Updated on Feb. 21, 2025
Want all the perks of a hot tub without the cost or hassle? Try the Coleman SaluSpa inflatable hot tub for soothing, bubbly relaxation at a fraction of the price.
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True story: My partner and I hemmed and hawed about getting a hot tub for years. Each time we approached the conversation, the same questions would arise: Would we use it enough to make it worth the cost? Will we have to hire an electrician? And, importantly, will it be easy to maintain?
We went around and around until the perfect solution arose—the Coleman SaluSpa inflatable hot tub. After months of testing, it’s safe to say that this portable hot tub is a great low-cost way to dip your toes into hot tub ownership.
NICOLE DOSTER FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN
Reach the height of relaxation without a huge commitment with this inflatable hot tub.
Inflatable hot tubs are a portable alternative to traditional ones, as they can be inflated and deflated as needed. They can heat up to steamy temps and even have jet-like bubbles to provide ultimate relaxation. And don’t let the fact that they’re inflatable fool you into thinking they’re flimsy. Unlike blow-up kiddie pools you may purchase for a season, inflatable hot tubs are made from layers of thick and durable PVC that make them scratch-resistant and built to last.
“Inflatable hot tubs are a great starter option for those looking to try out the spa lifestyle,” says Kim Tokarski, Category Director of Pool Lifestyle Products at Leslie’s. “Priced between $300 and $1,200, inflatable hot tubs are much less expensive than the more luxurious hard-sided models that can cost upwards of $3,000–$15,000, or more.”
This makes an inflatable hot tub, like the Coleman model I tested, a good alternative for renters or those wanting to test out hot tub ownership before committing to a more permanent fixture.
The Coleman SaluSpa is a budget-friendly inflatable hot tub. It’s 77 inches in diameter and 24 inches tall—hitting about knee height. This size is perfect for a small patio or deck. It includes a heater attachment with a folding touchscreen panel that doubles as an air pump during setup. Its inflatable cover affixes to the base using six snap-on safety locks. The hot tub also included a chemical cartridge, a filter cartridge and two filters. Notable features include:
I extensively tested the Coleman SaluSpa Palm Springs inflatable hot tub in Florida for two months during the spring. Throughout this time, I inflated and deflated the hot tub several times, assessing its durability, ease of setup and heating/spa capabilities. Truthfully, I was a bit doubtful going into this test that an inflatable hot tub would perform just as well as a standard hot tub—and that the product would end up as a heap of plastic destined for the dump. I was pleasantly surprised by the results.
The hot tub was delivered in a large, heavy box weighing close to 100 pounds. I recommend getting help from a friend when moving it to your ideal location for unboxing and set-up. While the box was on the heavier side, it was a whole heck of a lot easier than paying a professional mover for a standard hot tub.
Once unboxed, I was pleased with how painless the hot tub was to set up. On my first try, it took a total of 27 minutes to inflate the hot tub and cover, install the pump and plug in the machine. The instructions in the user manual were a bit too simplified for my liking, with only tiny visual diagrams explaining each step. However, with some trial and error, the tub was easy to set up. Best part? Zero tools were required.
Installation tips:
The hot tub can hold up to 240 gallons of water and took me about 40 minutes to fill using a garden hose. The interior lining has convenient minimum and maximum fill guidelines, so you don’t overfill or underfill the tub. Since the inflatable hot tub is plug-and-play, it plugged right into my outdoor outlet with ease.
Total set-up time: 1 hour 7 minutes
Total time to inflate: 27 minutes
Total time to fill: 40 minutes
After filling the tub with air and water, I examined its strength and durability by applying pressure to its sides. I was surprised with how sturdy the inflatable base was—it felt almost rock hard. I learned this was due to the built-in beams constructed into its triple-layered PVC walls.
The cover secures onto the base with straps and locking buckles. While the buckles are a great safety mechanism, I will admit that I struggled to unlatch them without pinching my fingers, which was inconvenient when trying to access the hot tub quickly.
After testing for holes with soapy water, I realized that my hot tub had a thin puncture upon delivery, smaller than the size of a dime. This was very disappointing, as it leaked enough air to deflate the tub slightly after several days of use.
Luckily, the hot tub included a small repair kit with a vinyl section to patch holes like mine. Using a vinyl repair sealant (not included), I was able to patch the hole in under ten minutes. The hot tub worked perfectly without any additional leaks after that instance.
After the initial set-up, it was time to heat the hot tub. I found that you can control the tub’s temperature using the digital-read display panel, and you can set it anywhere from 68 to 104 degrees. Since I prefer my hot tubs to be on the warmer side, I set it to the maximum temperature.
The tub took about 24 hours to heat up to 104 degrees. Like traditional outdoor hot tubs, the time it takes to heat up depends on the ambient outdoor temperature. I live in Florida, where in the spring, the temperatures range from a high of 80 to a low of 60 degrees, but in cooler parts of the country, the hot tub may take longer to get up to temperature.
The cover also helped insulate the temperature. Like a standard tub, once you remove it, the temperature can drop a few degrees during use. When I tested it on a 65-degree night, the hot tub’s temperature dropped to 102 degrees after 20 minutes of use without the cover on.
The Coleman SaluSpa has a few different settings to control the pump, heat and jets. I was especially impressed with the jet setting via an “AirJet” ring built into the base of the hot tub. When activated, thousands of tiny thunderous air bubbles spill out from the ring, creating a massaging effect that’s really relaxing. I was surprised by just how powerful the bubbles were—and actually preferred it to a traditional hot tub, which only targets a few places on your back. However, because the setting uses air instead of heated water, I found that the jet setting also cooled the tub by 1-2 degrees during use.
I was truly delighted at how warm and relaxing the hot tub was. After a long day, plunging into steamy water is the cure for built-up tension. Within minutes after my first dip in the tub, I exclaimed out loud, “I am OFFICIALLY a hot tub person now!” And it’s true. I continued testing the hot tub almost every night for the next two months.
To test for comfort, I recruited my very tall partner, who is 6’3″, to comment on its size while lounging. “I can get fully submerged,” he said as he stretched out in the hot tub. He also noted that the cushioned base at the bottom of the tub was a great feature. “Even normal hot tubs aren’t as comfortable.”
During my season with the hot tub, I also tested the seating capacity. The Coleman SaluSpa is marketed as fitting up to four adults, which is laughably incorrect. After inviting my mother in to test, we found that we could squeeze three average-sized adults if someone sat on their knees. I’d confidently say that the hot tub only comfortably fits two.
The built-in filtration system works fairly well to pick up dirt and hair that accumulate after use. I found that I had to clean out the filter at least once or twice a week. I also had to clean the hot tub frequently using a small pool vacuum (I used a budget-friendly cordless vacuum from Intex) as debris would build up around the AirJet ring at the base of the tub.
Like a typical hot tub, portable hot tubs require chemicals for safety and regular check-ups to ensure the water is at the appropriate levels. After researching, these are the chemicals and cleaning supplies that worked best for us to keep our hot tub clean for weeks on end:
Of course, the beauty of an inflatable hot tub is that it can be drained and deflated when not in use. I drained the hot tub twice during testing, once while we were on vacation and the second time when summer hit and it became unseasonal to use. To drain, you’ll need to pull the plug at the base of the hot tub. I found this to be a little fickle as the plug kept wanting to get sucked back into the drain. To prevent this, fold the tab sticking out of the top of the tab backward onto itself. After that was secure, I simply connected my garden hose to the exit spout at the base of the tub. It took a few hours to drain.
I also found the hot tub simple to deflate. I simply unscrewed the valve used to inflate the hot tub, and in minutes, most of the air was released. However, when looking for long-term storage, it took patience and a bit of manpower to compress the tub to release all the extra air from the base.
After many months, we finally decided to trade our inflatable hot tub for a real hot tub and put the inflatable one in storage. But it did work great for months, and I loved the strength of the bubbles. I gifted my mom a Coleman SaluSpa for her birthday last July, and she loved it. Here’s what she had to say about it:
“I used the Coleman SaluSpa almost every day on my outdoor patio from July until Christmas. We live in Maryland and really enjoyed cooler nights out in the tub. We only pulled it in once the temperatures started to dip near freezing. It worked great in the colder weather, and we didn’t notice a huge spike in our electrical bill. It would have been nice to have a storage bag to house the extra hose and parts that come with the tub. Overall, I enjoyed the hot tub. It’s perfect for coming home after a workout to loosen tightened muscles. Just be sure to have a towel to wipe your feet to avoid getting lots of small debris in the tub.”
On September 12, 2024, the AirJet and HydroJet Spa Pumps sold with SaluSpa, Coleman, and Hydro-Force Spa Liners were recalled. According to the recall: “The recalled AirJet and HydroJet spa pumps can overheat causing the plastic housing to ignite, posing a fire hazard.”
The recalled spa pumps could have been sold separately or with an inflatable spa liner like the Coleman SaluSpa. The recall only includes AirJet and HydroJet Spa Pump model numbers P05332, P05339, P05711, P05807, P07000, P07001, P05511, P07034, and P07572. The model number is printed on the label on the side or back of the spa pump.
The issued recall states: “Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled spa pumps and contact Bestway to receive a free replacement spa pump or a refund of $100 for AirJet spa pumps or $189 for HydroJet spa pumps.”
I originally heard of this product a few years back from Caroline Moss, an influencer and host of Gee Thanks, Just Bought It! podcast, who frequently touts how much she loves this inflatable hot tub to her followers. “I know the word inflatable will throw you off,” she wrote in an Instagram post. “This thing is really, really durable. I have never once deflated mine, and I’ve had it for over three years. I’ve also never had a leak.”
Amazon reviewers, however, have mixed feelings. “It’s a great value for the amount of money spent. No special wiring needed,” says Amazon customer Linda, in a five-star review.
Customer Konnie Knight left a two-star review citing issues with water leaks, “I received this as a Mother’s Day gift and within the year, the pump started leaking.”
Bestway (the creator of the Coleman SaluSpa) and Intex are the leading manufacturers of inflatable hot tubs. Both brands offer models ranging from budget-friendly to premium.
Most Bestway SaluSpa products are relatively similar in terms of features and benefits but come in various colors and sizes. At 77 inches in diameter, the Coleman SaluSpa Palm Springs I tested is one of their mid-sized models. Comparatively, the St. Lucia model is their smallest at 66 inches in diameter, and the St. Moritz is their largest at 85 inches in diameter. While most inflatable spa models are circular, the Coleman SaluSpa Miami is square, giving a few additional inches of room.
The brand also sells energy-efficient models that are APSP-14 and Title 20-compliant, plus a line of spas that can be connected to smartphones.
Intex sells models that are very similar to Bestway, with the PureSpa portable hot tub being the most comparable to the Coleman Palm Springs in terms of its size and features. While the PureSpa is slightly pricier, it includes a few cool accessories like headrests and a ground cloth, which Bestway sells separately.
If you’ve been waffling about investing in a hot tub, an inflatable hot tub like the Coleman SaluSpa is an excellent option that gives all the perks of a standard hot tub for under $600. While the hot tub I tested had a few glaring drawbacks—like punctures upon delivery and incorrect marketing claims—the benefits are definitely worth it if you don’t mind the risk of minor repairs and only plan to use it with one or two people.
By far, the best benefit of the Coleman SaluSpa was the perk you’d get with just about any hot tub: a space to relax without any screens or devices. The hot tub created a distraction-free space to spend quality time with my partner, family or even just a good book. I’ve turned into a hot tub person, and I’d highly recommend you take the leap, too.
NICOLE DOSTER FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN
Reach the height of relaxation without a huge commitment with this inflatable hot tub.
You can find the Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable hot tub on Walmart, Amazon, Target, Wayfair, and other major online retailers. The Palm Springs model I tested varies in price from $565 to $650 but can sometimes be found discounted during major sales events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday.
The average lifespan of an inflatable hot dub is about five years, give or take, and depends on how well it’s maintained, how often it’s used, and the environment in which it’s used. To extend the longevity of your inflatable hot tub, you should follow a proper maintenance routine and store it away during the off-season to prevent weather damage.
A Coleman SaluSpa is inflatable and made of a plastic liner with an attached pump. The SaluSpa has 120 jets, which create lots of bubbles. However, they do not provide the massage that powerful jets do in “real” (non-inflatable) hot tubs.
At Familly Handyman, it is our job to review outdoor products—and we take that responsibility seriously! We thoroughly vet products through fair, accurate testing methodologies. Our team has combined decades of experience in the outdoor, lawn and DIY spaces.
Nicole Doster, the tester of the Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub, has nearly a decade of experience creating content for various outlets. Here, she combines her expertise in product reviews and digital content creation for a thorough, insightful look at the Coleman SaluSpa, which she used for several months on end. Our team has tested several related products, such as pool vacuums and above-ground pools—and any other outdoor product we can get our hands on.
