Portable Hot Tubs

Portable hot tubs don’t require the same degree of installation work as permanent spas and hot tubs. Normally, installing a hot tub requires digging a hole in the yard or adding permanent reinforcements and other protective layering to your floors or decks. Portable hot tubs are unique because they can be placed above the ground and moved later on to a new location on your property. These hot tubs are often smaller, lightweight and can often be plugged into any wall outlet. Some are larger and may still require an electrician to install, but these portable units are great options for people who prefer minimal installation work.

Are Portable Hot Tubs Better?

Portable hot tubs and spas have some key benefits over regular units. The most obvious benefit is the ease of setup. Installing full-sized hot tubs often requires additional construction or labor, such as laying a foundation or reinforcing a patio, to prevent damage from the weight of the unit. Portable hot tubs don’t require the same degree of installation work. The real benefit here is that when you eventually move or get rid of your hot tub, you won’t have caused any permanent alterations to your property.

Cost is the other benefit for getting a portable hot tub. Permanent spas are larger and built from more expensive materials such as wood or heavy plastic. Portable hot tubs are lighter and smaller; they’re not built to last as the permanent fixture to a home or patio. You’ll also save money on water heating costs if you rarely use your portable hot tub. Normally, it would be a waste to not use a full-sized hot tub, but portable hot tubs can be easily taken apart and stored for long periods of time when not being used on a regular basis.

Portable hot tubs can be purchased for as cheap as $600 if you find the right deal. Some portable hot tubs and spas are very expensive, with costs climbing anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000. Higher-end portable hot tubs come equipped with the same water jets and seating features that are common in regular hot tubs. Before buying a portable unit, make sure it has all of the features you want. If possible, ask to see your unit assembled so you can get an accurate idea of exactly how large it is.

What Are Portable Hot Tub Kits?

Portable hot tub kits allow you to assemble your spa at home, rather than have it shipped to your door already assembled. Ordering a portable hot tub already assembled might make more sense for higher-end units, which tend to be larger and have more features. However, many types of portable hot tubs are small and lightweight, and they can be assembled fairly easily with the help of a few friends. This can save a lot of time and money over having a professional build your hot tub.

Just one thing to keep in mind – you should always consider hiring an electrician if you need to run any wires from the wall to your hot tub. If all you need to do is plug your hot tub into the wall, then an electrician isn’t needed. When working with hot tubs – or any water source, for that matter – it’s extremely important to ensure that electrical wiring is hooked up correctly and safely.

FAQs About Portable Hot Tubs

Many people have questions about portable hot tubs before they make a purchase. Portable hot tubs can sit on any stable and level surface, so this means that as long as your deck is stable, it can bear the weight of a portable hot tub. You may leave your portable hot tub outside, but for extremely cold weather, it is recommended that you cover it at all times to save the motor from wearing out. If the weather is more volatile than normal, it is recommended that you store the hot tub. Set-up with portable hot tubs can last anywhere from 1/2 an hour to an hour--this depends on your dexterity with such things. Maintenance on portable hot tubs simply involves cleaning and replacing filters in most cases. Sometimes maintenance will be a little bit more complex.