What should I choose: an acrylic spa, an Intex inflatable or a Softub?
You want to buy a spa but you don't know what to choose, between an acrylic spa, an Intex inflatable spa or a Softub, here is a comparison to help you make your choice.
One of the most important considerations when purchasing a hot tub is the quality and durability of the interior and exterior operation. Hot tub shells are made from a variety of materials.
Acrylic whirlpool bath
Acrylic is manufactured by heating an acrylic sheet and placing it on a mould or it is injection moulded or blow moulded into the spa shell, which is supported by many layers and placed in a wooden or composite cabinet. Acrylic tubs are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colours.
Whether you are considering a small functional bathroom or a large spa, this wide assortment of bathtub styles can increase your options when designing a bathroom.
You can add advanced features to enhance your experience, depending on how much you spend on the different baths available on the market. If you want different styles of jets, lights and other features, but beware, this can get very expensive very quickly.
However, they are much heavier, bulkier and more difficult to move. Most acrylic models require a full 230V electrical service and plumbing adaptations, which usually involves an electrician, plumber or others. An acrylic surface is quite soft and can be scratched easily.
The surface of an acrylic bath is relatively soft and not very rigid. Acrylic baths can be reinforced with fibreglass, which increases the durability and rigidity, but also the price of the bath.
Intex whirlpool (inflatable)
The first feature of an intex spa is its price, very affordable, the initial investment is much cheaper than a traditional hard spa. There is no need for costly work, which is the case for a traditional "hard" spa. The spa consists of an inflatable structure (tubes), a control box and a unit to operate it. The inflator is usually built-in, which makes it quick and easy to install and move from one place to another. The water heating system is quiet, but the blower (which produces the bubbles) makes a noise comparable to that of a hoover.
If the word "inflatable spa" brings to mind a fragile material, this is not the case here. Because they are outdoor items, inflatable spas are made of stronger materials to prevent punctures. But remember that it is not impossible to puncture them.
Inflatable spas do not have enough insulation, so they take much longer to heat up and cannot maintain their heat between uses. This means you have to plan your hot tub sessions further in advance and you will use more electricity to heat it. With an inflatable spa, you lose a lot more heat because of the materials it is made of. In addition, power restrictions make it difficult to reach an optimal temperature.
Even though an inflatable spa folds up, making it easy to move or store, it is still difficult to empty and refill. This wastes water and time.
Few inflatable spas come with extra features. If you want different types of jets or the extra bonuses you'd find in a normal spa, you'll be disappointed.
Some inflatable spas have jets, but these are air jets at the bottom of the tub that provide a bubbly experience, rather than actual targeted hydromassage jets.
Softub Spa
Via the "Ozonator", a water purification system, you can enjoy a clean pool every time you use it. The automatic ozone purification system offers an intensive and complementary programme.
From an energy efficiency point of view, Softub is a world leader in heat recovery technology, Softub® features an innovative system, the Hydromate, which concentrates the pump and heater in one unit. Excess heat from the motor is recycled to heat the filtered water, reducing energy consumption to an absolute minimum.
It is also important to note that Softub® spas are among the quietest spas on the market. Thanks to the unique "Whisper" technology, you can relax and unwind in complete peace.
Softub® spas are free of all climatic constraints. In winter in your veranda, in summer in your garden or on your terrace... Extreme frost conditions, extreme heat, exposure to UV rays, the exterior covering in "Leathertex®", a material from the marine world, offers resistance to all tests and durability.
Lightweight, easy to use and install, Softub® spas are unique in their mobility. The only truly portable spas that mean you are never restricted to a single location. All you need to power it is a power outlet and a garden hose.
The advantage is the well thought-out dimensions of the spa, whether for 2 or 6 people! Softub® hot tubs can be installed through all standard doors, not only indoors, but also outdoors, especially on city terraces. All you need is an ordinary electrical outlet and a garden hose. All you have to do is cover it with its thermal cover to accelerate the temperature rise.