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In this video, I go over the hard shell and inflatable hot tubs.
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Intex PureSpa - https://geni.us/Fe9vGAX
Aqualife Current - https://geni.us/q9My
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TIMESTAMPS
0:27 The Two Types of Hot Tubs Explained
1:33 Price And What You're Paying For
2:59 Comfort And How It Feels To Sit In One
3:47 Jets And The Massage Experience
4:34 Portability And Setup
5:56 Maintenance And Water Care
7:03 Intex PureSpa
8:10 Aqualife Current
Show More Show Less View Video Transcript
0:00
You might think hard shell or inflatable is a simple question, but those two choices don't just change how your hot tub looks in your backyard
0:06
They change when you use it, how often you use it, and who actually ends up in it with you
0:11
And one of them is always there, hot, waiting. You just pop the cover and step in, and the other is more like a pop-up spa
0:18
You bring to life when the mood hits, then pack it away when the season ends. So in this video, we'll go over the good, the bad, and the ugly, and answer the question of which hot tub is right for you
0:28
And to make the comparison easier, we'll start by looking at what distinguishes these two types of
0:33
hot tubs besides the obvious. For starters, an inflatable hot tub is made from reinforced PVC
0:39
similar in concept to an inflatable pool, but much thicker and sturdier. And many models use
0:44
fiber beam construction inside the walls, which helps the tub stay firm once it's filled with
0:49
water and air. And to set it up, you fill it with a garden hose, connect the pump and heater
0:53
and let the unit inflate and pressurize. You should also know that an inflatable hot tub doesn't have a
0:59
solid outer shell or molded seats. What you actually sit on is the padded floor using the inflated walls
1:05
as your backrest. And a hard shell tub, on the other hand, comes fully assembled and ready to use
1:10
The shell is usually acrylic or resin with the seats, jets, plumbing, and installation all built
1:16
right into it. Now it isn't meant to be folded up or dragged around and once you put it in and hook
1:21
it up, it basically lives in that spot. And that basic difference in construction affects just about
1:26
everything else, from comfort and performance to maintenance and long-term durability. So keep in
1:31
mind as you go through the rest of this. And now we're getting into the fact that it often influences
1:37
the decision before anything else, and that's price. Inflatable hot tubs are usually the more
1:42
affordable way to get started. Most cost a few hundred dollars, though larger or more feature
1:47
your packed models can reach up to around $1,000. And for that price, you get warm water, bubbles, and a relaxing soaking experience at home without
1:55
a major investment. Hard shell hot tubs sit in a completely different price range
1:59
Even smaller, plug-and-play models start in the low thousands, while larger tubs with
2:04
more premium features can cost significantly more. And here, you aren't just paying for hot water
2:09
You also paying for greater comfort stronger hydrotherapy and a more refined overall experience But price isn only about the day you buy it Because over time what you pay also shows up in running costs and how long the tub lasts An inflatable hot tub costs less up front but its walls are thinner and its insulation is basic
2:28
That means the heater has to work harder to keep the water hot, especially in cooler weather
2:32
Or if you use the bubbles a lot. And that can raise your electricity use. Now the PVC body also wears out faster under sun, temperature changes, and regular use
2:41
so most people see an inflatable as something that will eventually need to be replaced
2:45
Now a hard shell tub requires a much larger initial investment, but you're buying into a different way of using it
2:51
It's built for frequent soaking and more stable performance over time, which matters a lot if this becomes part of your weekly routine
3:00
Now next comes comfort. And as I mentioned earlier, an inflatable hot tub gives you a soft cushion base
3:05
but no actual built-in seating. And for a quick soak, that's usually not a problem
3:10
But the longer you stay in, especially with multiple people, the limitations become easier
3:15
to notice. And since there's no dedicated seats, everyone sits at the same level with their legs stretched
3:21
out and before long, those legs start competing for the same space in the middle
3:25
Now a hard shell tub is designed differently. The molded seats and loungers support your back and legs so it's easier to settle in
3:31
and relax. Different seat heights and depths also make the tub more comfortable for people of different sizes
3:37
Getting in and out is easier as well since you can step down onto a seat rather than
3:41
lowering yourself all the way to the floor. So if comfort is your top priority, then a hard shell tub feels like a better option
3:49
Now in an inflatable spa, the system uses air rather than pressurized water
3:53
And air is pushed through small holes around the base of the tub so bubbles rise throughout
3:57
the water. And this sensation is light and tingly and it gives the whole tub a gentle bubbling effect
4:03
And if you don't enjoy strong pressure on your back or joints, then this type of massage
4:06
can feel very pleasant, especially during longer soaks. Now a hard shell spa takes another approach
4:12
Its jets move water instead of air. A pump sends water through hydrotherapy jets placed through the
4:17
seats and loungers. And these jets focus on areas like your lower back, shoulders, and legs. And
4:23
many models let you adjust the strength of individual jets and some even allow you to
4:27
control different seating zones so you can choose between a gentler massage and a much stronger one
4:32
But in the end it comes down to personal preference Now this is where inflatable hot tubs really stand out Since they can be deflated inflatable hot tubs give you a lot more flexibility You can pack one away for the winter
4:44
move it to a different spot in your yard, or even take it with you to a new home. Getting started is pretty straightforward, and depending on the model and the weather
4:52
you can go from unboxing to your first soak within a day or two. And that's a big advantage
4:56
if your outdoor space is temporary, limited, or likely to change over time. Now a hard shell spa
5:01
is a much more permanent addition. Even smaller models can weigh several hundred pounds when empty
5:06
and larger ones can weigh considerably more. And once you add water and people, the total weight can
5:11
easily reach several thousand pounds. And because of that, the location needs some thought. You'll
5:16
need a flat, stable surface that can safely support the full weight of the tub when it's filled. And
5:20
for many homeowners, that means a concrete pad, a dedicated spa pad, or a properly reinforced deck
5:26
And transporting a hard shell spa also takes more effort. And depending on the layout of your
5:30
property, you may need several people or specialized equipment to get it into place
5:35
Gates, stairs, tight corners, and low clearance areas can all make the delivery more complicated
5:40
And power requirements are another thing to consider. Some smaller hard shell tubs plug
5:45
into a standard 120 volt outlet, but many larger models require a dedicated 240 volt circuit
5:50
And if that's the case, you may need to budget for professional electrical work
5:54
before the spa can be installed. Now, inflatable hot tubs need more frequent attention
6:00
The filter cartridges are small, and on many models, you're asked to rinse or at least check them every day
6:06
Now some brands even suggest swapping in new cartridge every week if the tub is used a lot
6:10
The filtration system is also fairly basic, yet it still has to deal with body oils, sunscreen, sweat, and water-treated chemicals
6:18
If maintenance slips for too long, the water can become cloudy much more quickly
6:22
With hard-shell tubs, the basic jobs are the same. You check the water, adjust the chemicals, clean the filters, and refresh the water from time to time
6:30
The difference is that these tubs typically come with larger filters and more robust circulation systems
6:35
Many models also include features like programmable filtration cycles, ozone systems, or UVC sanitation
6:41
So the water stays cleaner without you having to step in as often. Alright, now that you know how they compare, which one sounds like the better fit for you
6:48
And if you still unsure I focus on two things your budget and how long you expect to own the tub Those two factors alone will point you into the right direction And if you already decided on the type the next step is finding the right model So I like to show you two of my favorite options For an inflatable setup the Intex Pure Spa is one I go for
7:08
What makes this one stand out is how well it balances price, comfort, and features. And this
7:13
uses Intex's fiberglass tech construction, so the walls stay firm once the tub is filled
7:17
but they still feel comfortable enough to lean against. And the feature I like most here is the
7:22
hard water treatment system. If you live in an area with hard water, mineral buildup can become
7:27
a problem over time, and it can leave deposits on surfaces and put extra strain on components
7:32
inside the spa. And this system helps reduce those effects, which can help make maintenance a little
7:37
easier and help the tub hold up better over the long run. You get 170 bubble jets around the base
7:42
so the entire tub fills with bubbles instead of concentrating the sensation in a few specific
7:47
spots. On top of that you get a multi-color LED light for nighttime use and a pair of headrests to
7:52
make longer soaks more enjoyable. Now at about 124.5 pounds it's movable but it's not something
7:58
you'll want to carry alone. And since the tub is made from PVC it's best to place it on a smooth
8:03
surface and keep it away from anything sharp. But if you'd rather invest in a hard shell spa
8:07
you're gonna love this next pick. Now one thing I love about the Aqualife current is the size
8:14
It's spacious enough for you to stretch out and relax but it doesn't take over your entire patio or backyard
8:19
You also get a lounger seat and 14 hydrotherapy jets which give it a more premium feel than many entry-level models
8:26
Setup is fairly straightforward as well. Out of the box, it can run on a standard 120V outlet using the built-in GFCI cord
8:33
so there's a good chance you could start using it without any electrical upgrades
8:36
If you decide you want faster heating and stronger performance later on, it can also be converted to a 240V system
8:42
The resin shell is another thing worth mentioning. It keeps the tub lighter than many traditional spas
8:47
while still holding up well to weather and regular use. And it's also easy to clean, which is always
8:52
a plus. Now the insulated cover helps retain heat between sessions, and the underwater LED light
8:57
adds a nice touch after dark. So if you want the comfort and hydrotherapy benefits of a hard shell
9:01
spa without stepping up into a much larger model, then the Aqualike Current is another great one to
9:06
consider. And that's all for today. I hope this breakdown makes your decision a lot easier, and if
9:11
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