Ever since inflatable hot tubs have been introduced to the market as an alternative to inground (traditional) hot tubs, people have compared them to kiddie pools. That’s understandable because they are both inflatable and are filled with water, but the similarities end there. Let’s take a look at the differences between the two.
Reinforced PVC
The walls of a hot tub need to be able to handle the pressure of a lot of more water than a kiddie pool. This is why portable hot tubs are made of more than just regular plastic inflated with air. The type of plastic used is known as reinforced PVC, which is much harder and more durable. The design of the hot tub is also more complex, to allow more strength so that it can withstand the immense pressure of the water inside.
More Durability
Not only is it made of strong plastic to help it withstand the water, the hot tub is made to be puncture resistant. While kiddie pools may puncture every season, so people might need to replace them every summer—that’s not the case with hot tubs. Inflatable spas can last for years, even if they are inflated and deflated multiple times, or stowed away in a cabinet for some time.
Insulation
The primary purpose of an inflatable pool is to allow small children to splash around in cool water during the summer months. A hot tub needs to retain heat effectively, and so its structure often includes some form of insulation to prevent heat loss and keep energy costs down.
Jets, Heating System, Water Filtration
Without the accompanying unit that heats the water, filters it, and pumps it through the jets, there would be no point in using an inflatable hot tub. The water in a hot tub is kept clean and free of debris for prolonged periods of time by the water filtration system and chemicals that must be added to balance the pH and sanitizer levels of the hot tub. A ring of jets at the bottom of the hot tub is responsible for creating a whirlpool effect in the water, making it bubbling and giving a full body massage to anyone in the tub.
Are Inflatable Hot Tubs Comparable To Traditional Spas?
The short answer is yes. They can replace the function of a traditional (inground) hot tub, but with added convenience and affordability. Note that there are several differences between the two, but that does not mean that one is inherently better than the other. Functionally, they serve the same purpose and deliver a very similar experience.
As for comparing inflatable hot tubs with inflatable pools (also known as kiddie pools), there is no similarity that goes beyond the fact that they are both inflatable. A portable hot tub features a lot more than just a body of water enclosed in walls of inflated plastic. There is sophisticated and high-tech equipment that is attached to the hot tub, as well as and advanced design that allows it to function properly—like a fixed hot tub.
