Blow Up Hot Tubs Vs Plug N Play Hot Tubs
You’re in the market for an affordable hot tub & the options are seemingly endless. When it comes down to it, the most affordable hot tub options are Blow Up Hot Tubs & Plug N Play Hot Tubs. Before making your decision, there are some key features to pay attention to in order to make the best decision for you & your home. Below is a thorough breakdown of Blow Up Hot Tubs Vs Plug N Play Hot Tubs.
Blow Up Hot Tub Vs Plug N Play Hot Tub
Set Up: How easy is it to set up each hot tub type?
Blow Up: Usually, your blow up hot tub is ordered online, you receive it in a large box with set up instructions. The set up involves installing a base for the hot tub if needed, blowing up the hot tub, installing the filter, connecting the filtration unit, plugging the unit in, filling it with water, and waiting 24-36 hours for it to heat up.
Plug N Play: Plug N Play Hot Tubs are usually purchased through a local hot tub dealer or sometimes online. If your hot tub is purchased through a local dealer, they will typically help you with the delivery & set up of the hot tub. All you need to do is provide a solid level base for the hot tub to sit on. The water will heat about 2-3 degrees per hour after it is filled with water.
Price: Typically how much does each hot tub cost?
Blow Up: Usually blow up hot tubs cost anywhere from $800 to $3,000 depending on the brand and the size you choose. The lower price point is due to the inexpensive design & engineering along with the cheap cost in materials & lack of features, water care system, insulation etc.
Plug N Play: Plug N Play Hot Tubs start at around $2,300 and can cost up to $8,000 depending on the brand and size you choose. The higher price point is due to the materials and the longevity of the hot tub. Typically, this hot tub option is a more permanent hot tub choice over a blow up hot tub.
Energy Efficiency: How energy efficient is each hot tub?
Blow up: Blow up hot tubs lack insulation because of the structure of the unit. The only insulation this hot tub has is the air trapped between the material after blown up and the cover to seal the heat in. Operation costs vary based on the temperature outside. The colder it is, the more the heater will have to run. Typically costs start at $145/mo on average. However, in the winter you will see much higher operation costs. These hot tubs will not be able to reach 104 degrees if it is colder than 40 degrees outside leading to your heater running constantly & increasing your electric bill. So, if you live in a climate where winters get colder than 40 degrees, this may not be the most cost efficient hot tub.
Plug N Play: Depending on the brand you choose, plug n play hot tubs are usually fully insulated with 1/2 lb spray foam. These hot tub operation costs usually start at around $20/mo and can sometimes reach around $50-$80 in the cold winter months. Plug N Play hot tubs will also hold temperature in any weather without running your heater constantly because of the added insulation. This hot tub option is definitely a better option for folks who live in colder climates and want to save money over time.
Material: What material are these hot tubs made of?
Blow Up: Blow up hot tubs are usually made with some type of laminate material. The material varies from brand to brand. Some brands offer a 3 ply laminate to add to the durability of the material in order to prevent a puncture. The material is why this option is so inexpensive.
Plug N Play: Plug N Play hot tubs are typically made from a durable polymer plastic material. This material offers more durability than a blow up hot tub & is a solid structure that is built to last.
Portability: How easy are these hot tubs to move?
Blow Up: Because of the ability to inflate & deflate these hot tubs, you’re able to take them with you in a large box! Very convenient for renters.
Plug N Play: These hot tubs are solid structures that cannot be broken down. If you wanted to move a plug n play hot tub to another location in your yard, you would need a couple people to help. However, if you wanted to move the hot tub to a location away from your home, you would need a truck that could fit the hot tub inside. Still a good option for renters, just not as easy to move locations.
Comfort: How comfortable are these hot tubs to sit in?
Blow Up: Blow up hot tubs do not have any seating options. When you’re soaking in these hot tubs, you’re sitting on the ground underneath you (which is why they recommend a foam base for comfort). For some, sitting on the ground may not be the best option as getting up from the seated position could be difficult.
Plug N Play: There are so many model options when it comes to Plug N Play hot tubs. Each model offers a different variety of comfortable seating. Some models include a lounge, a cool down seat, bucket seating, bench seating and more! Every model is different and we recommend sitting in them first if you have the option to see how you feel in each seat!
WaterCare: What is the water care situation like for each hot tub type?
Blow Up: Blow up hot tubs have a very simple water care option as they only have a filtration system & no other sanitation option. Usually, you add chlorine to your blow up hot tub a few times a week to keep the water clean. You can use a mineral cartridge to help with sanitation, however, these are the only sanitation options for this hot tub. Some may find it difficult to keep the water clear leading to more water changes.
Plug N Play: Depending on the brand of plug n play hot tub you choose, you will have an option to add a sanitation system to your hot tub. FreeFlow Spas offer an option to add an ozone system to your hot tub. An ozone system will actually kill any bacteria in your hot tub and work along with your chlorine and mineral cartridge to keep your hot tub clean, clear, and sanitized! Generally, water care will be easier with added sanitation leading to less water changes and less hassle.
Longevity: How long do these hot tubs typically last?
Blow Up: A blow up hot tub can last up to 5 years if taken care of properly.
Plug N Play: A plug n play hot tub can last up to 20 years if taken care of properly.
Deciding between a blow up hot tub vs plug n play hot tub can be a difficult decision. Some things to consider are short term & long term costs, ease of use, support from manufacturer or dealership, real customer reviews, and the overall hot tub experience you want. The factors above along with some of your own research should help you make the best possible decision for you & your home.
