5 Best Small Hot Tubs [Inflatable & Hard Shell]

After a hard-working day, you always want to have a good rest, relax, and escape from daily problems. You can go to nature, meet friends or stay at home and pay attention to yourself. The last point can include rest in the hot tub. 

The main advantage of relaxing in a hot tub is to relieve stress and fatigue. However, such procedures also help in muscle relaxation, sleep, insulin sensitivity & cardiovascular health improvement, pain relief, and burning calories. 

If you plan to relax in the hot tub by yourself, with a loved one, a friend, or with your family, you do not need to buy a large spa. You can settle for a small hot tub that will not take up a lot of space, cost too much, or cause difficulty in maintenance.

Since you are reading this article, we do not need to tell you in detail about the motives for buying a small hot tub because you have already made your decision. Therefore, in this article, we have focused on the key aspects of choosing small hot tubs:

• What are the distinguishing characteristics of a small hot tub?
• How to choose the right small hot tub?
• What are the 5 best small hot tubs?
• Which is better: an inflatable or a hard shell hot tub?

Let’s get started!

5 Best Small Hot Tubs Comparison Table

Aquarest Spas 2-Person Winner in the category The best choice for 2 people Number of jets: 20 hydro jets Temperature: up to 104°F Water capacity: 160 gallons Capacity: 2 people Dimensions: 5'8'' L x 6'8'' W x 2'7'' H Jump to the detailed review	What makes it the best The best for 2 people – two built-in seats allow you to take any comfortable position and enjoy the massage provided by the 10 built-in hydro jets in each seat; The best filtration – the hot tub has a built-in Kleen Filtration System that filters 100% of the water; The best back massage – 20 hydro jets built right into the back of the seat provide an intense point deep pressure massage of the back, unlike bubble ones that massage a larger surface area but with less effectiveness; Less chemicals in the water – Ozone Purification System destroys dirt and bacteria and reduces your need to use chemicals by 75%; Temperature control – with jets on, the hot tub retains 98% of the heat in 30 minutes, while others can retain only 89%
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SaluSpa St.Lucia AirJet Winner in the category The fastest heating Number of jets: 110 bubble jets Temperature: up to 104°F Water capacity: 160 gallons Capacity: 2-3 people Dimensions: 6'6.93'' L x 6'6.93'' W x 2'5.98'' H Jump to the detailed review	What makes it the best The best heating – with outdoor temperatures close to 32°F heats water to 104°F in 24 hours, with 74°F to 104°F in 12 hours while other hot tubs heat up 1.5-2 times slower; The best protection against low temperatures – when the temperature drops to about 32 Fahrenheit, the FreezeShield system begins to automatically heat internal components to avoid freezing and failure; The best cover – it's made of materials that allow the water temperature to be maintained when the hot tub is covered and not in use; The most effective chlorine level control due to the unique ChemConnect system that disperses excess chlorine in the water; Ease of use – a control panel allows you to adjust the temperature, bubbles, and control the temperature for up to 40 days
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SereneLife Outdoor Portable Hot Tub Winner in the category The best for relaxation Number of jets: 100 bubble jets Temperature: up to 107.6°F Water capacity: 158 gallons Capacity: 4 people Dimensions: 5'7'' L x 5'7'' W x 2'5'' H Jump to the detailed review	What makes it the best The best relaxation – 100 bubble jets provide the best and unique effect of massage because the bubbles do not just go from the bottom up, as with other models, but also rotate due to the flow of water created by jets and literally envelop your body; The highest heating temperature – the double tube 1200w heater allows you to reach a water temperature of 107.6°F, which is 5% higher than other models; The most extensive kit – the hot tub comes with a cover, filter, inflatable hose, ground pad, repair kit, remote control, and led light so you don’t need to buy additional accessories because everything you need is included; Great for a party – hot tub can comfortably accommodate 4 people and has LED lighting in 7 different colors; Easy to control – digital panel and remote controller allows you to adjust the temperature, bubble modes, and backlight color
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SaluSpa Vancouver AirJet Plus Winner in the category The most durable Number of jets: 140 bubble jets Temperature: up to 104°F Water capacity: 213 gallons Capacity: 3-5 people Dimensions: 6'1.02'' L x 6'0.63'' W x 2'3.62'' H Jump to the detailed review	What makes it the best The most durable – inflatable hot tub has walls are made of drop stitch material, which provides additional strength and makes the walls rigid; The most technologically advanced – you can download the Bestway Smart Hub app to your smartphone and control the temperature, bubbles, and set a timer for heating; The most spacious – thin and sturdy walls made the interior dimensions of the hot tub equal to 5'7'', which is 93% of the total size; The best protection technologies – you don't have to worry about excess chlorine harming your health because the ChemConnect system effectively breaks it down into harmless particles; Roomy – the hot tub accommodates 3-5 people despite its compact size
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SaluSpa Milan Airjet Plus Winner in the category The most convenient temperature control Number of jets: 80 bubble jets Temperature: up to 104°F Water capacity: 242 gallons Capacity: 4-6 people Dimensions: 6'4.8'' L x 6'4.8'' W x 2'3.6'' H Jump to the detailed review	What makes it the best The most convenient temperature control – the hot tub connects to WI-FI and you can remotely use the Bestway Smart Hub app on your smartphone from anywhere to change the temperature up to 104°F and set a timer for up to 72 hours; The largest capacity – the hot tub accommodates from 4 to 6 people and is great for parties; The easiest to clean – just wipe the surface with a dry cloth to keep it clean; Relaxation – 80 air jets create bubbles in the center and on the sides of the bottom and due to this they are evenly distributed on the hot tub providing full body massage with water, the temperature of which can reach 104°F; Easy repair – the hot tub comes with a repair kit and 2 replacement filters (other models have only 1 filter in the kit)
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Main Features of Small Hot Tubs

You can distinguish the small hot tub from the medium and large one according to its dimensions. They are universal for all shapes – round, triangular, square, and irregularly shaped. Below we give you the standard dimensions of hot tubs:

• Small: 5’4″-7″ (Length), 5’4″-6’8″ (Width), 29″-35″ (Height);
• Medium: 6’6″-7’9″ (Length), 6’4″-7’9″ (Width), 33″-38.5″ (Height);
• Large: 7′-9″ (Length), 7′-9’2″ (Width), 36″-38″ (Height).

You can also determine hot tub size by capacity, but we don’t advise you as, for example, the SaluSpa Milan Airjet Plus has the size of a small hot tub, but holds 4-6 people.

• Small: 2-4 people;
• Medium: 5-6 people;
• Large: 7+ people.

Expert Advice: How To Choose The Best One?

To give constructive advice on choosing the best small hot tubs, we:

★ Familiarized ourselves with the most popular models of small hot tubs;

★ Identified 8 models that have a 4.0+ star rating and 100+ comments;

★ Ranked 26 quality criteria based on 500+ comments;

★ Ranked each product on a 100-point scale relative to mentioning negative and positive quality criteria in comments;

★ Highlighted the top 5 small hot tubs.

Based on QC, we can advise you to use 5 criteria to choose the best small hot tub.

• Easy to assemble. The best small hot tub should be “Plug and play“. To install it, you will need to plug it in, fill it with water, and that’s it! Also, this factor includes the completeness of the package. The best small hot tub should come with a cover, replacement filters, an inflatable hose, a ground pad, and a repair kit.

• Heating temperature. The best small hot tub should have a flexible heat setting (41-107.6°F). It is also important that the hot tub be able to maintain the temperature you have selected for at least 30 minutes of use.

• The number of seats. The description of each small hot tub specifies the number of people that can be seated. If you want to vacation for two, you can choose a two-seater hard shell small hot tub. Also, if you want to vacation with larger groups, you can consider an inflatable spa with 4-6 seats.

• Durability. Hard shell small hot tub should be made of impact- and freeze-resistant material. As for the inflatable ones, they should be made of puncture-resistant material, which maintains its shape no matter how many times you inflate/deflate the hot tub. If the spa has metal jets, they should be made of stainless steel.

• Heating rate. The best small hot tubs should heat water for no more than 12 hours at 70-74°F and in temperatures near 32°F up to 24 hours.

5 Best Small Hot Tubs Detailed Review

Aquarest Spas 2-Person – the best choice for 2 people

The best choice for 2 people

The Aquarest Spas 2-Person hard shell hot tub is the best choice for 2 people. There are 2 seats with 10 stainless steel hydro jets built into each. Built-in seats allow you to take any comfortable position and enjoy a massage, unlike benches in inflatable hot tubs, on which it is only possible to sit at right angles. 2 people sit almost parallel to each other and can stretch their legs out and avoid awkward touching. Also, there are 2 cup holders between the users.

The Plug and Play principle allows you to use a hot tub just after the installment! You just plug it in, fill it with water, and voila, it’s done! Fast filling of the water will provide 2 HPRHPR pump means that there are no power losses. 2-speed pumps, whose modes you can switch on the built-in LED control panel.

Unlike the SaluSpa St.Lucia AirJet with 110 bubble jets, the Aquarest Spas 2-Person hot tub has 20 hydro jets. But at the same time, they provide a deep acupressure back massage that will allow you to get rid of back pain, muscle fatigue and keep your skin toned while bubble jets are less effective in massaging. A nice bonus is a fountain with LED lighting and 9 modes, that will perfectly complement the atmosphere of relaxation from the massage. 

A distinctive feature of this model is the presence of an Ozonator. It destroys dirt and bacteria and reduces your need to use chemicals by 75%. The Easy Klean filtration system also provides 100% water filtration, keeping the water clear and clean, and allows you to easily replace the filter when necessary. 

Pros

• The best for 2 people – two integrated seats with 10 hydro jets each allow you to assume a comfortable semi-recumbent position and enjoy the massage.
• The best filtration – the water in the hot tub will always be crystal clear because of the built-in Kleen filtration system that filters 100% of the water.
• A variety of built-in accessories – enjoy the built-in LED backlight waterfall with 9 different illumination colours.

Cons

• Small buttons on the control panel so sometimes you may press the wrong one.

SaluSpa St.Lucia AirJet – the fastest heating

The fastest heating

The SaluSpa St.Lucia AirJet hot tub has the highest heating rate. At air temperatures close to 32°F, it heats 160 gallons of water to 104°F in 24 hours. At an air temperature of 74°F, the process takes only 12 hours. It is 1.5-2 times faster than other models. What is more, the hot tub comes with a cover that effectively keeps the water temperature when you are not using the spa.

The SaluSpa St.Lucia AirJet hot tub has an effective FreezeShield system like the SaluSpa Vancouver AirJet Plus. It provides automatic heating of the filter and liner when the air temperature reaches 32°F. It means that you can enjoy a massage in your hot tub, even in freezing winter temperatures! Also, the ChemConnect system also disperses excess chlorine in the water, so you don’t have to worry about the water condition in the hot tub.

The advanced Air Jet system and 110 jets deliver warm, bubbling water for maximum relaxation. You can easily control them, change the heating temperature, and set the timer from the convenient control panel. What is more, you can change the angle of the panel so that you can easily reach it and make the necessary settings in a couple of clicks.

Also, you shouldn’t worry about the durability of your hot tub because the exterior of this model is made of 3 layers of puncture-resistant material. That means it won’t get ruined by repeatedly deflating and inflating the hot tub.

Pros

• The best heating – requires 1.5-2 times less time to heat water to a maximum of 104°F than other hot tubs.
• The best protection against low temperatures – the FreezeShield system heats internal components to avoid freezing and breakage when the temperature drops to 32°F.
• High level of durability – the puncture-resistant DuraPlus material retains its shape and protects against leaks even when deflating/inflating repeatedly.

Cons

• The control panel is outside the hot tub so you have to sit near the heater, which may make noises during operation, or get up to set the desired settings.

SereneLife Outdoor Portable Hot Tub – the best for relaxation

The best for relaxation

Experience the best relaxation with the SereneLife Outdoor Portable Hot Tub. It has 100 bubble jets that provide the best and unique effect of massage because the bubbles do not just go from the bottom up, as with other models, but also rotate due to the flow of water created by jets and literally envelop your body and help in the prevention of joint/muscular pain, improves sleep, and stress/anxiety relief. The hot tub also has a handy temperature controller, allowing you to choose any comfortable temperature range from 41 to 107.6°F. The highest heating temperature is 5% higher than other models!

In addition to the control panel, the SereneLife Outdoor Portable Hot Tub has a remote control, which will make your hot tub experience even better. You can use it from afar or without getting up from the warm water to turn the bubbles on/off, change the temperature, or set one of the 7 colours of LED lighting.

Despite its compact size, this hot tub holds up to 4 adults like the SaluSpa Milan Airjet Plus. You can easily use it for parties, and the lighting will only enhance the party feeling. Also, you do not need to fear that holes will appear on the hot tub surface. It is made of laminated PVC which does not deteriorate in the bends.

This hot tub comes with the richest kit available. It comes with a pump, a cover, a filter, an inflatable hose, a ground pad, and a repair kit. So in the case of breakage or the need to disassemble and reassemble the hot tub, you will have everything you need at your fingertips.

Pros

• The best relaxation – the water flow rotates the bubbles, which are created by 100 bubble jets, and they envelop your body, creating a unique and best full-body massage effect.
• The highest heating temperature – the maximum water temperature is 5% higher than other models at 107.6°F.
• Easy to control – you can change the temperature, bubble modes, and backlight settings as you like because of the built-in digital panel and remote control.

Cons

• The cover top isn’t designed to drain water. When it rains, the rainwater collects in the middle and weighs down on the cover top, so you need to buy another one.

SaluSpa Vancouver AirJet Plus – the most durable

The most durable

The SaluSpa Vancouver AirJet Plus combines the advantages of a hard-shell hot tub and an inflatable one. It is the most durable because its walls are made of drop stitch material. It provides additional strength and makes the walls rigid. Due to the multi-layered nature of this material, this hot tub is not afraid of punctures! You can also deflate and inflate this hot tub without damaging its structure. 

In addition to the built-in control panel, it can be controlled directly from your smartphone like the SaluSpa Milan Airjet Plus. You need to connect the hot tub to Wi-Fi and install the Bestway Smart Hub on your smartphone, so you can control the device even at work.

Since the SaluSpa Vancouver AirJet Plus walls are made of durable material, the creators were able to make them as thin as possible and the spa itself is spacious. This is an exclusive case because  93% of its area is occupied by the part where you can lie down. It can accommodate 20% more people than another model with the most compact dimensions – SereneLife Outdoor Portable Hot Tub. In addition, the hot tub has the largest number of bubble jets – 140, which have two modes of massage. 

What is more, you don’t need much time or extra money to install the hot tub. It comes with everything you need – a spa pump, 1 spa/pool cover, filter cartridge (VI), 1 ChemConnect dispenser, 1 high-pressure hand pump, and a repair patch.

Pros

• The most durable – the hot tub is made of drop stitch material, which provides additional strength and makes the walls elastic and rigid to withstand heavy water weight and protect the surface from punctures.
• The best protection technology – the ChemConnect system breaks down chlorine making it harmless to your health.
• The most spacious – thin and sturdy walls allowed an increase in the internal volume up to 93% of the total.

Cons

• EO2 error (change filter) may occur when changing water. Here you can find out how to deal with this error.

SaluSpa Milan Airjet Plus – the most convenient temperature control

The most convenient temperature control

If you’re a true fan of advanced technologies and smart home advantages, the SaluSpa Milan Airjet Plus is for you. This hot tub has the most convenient temperature control because you can do it directly from your smartphone. The spa has a Wi-Fi card with which you need to connect it to your home Internet. Then install the Bestway Smart Hub app on your smartphone and synchronize it with the hot tub. Then you can start the heater anywhere from your smartphone and by the time you get home, the hot tub is fully ready to use!

You’ll be able to change the temperature, set a heat timer for up to 72 hours, and turn the bubbles on/off. They are created by 80 air jets that are located in the center and sides of the bottom. Bubbles are evenly distributed on the hot tub providing a full body massage with water. Combined with a maximum temperature of 104°F, you will be able to relax perfectly.

Despite its compact size, this hot tub is the leader in capacity. It can hold 4-6 people at a time. It is 50% more than the SaluSpa St.Lucia AirJet with almost the same size hot tubs. 

Also, along with this hot tub comes a pump that inflates it, heats it, runs filtration, and controls the massage system. Additional ease of use is provided by simple care – you just need to wipe the hot tub surface with a dry cloth at regular intervals.

Pros

• The most convenient temperature control – connect the hot tub to WI-FI, install the Bestway Smart Hub app on your smartphone, and control the heating temperature and timer anywhere.
• The largest capacity – throw a party for 4-6 people in a hot tub.
• Convenient cover – it has latches that allow you to fasten it firmly and retain the heat of the water.

Cons

• This hot tub cannot be used in temperatures less than 39°F because it has no protection against low temperatures and the heater can freeze.

Inflatable VS Hard Shell Hot Tub – What To Pick? 

Several different factors influence the choice of the type of small hot tub. To make the choice easier, we have gathered the main pros and cons of small inflatable and hard shell hot tubs.

Pros

• Low initial cost – prices for inflatable hot tubs start at $300.
• Easy to move – if necessary, you can drain and deflate hot tubs and transport them in a box.
• Light weight – an empty inflated hot tub with all accessories (filter, pump, jets) weighs about 50-60 lbs (22-27 Kg).
• Capacity – small hot tubs can hold 4-6 people.

Cons

• The seats are at a 90-degree angle – you may not be able to get a comfortable sitting position on the bench.
• External filter and control panel – in most models, the controls are outside the hot tub (but you do not have to leave the warm water completely, because it is located at arm’s length).
• Durability – inflatable hot tubs are made of elastic and less durable materials than a hard shell, so punctures can occur. However, patches are provided so you can easily tape them up.

Pros

• Comfortable built-in seats – allow you to take a comfortable position half-lying or sitting.
• Hydro jets – these jets provide a deep point massage more effectively than the bubble ones.
• Easy to operate – the controls are on the surface of the hot tub. 
• Durable – the shell made of impact and frost-resistant materials provides maximum durability.

Cons

• High initial price – the prices of small hard shell hot tubs start from $2000.
• Difficult to move – an empty hard shell hot tub may weigh about 500 lbs (226 kg).
• Capacity – small hard shell hot tubs can hold 2 or 3 people.

Summary

Small hot tubs are great for relaxing alone or in small groups. Because of their compact size, you can easily place the spa in the house, on the balcony, or the lawn. They also use less electricity because the heater does not have to maintain the temperature of too much water.

The main and most difficult question regarding small hot tubs is choosing the best spa. So we searched for the best models, applied a selection methodology to them, which is based on quality criteria and user reviews, and made a list of the top 5 inflatable & hard shell small hot tubs.

The further choice is up to you!

FAQ