Guides & advice
All guides and advice
How-tos, explainers, fixes and comparisons, newest first.
- Wood fired vs electric hot tub: which suits your garden?Wood fired vs electric hot tub compared on heat-up, effort, water care, space, smoke and power, so you can pick the right tub for a UK garden.Comparison
- What chemicals does an inflatable hot tub need?What chemicals an inflatable hot tub needs: sanitiser, pH up and down, alkalinity, shock and test strips, and the order to add them, as general guidance.How-to
- Thermal cover vs inflatable lid for an inflatable hot tubThermal cover vs the standard inflatable lid compared on heat retention, fit, handling and when an upgrade makes sense for an inflatable hot tub.Comparison
- Slimy inflatable hot tub walls: dealing with biofilmWhy an inflatable hot tub feels slimy: what biofilm is, where it hides in pipes and liner seams, and a purge, scrub and refill routine to clear it.Fix
- Should you leave an inflatable hot tub on all the time?Should you leave an inflatable hot tub on all the time? Keeping the heater on against switching off, overnight running, timers and filtration explained.Guide
- Round vs square inflatable hot tubsRound vs square inflatable hot tubs compared on seating space, footprint, water litres and patio fit, with the volume worked out for both shapes.Comparison
- Do you need planning permission for a hot tub in the UK?Do you need planning permission for a hot tub in the UK? Portable tubs, decking, gazebos, listed buildings and rented homes explained, with official links.Guide
- Lay-Z-Spa WiFi not connecting: what to checkLay-Z-Spa WiFi not connecting to the app? Check router band, signal, pairing mode and resets, step by step, before calling Bestway support.Fix
- Lay-Z-Spa vs Wave Spa comparedLay-Z-Spa vs Wave Spa: walls, heaters, insulation, freeze protection, seats and shapes compared from the listings, with a clear pick for each type of buyer.Comparison
- Lay-Z-Spa vs Intex PureSpa: which inflatable tub?Lay-Z-Spa vs Intex PureSpa compared on wall build, heater, jets, covers, app control and UK parts, with a quick pick by budget and garden size.Comparison
- Lay-Z-Spa pump or bubbles not workingLay-Z-Spa pump or bubbles not working? Power, connectors, airlocks and pump settings checked in order, and how to tell a pump fault from a settings issue.Fix
- Lay-Z-Spa Milan vs Honolulu: two 6 seat round tubsLay-Z-Spa Milan AirJet Plus vs Honolulu AirJet compared on jets, liner, cover, size and what comes in the box, with a clear pick for each buyer.Comparison
- Lay-Z-Spa error codes and what they meanLay-Z-Spa error codes E01 to E09 in one table, with the usual cause, the first check to try and when a code points to a pump fault that needs Bestway support.Fix
- Is an inflatable hot tub pump waterproof?Is a Lay-Z-Spa or other inflatable hot tub pump waterproof? What the pump unit and RCD plug can cope with outdoors, how to keep them dry and when to stop.Guide
- Intex vs Coleman SaluSpa inflatable hot tubsIntex PureSpa vs Coleman SaluSpa (made by Bestway): heaters, walls, covers, app control and UK parts compared, with the voltage check every buyer should make.Comparison
- Intex PureSpa troubleshooting and error codesIntex PureSpa troubleshooting: what common error codes mean, why a tub is not heating or bubbling, and cover and leak problems, with safe checks to try.Fix
- Inflatable vs plug and play hot tubInflatable vs plug and play hot tubs: both run from a 13 A socket, but foam and rigid tubs differ in heat kept, weight, setup and lifespan. Here is how.Comparison
- Inflatable hot tub vs a hard shell hot tubInflatable vs hard shell hot tubs compared on heater kW, insulation, lifespan, base, electrics and weekly kWh, so the trade-off is clear before you spend.Comparison
- Inflatable hot tub vs above ground poolInflatable hot tub vs above ground pool compared on water, heating, footprint and use, plus whether a hot tub can double as a cool summer pool.Comparison
- Inflatable hot tub sizes and water volumesInflatable hot tub sizes explained: a chart of outer sizes, water litres, gallons and seats for common models, plus how much space to leave round the tub.Guide
- Replacing an inflatable hot tub pumpReplacing an inflatable hot tub pump unit: when it makes sense, how to match a Lay-Z-Spa or other pump to your tub, and how to swap it safely.How-to
- Inflatable hot tub losing water or air: finding the leakInflatable hot tub losing water or air? Tell air loss from water loss, use the soapy water test, patch the liner and check the valves and seals first.Fix
- Can you put an inflatable hot tub indoors?Can an inflatable hot tub be used indoors? Floor load, humidity, ventilation, drainage and electrics for a garage, conservatory or outbuilding explained.Guide
- Can you use an inflatable hot tub in winter?Using an inflatable hot tub in a UK winter: heater air temperature limits, freeze protection, extra insulation and the kWh it takes to keep the water warm.Guide
- Inflatable hot tub heater not working: causes and fixesInflatable hot tub heater not working? Check filter flow, timer and lock settings, the heater button, air temperature limits and when to call the maker.Fix
- Can you run an inflatable hot tub on an extension lead?Can you run an inflatable hot tub on an extension lead? What makers say, why a 13 A heater load matters, and the safer option of an outdoor socket.Guide
- Where to put an inflatable hot tub: base ideasInflatable hot tub base ideas compared: patio slabs, concrete, decking, gravel and mats, with the filled weight per square metre worked out so you can check.How-to
- Inflatable hot tub accessories worth havingInflatable hot tub accessories worth having: steps, ground mats, thermal covers, spare filters and more, sorted into essential, nice to have and skip.Guide
- How to pack away and store an inflatable hot tubHow to store an inflatable hot tub: drain, clean, dry, deflate and fold, where to keep it over winter, and how to look after the pump and cover in storage.How-to
- How to shock an inflatable hot tubHow to shock an inflatable hot tub: what shocking does, chlorine and non-chlorine options, when to do it and how long to leave the cover off, following the label.How-to
- How to set up an inflatable hot tubHow to set up an inflatable hot tub: base, inflation, filling, first chemicals and the first heat, step by step with typical times for each stage.How-to
- How to secure a hot tub cover in the windHow to secure a hot tub cover in the wind with clips, buckles and wind straps, plus how to replace a broken cover clip on an inflatable tub.How-to
- How to read hot tub test stripsHow to read hot tub test strips: dipping, timing and matching each pad, the order to correct readings and how often to test in summer and winter.How-to
- Too much chlorine in a hot tub: how to lower itToo much chlorine in your hot tub? How to lower it by leaving the cover off, running the bubbles, partial draining or a neutraliser, with safe test points.Fix
- How to insulate an inflatable hot tubHow to insulate an inflatable hot tub: ground mats, cover upgrades, wind shelter and pump care that cut heat loss without blocking vents or voiding warranty.How-to
- How to inflate an inflatable hot tub properlyHow to inflate an inflatable hot tub like a Lay-Z-Spa: using the pump unit, reaching the right firmness, topping up air and what to do without the pump.How-to
- How to drain an inflatable hot tubHow to drain an inflatable hot tub: the drain valve and hose adaptor, pump-out options, how long it takes, where the water can go and how often to change it.How-to
- How to clean inflatable hot tub filtersHow to clean inflatable hot tub filters: rinsing, soaking and replacing, how often for each type, and how to find the right filter size for your tub.How-to
- How to clean an inflatable hot tubHow to clean an inflatable hot tub: a full drain and clean routine for the liner, floor, cover and filter housing, plus weekly habits that keep it clean.How-to
- How to clean and protect a hot tub coverHow to clean a hot tub cover: the top, underside and seams, how to dry it properly, and how to protect the vinyl from sun, mildew and wear.How-to
- How to add chemicals to a hot tub, step by stepHow to add chemicals to a hot tub in the right order, with the pump running, plus how long to wait between doses and before getting in.How-to
- How much does a hot tub weigh when full?How much does a hot tub weigh full? Empty weight, water and bathers added up for common inflatable sizes, plus what the load means for your base.Guide
- How long does an inflatable hot tub take to heat?How long an inflatable hot tub takes to heat: the one line sum from litres, temperature rise and heater kW, typical hours for 2 kW heaters and what slows it.Guide
- How long do inflatable hot tubs last?How long inflatable hot tubs last: what usually wears out first, how liners and pumps age, what to check in the warranty and the habits that add seasons.Guide
- How long do hot tub covers last?How long do hot tub covers last? What wears a cover out, the signs it needs replacing, and simple care that keeps an inflatable or foam lid working longer.Guide
- Green hot tub water: why it happens and what to doWhy hot tub water turns green: algae versus metals in the water, how to tell which, and the shock, filter and drain and refill steps for each cause.Fix
- Cloudy hot tub water: causes and fixesWhy hot tub water goes cloudy: filters, pH, sanitiser level and hard water checked in order, with the fix for each and when a drain and refill is quicker.Fix
- Hot tub vs swim spa: size, power and upkeepHot tub vs swim spa compared on size, water volume, power supply, base and upkeep, with a clear guide to which one suits your garden and plans.Comparison
- Hot tub vs sauna: how they differ at homeHot tub vs sauna at home compared on space, power, upkeep, use through the year and set-up, so you can see which fits your garden best.Comparison
- Hot tub vs Jacuzzi vs spa: what is the difference?Hot tub vs Jacuzzi vs spa explained: a brand name, a trade term and an everyday word untangled, plus where inflatable hot tubs fit and what to look for.Comparison
- Hot tub keeps tripping the RCD: what to checkHot tub keeps tripping the RCD or breaker? Damp plugs, extension leads, other loads on the circuit and pump faults explained, with when to call an electrician.Fix
- Hot tub temperature settings explainedHot tub temperature settings explained: the 40 °C maximum most makers set, typical settings, heating timers and holding a lower temperature between uses.Guide
- Inflatable hot tub running costs in the UKInflatable hot tub running costs worked out in kWh from heater rating, heat-up and holding time, with how season, cover and air temperature change the total.Guide
- Hot tub pH and alkalinity: target rangesHot tub pH and alkalinity explained: commonly quoted target ranges for pH, total alkalinity and sanitiser, and which product moves each reading, as general guidance.Guide
- Hot tub heat pump vs the built-in heaterHot tub heat pump vs the built-in heater explained: how each heats water, what changes in kWh, and when a heat pump suits an inflatable hot tub.Comparison
- Hard water and limescale in an inflatable hot tubWhy limescale matters in an inflatable hot tub in hard water areas, how it reaches the heater, and how anti-scale treatment and descaling fit the routine.How-to
- Hot tub foaming: causes and fixesWhy a hot tub foams: soap, lotions, detergent in swimwear and low calcium explained, with quick fixes and the habits that stop foam coming back.Fix
- Hot tub cover sizes: how to measure for a new coverHot tub cover sizes explained: how to measure the outer diameter or length and width, wall height and skirt so a replacement or thermal cover fits.Guide
- Hot tub chemical dosing: working out the right amountHot tub chemical dosing explained: turn a label dose into the right amount for your litres, with target ranges and a worked example for an inflatable tub.Guide
- Hot tub chemical dispensers and ChemConnect explainedHot tub chemical dispensers explained: how floating dispensers and Lay-Z-Spa ChemConnect work, how to set them and when they help steady sanitiser levels.Guide
- Drop-stitch vs standard inflatable hot tub wallsDrop-stitch vs standard I-beam hot tub walls: how each holds shape, keeps heat and handles sitting on the edge, and when the upgrade is worth paying for.Comparison
- CleverSpa vs Lay-Z-Spa comparedCleverSpa vs Lay-Z-Spa: pumps, covers, filters, range size and spare parts compared, with what to check on any model before choosing between the two.Comparison
- Chlorine vs bromine in an inflatable hot tubChlorine vs bromine for inflatable hot tubs: how each behaves at hot tub temperatures, smell, dosing, testing and what your tub maker's manual allows.Comparison
- Chlorine tablets vs granules for hot tubsChlorine tablets vs granules for hot tubs compared on dosing, control, speed and use with a dispenser, for steady sanitiser in an inflatable tub.Comparison
- Can you run a hot tub without chemicals?Can you run a hot tub without chemicals? Why warm shared water needs a sanitiser, what salt, UV and ozone systems do, and the lowest effort routine.Guide
- Are inflatable hot tubs worth it?Are inflatable hot tubs worth it? Heating times, kWh, lifespan and upkeep set against how often you will really use one, so you can decide with clear eyes.Guide
- AirJet vs HydroJet: bubbles or water jets?AirJet vs HydroJet hot tubs: how air bubbles and water jets differ in feel, noise, heat loss and pump design, with listing facts for two Lay-Z-Spa models.Comparison
- 13 amp vs 32 amp hot tubs explained13 amp vs 32 amp hot tubs: why inflatables run from a plug, why 32 A tubs can heat and run jets together, and what each means for kWh and installation.Comparison