5 Steps to Setting Up Your Inflatable Hot Tub

Setting up your inflatable hot tub can be a daunting experience for first time users. If that’s you, don’t fret because you’ve come to the right place. Inflatable hot tubs are an excellent way to relax in the comfort of your own home without worrying about the costs of installing a hard shell spa. Portable hot tubs are quite handy and easy to use, however, a quick look at the inflatable hot tub reviews on any e-commerce site would reveal how many first-time users struggle to correctly use them.

If you have recently bought an inflatable jacuzzi, or planning to buy one, here is a guide to setting it up the correct way.

1. Read the Inflatable Hot Tub Manual

“I love reading the instructions manual”, said no one ever. But as boring as it may be, it can save you a lot of hassle in the future.

You don’t need a detailed study of the instructions before you even begin. A quick glimpse of the manual gives you a rough estimate of the process you need to follow while installing your blow-up spa. It also helps you determine if all the parts have arrived in the package. Once you start installing the hot tub, following the instructions ensures that you do it the correct way. It might consume more time, but it saves you the extra hassle when you get it wrong and waste time wondering what was the issue.

If you have lost the instructions manual, you can always visit the company website to get a digital copy. Many YouTube videos offer a visual guide to installing an inflatable hot tub, which would be even more convenient.

2. Choosing the Location for Your Inflatable Hot Tub

One of the benefits of inflatable hot tubs is the ability to put them anywhere. But that doesn’t mean that location plays no role here. In fact, choosing the right site can play a huge part in how enjoyable your spa experience is. Choosing the right spot for your hot tub is 90% of the work to ensure a successful setup so don’t skip this step!

SPACE

Firstly, pick a spot that has adequate space. A portable hot tub requires some basic maintenance each time you use it, so make sure there is space enough to do it. Most people prefer to inflate the hot tub in the open and bring it to the chosen spot. If so, consider the distance, as an inflated spa can be quite heavy.

POWER

Another important consideration is the availability of a power outlet. Many people believe that it shouldn’t be an issue due to extension cables that can reach anywhere. However, most extension cables are not designed to meet the power requirements of a blow-up hot tub, and risk getting short-circuited. If your preferred spot doesn’t have a power outlet, you could always call an electrician to get it installed.

FLOOR PROTECTOR

Make sure that the ground you are setting up the hot tub is level and smooth. Uneven ground can spill the water as well as make you lose balance when you are bathing in it. Rough ground can cause wear and tear to the hot tub due to friction. Consider purchasing a footprint or groundsheet for your inflatable spa. This will prevent punctures from sharp objects like sticks and rocks and will help your inflatable jacuzzi last longer.

WEIGHT

The ideal spot to place a portable jacuzzi is the ground.  This is because a spa filled with water could easily weigh over 2000lbs (or over 900kgs).  With one or two people inside the hot tub, that’s a considerable strain to put on the ground beneath it.

Another reason to place the hot tub on the ground is the risk of water spillage. If the water spills from a height, it will splash a lot and might even get into power outlets.

Many people prefer to place their hot tub over a deck or a raised platform. There could be many reasons for it, the most prominent being the view. If you are going that path, it is important to take weight into consideration. Whatever platform you choose should be sturdy enough to withstand the weight of a filled hot tub. Otherwise, you might risk serious injuries.

WEATHER

If your inflatable hot tub location is in the open (or near enough, like balconies), you might want to think about a windbreak.

When a blow-up jacuzzi is kept in the open, the wind flows over the water surface and accelerates the cooling process. This means that your water will be cold before you could enjoy your spa. One of the common problems you could notice in inflatable hot tub reviews is that of quickly cooled water.  The solution to this problem is a windbreak. A windbreak is any obstacle that could break the incoming wind, thus preventing the water from cooling down rapidly.

There are many ways to create a windbreak. Any kind of barrier, from a plywood fence to a stone wall, will stop the flow of wind. If you don’t want to invest money, you could instead plant some bushes or tall plants – excellent natural windbreak and looks attractive. Considering a windbreak can save you a lot of money from frequently re-heating the water. And remember, when you’re not using your inflatable hot tub, keep the lid on to keep the water nice and warm. It makes a big difference!

3. Install the Pump System

The pump system is one of the more complicated parts of an inflatable hot tub so don’t rush this step.

In an open space, connect the inflation valve to the outlet in the hot tub and start the pump. Keep an eye out to ensure that you are not overinflating the hot tub (read more to know why). The next step is to set up the pump system for the water. The pump system is responsible for heating the water and circulating it within the hot tub. To properly install the pump system, make sure the inlet and outlet are tight and all washers are screwed properly. Have a test run to detect any leakages before you move the hot tub to the desired location.

Once you have done this, pick a spot to inflate the hot tub. This should be an open area where you have plenty of space to attach pipes and connectors, which is all the more difficult in a cramped space.

4. Cleaning Your Inflatable Hot Tub

A blow-up jacuzzi is a great place to relax; it can also be a breeding ground for microbes and infections. This is why hygiene is of utmost importance while using an inflatable hot tub.

Before filling up your inflatable spa, clean it with a soft sponge or rag as well as a sanitization liquid. This ensures that your water is not contaminated from the very first day of use.

Once you fill the hot tub with water, add chemicals like chlorine or bromine. These chemicals kill the germs in the water and keep it clean for a long time. The use of chemicals also ensures that you don’t need to change the water often, thus saving a lot of hassle. However, avoid using excess chemicals as they might react with the skin and result in rashes.

For more detail on keeping your inflatable spa clean and well maintained check out our ‘Quick Guide to Inflatable Hot Tub Set Up and Maintenance.’

5. Don’t Overinflate or Overfill Your Hot Tub

OVERINFLATING YOUR HOT TUB

One of the most common complaints in inflatable hot tub reviews is that their hot tub ruptured while inflating. Most owners don’t have an exact idea of how much inflation their hot tub might need and end up over-inflating it. This puts additional stress on the seams of the hot tub and causes it to pop or burst one of the seams.

Another problem with the over-inflation of hot tubs is the additional stress of the water. Blow-up hot tubs are designed to be flexible when inflated at optimum capacity, thus accommodating the weight of the water. If the hot tub is overinflated, it again puts stress on the seams when filled, and might cause it to rip. To be on the safer side, try to inflate your hot tub at the lower end at the beginning, and adjust with time as you get familiar with it.

OVERFILLING YOUR HOT TUB

Another common issue among inflatable hot tub owners is overfilling. All you need to fill your portable jacuzzi is an everyday garden hose. Many people tend to fill the portable hot tub up to the brim. This is counterintuitive for multiple reasons.

First, people don’t tend to account for the volume of the person who would be bathing in the hot tub. When you enter a hot tub, your body displaces water, which causes the water level to rise. If the spa is filled to the brim, it will inevitably cause some water to spill and get wasted. If you are doing this indoors, it will also be quite messy. If you overfill your portable jacuzzi simply open the drain valve located at the bottom of your hot tub.

Conclusion

Inflatable hot tubs are certainly a great asset for any home. But like any useful tool, their efficiency depends on how well you use them. Now that you know the right way to install it, you can enjoy your hot tub to the fullest without any hassle.