Random Review: This inflatable hot tub is a quarantine savior

I know what you’re thinking. It’s… “WHAT IS SHE THINKING?”

Except, during pandemics, we don’t ask this question.

Are you looking for some inflatable family fun?

A few years ago, I was trying desperately to think of something unique, fun, and generally awesome as a Christmas gift for my husband. Work shirts? A Patriots sweatshirt? Tools?

I was failing miserably.

Until the golden light of the Amazon Lightning Deal shone down upon me… and BEHOLD!

There it was. The Coleman Saluspa 4-6 person Inflatable Hot Tub.

The above is a little more expensive than this hot tub, which is slightly smaller but currently about $200 cheaper (it’s the same concept and also has great reviews): Intex 28425E 77in PureSpa Inflatable Spa, 4-Person.

Was it an impulse buy? You betcha!

And it was the best impulse buy I ever made. We used it all that unseasonably warm Christmas day and for weeks after that… until the temperature dipped in the low 30s. We brought it out again in the spring, summer, and fall. We would put it up for a couple weeks at a time, and then drain and clean it.

I purchased the SaluSpa, but there are several options available on Amazon. See them here and then scroll down for my handy FAQ.

Miraculous Inflatable Hot Tub FAQ

Q: Does it have bubbles?

A: Yes! It has bubbles around the entire perimeter of the tub, not just single jets. So everybody gets to enjoy them!

Q: Can I use it now?

A: In my experience, you can use the hot tub as long as the lowest temperature during the day is above 40. And since we basically didn’t have winter, this means you can use it now.

Q: How hot does it get?

A: It goes up to 104 degrees, which, trust me, is as hot as you’ll want it to be, unless you’re some sort of prehistoric aquatic reptile.

Q: How long does it last?

A: Our first one lasted over a year. And yes, we bought a second.

Q: Is it all squishy, like a kid’s blow up pool?

A: No! Once inflated, you can actually sit on the edge. It’s almost like a plastic Rubbermaid container.

Q: Do I have to blow it up?

A: Nope. It has its own pump.

Q: How do I clean it?

A: We purchase chlorine pellets, which go in a handy floaty container, along with a telescoping skimmer. You can get away with this technique – provided you don’t have mud-covered kids going in it all the time – for about a month. After that, you’ll need to empty it, clean it out, and refill it with clean water. I also recommend purchasing a pump for spa emptying purposes. You can’t exactly tip this thing over!

I also recommend completely emptying and refilling about once every two months, depending on usage.

Q: Will my neighbors think I’m crazy?

A: Nobody thinks anyone is crazy right now.

And as long as you’re quarantined, why not stay safe in a hot tub?

Note: *This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from these links, which I’ll totally blow on limes, mint, and rum.