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Comparison

Inflatable vs plug and play hot tub

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In short

Both types plug into a 13 A outdoor socket, so their heaters are similar at around 2 to 3 kW. A plug and play tub has rigid foam or roto-moulded walls that hold heat better, feel firmer and last longer, but it is heavy and stays in place. An inflatable is lighter, cheaper and can be packed away for winter.

Details as stated in the Amazon listing or by the manufacturer. See the current price on Amazon.

Our verdict

Choose an inflatable such as the Lay-Z-Spa Milan AirJet Plus if you want a portable tub for the warmer months. Choose a foam walled tub such as the Wave Como, or a rigid plug and play model, if it will stay up all year and heat retention matters more than portability.

Plug and play hot tubs sit between inflatables and full hard shell tubs. Like an inflatable, they plug into a standard 13 A outdoor socket, with no dedicated circuit needed. Unlike an inflatable, their walls are rigid: either a moulded plastic shell or a foam panel construction. Foam walled tubs such as Wave's Eco Foam spa blur the line further. This guide compares the two types on heat, comfort, weight, setup and lifespan, so you can see whether the step up is worth it for your garden.

What counts as plug and play

Plug and play is a trade term for a hot tub that plugs into a 13 A socket rather than needing a 32 A hard wired supply. It usually means a rigid tub, either roto-moulded plastic with foam insulation or a foam panel tub with a vinyl liner. Because they share a 13 A supply, most cannot run the heater and all jets at full power at the same time.

Inflatable tubs are also 13 A tubs, but the term plug and play is normally kept for rigid or foam models. The Wave Como in our guides is a foam walled spa with a built-in heater, WiFi and Freeze Shield, which puts it close to plug and play territory while still being sold as portable.

Side by side

The table compares a typical inflatable with a foam walled tub from our guides and with plug and play tubs in general.

FactorLay-Z-Spa Milan AirJet PlusWave Como Eco FoamTypical rigid plug and play
WallsTritech inflatableEco FoamMoulded shell or foam panels
Supply13 A13 A13 A
Water916 LNot statedVaries by model
Freeze protectionNot statedFreeze ShieldUsually yes
App controlNot statedYes, WiFiVaries
Can be packed awayYesCheck manualUsually no
Weight empty38 kgNot statedOften far heavier
Inflatable, foam walled and plug and play tubs

See premium and foam tubs →

Heat kept and energy

Because both types are limited by the 13 A supply, heat-up from cold takes a similar time for a similar volume of water. The difference shows after that. Rigid foam or insulated walls lose far less heat than air walls, so the heater runs for less time to hold temperature, especially on cold, windy nights.

Wave says its Como has 50% more thermal efficiency, and Bestway's EnergySense tubs claim up to 40%. These are maker claims, but the direction is sound: more insulation means fewer kWh to keep the water warm. Work out the minimum heat-up energy with our heat-up calculator.

01020304004812162024hours on a 2.2 kW heater°C600 L: about 9 h1,000 L: about 15 h1,000 L, cover off (slower)
Minimum heating from 10 °C to 38 °C on 2.2 kW. With the cover off, heat is lost and the climb is slower.

Comfort, seats and jets

Rigid tubs often have moulded or foam seats at different depths and water jets aimed at the back, while most inflatables have a flat floor and air bubbles from a ring. A firm wall also makes it easier to sit on the edge or climb in and out. Some inflatables add water jets, such as the HydroJet models, and semi-rigid tubs like the MSpa Tidal and Denver sit between the two.

Weight, base and setup

An inflatable can be carried by two people, set up in an hour or so and packed away for winter. A rigid plug and play tub is delivered in one piece or as panels, often needs several people to move and stays where it is placed. Both need a level, firm base that can take the filled weight, which is around a tonne or more with water and bathers.

If you rent, may move or want to store the tub over winter, an inflatable is far easier. If it will stay in one spot all year, a rigid tub's extra insulation pays off in comfort.

Note:Use a weatherproof outdoor socket protected by an RCD for either type. Avoid extension leads unless the manual allows them, and ask a qualified electrician to fit any new socket. Always supervise children around the tub.

Lifespan

Inflatables commonly last a few seasons with good care; seams, valves and pumps are the usual weak points. Rigid plug and play tubs are built for longer service, and their pumps and heaters can usually be replaced. Check the warranty terms on any tub, as they vary by model and seller.

Frequently asked questions

Is a plug and play hot tub better than an inflatable? It holds heat better and feels more solid, but it is heavier, dearer and stays in place. An inflatable is better if you want portability.

Do plug and play tubs heat faster? Not much, because both use a 13 A supply. They lose less heat once warm, so they need less reheating.

Is a foam hot tub the same as plug and play? Foam walled tubs that run on 13 A are usually sold as plug and play or portable spas. Check the listing for the supply needed.

Can I use either in winter? Yes, if the model has freeze protection and a good cover. Check the lowest air temperature in the manual.

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