The Allure and Annoyance of an Inflatable Hot Tub: A Real-World Review
Everyone loves the idea of a hot tub. The image of a steaming oasis in your backyard, beckoning you to relax after a long day, is undeniably appealing. But the reality can be a bit different. As the owner of an Intex PureSpa inflatable hot tub, I’ve experienced firsthand the joys and the inevitable hassles that come with owning one.
The first thing you’ll notice about the Intex PureSpa is its simplicity. It’s a blow-up tub, using an included air pump to inflate the shell. This three-ply laminated material feels reassuringly sturdy, far from the flimsy inflatable pools of your childhood. The setup is surprisingly straightforward: unroll the ground cover, position the tub, inflate it (about 20 minutes with an automatic pump), and then carefully connect the inflow and outflow tubes from the heating unit to the tub. The tub then needs to be filled with water, which takes about another 20 minutes using a garden hose.
The wait for your first soak, however, is where the reality of hot tub ownership sets in. The Intex PureSpa holds over 200 gallons of water, meaning it takes a significant amount of time to heat up. Even in mild temperatures, the water only rises a few degrees per hour. In colder weather, it can take two full days to reach the advertised maximum of 104 degrees Fahrenheit. This slow burn is worth considering if you’re hoping for a spontaneous soak.
And then there are the inevitable challenges. My experience with the Intex PureSpa involved a broken insulated cover. This wasn’t due to poor manufacturing, but rather a unfortunate combination of a cold winter and a strong storm that knocked a branch onto the cover. The result was a soggy, heavy lump that I struggled to remove. This incident highlights the importance of being prepared for winter conditions. Either take the hot tub apart, or leave the heater running continuously to prevent the cover from becoming brittle.
Another challenge I encountered was a slow leak from the seals on the heat pump. This started before the freezing temperatures arrived and continues to this day, requiring me to constantly top off the tub with colder water. This has added hours to the heating process, leading me to believe I might have been too hasty in connecting the heater tubes to the tub initially. Take your time and be meticulous when attaching these, as a small error can lead to big headaches.
Chemical maintenance, however, wasn’t as daunting as I expected. I used a single chlorine tablet every week, with the hot tub’s built-in dispenser making the process simple. I also cleaned the tub with dish soap and a sponge roughly once a month, a relatively minor chore.
The payoff, however, is undeniable. The Intex PureSpa provides a luxurious escape right in your backyard. With the cover off, the tub slowly cools, but always remains above 95 degrees for the duration of my 30-minute bubble sessions. The bubbles, although less powerful than Jacuzzi jets, provide a soothing massage and a relaxing ambiance. The tub comfortably accommodates four people, with enough room for two to stretch out and enjoy the warmth.
The Intex PureSpa also offers a welcome sense of tranquility and mental rejuvenation. It’s been my reliable companion on chilly evenings, a haven where I can unwind and enjoy the peacefulness of the night. And when the summer heat arrives, it’s easy to deflate, clean, and store away until the next season.
Ultimately, deciding if an inflatable hot tub is right for you requires weighing the pros and cons. While it offers a luxurious escape and a path to relaxation, it also comes with a number of commitments. You will need to factor in the slow heating times, the required maintenance, and the occasional unexpected challenges that can arise.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the Intex PureSpa, based on my experience:
Pros:
- Relatively affordable: Compared to traditional hot tubs, the Intex PureSpa is a more budget-friendly option.
- Easy to set up and take down: The inflatable design makes it simple to assemble and disassemble, and it can be stored away easily during the off-season.
- Versatile: You can place the hot tub on a variety of surfaces.
- Great for social gatherings: The ample space allows for multiple people to enjoy the tub together.
- Provides a relaxing and rejuvenating experience: The warmth and bubbles are perfect for easing muscle aches and stress.
Cons:
- Slow heating times: It can take hours or days to heat the tub, especially in colder temperatures.
- Requires regular maintenance: You’ll need to top off the water, clean the tub, and add chemicals regularly.
- Susceptible to damage: The inflatable design makes it vulnerable to punctures and other damage. This is particularly true in extreme weather conditions.
- Can be noisy: The heat pump can generate a significant amount of noise.
Ultimately, the decision to purchase an inflatable hot tub is a personal one. If you’re looking for a relaxing and enjoyable experience, and are prepared to make the commitment to maintenance, an inflatable hot tub can be a fantastic addition to your backyard. But be sure to factor in the potential hassles and challenges before taking the plunge.
