Since 2007, a lot of households just haven’t had a lot of money to spend. There are many workers who haven’t even received a raise since then. Families are hurting. They’re struggling to even put groceries on the table at times. The idea of owning a hot tub seems like a pipe dream at best. Well… guess what? With the best cheap hot tubs for under $500, it has become possible for more families to enjoy the benefits and pleasures of a hot tub on a regular basis.
This guide will help you make sure you get the most for the money you’ve worked so hard to have.
The Best Chart for Cheap Hot Tubs
Cheap is often associated with “lower quality.” Sometimes cheaper hot tubs just mean there are fewer features available on that make and model. You need to make sure you’re making a wise investment. This chart will help you do just that thanks to public reviews from families who have already tried and liked their hot tub from this category.
Table could not be displayed.The Advantages of Buying a Cheap Hot Tub for Under $500
Buying a hot tub is presented as a difficult, almost overwhelming task for the average person. That is far from true. As long as you know what options are available to you, even in this category, then you can quickly find one that will meet all, or at least a majority, of your needs.
In this category, the major advantage of the hot tub is its portability. Virtually every hot tub you’ll find here is going to be inflatable. This means you can take it with you to a new home if you want. You can use it at your current rental home. You can load it into your RV and have a relaxing time at your camping site if there’s a flat enough surface – or you own a hot tub pad.
The thick vinyl of an inflatable hot tub is also an advantage when it comes to maintenance. You just need to drain the hot tub so you can clean it – and then you can fill it up again. This creates a lesser need to maintain the water balance of the hot tub on a regular basis. This is especially true for the models which come with clean filtration systems.
How to Find the Best Cheap Hot Tub for Me
Size is often the first consideration many have when shopping for hot tubs under $500. Most of the hot tubs in this category are designed for 2-3 people at most. Some models may be large enough to support 4-5 users, but there won’t always be a lot of elbow room. If you have children that will likely be using this hot tub, you’ll want to look for a model that offers raised seating as part of the size consideration for best results.
The thickness of the walls on the cheap hot tub is also something to think about. Many listings for hot tubs in this category won’t give you this measurement, but you can figure it out on your own. Just compare the interior size to the exterior size and deduct the difference. You’ll also want to take the exterior sizing into consideration to make sure your new hot tub can fit into the area where you want it to be.
The number of jets that your new hot tub has will also be something to think about. More jets in the hot tub equates to a higher price. To limit costs, most models in this category have between 1-10 jets that are used. If you want stronger water turbulence, then you’ll need to invest into more jets in your hot tub. You can save some cash by reducing your number, however, so this is where your budget comes into play.
Extra Costs You’ll Want to Think About with a Cheap Hot Tub
You can get a great hot tub for under $500 today, but that’s not your only expense. Hot tubs typically need to have a cover and not every unit in this category will come with one. If you have kids or pets at home, you’ll need a cover to keep them safe. If the hot tub is outdoors, the cover will stop debris from entering the hot tub system.
You’ll also need to purchase cleaning and water balance chemicals to maintain the quality of the water in your hot tub. These costs aren’t as high as a more expensive hot tub, but can easily top $120 per year. You will also need to purchase chemicals that will work with the exterior shell of your hot tub so that you don’t degrade the quality of your investment unintentionally.
Any hot tub accessories that you may wish to have will also be an additional cost. Keep in mind that most hot tubs in this category are not designed to have attachments placed on the side of the shell.
What Are the Prices of the Best Cheap Hot Tubs?
In the under $500 category for hot tubs, you’ll find that there are a handful of options priced in the $350-$400 range. These are portable and inflatable hot tubs which are designed for individual use or for 2-3 people at most.
Some soft-sided hot tubs will also sometimes fall into this category. These are typically indoor hot tubs that are designed to work with structural supports. Look for controls that are easy to access on the sides of these hot tubs for best results. Hot tubs in this category may be used indoors or outdoors. Some may even be rated to work on bare ground – something most hot tubs are unable to do safely.
What Do Our Reviews Have to Say?
Bestway Miami
This hot tub provides you with the best combination of comfort and quality in this category right now. You’ll be able to slip into its bubbly warmth and finally begin to relax. Setting up the hot tub happens in less than an hour, with most of the time dedicated to actually filling it up with water. You can get the water heated to its max temperature in about 20 minutes, though in winter it might take a little longer. In return, 2-4 people can enjoy the relaxing warmth of this cheap hot tub again and again thanks to its durable design and craftsmanship.
Click here to view the price on Amazon and find an awesome deal.
Coleman Lay-Z-Spa
This inflatable spa which also offers a bubble massage option is about as versatile as a cheap hot tub can be. You can set it up inside or outside. With an insulation pad underneath it, you can even set it up in your backyard without much difficulty. There’s enough room for up to 4 people and you can even stretch out a bit without being too terribly intimate with your boundaries. It’s perfect for renters because the power requirements are minimal and this hot tub is highly portable.
Click here to view the price on Amazon and find an awesome deal.
Intex PureSpa
This highly popular hot tub gives you one of the best value purchases in this category. Not only do you receive a massage option, but the hot tub is designed to be very portable. It heats quickly, provides you with temperature consistency, and is very easy to maintain the water balance. Service the hot tub about once every other week for best results and the filtered water will always be transparent and sanitary. If you’re on the fence about buying a more expensive hot tub, then give this one a try. We think you’ll love what it is able to do for you.
Click here to view the price on Amazon and find an awesome deal.
Coleman Portable
This cheap hot tub has been compared to a glorified kiddie pool on other websites, but that’s only because they never got the chance to “wet test” it before writing about it. With more than 100 bubble jets providing relaxing warmth, the splash is minimal in this small, but effective hot tub. The pump offers you digital controls at the ready and the outer walls are strong against possible punctures. Carrying handles allow you to quickly move this hot tub from location to location. Maintenance is a snap – a complete cleaning takes less than 10 minutes, including the filter. Kiddie pool indeed.
Click here to view the price on Amazon and find an awesome deal.
Generic
This 210 gallon portable hot tub just slips into this category, but that’s a good thing. You receive a fiber-tech outer shell for added resilience with this inflatable hot tub, a control panel that is easy to navigate, and an octagonal shape that offers a natural seating arrangement for up to 4 people. The look, shape, and feel of this hot tub harken to the traditional tub and this one provides an experience that can match it. The bubble massage technology has also been included with this model so you can relax in one of the most durable inflatable hot tubs we had the privilege of being able to see.
Click here to view the price on Amazon and find an awesome deal.
The best cheap hot tubs under $500 prove that quality doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. Whether you want to try a hot tub first before you purchase a more expensive one or you’re a renter who needs to avoid violating their lease, you’ll find all of the options you need for a relaxing daily experience right here.