How Long Do Inflatable Hot Tubs Last? [5 Yrs Under Condition]
The average lifespan of an inflatable hot tub is five years, according to various experts and manufacturers, although they have been known to last longer if properly maintained.
Regular hot tubs that are made of hard materials have a longer lifespan of around 15 years, due to their way of construction, resilience and the way they are used. The main difference between regular hot tubs and inflatable ones is the fact that they are easily portable once deflated and are more prone to being damaged during transport.
Basically, when talking about the durability of inflatable hot tubs, the main factor that should be taken into consideration is their quality. The price range and, proportionally, the quality of inflatable hot tubs varies, so some may last a lot less than five years, especially low-quality purchased ones. This issue depends entirely on the future owner of an inflatable hot tub and his willingness to choose an inflatable hot tub from a known, well-established manufacturer that produces quality products and properly maintains it. Maintaining a deflated hot tub can be a challenge due to possible damage, ruptures, and such. By certain statistics, low-quality inflatable hot tub have durability somewhere between 2 and 3 years.
However, modern, well built inflatable hot tubs are made from reinforced, three-ply material encased in a strong layer of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and these hot tubs can last a lot longer than the average 5-year threshold.
Properly deflating, using a ground cover to protect the underside of the inflatable hot tub, and protecting them from outside elements are important steps of keeping an inflatable hot tub safe and available for use.
Are Inflatable Hot Tubs Durable?
When used and maintained properly, inflatable hot tubs are durable and can last for several years. Their structure is composed of a vertical I-beam that provides stability and makes the outer walls more sturdy.
Manufacturers of inflatable hot tubs usually have a one year guarantee of the product due to the fact that they are commonly neglected or treated without care by their respective owners. The most important aspect of durability, when it comes to inflatable hot tubs, is their quality. High-end inflatable hot tubs are made of reinforced vinyl and have extra strengthening layers on the walls, making them quite resilient and able to last a long time. In some cases, inflatable hot tubs can last up to twenty years, when they are treated with care and caution this product requires. The reinforced vinyl is not completely puncture-proof but is a very resistant material.
The durability of inflatable hot tubs can depend on the following two factors:
- The way they are built and the material that is used
- The way owners take care of them, whether they provide the necessary attention to this product.
Although they have appeared only recently on the market, inflatable hot tubs have caused a lot of interest in several countries, especially the U.S., United Kingdom, and Australia. The reason for this is their accessibility budget-wise, but also the fact that they can be easily transported. It is important to remember that during transport it is necessary to deflate the hot tub entirely and completely dry it out before packing it and preparing for transport or storing.
Do Inflatable Hot Tubs Pop Easily?
Inflatable hot tubs are not completely protected from puncturing or tearing, but they do not rupture so easily, especially if recommended measures of precaution are taken.
In addition to using a 3-ply reinforced PVC, some companies use additional materials to provide extra strength, such as Fiber-Tech structural support.
In fact, recent research of inflatable hot tub owners have proven that more issues are caused due to different parts separating. It is inevitable that some seams and joints come apart over time, due to prolonged use. Responsible use of an inflatable hot tub has a major effect on punctures and ruptures on the structure, most often because of negligence or lack of attention from the owners. Ruptures are frequently caused by the following:
- Pets clawing on the outer walls with their claws extensively,
- More persons using the inflatable hot tub than recommended, that causes extra pressure
- No taking any precautionary measures, such as floor protection covers or keeping the inflatable hot tub on level ground, away from any sharp objects
- Not positioning the hot tub carefully out of direct sunlight and switching it off often (it is recommended that inflatable hot tubs should b switched on at all times, while they are available for use)
To conclude, providing a little bit of attention and taking precautionary measures when using an inflatable hot tub can go a long way. The owner can have a relaxing and enjoyable time, while at the same time keeping his inflatable hot tub safe and puncture-free.
Are Inflatable Hot Tubs OK in Winter?
Even though some owners prefer to drain and store their inflatable hot tubs during winter, they can be used with the right preparation and maintenance.
The main issue of using an inflatable hot tub during winter is the water temperature, of course. In order to achieve the desired temperature of the water, the owner needs to take precautionary measures so the water temperature does not ever drop down beneath 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius). In cases where this happens, it is very difficult to heat up the water to the targeted amount, as the water may freeze or slow down the circulation up to a point when using it is not an option. An insulation ground mat, situated underneath the hot tub is the best solution for this issue. Placing a ground-contact mat first, before the insulation mat, is even a better and safer idea. This basically creates a thermal barrier that prevents the water temperature from falling beneath the provided parameters.
It is important to remember that some low-quality inflatable hot tubs are simply not suited for use in winter, no matter what steps of preparation are taken. In these cases, the best option is to fully drain and dry the inflatable hot tub completely and store it for warmer weather. Inflatable hot tub owners should always check the manufacturer‘s guide regarding this question, which can often provide the best possible options and solutions.
Additionally, keeping the motor mechanism well insulated during winter can be of great help for those wanting to enjoy bading in a hot tub during cold weather.
Finally, there are additional parts for inflatable hot tubs that can aid the use in winter months, such as:
- Foam board insulation with multiple layers,
- Hot tub propane heater,
- A water pump, that pulls cold water out and fills the hot tub with warm water,
- 12-volt AC (alternate current) adapter for powering the water pump.
Relaxing in an inflatable hot tub during cold winter months is a fun activity, but it should be done only when the owner is aware of potential risks and requirements for this particular activity.
Can you Repair an Inflatable Hot Tub?
Yes, inflatable hot tubs can be repaired, often without much effort, by using the appropriate products such as silicone or a hot tub repair kit, along with adhesive vinyl glue and a clear vinyl patch.
The most effective way to repair a leak in an inflatable hot tub includes the following steps:
- Adding adhesive to the back of the vinyl patch and sticking it to the affected area in question,
- The patch must be left for at least 3 hours in order for it to have a full affect, before adding any water a the hot tub,
- After the mentioned waiting period, water is added to the inflatable hot tub,
- Spraying the affected area and observing if the leak has been fixed – ensuring no bubbles appear on or around the patch.
However, the question of repairing an inflatable hot tub should be considered independently as well. In cases where the inflatable hot tub has already been damaged and has some years of wear and tear, it may be worth considering simply replacing the hot tub with a newer, more resilient inflatable model, that will be less difficult to maintain. Such cases are common when repairs include any electrical parts, such as the pump or heating and bubble mechanism, where the cost simply outgrows the benefits of fixing it.
As always, taking a responsible approach to an inflatable hot tub can make a significant difference in this matter. If the hot tub (and all its parts) has been maintained properly, usually the repairs needed are minor in nature and can be done without much cost and not be so time consuming.
Can Dogs Puncture Inflatable Hot Tub?
The answer to this question is fairly simple – yes, definitely, by scratching with their sharp paws, dogs can certainly puncture an inflatable hot tub.
Precisely for this reason it is recommended that household pets are kept away from the inflatable hot tub as much as possible. By constant scratching, an activity that dogs often do because of their nature, even the strongest materials can be punctured. Three-ply vinyl materials are particularly hard to rupture, but even these strong materials are not immune to the paws of man‘s best friend.
Even regular hot tubs, made of acrylic surface and hard materials are not immune to the effects of playful, curious pets such as dogs. Therefore, it is no surprise that inflatable hot tubs pose a far easier target for sharp claws of dogs.
One of the best recommendations on how to prevent this unfortunate accident from happening is protection of an inflatable hot tub by fully covering and sealing it, so dogs (or any other animals) are unable to reach the structure.
There are cases where dogs are very interested in inflatable hot tubs, so keeping them away while using the hot tub is almost an impossible task. In such cases, installing a hot tub wooden fence with a gate can be a quick and effective solution.
Securing an inflatable hot tub and its related parts from man‘s best friend is not only beneficial for the owner‘s property, but also ensures that beloved pets are not injured or harmed in any way, so this should be considered a priority for dog owners.
Could a Cat Pop an Inflatable Hot Tub?
Just like dogs, cats have claws that can damage or even puncture an inflatable hot tub, if not monitored and left without supervision.
Cats are especially curious pets by nature and prone to exploring their surroundings. Such a mentality causes them to use their claws to test out any new or foreign object in their vicinity, such as an inflatable hot tub.
Cat owners who also have the privilege of having an inflatable hot tub should take precautionary measures to protect their place of relaxation and ensure that no such incidents occur.
It is worth mentioning, though, that inflatable hot tubs (especially newer, high quality ones) are made of strong materials, so puncturing the outer structure by a cat using her claws is not that common. While dogs are heavier and can apply more pressure, cat claws, although sharper, cause ruptures and punctures with a bit more difficulty. Modern materials are designed to withstand certain pressure from sharp objects, so it may be fair to say that such issues do not come up that frequently.
However, it is still possible, if the cat is persistent and claws her way through the outer wall of an inflatable hot tub. The positive side of this is the fact that cats naturally have a hesitance to get wet, so they associate the hot tub with water and tend to stay away.
The solution to this matter is pretty much the same as the one used for dogs. Covering the inflatable hot tub entirely and securing it should do the trick. Even if they do manage to puncture the hot tub, it is relatively easy to repair the damage.
