Installing a hot tub in your yard or home sounds like a great idea. The thought of relaxing in the warm water as the jets massage you brings a smile to your face.
However, buying a hot tub requires some research on your part. Understanding what to look for in a hot tub, where to place it in your yard, and how to maintain it, takes some investigation. With so many manufacturers offering spas, how do you know which one is the right choice for you?
In this review, we’ll give you our three choices for the best Intex hot tubs. Use the information in our buyer’s guide to help you make an informed decision when you decide on the model that suits your home and lifestyle.
Intex – The Leaders in Inflatable Hot Tubs
If you enjoy camping, then you’ve probably heard of Intex already. This company specializes in the design and manufacturing of inflatable products. Intex makes couches, beds, and even hot tubs!
The Intex range of spas is easy to move around. Pack it up in minutes, and take it on vacation with you wherever you go. Intex is part of a group of companies established some 40-years ago, and Intex is the worldwide leader in inflatables.
Choosing an inflatable hot tub might seem like a cheap choice. However, it’s an affordable and functional hot tub that gives you everything you expect from a spa experience and more.
The Best Intex Hot Tubs
When browsing the Intex website, it’s easy to get distracted by the number of inflatable products on offer from the company. Intex does every kind of functional, lifestyle inflatable you can imagine.
If you’re looking for a hot tub that the entire family can enjoy, then we recommend you check out the PureSpa range recently introduced by Intex.
These hot tubs are affordable and reliable, giving you a relaxing spa that melts away your stress and leaves you feeling refreshed. Here are our top three choices in the Intex PureSpa range. There’s a model to suit any lifestyle or living space, choose one that suits your needs.
Intex PureSpa 28409E
If you’re looking for the best inflatable hot tub, then the Intex 28409E PureSpa is your best option. This spa is a fantastic choice for any family that thinks they will use a hot tub regularly.
This model includes a powerful blower and bubbler that pushes air through 170-jets to provide a bubbling experience and a fast warming time. Intex state that this model can hold up to 6-people. However, we found that it gives the best legroom with only 4-adults in the tub.
- TOTAL RELAXATION: Pampering yourself is easy in this relaxing heated water surrounded by soothing bubble jets; Lean your head back on the included headrests and enjoy the multi-colored LED light system
- FITS UP TO 6 PEOPLE: Provides relaxation at the touch of a button for up to 6 people with the easy-to-use control panel; The easy to use control panel activates the 170 high powered bubble jets surrounding the interior of the spa for a refreshing massage; Dimensions: (L x H): 85 x 28 inches; Cord length: 25 feet
- HARD WATER TREATMENT: Built-in hard water treatment system makes water gentler on skin, clothes and the entire spa system; PureSpa provides simple maintenance with two easy to replace filter cartridges for clean refreshing spa water. Replacement filters sold separately (stock # 29001E)
- INCLUDED: Spa Tub, Cover, Heating System, test strip, 10W Hard Water System, Filtration System with 2 filter cartridges, Floating Pool Chlorine Dispenser, Ground Cloth, Inflation Hose, Headrests, Carry Bag, Cover straps with child security lock
- REQUIRED: This item requires 28523E energy-efficient cover for purchases shipped to California - if not, the order is subject to be canceled due to shipping restrictions
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
As with all Intex models, you get a customizable control pad to enter your preferred settings. The spa also features an LED light for nighttime use, and the pump can heat water up to 104F. Intex includes two free inflatable pillows that clip onto the sides of the tub as well.
This tub would suit families that plan on using it frequently. If you want a hot tub for parties at your home, then this model is your best option of the three in this review.
- Capacity – 6-persons.
- Water Capacity – 240-gallons.
- Height – 28-inches.
- Inner Diameter (ID) – 65-inches.
- Weight – 114.4 pounds.
- The flagship Intex inflatable hot tub.
- Nice for pool parties.
- 170-jets.
- The most expensive model in this review.
- Some complaints of leaking.
Intex 85in PureSpa Bubble Massage Spa
The INTEX Bubble Massage Spa Set is an excellent choice for families looking for an affordable hot tub experience. Typically, a 6-seater hot tub from a dealer could cost you well over $15,000. With the Intex 85in, you get to relax in a high-quality spa for a fraction of the price.
This tub doesn’t have as many jets as the PureSpa 28409E, but you’ll barely notice the difference. If you intend to host guests from time to time and want the luxury of having a spa in your back yard, then this model is a great choice.
- Seating capacity: 6 people
- Built-in hard water system softens the water, making it more refreshing on your skin
- Water capacity: 290 gallons; Water temperature range: 68-104 degrees Fahrenheit
- Approximate inflated inner/outer diameter: 65” /85”, height: 28”
- Includes: spa, insulated cover, heating/filtration/air blower/hard water system, two filter cartridges, thermal ground cloth, inflation hose, carry bag, floating chlorine dispenser, and 3-way test strips
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The 28in also makes a great seasonal hot tub for anyone that lives in colder climates and finds that they don’t use the spa that often in the wintertime. All the Intex hot tubs are so easy to pack up and store in the carry bag included with the spa.
This model is the top-selling Intex inflatable hot tub, and it’s easy to see why when you consider the value on offer with this model. However, we think that it might not be suitable for regular use. If you want a party tub you can use every day, then we recommend you look at the PureSpa 28409E.
Some online forums report that this model may spring a leak from time to time, but it’s easy to repair using patchwork. We also want to note that this is even better suited for 4-people if you wish to have more legroom in the spa.
- Capacity – 4 to 6-persons.
- Water Capacity – 290-gallons.
- Height – 28-inches.
- Inner Diameter (ID) – 65-inches.
- Weight – 95.7-lbs.
- Good for occasional use.
- Good for families.
- 140-jets.
- The longest heating time of the three models in this review.
Intex PureSpa Plus
We like the compact nature of the Intex PureSpa Plus. This spa supposedly fits up to 6-persons, but we think three people will be the maximum that can fit comfortably in this tub. It’s perfect for couples that want to enjoy a relaxing soak together.
The tub only has 170-jets, but considering the smaller size of the spa, we think there’s hardly any noticeable difference in performance between this small spa and the other larger models.
- Outdoor, 6-person inflatable 85-inch by 28-inch round hot tub features 2 headrests allowing you to relax in style at a touch of a button
- Pamper yourself with the 170 soothing high-powered jets and customizable water temperatures up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit
- Durable Fiber-Tech construction with 3-ply laminated materials will not puncture and stand up to use all season long
- Built-in hard water treatment system makes water gentle on your skin, clothes, and the entire spa system while holding up to 290 gallons of water
- Includes a carry storage bag, insulated cover, 2 filter cartridges, thermal ground cloth, inflation hose, floating chlorine dispenser, and test strip
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re thinking about going away on vacation or camping, then take this spa with you. It only weighs 107-lbs when fully deflated, and fits in the trunk of your car with no issues.
Couples will enjoy this Intex PureSpa. It makes the ideal compact spa to take with you on vacation, and you can even set it up in the corner of your living room if you live in an apartment or condo.
- Capacity – 6 persons.
- Water Capacity – 210-gallons.
- Height – 28-inches.
- Inner Diameter (ID) – 57-inches.
- Weight – 107-lbs.
- The best portable option in this review.
- Good for couples.
- 120-jets.
- Quickest heating time.
- Some online complaints regarding durability.
Hot Tub Buyers Guide
Purchasing a hot tub requires a bit of research and thought before you make your purchase. We put together this buying guide to help you make the right choice for your home and lifestyle.
Placing Your Hot Tub
Deciding on the right size hot tub for your home depends on how much room you have available. If you’re living in a townhouse with a smaller patio area or yard than a freestanding house, you’ll need to choose the right size tub to fit the space.
If you’re dealing with a small area, then the Intex PureSpa Plus is the best option. Its smaller footprint makes it ideal for use in properties like condos and townhouses. If you have a large entertainment area, then the Intex 28in PureSpa is an excellent option for the entire family to enjoy.
Your hot tub needs a flat and level surface for set up, or the water will get everywhere. Make sure that there are no sharp objects nearby, or on the floor. Tearing your hot tub on an exposed nailhead, or popping it on a sharp plant branch, is a heart-breaking experience.
The best surfaces to set up your Intex hot tub are patios, decks, and inside on the floor. If you’re taking an Intex hot tub for a travel spa you can use while camping or on vacation, we recommend you inspect the surface before setting up your tub.
Avoid setting up your Intex spa on bare ground with stones. Make sure you lay a groundsheet around the area to provide suitable protection to the tub during use. If you’re setting it up at home, then you’ll need to have access to an electrical control panel supplying 240-volts through a 50-Amp breaker.
If you don’t have this electrical point available, you might have to call a qualified electrician to come over and wire in your hot tub. Intex blowers run on a 110-volt power system so that you can connect them to a standard electrical socket for use. This feature makes them a portable solution that you can link up to an electrical extension cord. Take your Intex hot tub with you wherever you go.
Features, Options, and Equipment
If you visit a hot tub dealership and take a look at the models on offer, you find that they come with 240-volt blower motors, audio systems, and a bunch of other features you don’t need in your spa. We like the way Intex gives you everything you need in a hot tub without the need for offering silly accessories.
Here are the primary considerations for selecting the right hot tub for you.
Jets
Jets provide a massage experience and bubbling action in your hot tub. The more jets you have, the better. However, jets are not the only consideration you need to take into account when making your purchase. While jets do increase the massage and bubbling effect, the difference between 140-jets and 170-jets is barely noticeable.
The jets in the Intex tubs all provide a pleasant and relaxing massage and bubbling effect. There is a slight difference in the bubbling effect between the 28in and the 28409E models. However, we think it’s nothing worth getting over-excited about.
Control Panel
All the Intex models come with a control panel that lets you customize your temperature and jet settings.
Water treatment
Hot tubs are sources of still water. Bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens love to breed in these environments. As a result, your hot tub needs a water filtration system that’s capable of killing off all bacteria, fungi, and pathogens before they harm your health.
Intex hot tubs come with an integrated hard water treatment system, as well as easily replaceable filter cartridges that keep your hot tub water clean between sessions. The advanced technology in the Intex water treatment system agitates calcium and other minerals in hard water, creating a crystal suspension in the water that doesn’t damage the pump or blower.
Seating
Intex manufacture hot tubs in seating arrangements from 4 to 6-persons. However, if you like legroom in your hot tub, then you should minus two seats from the tub to get a better idea.
Therefore, if you have a family of four, and you have some concern about whether you’ll all fit in the tub together, it’s better to go with a 6-seater instead. Families will do well with the 28in model or the 28409E. Couples will prefer PureSpa Plus.
Pump
The pump in the Intex runs off o0f a 110-volt power source, and still manages to achieve good flow rates. More horsepower in the pump does not always mean better performance in your spa. Intex manages to create a good balance between functionality and power for the PureSpa range.
Hot Tub Cover
When purchasing your hot tub, you’ll need to u a cover to protect your spa. A cover helps keep the water clean and reduces the costs of heating the tub from a cold temperature. The cover can also help to keep your spa warm between sessions, reducing your energy consumption. All the Intex models come with covers to ensure you don’t use any more power than is necessary.
LED lighting
We like the way Intex includes the LED light with the hot tub models. The LED is functional and not flashy, which is all you need in lighting for your spa.
Portability
The best feature of all Intex hot tubs is the portable nature of the product. We love that you can pack these spas up in a few minutes, and fit them into the carry bag included with the spa. Take your hot tub anywhere you go on vacation or bring it to your friend’s house for a hot tub party. The convenient handles on the sides of the tub allow you to move the tub around and position it anywhere you like.
Compact storage
If you find that you don’t use your hot tub very often in the wintertime, you can deflate it and pack it away until the summer. Unlike other hot tubs, when collapsed, the Intex models weigh around 100-lbs.
Affordability
Sure, an Intex hot tub might not have the same durability as an acrylic shell spa, but it’s only a fraction of the cost. Some 6-seater hot tubs can set you back as much as $15,000. The Intex models give you an affordable hot tub experience for a fraction of that price.
Why Buy Your Hot Tub Online?
We always recommend that you buy your hot tub online from a reputable seller. Visiting a hot tub dealer near you will be a waste of your time if you’re looking for an affordable hot tub with a price tag on under $1,000.
Most of the models in a dealership will start from $5,000 upwards. If you arrive at a dealer and tell them you’re interested in purchasing an inflatable hot tub, they’ll probably laugh at you. You can expect them to give you a million reasons why you should skip that idea and invest in one of their expensive models instead.
As long as you know your requirements, then you don’t need a dealer’s advice. When you buy online, you often skip out the middleman, giving you the best possible price on your hot tub. Dealers have to pay overheads like rent for the showroom floor, and salaries for the sales staff. As a result, the consumer ends up carrying those costs.
By buying online, you get a much better deal and an electronic paper trail that you can use if you need to return your goods for whatever reason. Online dealers are far easier to deal with when it comes to customer returns than physical dealers.
Most online dealers will offer you free shipping included in the price. You have to take into account for spending more on delivery surcharges when buying from a dealership.
Conclusion
A hot tub is a luxury purchase that all Americans wish they could afford. However, spending $15,000 or more on a hot tub for your patio or yard is not a pragmatic financial decision in this economy.
Intex offers you the best way to enjoy an authentic hot tub experience at a fraction of the cost of traditional hot tub ownership. There’s plenty of other advantages of owning an Intex tub as well, especially the portability of the spa.
If you’re looking for the ultimate Intex PureSpa experience, we recommend you go with the 28409E model. The 28in model suits families looking for an affordable option, and the PureSpa Plus is ideal for couples or small properties where space is at a premium.
1 Comment
What can you tell me about the Intex 28451EP model. I am very interested in that one. I like the fact that it is square & the reviews I have read have been well received Please advise!