How many times have you gotten home after a long and arduous day, only to find yourself wishing there was a way to soothe your tired muscles? Or maybe you tend to have stressful days and are looking for a healthy and effective way to unwind at home. Then there are the entertainers out there who are always on the lookout for the next ‘must-have’ item that can be enjoyed with guests. Now what if there were one answer to all these issues?
Hot tubs are wildly popular, for a reason. Having one in your garden allows you to create a private oasis that you can enjoy any time you like. And they aren’t just to be used in the warmer months; you may also be able to use them in the winter depending on the type of hot tub and your setup. But as you start looking into them a bit more, you’ll quickly realise there are two main types: inflatable or fixed.
Both styles of hot tubs come with pros and cons, so we’re here to break down the biggest ones to help you decide which is best for you and your needs. Let’s get to it.
There Is Usually a Significant Difference in the Initial Cost
For those who are extremely budget-conscious and don’t want to shell out a lot of money upfront, you can’t beat the price of an inflatable hot tub. They tend to be quite a bit cheaper and if you can manage to find a deal, you’ll save even more. Often, they start around £300, depending on the size, manufacturer, and other features. This makes owning a hot tub a lot more attainable for those who don’t have a big budget.
On the flip side, the average hard shell, or fixed hot tub usually starts around £3000 and quickly increases from there. The more bells and whistles you’re looking for and the bigger the size, the higher the price will go.
Do You Want Built-In Seating?
When you picture a hot tub, do you picture the type that has built-in seating? The seating is meant to resemble an ergonomic chair or lounge and can help you relax that much easier.
The problem is that this feature is only available in fixed hot tubs. Inflatable hot tubs don’t offer any type of built-in seating.
How Many People Does the Hot Tub Need to Accommodate?
This brings us to the next question: How many people does the hot tub need to accommodate? While you can find some decent-sized inflatable hot tubs that seat a good number of people, a fixed hot tub is generally the way to go. The inflatable ones are usually perfect for singles and couples, but any more than that and it will start to feel squishy.
If you enjoy entertaining, factor in how many guests you’d like to accommodate in the hot tub with you. Generally speaking, fixed hot tubs that are considered medium-sized seat four to six adults, and large tubs accommodate seven or more adults.
Do You Want to Store It When It’s Not in Use?
If your garden is tight on space, you may not want to make your hot tub a permanent fixture. Inflatable hot tubs provide versatility because you can deflate them and then store them when not in use. This not only restores your full garden space but also makes the tub easy to move around, allowing you to change the position each time you reinflate it.
How Durable Do You Need the Hot Tub to Be?
Is durability and lifespan something you’re mindful of? If yes, then a fixed hot tub wins the battle. Inflatable hot tubs typically have a lifespan of about two to five years. Unfortunately, the material used for these hot tubs can be prone to rips, tears, and punctures. But that may be all you need in terms of lifespan. If this is your first hot tub and you aren’t prepared to spend a lot of money initially, it can still be a great investment.
Do you prioritise durability and lifespan? If so, fixed hot tubs last 10-20 years, which is a significant difference that helps justify their higher initial cost. Fixed hot tubs aren’t prone to rips and tears since they are made of hard surface materials. As long as you look after it and perform the regular maintenance required, you can get a lot of use out of the hot tub.
Does the Hot Tub Need Entertainment Features?
Many fixed hot tubs come with sleek and impressive entertainment features. They allow you to watch TV, listen to music, put on a light show, and generally go all out. But you can still enjoy entertainment in an inflatable hot tub. All you need is a Bluetooth speaker and your smartphone or tablet, and you can enjoy your favourite shows or play on those sites you found through casinos.com.
Do You Want a Hot Tub with Hydrotherapy Capabilities?
If you’ve been eyeing a hot tub for the hydrotherapy benefits, such as relieving muscle stiffness, aches, and pains, opt for a fixed model. Inflatable hot tubs lack this capability.
There Is No Decisive Answer
As you can see, there is no clear-cut winner in this battle. What works for one person may not be right for you. If you’re stuck and can’t decide, start by making a list of all the things you need and want. This should narrow down your options right away. The good news is that no matter which style you pick, either will help you relax and unwind. And perhaps that’s all that matters.
