Why inflatable hot tubs from costco (or anywhere else) are NOT worth it! - Texas Hot Tub Warehouse Blog (2024)

Inflatable hot tubs may seem like they are the perfect solution to your spa needs. Inflatable hot tubs are easy to set up, they take up as much space as a hard-shell hot tub and they are cheap. Inflatable hot tubs also allow you to bring your spa with you wherever you go. However, despite all these benefits, inflatable hot tubs simply are not worth it. Here's why:

    • Inflatable hot tubs that you can purchase from retailers like Costco and Walmart are simply not durable. These tubs tend to have a very short life span, which means you will spend more time and money on repairs than you would if you had bought a hard-shell spa that was made with high-quality materials from the start.
    • Inflatable hot tubs are not energy efficient, which means they will cost you more in electricity bills than a hard-shell spa. They also take longer to heat up and cool down, which can be an inconvenience if you're looking for something that will save you time and money.
    • They're uncomfortable—and even dangerous! Some people find that their back starts hurting after sitting on one of these things for too long because there isn't enough space between them and what's underneath them (the floor). If you have ever sat on a stool for too long, you have first-hand experience with the discomfort I am talking about.

    Inflatable hot tubs require constant maintenance

    Inflatable hot tubs require constant maintenance. It is not just a matter of plugging them in and relaxing for hours on end. An inflatable hot tub needs to be cleaned regularly, sanitized regularly, and maintained properly in order for it to work properly for its short lifespan. Can you guess what crucial thing the owner's manual may be missing - a water treatment plan. In addition to all of this regular maintenance required by inflatable hot tubs, they can also leak air over time due to improper care or manufacturing defects (not uncommon with cheaper models). This means that any money you spend maintaining one of these spas may eventually go toward replacing it with a better one!

    Inflatable hot tubs are uncomfortable

    Inflatable hot tubs, as you will soon learn, are not a good value. They are made of thin materials that make them uncomfortable to sit in. They tend to be smaller than traditional hot tubs and can't fit as many people. We purchased one that had 4 people in it, little did I know they were all kneeling. So, needless to say, only two grown adults could fit like cramped sardines.

    Inflatable hot tubs are not energy efficient

    If you are looking to buy an inflatable hot tub, you might think they are a great bargain. After all, they cost hundreds of dollars less than the traditional hard-shelled version. But if your goal is to save money in the long run, do not be fooled! Inflatable hot tubs use more energy to heat and cool because they have no insulation or protective shell. There have been plenty of times when our inflatable hot tub would start beeping, alerting us that the heater was a little too hot and needed to cool down for a day or two.

    Inflatable hot tubs are not as durable as you would hope

    The truth is that inflatable hot tubs are not built to last. They are made from cheap material that will hardly hold up over time and wear out easily. The chemicals in the water can cause the vinyl cover to deteriorate and tear easily, leaving you with a big repair bill if you don't get it fixed right away (which, by itself, costs more than the entire tub cost). This is especially true for any type of inflatable hot tub that has an electric heating system and uses pumps to circulate the water.

    Don't buy an inflatable hot tub

      • Inflatable hot tubs are a waste of money.
      • They are not worth it for many reasons.

      We have talked about the benefits of owning a hot tub before, but if you are considering buying an inflatable hot tub from Costco or anywhere else, we advise against it. Please do not buy an inflatable hot tub from Costco or other retailers, the chances of you ending up disappointed and frustrated are not in your favor.

      Conclusion

      In short, inflatable hot tubs are not worth the money. They may seem like a cheap option at first glance, but they are not durable enough to last long enough for you to recoup your investment. Inflatable hot tubs require constant maintenance and do not have the same energy efficiency as hard-shell hot tubs do. Inflatable hot tubs are also uncomfortable and not as durable as advertised - trust me! If you are looking for a long-term, affordable alternative to traditional hot tubs then please contact us today so we can get started on finding something that will suit your needs perfectly!

      Why inflatable hot tubs from costco (or anywhere else) are NOT worth it! - Texas Hot Tub Warehouse Blog (2024)

      FAQs

      Why inflatable hot tubs from costco (or anywhere else) are NOT worth it! - Texas Hot Tub Warehouse Blog? ›

      Inflatable hot tubs are not energy efficient

      What are the negatives of inflatable hot tubs? ›

      Cons of Inflatable Hot Tubs
      • Durability: Tend to be less durable than portable hot tubs.
      • Hydrotherapy: Limited jets and power, offering reduced therapeutic benefits.
      • Lifespan: Typically have a shorter lifespan.
      • Energy Efficiency: Often less energy-efficient.

      Is Costco hot tub worth it? ›

      While Costco provides affordable options, the quality of these hot tubs can sometimes be lower than higher-end, name-brand models. This difference in quality may affect the longevity, performance, and overall enjoyment of the hot tub.

      Why are inflatable hot tubs not allowed in California? ›

      If you live in California, Oregon, Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York or Nevada, you may have noticed that you can't purchase certain hot tubs because they do not meet the set standards for energy efficiency. Therefore, your state is restricting the sale and purchase of that product.

      What is the life expectancy of an inflatable hot tub? ›

      When considering the lifespan of your new hot tub, you can expect to receive around 5 -7 years of use out of an inflatable hot tub compared to 20+ years of use from a hardshell hot tub.

      Do inflatable hot tubs use a lot of electricity? ›

      Inflatable hot tubs are not energy efficient

      After all, they cost hundreds of dollars less than the traditional hard-shelled version. But if your goal is to save money in the long run, do not be fooled! Inflatable hot tubs use more energy to heat and cool because they have no insulation or protective shell.

      Do inflatable hot tubs puncture easily? ›

      Though fairly sturdy, they are not puncture-proof.

      What states banned inflatable hot tubs? ›

      ✓ By default, all models inflatable spas have become illegal for sale in California due to the inability to test to an efficiency level established for rigid or soft‐sided portable spas.

      Why can't you use inflatable hot tub in winter? ›

      Your hot tub can stay up all winter long, even if the outdoor temperature gets down to 42.8°F – just make sure there's always water in it, that the spa heater is always on, and if you don't plan on regularly using it, to check on it often. Bonus Tip: Do not use your hot tub when the outdoor temperature reaches 14°F.

      Should you put anything under an inflatable hot tub? ›

      Inflatable hot tubs should not be placed directly onto the ground, but rather on a flat surface such as concrete, paving slabs, or hot tub tiles. To ensure it is level and to protect it from debris, you may also wish to use a foam hot tub pad underneath inflatable tubs.

      How often should I change the water in my inflatable hot tub? ›

      Generally, water will need to be replaced according to: spa gallons divided by three, and then divided by the average number of users per day, i.e. if there are two users per day in a 210-gallon 4-person spa, the water should be replaced every 35 days.

      Should you leave an inflatable hot tub on all the time? ›

      Leave it running!

      You'll find it's much kinder to your electric bill to maintain a set temperature than heating from scratch each use. If you plan to use your inflatable hot tub less frequently, we suggest keeping your spa on standby mode.

      What is the best time of year to buy an inflatable hot tub? ›

      The best time to buy a hot tub is during the fall and winter, after peak pool and spa season.

      Are inflatable hot tubs hard to maintain? ›

      Keeping your inflatable hot tub running is actually very simple! A consistent cleaning routine, a regular treatment with chemicals, and knowing the warning signs will keep your spa healthy for years to come.

      Should I leave my inflatable hot tub on all the time? ›

      However, during colder periods, it's recommended to keep the temperature above 50°F (10°C) to prevent freezing and potential damage to the hot tub components. We advise leaving your inflatable hot tub on all the time to maintain proper water chemistry and temperature.

      Do you sit on the floor with an inflatable hot tub? ›

      You sit on the floor in an inflatable hot tub, similar to a paddling pool, rather than a hard hot tub. Some inflatable hot tubs do have jets, but these are air jets at the bottom of the tub providing a bubbly experience, rather than a targeted hydromassage.

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