Comparison
Inflatable hot tub vs above ground pool
Published
Note: This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
In short
An inflatable hot tub holds about 600 to 1,200 litres of water heated to up to 40 °C, so it can be used all year. An above ground pool holds far more water, is usually unheated and suits summer splashing and play. A hot tub can be run cooler in summer as a plunge, but it is too small to swim in. Choose a tub for year round soaks, a pool for summer play.
Products for this job
Compare all 6 productsMSpa Tidal: semi-rigid 6 seater with hydro jets
Check price on AmazonAffiliate linkLay-Z-Spa 60001: 4 seats, 669 L, 120 AirJets
Check price on AmazonAffiliate linkLay-Z-Spa Milan AirJet Plus: 6 seats, 916 L
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link
Inflatable hot tubs and above ground pools are sold side by side, and both promise a summer of fun in the garden. They are built for different things, though. A hot tub is about sitting in warm, filtered water, while a pool is about space to splash and play. This comparison looks at water volume, heating, footprint and upkeep, and answers a common question: can you turn the heater down and use a hot tub as a pool?
The basic difference
An inflatable hot tub is a small, deep tub with insulated walls, a cover and a pump unit that heats, filters and powers bubbles. It is built to keep water warm all year round.
An above ground pool, such as a metal frame or quick set pool, is wider and holds much more water. Most come with a simple filter pump and no heater. They are designed to be filled in late spring and drained or winterised in autumn.
Side by side
Exact volumes and depths vary by model, so always check the listing.
| Point | Inflatable hot tub | Above ground pool |
|---|---|---|
| Typical water | About 600 to 1,200 L | Several thousand litres and up |
| Heating | Built in, up to about 40 °C | Usually none, or an add-on heater |
| Season | All year with care | Mostly summer |
| Depth | About 65 to 70 cm walls | Often 75 cm and deeper |
| Cover | Insulated lid included | Usually a simple debris cover |
| Who it suits | Adults relaxing, families | Children playing, cooling off |
Can you use an inflatable hot tub as a pool?
In warm weather, many owners turn the heater down or off and use the tub as a cool plunge. That works, but keep the filter running and sanitiser in range, because cooler water still needs treating. Some makers set a minimum temperature for the heater, so the display may not go as low as you expect.
It is still a small tub. Children can splash, but there is no room to swim, and adults should supervise children at all times. A filled tub is also deep for small children, so never leave the cover off when no one is watching.
Note:Never leave children alone in or near a hot tub or pool. Keep the cover locked when the tub is not in use, and follow the maker's temperature and safety guidance.
Footprint, weight and base
A four to six person inflatable tub needs a space of about 2 x 2 m plus room to walk round. A pool needs a much larger level area. Both are heavy when filled, and pools in particular can damage lawns. Our base ideas page explains what to put under a tub.
Use our water volume calculator to compare litres and filled weight for any size you are considering.
- Level concrete slab
- Decking: check it is rated for the load
- Compacted, level gravel with a mat
Upkeep and running
A hot tub needs water testing and sanitiser a few times a week, filter rinsing and a fresh fill every few months. Heating uses electricity all year. A pool needs the same water care in principle but in a larger volume, and usually only for the summer months.
If you plan to use it mostly in winter evenings, a hot tub is the only one of the two that makes sense. If you want a summer splash for children, a pool gives more space.
Which suits you?
- Year round warm soaks for adults: an inflatable hot tub. See our 2 to 4 person picks.
- Summer play for children with room to splash: an above ground pool.
- A bit of both: a hot tub run cooler in summer, accepting it is small.
- Big family gatherings: a 6 person tub, see our 6 to 8 person guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I turn off the heater and use my hot tub as a pool? Yes, many owners do in hot weather. Keep the filter running and the sanitiser in range, as cool water still needs treating.
Is there a hot tub and pool combo? Some products are marketed that way, but most are either a small heated tub or a larger unheated pool. Check the heater and water volume before buying.
Which uses more water? An above ground pool, by a wide margin. Even a small pool usually holds several times the water of a hot tub.
Can children use an inflatable hot tub? Follow the maker's age and temperature guidance, keep the water cooler for children and supervise them at all times.
What you need
- Check price on AmazonAffiliate link
MSpa Tidal: semi-rigid 6 seater, 930 L
- Check price on AmazonAffiliate link
Lay-Z-Spa 60001: 4 seats and 669 L