Relaxing in a hot tub has proven to be a great leisure activity after long day. You may be looking at buying a hot tub for your home, but are so overwhelmed by all of the options out there and you don’t know where to begin to look. All the different shapes, sizes, and materials hot tubs are made out of can be a little hectic to research. Luckily, we are here to help.  There are 3 major kinds of hot tubs: Inflatable hot tubs, roto-made hot tubs, and the traditional acrylic hot tub. In this article, we are going to cover everything you need to know about each.

Inflatable Hot Tubs

The first hot tub we are going to cover is the inflatable hot tub. While this may sound absurd to start with, it is really an awesome path to hot tub ownership for somebody with limited space and finances, or for someone who is on the fence about buying a hot tub and just wants to get their feet wet before choosing to reap the benefits of long term hot tub usage. These hot tubs are generally easy to construct and install, for the most part, comprising of a collapsing structure and inflatable shell made of strong vinyl or plastic. Since they are self-contained, they don't require any special plumbing to them, and simply requires a hose to fill the hot tub up with water. An 110 volt motor is usually used for these hot tubs to circulate heat throughout the spa. The real downside to these hot tubs is the time it takes to warm up the hot tub and their affinity to lose warmth quickly as the shell is typically ineffectively protected and the radiator is generally smaller than average. Here are some pros and cons of using an inflatable hot tub.

Pros

• Cost-Friendly

  Despite the fact that you sacrifice a few elements and styling with inflatable spas, you can get a decent quality inflatable hot tub starting at about $500. There is a significant distinction in cost compared to roto-molded and traditional acrylic hot tubs

• Portability

  The great thing about inflatable hot tubs is how easy they are to move them. If you want to travel with them, inflatable spas make it easy to pack up and bring it with you.

• Inside or Out

  It is popular for inflatable hot tub owners to want to break out there hot tub on their back porch in the late spring, and when winter hits at the end of the year, they will bring it inside to escape the cold weather. This can be a decent accommodation, and it can help bring down heat expenses all through the colder months.

• Additional Cushioning

  An inflatable hot tub is not a delicate, flimsy pool toy. Actually, you might be shocked at how durable they are when you sit on them with your full weight. All things considered, these spas unquestionably have a comfortable vibe that can almost match the comfort you feel inside hot tubs made of roto-mold or acrylic. Inflatable hot tubs can be really relaxing.

• Close it Down

  Rather than moving the spa, many people utilize it only seasonally, which not only diminishes the cost of running it, but there is no upkeep either. For individuals who intend to utilize their spas just 50% of the year, inflatable hot tubs can be the perfect hot tub you have been looking for!

Cons

• No Built-In Seating

  You’ve probably sat in a hot tub with custom seating before. These make it simple to recline and unwind and feel like the seat practically fits in with your body. Inflatable spas don't have these custom seats and some might not have any seats whatsoever. The base of the inflatable spas regularly have padding, however, many people like the seating that comes with a roto-molded or traditional acrylic hot tub.

• They Heat Up Slowly

  These spas take considerably more time to heat up due to the basic electric heater they come with. It actually takes a full hour to raise the temperature by just two degrees. This may not make any difference to you if you expect to keep a constant temperature in your hot tub, but if you were to drain the water to clean the tub, however, it would take a full day to heat up the hot tub.

• They Can Cost More to Heat

Check out an amazing inflatable hot tub from Canadian Spa Company. 

Swift Current 5 Person 88 Jet Portable Hot Tub. 

     $1,899.99

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 Roto-Molded Hot Tubs

Rotationally molded hot tubs, also known as roto-shaped hot tubs, have been an extraordinary choice for good hydrotherapy at a moderate cost. These tubs are not as lightweight as inflatables, however, they are tougher and some will say a superior hot tub for what you spend. The normal weight of a roto-molded hot tub is between 200-300 pounds dry, making them exceptionally compact and have built-in seating for added comfort. Due to the amount of water jets compared to an inflatable hot tub, it is a better choice for hydrotherapy. Generally, roto-molded hot tubs run in cost from $2000-$4000, however, there are a couple of brands with exceptional components that can cost up to $6000. 

Roto-molding is an assembling process that takes an empty cast shape loaded with powdered plastic resin that is heated and pivoted gradually on two axles. The mold is heated remotely making the powder condense and spread evenly and is then cooled after forming the shape of the shell. The roto-molded hot tubs are extra durable because the shell is made into a unibody with no added elements. The materials that are used in a roto-molded hot tub are not subject to as much long term wear and tear as well as weather damages unlike inflatable and acrylic hot tubs. 

Pros

• Portability

  The lightweight design enables it to be maneuvered easily around the yard or to an alternate area. The units are not as lightweight as an inflatable hot tub, but they run between 200-300 lb., which is accessible.

• Durability

  Roto-formed hot tubs are tougher compared to conventional hot tubs. They don't have any wood in them to decay and are made of a solitary piece (unibody) shell plan which makes them extremely solid. The single piece shell with no cracks or crevices also keeps vermin at bay

Cons 

• Less Attractive

•  Less Performance

 Check out this amazing Roto-Molded hot tub from AquaRest Spas. 

AquaRest AR-600 6 Person 19 Jet Plug and Play Hot Tub

     $2,999.99

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Traditional Acrylic Hot Tubs

Starting in the late 1970's, cross-linked continuous cast acrylic sheets were perceived as the prevalent material for manufacturing spas. Its imperviousness to chemicals and sunlight along with the capacity to vacuum frame it into complex shapes made it the perfect item for this application. Because of the small barrier of entry into this market, throughout the following twenty years, the acrylic hot tub industry developed to more than 100 makers in North America. Europe and Asia also recognized the demand for acrylic hot tubs, so they were soon produced all around the world. 

Pros

Acrylic hot tubs are by far the most stunning looking hot tub around. That deep, shiny sparkle is always nice with acrylic hot tubs, you just can't get that with a roto-molded or inflatable hot tub. Wood board cupboards are another pleasant element of acrylic tubs. Acrylic hot tubs regularly come standard with fully loaded options that brings a luxurious feel and extreme functionality. Dozens of fancy jets fill an acrylic hot tub along with large pumps, heavy duty heaters, filters, and many more features to enhance your hot tub experience.

• Wide assortment of sizes, shapes, and colors
• Light enough to be installed on rooftops or upper levels. (Inspect platform weight capacity before installing hot tub)
• Plumbing electrical are accessible for repairs
• Good insulating qualities provide long lasting heat
• Comfort and relaxation is unparalleled
• Ergonomic seats and aligning jets provide amazing hydrotherapy massages
• Powerful pumps provide even and incredibility strong jet pressure
• Includes many different feature options from mp3 surround sound to backlit water falls
• Acrylic surface is guaranteed to provide 100% waterproofing 

Cons

First and foremost, acrylic spas can easily cost between $8-12k, almost double the cost of roto-molded tubs. They are considerably heavier, bulkier and harder to move around effectively. Most acrylic models require an entire 220V electrical outlet, which does not come standard in most backyards or patios and will require a certified electrician to install.

• Can crack if severely abused
• Repairs may be extensive and costly
• Heating cost can be expensive depending on surround weather and size of hot tub.
• Requires an electrician to install a bigger outlet

Check out this amazing acrylic hot tub from Canadian Spa Company.

Candian Spa Company's Niagara 7 Person 60 Jet Hot Tub

$8,749.95

Shop Now

Conclusion

Inflatable, roto-molded, and traditional acrylic hot tubs are all great choices when looking for a hot tub to buy. They all have their upside and they all have their downside. It is all about preference at the end of the day, and it is important to look at your situation and what you want out of your hot tub. 

The Inflatable spa lacks some serious features and bells and whistles, however, it's on average lower price point, surprisingly comfortability, and the convenience of being able to move the hot tub where ever you please definitely makes an inflatable hot tub a great choice. 

Roto-molded hot tubs are the best long lasting starter hot tub. This type of hot tub is arguably the best bang for your buck. Deep ergonomic seats lined with high powered adjustable jets provide an amazing hydrotherapy massage, far more superior than the inflatable hot tub. Roto-molded hot tubs are where you start to see some of the fancy features that really take your hot tub experience to the next level such as backlit waterfalls and mood lighting, the optional heater/pump upgrades to beef up your hot tub, and factory installed Ozonator.  

The king of all hot tubs, the acrylic hot tub. This class of hot tub trumps them all offering out of this world luxury. If you are looking to put a statement piece in your backyard all while obtaining the best of the best you have to look no further. Acrylic hot tubs might not last as long as roto-molded hot tubs, or be as easily transportable than inflatable hot tubs, but the quality of materials used, the design of the over all hot tub, as well as the features within it, make this class of hot tubs the holy trinity and a must have! 

If you have any questions at all please feel free to contact Paradise Water Spas for additional help. Call (858) 365-7366 or email us at sales@paradisewaterspas.com