Categories: Hot Tub Reviews

Relax with the Best Plug and Play Hot Tubs 2023

Table of Contents

When was the last time that you had an excellent relaxation? How many more days and nights do you need to work and suffer from sleep deprivation and stress to get adequate rest? Please think about it later, and now close your eyes and imagine you soaking in a brand-new hot tub. The plug-and-play hot tubs are a luxurious option for people looking for budget-friendly relaxation and prefer comfort. Just forget about any electrical panels with wires using plug-and-play hot spas. All you have to do to enjoy it is fill it up and plug it in. You don’t need to hire an electrician and hard-wire anything.

Intex PureSpa Plus

Category winner – The easiest in maintenance


To find a reasonably good plug-and-play hot tub with multifunctional features requires a lot of time to research. But don’t worry! In this article, our team has chosen the top-4 hot tubs you can plug in a regular outlet that will take your soaking relaxation to the next level. You can count on them all year round, bring them along on trips, and use both indoor and outdoor.

Plug and play is the name commonly given to hot tubs that operate at 110V, which can be plugged directly into a standard outlet.

Let’s look at some of the main characteristics of the best 110 V hot tubs that you can purchase and install easily in your home.

Comparison table: 4 best hot tubs just plug in and start

Model
Characteristics
The easiest in maintenanceIntex PureSpa Plus
Primary
Material: Vinyl
Jets: 140 bubble jets
Voltage: 110-120
Seating Capacity: 4
Gallons: 210
Indoor: Yes
Outdoor: Yes

Benefits

  • The safest for skin and hair safe due to hard water treatment system
  • Has easy to control panel
  • Provides powerful, vibrant water pressure to relieve your painful muscles
The best value for body relaxationBestway SaluSpa Miami
Primary
Material: Tri-tech material
Jets: 120 bubble jets
Voltage: 110-120
Seating Capacity: 2-4
Gallons: 177
Indoor: Yes
Outdoor: Yes

Benefits

  • The most relaxing for your sore muscles due to 120 bubble jets
  • Allow you to set the temperature in advance
  • Provided with multi-function spa pump to move water through the hot tub filters and keep the filter system clean

The most powerful jetsAquaRest Elite500
Primary
Material: Vinyl
Jets: 29 hydrotherapy jets
Voltage: 110-120
Seating Capacity: 5
Gallons: 215
Indoor: Yes
Outdoor: Yes

Benefits

  • Has the most outstanding self-controlled hydrotherapy jets and Ozonator
  • The most efficient work in cold weather
  • Has waterfall with upgraded multi-color LED-backlit
  • Provides 100% water filtration
The best maintaining constant water temperatureLifesmart LS100
Primary
Material: Vinyl
Jets: 13 hydrotherapy jets
Voltage: 110-120
Seating Capacity: 2-4
Gallons: 205
Indoor: Yes
Outdoor: Yes

Benefits

  • Has the most convenient digital command center
  • Has additional foam insulation of walls and protective cover to maintain the water temperature
  • Includes underwater, multi-color LED light system
  • Provides your whole body with instant muscle relaxation due to 13 hydrotherapy jets

How did we choose

  • In the first place, my team and I looked at the highest-rated plug-n play hot tubs in various categories of contrast ratio.
  • We found 10 affordable models which are in huge demand
  • The next thing we did, we selected 5 models for a detailed review (those with fewer reviews and insufficient features were excluded). 
  • Then after that, the team of researchers and I analyzed more than 100 customer reviews

This approach is in handy to find out what plays a key role for plug-and-play hot tubs users. During our methodological analysis, we highlighted the best criteria which stand out for each model. After comparing our results, we selected the top-4 high-quality hot tubs that just plug into regular outlets. Please, take a look at our calculation method in the picture below.

Byrossi® analysis methodology

A detailed review of each model

Intex PureSpa Plus — The easiest in maintenance

Primary Material: 
Jets:
Voltage: 
Seating Capacity: 
Gallons: 
Indoor: 
Outdoor: 
Vinyl
140 bubble jets
110-120
4
210
Yes
Yes
BenefitsHas easy to control panel
The built-in hard water treatment system that makes water gentler on skin and hair 
Provides powerful, vibrant water pressure to relieve your painful muscles

Pros

  • Keeps your skin and hair safe due to hard water treatment system 
  • It has an easy-to-use control panel and 140 high-powered bubble jets 
  • Included headrests and multi-colored LED light system

Cons

  • Quite inconvenient for indoor use, because of its size
  • Not so energy-efficient due to 140 powered jets

Do you prefer instant set-up and an opportunity to take your hot tub along with you? How about one of the best inflatable plug-n-play hot tubs — Intex PureSpa Plus. Indulge in comfort with four-person high-powered jets for relaxing massage. Moreover, adjustable heating and pressure systems provide you with an unforgettable experience. We analyzed this model as the easiest in maintenance because it only requires replacing filter cartridges fortnightly.

The key thing that stands Intex PureSpa Plus and Bestway SaluSpa Miami out among other plug and play models is quick set-up in 20 minutes or less. Moreover, it consumes little space on your patio or backyard.

This Intex PureSpa Portable Hot Tub offers you a time of your life for a long bathing period, including a rigid water treatment system for a soothing experience and simple maintenance with two easy-to-replace filter cartridges for clean, refreshing spa water.

Bestway SaluSpa Miami — The best value for body relaxation

Primary Material: 
Jets:
Voltage: 
Seating Capacity: 
Gallons: 
Indoor: 
Outdoor: 
Tri-tech material
120 bubble jets
110-120
2-4
177
Yes
Yes
BenefitsAllow you to set the temperature in advance 
It comes with 120 air massage jets massage for relief of stress and tension
Provided with multi-function spa pump to move water through the hot tub filters and keep the filter system clean

Pros

  • Multi-function pump used to move water through the hot tub filters and keep the filter system clean
  • Has modern control panel and power-saving timer to set when your spa heater turns on
  • It comes with 120 bubble jets for relaxing your sore muscles

Cons

  • A bit noisy

Are you exhausted after a stressful workday and want excellent relaxation? How about slipping into the soothing portable Bestway SaluSpa Miami with 120 bubble jets soak sore muscles for a luxurious treat. Stability, even when people sit on the sidewalls and combine bubbles with heat for a relaxing experience, makes this hot tub to be the best body relaxation value.

Forget additional tools for installation; this tub is easy to set up and can be deflated in 5 minutes, the same as Intex PureSpa Plus. It is designed with advanced triple technology and I-beam materials, maintaining the hot tub’s shape regardless of the number of people soaking in it. 

Bestway SaluSpa Miami stands out for the multifunctional pump used to move water through the hot tub filters and keep the filter system clean. You will be pleasantly surprised using the fantastic hot tub’s feature — a power-saving timer that automatically sets the water temperature 72 hours in advance.

AquaRest Spas Elite 500 — The most powerful jets

Primary Material: 
Jets:
Voltage: 
Seating Capacity: 
Gallons: 
Indoor: 
Outdoor: 
Plastic
29 Stainless Steel hydrotherapy jets
110-120
5
215
Yes
Yes
BenefitsHas waterfall with upgraded multi-color LED-backlit
Provides 100% water filtration, combined with Ozonator
The greatest work in cold weather 

Pros

  • Has the most outstanding self-controlled hydrotherapy jets and Ozonator
  • The best at water filtration and purification makes your water 100% clean thanks to EZ Kleen Filtration system
  • Patented cascading waterfall with colorful LED-backlit
  • Built from the freeze-resistant material (impact-resistant polyethylene)

Cons

  • Noisy 
  • Pale LED-lighting

Are you looking for multifunctional, full-foam insulating, and high-quality hot tub plugs into the regular outlet? You should take a look at AquaRest Spas Elite 500. After analyzing people’s reviews, we found that this model has the most powerful 29 adjustable jets from different directions, massaging every part of your body.

Just close your eyes and feel this warm and relaxing hydrotherapy delivered through 29 Stainless Steel adjustable jets with dual side air controls. Take advantage of every muscle relaxation thanks to therapeutic sitting support and the comfortable jet position. Soaking in AquaRest Spas Elite 500, you can get more massage than Lifesmart Spas 4 with the 13 hydrotherapy high-powered jets.

Forget about everything in the world and enjoy your spa life with a multicolor LED backlit cascading waterfall. This plug-n-play hot tub has the factory-installed Ozone Purification System, eliminating up to 75% of chemicals. That makes a difference between AquaRes Spas Elite 500 and Lifesmart LS 100, the second one has a lack of chemical dispensers but don’t worry, you can easily buy them if you need them. We recommend the Life Deluxe chemical dispenser.

Lifesmart LS100 — The best maintaining constant water temperature

Primary Material:
Jets: 
Voltage: 
Seating Capacity: 
Gallons: 
Indoor: 
Outdoor: 
Plastic
13 hydrotherapy jets
110-120
2-4
205
Yes
Yes
BenefitsHas additional foam insulation of walls and protective cover
Includes underwater, multi-color LED light system
Provides your whole body with instant muscle relaxation 

Pros

  • The most budget-affordable maintaining
  • It’s made out of eco thermoplastic
  • The most convenient digital command center
  • Has fascinating multi-color LED light system included

Cons

  • Can only place up to 4 adults
  • Inner lights are not so mighty bright

Another luxurious 110V hot tub was designed using a high-grade eco-thermoplastic, top-loading filter, and energy-saving insulation. This model is the best in maintaining the temperature due to the eco-thermal material and foam-insulated walls. Like AquaRest Spas Elite, Lifesmart Spas gives you a golden opportunity to soak into it all year round, thanks to the freeze-resistant solid material from which it is built.

Set the perfect flow and massage intensity via a convenient digital command center. Smaller than AquaRest Spas Elite 500, which fits up to five people, Lifesmart Spas may feel compact with your friends because it has only four sitting places. 

Accessories to get such relaxation you can’t imagine

Do you want to take full advantage of your hot tub? Don’t forget about things that will enhance your enjoyment:

Hot Tub Booster Seat

What could be better than carefree soaking in your hot tub after a long day at work? But it’s a challenging task to find that perfect spot in your slippery tub where you can soak away all the stress of your day.

The Star Splash Hot Tub Cushion with a comfortable height and non-slip microdot bottom will be a luxurious part of your any hot tub, for example, Intex PureSpa Plus or Bestway SaluSpa models.

 Hot Tub Drink Holder

Have you ever felt like spending the whole day floating? I suppose, yes! Each person deserves the best relaxation. To get such comfort, you need something that will enable you to drink your beverages, text with your friends, or listen to your playlist while during the soaking. Go ahead and make such a fantastic item in your hot tub’s arsenal.

Universal Spa & Hot Tub Outdoor Steps

Do you wish to get into your hot tub comfortably and safely? Do you want to stop worrying about falls and slips before using your hot spa? So, universal hot tubs steps will undoubtedly be handy for you and your children when you want to get in it. 

Do it easy — step-by-step hot tubs start-up & installation

Are you thinking about buying a hot tub? Or you have already purchased one and want to know how to install it perfectly? Great decision! Possessing a hot tub on your own provides you with a spot where you can soak and relax your body and soul after a physically or emotionally exhausting day.

With a bit of preparation and set-up, it is an easy job to soak into your hot spa quickly.

Our team prepared a step-by-step guide for your successful installation. Let’s go over it!

Step 1: Select a Location for Your Hot Tub

Look for a flat surface so that your spa can stay level. If you install an inflatable hot tub, the surface must be as smooth as possible and away from harsh elements.

Let’s look at what your site should have.

For outdoor installation:

  • Smooth, level surface
  • Structure to support the weight of the bathtub, water, and occupants
  • Enough rainwater and spilled drainage system
  • All panels can be accessed for maintenance or repair 
  • Privacy

For indoor installation:

  • A waterproof, non-slip floor with a drain
  • Structure to support the weight of the tub, water & occupants
  • Waterproof vapor barrier for dowels/rafters
  • Wall and ceiling tiles or cedar planks
  • A powerful fan to expel moisture
For detailed information about hot tubs installation, you should read our earlier article: How to pick & prepare a place for a hot tub.

Step 2: Plan your delivery route in advance

You know that an underfilled hot tub can weigh more than 800 pounds, so make sure the width of the tub can pass through any doors, leaves, or structures that have enough room. Remove anything that might interfere with the movement of the bathtub to its installation location.

Step 3: Read The User Manual

Read your device manual, even if you are familiar with how most hot tubs work. Manufacturers constantly upgrade their products, so you need to ensure that all new features are within reach.

Step 4: Prepare the hot tub for use

Prepare for inflation (only for inflatable hot tubs). Take the spa out of the package and spread it out in a suitable place. Then inflate your spa using the pump. Plug it in and attach the inflation hose to both the pump and the tub.

Step 5: Turn off the electricity for safe cleaning

Attention: before you do any central cleaning, you should always disconnect all power to your hot tub to prevent electric shock.

Step 6: Clean the interior of the hot tub and attach the water filter

If you keep your spa clean, you will save a considerable amount of time and money on maintenance. Install a filter cartridge into every filter well. Some hot tubs are provided with only one, but check your owner’s manual to be on the safe side.

Step 7: Fill the hot tub with water from a garden hose 

No matter how many times you fill in your hot tab, it would be better for you to use a hose filter. Hose filters can stop mineral and metal problems before they start, which can save you a lot of time and money.

Step 8: Stop filling an inch under the headrests

Take a check that all the jets are entirely submerged.

Step 9: Turn the electricity back on and begin heating the tub

Switch on the power at your isolation switch. Turn on the pumps to get the water moving.

Step 10: Add the proper chemicals to ensure sanitation

Well, It’s high time to add your start-up chemicals. Keep in mind, you can’t use pool chemicals in your tub. The best option for you — chemicals explicitly made for hot tubs

More about chemicals, you can read in our article: Top 3 chemical starter kits for hot tubs

Step 11: Leave the pumps running

We advise running hot tubs’ pumps for at least 15 minutes to allow the chemicals to circulate.

Step 12: Adjust the temperature

Set your desired temperature. We recommend 90 °F — 98 °F.

Step 13: Cover your hot tub

Cover the bathtub for about twenty-four hours. It helps the temperature rise, retains heat, and prevents the loss of water and chemicals due to evaporation.

Step 14: Test Your Water and Enjoy!

Now test the water, adjust chemical levels as needed, and enjoy yourself.

Tips and Tricks to use plug-n-play in cold weather efficiently

Using your plug-n-play hot during the cold months, why not? Surely this is one of the best times to own a hot tub, especially when it’s beautiful and snowy in the garden. 

Plug and play hot tubs can be used during winter, but may not be the best choices to consider because they don’t have as much power as 240v models. For instance, they are not cost-efficient under such conditions, and you are likely to spend more on energy bills.

If you choose to keep using your hot tub during the winter months, follow these tips to protect your hot tub from the cold weather.

Locate or relocate your hot tub. If you do not plan to relocate your hot tub in winter, evaluate its exposure to elements, especially wind.

Organize a windbreak. This is a very innovative and compelling way to protect the portable spa in winter. Think of the windbreaks around your hot tub. This can be a simple screen, a basic homemade surround, or even a special outdoor building. 

Turn down the jets. Compared with other seasons, use jets as little as possible and don’t forget to turn them off when not in use. The ejector works by blowing air into the water, which reduces the temperature.

Invest in a good cover. One way to prevent the hot tub from freezing in winter is to cover it. A covered hot tub will not dissipate heat like an uncovered bathtub.

Include extra thermal insulation. Inflatable hot tubs are not made for outdoor use in winter, so they have no real defense against winter. We recommend that you take some thick styrofoam boards and place them under your portable hot tub. If you have a knife or saw at hand, you can glue the boards together and cut out a circle the same size as the portable hot tub to get a perfectly fitting base.

Don’t forget about the thermal box. You can also use foam boards to make a box to bypass the hot tub heater device. This simple structure will help keep the motor at a consistent temperature and make it normally work throughout the winter. 

Provide a hot tub with a solar blanket. These blankets float on top of the bathtub water and act as a direct insulation layer to protect the water from the cold. They also reduce evaporation. Inflatable hot tubs are more challenging because the pump and heater combination is usually placed separately from the bathtub body, but this is possible.

❗ Attention
Manufacturers of inflatable hot tubs do not recommend using their products below 40ºF. Therefore, the tips we wrote are designed to make you more comfortable when plug-and-play in winter. If you are willing to use any ideas or products written here, it is entirely at your own risk.

Summary

No matter whether you are going to take personal relaxation or have a great time with your friends after a physical and emotional workday, the plug-n-play hot tub is the best device for you. Using it gives you golden opportunities to save your money on hard-wiring panels, take it with you on business, or install it everywhere you want. 

Before purchasing your plug-n-play hot tub, pay attention to the power of jets and valves first, water filtration and purification, and maintaining constant water temperature. Then look at factors like the easy set-up, additional foam insulation of walls and protective cover, portable size (if you want to take a hot tub with you on trips), the capacity of people it fits, and convenience in maintenance. 

Choose the most suitable one for you among top-4 plug-n-play hot spas are based on these criteria and include the following models:

The easiest in maintenance

Intex PureSpa Plus
The most powerful jets

AquaRest Elite 500 5-Person


The best value for body relaxation

Bestway SaluSpa Miami
The best maintaining constant water temperature
LifesmartLS100 4-Person

FAQ

❄ Can I use a plug-n-play hot tub in the winter?

Sure, you can. We provide tips to heat the hot tub in winter in our article. However, heating hot tubs up is a reasonably time-consuming thing. They don’t have enough power to heat the water as fast as standard hot tubs when it’s icy outside. Keep in mind, there is no pipeline involved, so you don’t have to worry about freezing the pipeline. Hot tubs with thick insulation are best for winter soaking.

🤑 Are 110-volt hot tubs energy-efficient?

The plug-and-play spa consumes less electricity, but it takes longer to heat the water. There is no difference in energy efficiency between 110V spas or 220V converted spas. Because a 220-volt hot tub can transmit more energy over the wire faster, if you run a 110-volt hot tub twice as long, you will end up using the same wattage.

🧐 Do hot tubs need to be plugged in 24/7?

Our answer is yes! In most cases, you should leave the hot tub 24/7. If you often use the hot tub, it is best to keep the heater on all the time. It takes more energy to heat a hot tub than to keep it running all the time.

🌡 What temperature should I keep in my hot tub when I go out?

The easiest way to save money on a hot tub is to lower the temperature by a few degrees. If you plan not to use the hot tub for a long time, avoid turning it off entirely and keep it at a lower temperature of around 86 degrees Fahrenheit or at least 5 degrees lower than when it was in use.

🤔 Can you put an inflatable hot tub indoors?

Of course, you can. Inflatable hot tubs are portable, and you can quickly move them indoors! But you’ll need to take a few extra safety precautions before setting it all up: Choose the spot inside your home with suitable flooring and ventilation Put your spas in a room with safe water walls Make sure that the flooring can support the weight Provide hot tub with access to a drain, water, and power.

David McConaghy

David is a professional psychiatrist, a graduate of the University of Oregon. In 2019, David has opened his private practice, providing a wide range of psychotherapeutic services to children, adolescents, and adults, as well as couples and families. One of the areas of Dr. McConaghy’s scientific research is the effects of hydrotherapy on psychological wellbeing. David is an active media contributor and has co-Founded ByRossi, an online journal where he shares his expertise in psychology and hydrotherapy.

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