2°F per hour, it only takes a few hours to get back to a comfortable temperature. Plus, it’s a great way to keep things affordable.

Insulating Your Hot Tub: Is It Worth It?

When I first started using the hot tub, I didn’t think much about insulation, but trust me, it makes a huge difference. Insulation helps keep the heat in, which means your heater won’t have to work overtime.

• Insulating Covers: I got a basic $100 cover for my hot tub. It saved me about $150 over the course of the year, so it definitely paid for itself. However, after a year, it started falling apart, which was a bit disappointing. If you go for a cover, I’d recommend investing in something more durable and effective.
• Foam Board Insulation: For a DIY project, I added foam board insulation to the base of my tub. It was a $50 investment that saved me about 2 kWh/day—that’s a savings of $200/year. It took me only a couple of hours to install, and it looks like it’s going to last several years.

Price Range

• Entry-Level Models: $300 – $500
• Brands: Intex, Coleman
• Features: Basic bubble jets, simple control panel, smaller capacity (2-4 people)
• Mid-Range Models: $500 – $800
• Brands: Bestway, SaluSpa
• Features: Enhanced bubble jets, more advanced control panels, larger capacity (4-6 people), better insulation
• High-End Models: $800 – $1,500
• Brands: MSPA, Lay-Z-Spa
• Features: Hydro jets, digital control systems, higher durability, additional accessories like headrests and LED lighting, larger capacity (6-8 people)

Additional Costs

• Maintenance Supplies: $50 – $100 per year
  • Chemicals, filters, cleaning kits
• Electricity: $20 – $50 per month
  • Varies based on usage and local electricity rates
• Accessories: $20 – $200
  • Covers, steps, drink holders

How to Save on Electricity Costs

Our focus will be on the most effective ways to keep your electricity bill under control.

Should You Keep Your Hot Tub Running?

When it comes to saving energy, it’s important to consider whether to leave your hot tub running all the time or turn it off when you’re not using it. After some trial and error, I have found this.

Leaving the Hot Tub On vs. Turning It Off

Turning off your hot tub may seem like the obvious choice to save energy. It’s not as uncomplicated as it appears. Turning off your hot tub complete results in a rapid loss of heat. Reheating it from scratch requires hours and utilizes more electricity than simply maintaining a lower temperature.

I’ve found that turning it off completely doesn’t save as much as you’d anticipate in my experience.

• Leaving it On: Keeping the tub on at a reduced temperature can actually be more energy-efficient than turning it off. When left on, it uses a steady, lower amount of energy to maintain the temperature.
• Turning it Off: If you do decide to turn it off, it could take anywhere from 8 to 20 hours to get back to your preferred temperature, meaning a lot of energy is needed to bring the water up to 104°F.

Energy-Efficient Practice:

Maintain lower temperatures when not in use. I found the perfect temperature: keeping the tub at a lower temperature, like 88°F, when it’s not being used. The tube’s heating rate of 2°F per hour makes it easy to turn on the heater in the morning and it will be at a comfortable temperature by evening. This approach saves a significant amount of energy and reduces costs.

• Turning off the hot tub entirely doesn’t save much unless you plan on leaving it off for days at a time.
• Maintaining 88°F is an efficient way to keep the energy usage lower without sacrificing comfort.

Cost Comparison: Turning Off vs. Maintaining 88°F

To give you a clearer picture, let’s look at the costs:

• If you leave the tub at 88°F, you’re using a fraction of the energy compared to constantly reheating the water. The cost savings of maintaining a lower temperature can be substantial over time.
• If you turn off the tub completely, the energy required to bring it back up to 104°F makes it less efficient for short periods of non-use.

Insulating Your Hot Tub for Better Energy Efficiency

Insulation is the key to keeping heat inside, whether it’s through foam board or a high-quality cover.

Benefits of Adding Foam Board Insulation

After installing, I noticed a big difference in how well the tub retained heat. The foam acts as a barrier that reduces heat loss, meaning your heater doesn’t have to work as hard.

• Energy Savings: Can save you up to 2 kWh per day. Over the course of a year, that could add up to savings of around $200.
• DIY-Friendly: Easy to install and can be done for as little as $50. It’s a small upfront cost with big long-term benefits.

Considerations: Initial Cost vs. Long-Term Savings

The upfront cost of foam board insulation is minimal compared to the long-term savings. In my case, the installation only took a couple of hours, but the savings have been ongoing, and I’ve seen a return on investment in just a few months.

If you’re on the fence, consider how much you’d spend on electricity over a year, and foam board insulation pays for itself rather quickly.

Using an Insulating Cover

Investing in a high-quality insulating cover. While a cheap cover may seem like an easy solution, it won’t give you the same level of performance as a high-end cover. Here’s what I’ve learned.

Effectiveness of Covers in Reducing Heating Costs

Insulating covers work by trapping heat inside the hot tub, preventing it from escaping. A good cover can save you 30-50% on heating costs by reducing heat loss.

• A well-insulated cover helps the hot tub retain its heat, so the heater doesn’t have to work as hard.
• A poor-quality cover may not provide sufficient insulation, leading to higher energy use.

Comparison of Low-Cost vs. High-Quality Covers

I’ve gone through my share of low-cost covers, and they just don’t last. A $100 cover worked well for about a year, but after some wear and tear, it stopped being as effective.

• Low-Cost Covers: Generally last for a shorter period of time and may not insulate as well. The savings aren’t as high.
• High-Quality Covers: While they cost more initially, they offer better insulation and can last several years, saving you much more in the long run.

Potential for Wear and Tear Over Time

Even the best covers will eventually degrade, especially if they’re exposed to harsh weather conditions. While a high-quality cover is definitely worth the investment for its insulation and longevity, be prepared for maintenance or eventual replacement.

Energy Consumption Comparison: Inflatable vs. Hard-Sided

Differences in Energy Efficiency, Insulation, and Heating Methods

1. Insulation:
   • Inflatable Hot Tubs generally rely on external methods like covers and foam insulation to retain heat. While this works to some degree, it is still less effective than the built-in insulation found in hard-sided tubs. This makes hard-sided tubs inherently more energy-efficient, especially in colder climates.
   • Hard-sided tubs are designed with materials that hold heat better, meaning they don’t need to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature.
2. Heating Methods:
   • Inflatable hot tubs have a slow heating rate, often taking up to 25 hours to heat from a cold 54°F to a comfortable 104°F. This slow heating method can be costly in the winter, especially if you don’t plan on using the tub every day.
   • On the other hand, hard-sided tubs heat up much faster, and once the water reaches the desired temperature, the insulation helps maintain it. This efficiency means they typically cost less to run over time.
3. Long-Term Costs:
   • Over the long term, hard-sided hot tubs tend to be more economical due to lower energy consumption. Even though the upfront cost is higher, the improved insulation and faster heating reduce monthly operating costs.
   • Inflatable hot tubs, while more affordable initially, often have higher running costs because of their lower energy efficiency, particularly in extreme temperatures.

Comparing Prices of Specific Brands or Models

When comparing different brands and models, consider both the upfront cost and the additional features:

• Intex PureSpa:
  • 4-Person: $400 – $600
  • 6-Person: $600 – $800
• Coleman SaluSpa:
  • 4-Person: $300 – $500
  • 6-Person: $500 – $700
• Bestway Lay-Z-Spa:
  • 4-Person: $500 – $700
  • 6-Person: $700 – $1,000

Estimated Heating Costs

Here are some estimated costs to give you a better idea:

Uninsulated 4-Person Hot Tub

• Summer: 4 kWh/day
• Winter: 8 kWh/day
• Average Rate: $0.30/kWh
• Average Use: 4 hours daily, twice a week
• Annual Cost: $500

Fully Insulated 4-Person Hot Tub

• Summer: 2 kWh/day
• Winter: 3 kWh/day
• Average Rate: $0.30/kWh
• Average Use: 4 hours daily, twice a week
• Annual Cost: $149
• Estimated Annual Savings: $239 (60% reduction in annual electricity cost)

Monthly Cost Estimates

Here are some reported monthly costs from users:

• Inflatable Hot Tub in Georgia: $20 more monthly from spring to fall and about $50 more monthly from December through February.
• Inflatable Hot Tub in North Carolina: $20 more monthly from spring to fall and about $50 more monthly from December through February. Or you can use our free app below to estimate the cost.

How Much Does a Small Inflatable Hot Tub Cost?

The cost of a small inflatable hot tub, typically designed for 2-4 people, falls within the entry-level to mid-range price categories. Here’s a breakdown:

• Basic Models: $300 – $400
  • Examples: Intex, Coleman with basic bubble jets and simple controls.
• Enhanced Models: $400 – $600
  • Examples: Bestway, SaluSpa with improved features like better insulation and advanced control panels.

How Much Is an Intex PureSpa?

The Intex PureSpa series is a popular choice among inflatable hot tubs. Prices vary based on specific models and features:

• Intex PureSpa 4-Person: $400 – $600
  • Features: Bubble jets, digital control panel, heating system.
• Intex PureSpa 6-Person: $600 – $800
  • Features: Larger capacity, enhanced jets, more durable materials.

Buying Tips

1. Determine Your Budget: Establish a budget to narrow down your options. Keep in mind that higher upfront costs can lead to better durability and features.
2. Consider Usage Needs: Think about how many people will use the hot tub and how often. Larger models with more features will be more expensive but might be worth it for frequent use.
3. Read Reviews: Check customer reviews and ratings to get insights into the reliability and performance of different models.
4. Check Warranty: Look for models with good warranty coverage for added peace of mind.

Cost vs. Benefits

Inflatable hot tubs are more affordable than permanent ones, but they still have the same benefits, such as relaxation, stress relief, and social enjoyment. The fact that they are portable and easy to set up makes them ideal for renters or those with limited space.

Water Capacity of Inflatable Hot Tubs

The water capacity of an inflatable hot tub is determined by its size. Smaller tubs for two people hold 150-220 gallons, medium tubs for three people hold 200-300 gallons, and larger tubs for six people hold 320-475 gallons. For example, the Coleman SaluSpa can hold 242 gallons.

To figure out the capacity of a tub, multiply its interior length, width, and depth (in feet) to obtain cubic feet, and then multiply that amount by 7.48 to find gallons.

Check for more about Hot Tub Health Benefits.

How Much Does an Inflatable Hot Tub Cost to Run in Different Locations?

Real-life examples, the costs to run can vary greatly depending on where you live, how often you use it, and how well you maintain it. Examine the actual cost range and the factors that affect it.

Case Study: San Francisco Bay Area

In the San Francisco Bay Area, where I have my own inflatable hot tub, the electricity costs are noticeably higher than in many other parts of the country, especially in the winter months. Here’s a breakdown of how much it costs me to run my 177-gallon inflatable hot tub:

• Winter (Average temperature: 45°F):
  • During the colder months, my hot tub uses around 9 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day to maintain a comfortable temperature. With local electricity rates averaging $0.50 per kWh, this results in an estimated monthly cost of $135 (9 kWh/day x $0.50 x 30 days).
  • This can vary based on additional factors such as insulation, whether I use a cover, and how often the tub is in use.
• Summer (Average temperature: 60-70°F):
  • In the warmer months, the hot tub uses less energy—around 4 kWh per day—to keep the water warm. At $0.50 per kWh, the cost drops to around $60 per month.
  • The energy savings in summer are primarily due to the ambient temperature being more conducive to maintaining heat, requiring less work from the tub’s heater.

Neighbor Feedback on Average Costs:

Talking to some neighbors, I found that my experience is fairly typical for the region. One neighbor with a similar inflatable hot tub reported that they pay around $100 per month for energy in winter. The difference between our costs comes from factors like temperature fluctuations and whether they use additional insulation or covers.

This variation underscores the fact that personal circumstances such as usage habits and insulation methods can have an impact on overall costs. However, it is clear that energy bills can increase during winter months in colder climates.

Comparing Inflatable vs. Hard-Sided Hot Tubs:

Energy consumption offers similar benefits, but there are distinct differences in terms of energy efficiency and costs.

Energy Consumption Comparison: Inflatable vs. Hard-Sided

Differences in Energy Efficiency, Insulation, and Heating Methods

1. Insulation:
   • Inflatable Hot Tubs generally rely on external methods like covers and foam insulation to retain heat. While this works to some degree, it is still less effective than the built-in insulation found in hard-sided tubs. This makes hard-sided tubs inherently more energy-efficient, especially in colder climates.
   • Hard-sided tubs are designed with materials that hold heat better, meaning they don’t need to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature.
2. Heating Methods:
   • Inflatable hot tubs have a slow heating rate, often taking up to 25 hours to heat from a cold 54°F to a comfortable 104°F. This slow heating method can be costly in the winter, especially if you don’t plan on using the tub every day.
   • On the other hand, hard-sided tubs heat up much faster, and once the water reaches the desired temperature, the insulation helps maintain it. This efficiency means they typically cost less to run over time.
3. Long-Term Costs:
   • Over the long term, hard-sided hot tubs tend to be more economical due to lower energy consumption. Even though the upfront cost is higher, the improved insulation and faster heating reduce monthly operating costs.
   • Inflatable hot tubs, while more affordable initially, often have higher running costs because of their lower energy efficiency, particularly in extreme temperatures.

Final Thoughts:

Although inflatable hot tubs have lower upfront costs, they can be costly to maintain in cold climates because they use more energy. Hard-sided hot tubs have a higher initial cost, but they are more energy-efficient in the long run, making them potentially more affordable for use throughout the year.

For more insights on choosing the perfect hot tub and maintaining it, visit Hot Tub Patio.