I’ve noticed that many stores (and online stores) have been selling inflatable hot tubs these days, as there is an increased demand for them. However, I’ve also noticed that there are so many different models and brands coming as well. Many of those brands are cheaper and not well-established. Which made me wonder, does brand name matter when looking for the best portable hot tub?
Cheaper Shouldn’t Mean Bad Construction
Although inflatable hot tubs are generally cheaper than traditional fixed hot tubs like any model from Jacuzzi, that doesn’t mean they should be constructed poorly. After all, they are units that combine water and electricity, and poor construction could lead to electrocution. Some of the off-brand models I found online had some very odd electrical systems (poorly insulated) that were suspiciously close to the water. I don’t think I would be comfortable sitting in a body of water with a barely insulated live wire nearby.
The Walls Are Not Flimsy When You Buy Brands
I recently had the opportunity to visit an exhibit for a variety of hot tubs from well-known brands and low-cost brands alike. One thing that I noticed is common among the low-cost options is that their walls were very flimsy. They were more like a kiddie pool when compared to the sophisticated feat of engineering displayed by brands on the higher end. This makes a big difference in your experience.
Most of us get into hot tubs to relax, and you’d probably prefer to lie back instead of sitting upright. If you ever tried to lie back in a kiddie pool only to have half the water spilling over, you know what I mean. While the low-cost hot tubs aren’t that flimsy, the walls do give in when you lie back and make it very uncomfortable for most people.
Don’t Be Fooled By Bells And Whistles
Many cheaper hot tubs advertise that they come with a lot of extra features that are not necessarily available on name-brand options. More often than not, a misguided customer falls for the trick and thinks that they came out of the store with a bargain deal. In reality, many of these are the type of inflatable hot tubs that don’t have the basics down to a T first, and simply add bells and whistles to lure unsuspecting customers. They are poorly constructed, with a weak heating mechanism and a weaker jet system. This means you really are paying for a kiddie pool with a touch LED entertainment system, and not for a hot tub.
Shopping for inflatable hot tubs can be difficult, but brand names matter in this case. Paying a slightly higher price for the branded options usually means better manufacturing, durable materials, and better adherence to safety measures. You are paying less in the long run, because unbranded models tend to get damaged around the time their warranty runs out. If you want more bang for your buck, look for well-established inflatable hot tub brands.