Lay-Z-Spa vs Intex PureSpa: which inflatable tub?

The two brands in brief

Lay-Z-Spa is the hot tub brand of Bestway, and it has the largest inflatable range on the UK market. Models run from compact four seat tubs to square HydroJet tubs and the SmartSpa models with insulated walls and app control. Most use a separate pump and heater unit beside the tub, with Tritech liners on many mid range models.

Intex sells its tubs under the PureSpa name. The current models use what Intex calls Fiber-Tech beam construction, a high density foam cover on Deluxe and many standard models, a PTC heater and, on many tubs, a built-in hard water treatment system. Some, such as the Chevron Deluxe, add WiFi app control and built-in inflation.

See Lay-Z-Spa models compared →

Side by side: two typical models

The table sets a popular Lay-Z-Spa against two Intex PureSpa tubs from our guides. Figures come from the Amazon UK listings. Where a listing does not give a figure, it says not stated.

Walls, covers and keeping the heat in

Both brands use internal reinforcements so the walls hold their shape. Bestway calls its layered wall material Tritech, while Intex uses Fiber-Tech, a mesh of fibres inside the wall chambers. Neither is a foam wall, so heat still escapes through the sides, especially in wind.

The cover is where the two often differ most. Many Lay-Z-Spa tubs come with an inflatable cover that sits on the rim, while Intex's PureSpa models in our guides have a high density foam cover, which Intex says improves energy efficiency by as much as 50%. A good cover matters more for heat loss than almost anything else, so if you plan to use the tub into autumn, compare the covers carefully or budget for an upgraded thermal cover.

Heaters, jets and app control

Both brands run from a 13 A plug, so heater output is limited to roughly 2 kW on most models. Expect similar heat-up rates for a similar volume of water. Use our heat-up calculator to work out the minimum kWh and hours for any tub size.

Jets are air bubbles on most models from both brands. Lay-Z-Spa also offers HydroJet models with water jets, such as the Hawaii HydroJet Pro. App control is available on selected models from both makers, for example the Intex Chevron Deluxe and Bestway's SmartSpa tubs. If heating from the house matters, check the exact model, not just the brand.

Parts, filters and support in the UK

Lay-Z-Spa filters, covers, pumps and repair kits are widely sold in UK shops and online, and many parts fit across several models. Intex filters are also easy to find, though the range of spare pumps and covers sold in the UK is smaller. Before buying either, note the filter type the manual specifies and check that replacements are stocked.

Some Intex listings on Amazon UK show a 120 V spec in the table, which points to a US model. Always confirm that the tub is the UK 230 V version with a UK plug before ordering.

Note:Plug the tub into a suitable outdoor socket protected by an RCD, and do not use extension leads unless the manual allows it. If you need a new outdoor socket, have it fitted by a qualified electrician.

Quick pick by garden and budget

Whichever brand you choose, base size, cover quality and how often you will use the tub matter more than the badge. Our best inflatable hot tubs guide lines up both brands with the rest of the market.

• Small garden, simple needs: a compact Lay-Z-Spa four seater with around 669 litres.
• Couples who want app control and a foam cover: the Intex PureSpa Chevron Deluxe.
• Families who want six seats and easy spares: the Lay-Z-Spa Milan AirJet Plus.
• Hard water areas: an Intex model with built-in hard water treatment, plus regular water testing.

Frequently asked questions

Is Lay-Z-Spa better than Intex? Neither is better across the board. Lay-Z-Spa has the wider range and easier spares, while Intex often includes a foam cover and hard water treatment. Compare the exact models.

Can I use Lay-Z-Spa filters in an Intex tub? Not as a rule. The filter sizes and fittings differ, so use the type named in your tub's manual.

Do both brands run from a normal plug? Yes, the models covered here run from a standard 13 A socket. Use an outdoor socket protected by an RCD, as the manual advises.

Which brand heats faster? Heat-up depends mainly on water litres, heater kW and the cover, not the brand. A smaller tub with a good cover will heat faster.