Intex vs Coleman SaluSpa inflatable hot tubs

Who makes what

The Coleman name is licensed to Bestway for its SaluSpa hot tubs. The Palm Springs listing names Bestway as manufacturer and mentions the Bestway Smart Hub app, so in practice it sits close to the Lay-Z-Spa range, with similar pumps, filters and covers. Its listing even calls it the SaluSpa Miami in one bullet.

Intex is a separate company with its own PureSpa line. Its tubs use Fiber-Tech construction, a PTC heater that warms the air bubbles as well as the water, and on many models a built-in hard water treatment system.

Listing facts side by side

Both tubs are round and about 196 to 216 cm across. The table shows what each listing states.

Compare 6 person tubs →

The voltage check

UK mains is 230 V. Both of these listings show 120 V in the spec table, and the Coleman listing mentions US energy rules, which suggests a US model. A 120 V pump will not work safely on a UK socket without the right equipment, and a converter is not a sensible answer for a hot tub heater.

Before you order either tub, ask the seller to confirm that the pump is rated for 220 to 240 V and has a UK plug. If they cannot confirm it, choose a model sold as the UK version.

Note:Never run a hot tub pump through a voltage converter or an extension lead. Use a weatherproof outdoor socket protected by an RCD, installed by a qualified electrician if you need a new one.

Heat, insulation and winter

The Coleman's strength is its two covers, one of them an EnergySense insulated cover that Bestway says is 40% more efficient than similar spas, plus FreezeShield to protect inner parts in cold weather. The Smart Hub app also has a power saving timer.

The Intex relies on its foam cover, which Intex says improves efficiency by as much as 50%, and its PTC heater. The listing does not mention freeze protection, so check the manual before running it through winter. Our winter guide lists tubs that state freeze protection.

Water care and parts

The Intex's built-in hard water treatment is useful in much of England, where limescale builds up on heaters. With the Coleman, plan to use an anti-scale product as general guidance and follow the chemical maker's instructions.

Spare parts are easier for the Coleman in one sense, because many Bestway filters and parts are widely stocked. Intex filters are also easy to find. Check the filter type in each manual before you buy.

Which suits which garden

The Coleman is the smaller of the two at about 196 cm across, so it fits a modest patio more easily. The Intex is about 216 cm across with a 165 cm inner diameter, which gives more legroom but needs a larger, stronger base. Either way, leave space to walk round the tub and reach the pump and cover.

Work out the filled weight before choosing a base. Water weighs about 1 kg per litre, so a tub of around 1,100 litres is over a tonne before people get in. Our water volume calculator helps you check the load per square metre for your base.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Coleman SaluSpa the same as a Lay-Z-Spa? Both are made by Bestway and share technology, but models and parts are not always identical. Check part numbers in the manual.

Can I use a 120 V hot tub in the UK? Not safely without the correct equipment. Buy the UK 230 V version instead.

Which keeps heat better? The Coleman includes an EnergySense cover and FreezeShield; the Intex has a foam cover. Both lose heat through air walls in cold weather.

Which has app control? The Coleman Palm Springs lists the Bestway Smart Hub app. The Intex Bubble Massage listing does not mention an app.