When it comes to choosing a hot tub, people tend to fall into two camps. There are folks who like something affordable and space-saving like the inflatable models while the others want to invest in a serious experience.
But whether it’s an inflatable hot tub or a non-inflatable one, reliability is key, right? So, here are the most reliable hot tubs to consider.
Here are the most reliable hot tubs you can buy in 2024:
- Best Budget Option (Inflatable Hot Tub): Coleman SaluSpa
- Easy To Set Up (Inflatable Hot Tub): Intex 28431E
- Sturdy (Inflatable Hot Tub): SaluSpa Hawaii 71-Inch x 26-Inch
- Best For Couples (Inflatable Hot Tub): SaluSpa 61”x24”/1.55m x 60cm
- Best For Big Families (Non-Inflatable Hot Tub): Essential Hot Tubs 20-Jets 2021
- Easy To Use (Non-Inflatable Hot Tub): Essential Hot Tubs 50-Jets 2021
| 6 Most Reliable Hot Tubs | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Budget Option | Coleman SaluSpa
| |
Easy To Set Up | Intex 28431E
| |
Sturdy | SaluSpa Hawaii 71-Inch x 26-Inch
| |
Best For Couples | SaluSpa 61”x24”/1.55m x 60cm
| |
Best For Big Families | Essential Hot Tubs 20-Jets 2021
| |
Easy To Use | Essential Hot Tubs 50-Jets 2021
| |
Best Budget Option: Coleman SaluSpa
- Durable & good shape retention - I-beam construction & high-grade PVC material
- Energy-efficient – a 72-hour timer
- Affordable
- Heat up slowly
- The cover isn’t insulated well
The price on the performance of the Coleman SaluSpa is currently 30-50% lower than its competitors at the same market segment, and even the same or lower than some smaller-size hot tubs.
Despite the incredibly cheap price, it features I-beam construction and high-grade PVC material - which helps retain its shape forever. The price also includes many handy add-ons, such as lift handles, a cover, and a pump.
Not only do you save money but the product also helps you save energy through the smart timer which can automatically adjust the water temperature up to 72 hours.
| Coleman SaluSpa Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 77 x 77 x 28 inches |
Water Capacity | 242 Gallons |
No of Air Jets | 114 |
Heat Range | up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit |
Highlight Features | I-beam construction & high-grade PVC material a 72-hour timer |
For those budget-conscious families (of under 6 members) who want a reliable hot tub that doesn’t cost steeply and runs efficiently, the Coleman SaluSpa is the best budget option to meet all of your requirements.
Easy To Set Up: Intex 28431E
- Easy to set up – including all gear for installation, clear instructions, & a YouTube tutorial video
- Excellent weatherproof properties & No requirement of deflating after each use - extra-durable fiber-tech design
- Able to soften tap water - hard-water treatment system
- Heat up slowly
- The cover is a bit tricky to put on/off
For non-experienced users in setting up an inflatable hot tub before, this model is for you.
First of all, we have to mention its extra-durable fiber-tech design that can bear all weather types, so you can set it up once and leave it there.
The installation process is quick and easy. Everything required for installing is included in the package. The printed instructions are clear enough to follow and there's also a YouTube tutorial video.
It takes only around 20 minutes to inflate or deflate.
Another notable feature is the hard-water treatment system integrated into the hot tub, which helps soften the tap water and makes it skin-friendlier.
| Intex 28431E Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 85 x 85 x 28 inches |
Water Capacity | 290 gallons |
No of Air Jets | 170 |
Heat Range | 68-104 F |
Highlight Features | including all gear for installation, clear instructions, & a YouTube tutorial video extra-durable fiber-tech design hard-water treatment system |
If you prefer a hot tub that’s easy to set up and works reliably, check out the Intex 28431E
Sturdy: SaluSpa Hawaii 71-Inch x 26-Inch
- Sturdy, stable, and comfortable - Y-beam construction
- Easy to adjust the hot tub’s settings - digital control panel
- No drain tube
If you're looking for a mid-priced hot tub that's strong and sturdy, our pick is the SaluSpa Hawaii 71-Inch x 26-Inch.
The reason is that it has Y-beam construction - one of the strongest designs that can offer maximum structural stability without compromising your comfort.
This one can hold 220 gallons - large enough for 3-4 adults and 1-2 kids - and is built with 114 air jets for a relatively good massaging experience.
Another plus is that its digital control panel so that you do not need to step out of the tub to adjust the water temperature, jet flow rate, or other settings.
| SaluSpa Hawaii 71-Inch x 26-Inch Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 70.87 x 70.87 x 27.95 inches |
Water Capacity | 220 gallons |
No of Air Jets | 114 |
Heat Range | up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit |
Highlight Features | Y-beam construction digital control panel |
The SaluSpa Hawaii 71-Inch x 26-Inch is an easy choice for those people who are looking for a sturdy and reliable inflatable hot tub.
Best For Couples: SaluSpa 61”x24”/1.55m x 60cm
- Perfect for couples - 61
- The water temperature drops fast when the bubbles are on
This inflatable hot tub from SaluSpa is a bit smaller than the above sibling.
Its measurement is 61" x 24", roomy enough to hold 213 gallons of water at 80% capacity. Despite the small size, it is built with 140 air jets and two massage intensity levels.
The best part is its BESTWAY SMART HUB app, which allows you to adjust all the settings through a Wi-Fi connection and your smartphone.
We were also pleasantly impressed that its drop-stitch material feels as strong as a hard-sided spa. The beautiful outer design is a plus.
| SaluSpa 61”x24”/1.55m x 60cm Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 61" x 24" |
Water Capacity | 213 gallons |
No of Air Jets | 140 |
Heat Range | up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit |
Highlight Features | 61" x 24" of measurement BESTWAY SMART HUB app drop-stitch material |
The SaluSpa 61x24/1.55m x 60cm has filled the brim with thoughtful features that any couple is sure to appreciate
Best For Big Families: Essential Hot Tubs 20-Jets 2021
- Ideal for big families - 80.5 x 80.5 x 34.5 inches of measurement & six contour-style seating slots
- Dependable – made in the USA
- Great protection – insulated tapered cover with locking clips
- A bit tight for 6 big and heavy adults
Both of our picks in the non-inflatable hot tub category are for 6 users at a time, however, this model is a little bit smaller (measured by 80.5 x 80.5 x 34.5 inches with 280-gallon water capacity) and 2x cheaper than the other one.
It will be a perfect choice for big families including 3-4 adults and 2-3 young kids or 6 people with a small body frame. There are six contour-style seating slots on the inside.
For the price, this hot tub is very strong and reliable. It's made of weatherproof stainless steel material and the whole manufacturing process is in the USA.
The cover is insulated and made with locking clips, which we very much appreciate.
| Essential Hot Tubs 20-Jets 2021 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 80.5 x 80.5 x 34.5 inches |
Water Capacity | 280 Gallons |
No of Air Jets | 20 |
Heat Range | 104°F |
Highlight Features | 80.5 x 80.5 x 34.5 inches of measurement & six contour-style seating slots made in the USA insulated tapered cover with locking clips |
If you’re looking for a reliable and budget-friendly non-inflatable hot tub for big families of 6 members, the Essential Hot Tubs 20-Jets 2021 is a great option
Easy To Use: Essential Hot Tubs 50-Jets 2021
- Roomy - 85 x 85 x 36 inches with a 400-gallon water capacity
- More relaxing & comfortable - 50 air jets
- Easy to use – multiple touch-button controlled massage options & 34/50 air jets are adjustable
- Expensive
If you have a lot of money and desire for the next-level hot tub experience, try the Essential Hot Tubs 50-Jets 2021.
Its dimensions are 85 x 85 x 36 inches with 400-gallon water capacity plus it is engineered with 50 air jets - which is 2.5x more than the above one.
The special thing about these jets is 16 of them are fixed while the rest are adjustable with multiple massage options to fit your liking. It's also easy to adjust (through a touch of a button).
| Essential Hot Tubs 50-Jets 2021 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 85 x 85 x 36 inches |
Water Capacity | 400 Gallons |
No of Air Jets | 50 |
Heat Range | 104 degrees F |
Highlight Features | 85 x 85 x 36 inches with a 400-gallon water capacity 50 air jets multiple touch-button controlled massage options & 34/50 air jets are adjustable |
The Essential Hot Tubs 50-Jets 2021 is highly recommended for people who are willing to invest in a roomier and easier-to-use hot tub.
How To Choose The Most Reliable Hot Tub?
Types Of Hot Tubs
When it comes to hot tubs, there are two primary types:
- Inflatable hot tubs
- Non-inflatable hot tubs (such as hard-shell, wood-fired, in-ground, or custom hot tubs)
To determine the right type for your needs, please take a look at this comparison table:
Inflatable hot tubs | Non-inflatable hot tubs | |
Pros | Easy to maintain Portable Budget-friendly | Able to be used all-year-round Various features More durable |
Cons | Fewer and/or smaller seats Not for all-year-round use Fewer features Less durable | High-maintenance Unable to be stowed away Expensive |
Best for | House with limited space People who only use the hot tub a few times yearly | Large houses People who want their hot tub to be a permanent fixture in their home |
Interior Area
A reliable hot tub should be consistently good in performance, which is influenced by many features. The Interior area is one of them!
You should consider the number of people who are going to use the hot tub.
Therein, how many adults and how many kids are there? Kids are going to grow up and their body size will change, so how long do you want to use the tub – for long-term or short-term?
If you plan to buy a durable hot tub for use in the long run and you have kids, remember to estimate the grow-up size to find the right model.
Depending on the hot tub type, the interior area is measured in different ways. It could be in size or categorized in seat capacity. For example, inflatable and hard-shell hot tubs have three sizes and shapes:
2-4 users | 5-6 users | 7+ users | |
Min size (L x W x H in cm) | 163 x 165 x 74 | 201 x 195 x 84 | 213 x 213 x 91 |
Max size (L x W x H in cm) | 213 x 207 x 89 | 241 x 241 x 98 | 274 x 280 x 97 |
Build Quality
Quality is another decisive element of a hot tub’s reliability. To inspect the quality of a hot tub, you should pay close attention to these parts:
Cabinet – Which should be made of well-treated timber. You should avoid softwood as it will quickly rot after a while of use
Insulation – Look for fully-foamed hot tubs made of high-grade foam for more efficient operation cost than those partially foamed models
Waterproofing – Make sure your hot tub is properly waterproofed
Frame – Only shop for a hot tub with stainless steel or galvanized steel frame. Avoid untreated metalwork as it isn’t corrosion-resistant
Which Brands Make The Most Reliable Hot Tub?
Coleman
It's not exaggerating to say that Coleman is the longest-standing American manufacturer of outdoor recreation products, since 1900. At the current, it has over 4,000 employees.
Intex
With 50+ years of history, Intex Recreation Corp. is another reliable stop for shoppers who are seeking quality, built-to-last, yet affordable hot tubs. Their vision is to be the most trusted, innovative, and recognizable brand in the industry.
FAQs
How long do most hot tubs last?
Most hot tubs last between 5 and 20 years or even more if properly used and maintained.
What is the best month to buy a hot tub?
The best month to buy a hot tub is September because a lot of spa retailers start clearing out their excess inventory.
Are hot tubs hard to maintain?
No, they aren’t. Hot tubs are easy and quick to maintain.
How much should you pay for a hot tub?
On average, a hot tub costs between $2,500 and $16,500.
To determine the right amount to spend on a hot tub, you should consider your budget, purpose of use, space area, and preference. You can consult our buying guide in the above section to learn more.
Does a hot tub need to be under a roof?
No, it doesn’t. You can choose to roof your hot tub or not, depending on if you want this item to be well-protected against water evaporation and harsh weather conditions.
Conclusion
Countless hours went into the research and tests to make sure that our experts could help you find out the most reliable hot tubs that meet your needs and budget for these cold winter months and beyond. Thanks for reading!
Eugene WilliamsHi, my name is Eugene, the ultimate home enthusiast! I write buying guides and ideas on how to create a warm and welcoming home. Join me on my journey to make everyday in your house a staycation in the comfort of your own space!
