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Comparison

Lay-Z-Spa vs Wave Spa compared

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In short

Lay-Z-Spa has the larger range and the easiest spare parts in the UK, with a separate pump unit on most models. Wave Spa focuses on tubs with the heater built into the structure, antifreeze or Freeze Shield protection, and a foam walled Como model. Choose Lay-Z-Spa for choice and parts, Wave for a tidier look and built-in heating.

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

Our verdict

Pick the Lay-Z-Spa Milan AirJet Plus for a proven six seater with easy parts. Pick the Wave Pacific 6 person for built-in heating and a neater look, or the Wave Como if you want foam walls, WiFi and Freeze Shield for year round use.

Lay-Z-Spa and Wave Spa both sell inflatable hot tubs that run from a 13 A socket, but they go about it differently. Lay-Z-Spa, made by Bestway, has a long list of round and square models, most with a pump and heater unit that sits beside the tub. Wave Spa sells a shorter range with heaters integrated into the tub and a woven rattan style finish, plus a foam walled spa. This comparison looks at walls, heating, insulation, freeze protection, seats and shapes, using the listings of models in our guides.

How the two ranges are built

Most Lay-Z-Spa tubs use an inflatable wall with internal reinforcement, a ground sheet, an inflatable cover and a separate pump unit that houses the heater, filter and blower. Mid range models use Bestway's Tritech wall material, and the newer SmartSpa models such as the Santorini add EnergySense insulated walls and cover.

Wave's Pacific tubs are also inflatable, but the listing describes an integrated heater that sits within the tub design, UV protected woven PVC and a PU insulated foam core. The Wave Como goes further, with foam walls in place of air chambers, WiFi control and Freeze Shield heating.

heaterpumpthermal coverI-beam or drop-stitch wallwater lineoutletinletfilter cartridgeinsulated floor matground sheetpump and heater unit
Inside an inflatable hot tub: the wall, the insulation under and over the water, and the pump and heater unit with its filter.

Listing facts side by side

Here are three models from our guides. Several Wave listings leave out water litres and heater power, so those cells say not stated. Check the manuals for those figures before you buy.

FactLay-Z-Spa Milan AirJet PlusWave Pacific 6 personWave Como Eco Foam
Seats666
Water capacity916 LNot statedNot stated
Outer size196 x 71 cm roundNot stated195 x 195 x 70 cm octagonal
WallsTritech inflatableReinforced PVC inflatableEco Foam
HeaterSeparate pump unitIntegratedBuilt in
Jets140 AirJet PlusAquajet bubble90 Aquajet bubble
Freeze protectionNot statedAntifreeze protectionFreeze Shield
App controlNot statedNot statedYes, WiFi
Lay-Z-Spa and Wave Spa listing facts

Compare the Wave Spa range →

Heat, insulation and winter use

Both brands run on a 13 A plug, so heaters are limited to around 2 kW and heat-up is slow from cold whichever you choose. What changes how much energy the tub uses over a week is insulation. Wave makes a point of insulation on all the models in our guides, and the Como's foam walls are a real step up from air walls in cold weather.

Lay-Z-Spa's standard models rely mainly on the cover, while the SmartSpa models add insulated walls and Freeze Shield. If you plan to run the tub through a UK winter, look for freeze protection and an insulated cover on whichever brand you choose. Our winter hot tub guide compares the options.

Jets and massage

Both brands mainly use air bubble jets on the models covered here. Wave calls its bubble system Aquajet, which despite the name pushes air rather than water according to the listings. Lay-Z-Spa offers HydroJet models with real water jets as well as AirJet bubbles, so if water jets are a must, Lay-Z-Spa currently gives you more choice.

Bubbles running for a long time can cool the water a little, because air from outside passes through it. This is true of both brands.

Parts, setup and support

Lay-Z-Spa filters, pumps, covers and repair kits are widely stocked in UK shops, and parts often fit several models. Wave sells its own filters and spares; check the filter type in the manual and that replacements are available before you buy.

Setup is similar for both: lay a ground sheet on a level base, inflate, fit the heater or pump, fill and start heating. Wave says the Pacific sets up in around 15 minutes and the Como in about 20 minutes without tools.

Note:Use a weatherproof outdoor socket protected by an RCD. Most makers advise against extension leads; if you need a new outdoor socket, have it installed by a qualified electrician.

Frequently asked questions

Is Wave Spa better than Lay-Z-Spa? Wave's models in our guides put more weight on insulation and built-in heating, while Lay-Z-Spa offers more models and easier parts. The best choice depends on the model and your garden.

Do Wave Spa tubs have water jets? The Pacific and Como listings describe bubble jets only. Lay-Z-Spa's HydroJet models are the option if you want water jets.

Can Wave tubs stay up in winter? The listings mention antifreeze protection or Freeze Shield. Check the manual for the lowest air temperature the maker allows.

Which is easier to set up? Both take a short time to inflate. Allow longer for filling and heating, which depends on water litres and heater power.

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