Intex 6-Person Hot Tub Guide: PureSpa or SimpleSpa for Your Backyard?
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Intex is one of the best-known names in inflatable pools and spas, and its 6-person hot tubs are a popular way to try hot tub life without a permanent install. An inflatable hot tub for the backyard sets up on a flat surface, fills from a garden hose and plugs into a standard outlet, so it suits renters, first-time owners and families who want to try spa evenings before committing to anything bigger.
The six Intex hot tubs below differ in size, jet count and build: most are PureSpa models with Fiber-Tech construction and a foam spa cover, two are marked saltwater system ready, one Greywood Deluxe adds 170 jets with headrests and an LED light, one smaller PureSpa has a 77 inch footprint, and the SimpleSpa uses a simpler beam and mesh build.
Intex 6-Person Hot Tubs Compared
| Model | Outer size (L x W x H) | Water capacity | Jets | Saltwater ready |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PureSpa Greystone Deluxe (28451EP) | 77 x 77 x 28 in | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| PureSpa Bubble Massage (28427EH) | 85 x 85 x 28 in | 290 gallons | 140 | Yes |
| PureSpa Greywood Deluxe (28441EH) | 85 x 28 in | 290 gallons | 170 | Not listed |
| SimpleSpa (28489ST) | 85 x 85 x 26 in | 290 gallons | 140 | Not listed |
| PureSpa Bubble Massage (28427EG) | 85 x 85 x 28 in | 210 or 290 gallons (listing conflicts) | 140 | Yes |
| PureSpa Bubble Massage (28427EP) | 85 x 85 x 28 in | 290 gallons | Not listed | Not listed |
Hot Tub Terms Explained Simply
Bubble jets. Inflatable hot tubs usually use air bubble jets rather than water jets. A blower pushes air through small holes around the floor or walls, and the rising bubbles give a gentle, fizzy massage. Intex calls this heated air bubble technology, because the air is warmed before it enters the water.
PTC heater. Several listings mention a Positive Temperature Coefficient heater. In simple terms, this type of heating element naturally limits how hot it gets, which is why it is often used where safety matters.
Hard water treatment. Hard water carries minerals such as calcium that leave crusty buildup on pipes and heaters. Every model here lists a built-in Hard Water Treatment System meant to make water gentler on skin and on the spa itself.
Saltwater system ready. This means the tub is designed to connect to a saltwater chlorine system, which turns a small amount of dissolved salt into sanitizer so you handle fewer chlorine products. Being “ready” is not the same as including one; the listings here do not say a saltwater system is in the box.
INTEX PureSpa 6 Person Inflatable Hot Tub, Greystone Deluxe for Smaller Spaces
Best for: Buyers wanting a listed warranty
Pros
- 1 year limited warranty listed
- 290 gallon capacity
- 68-104°F range
Cons
- Jet count not listed
- No saltwater-ready claim
Intex
INTEX PureSpa 6 Person Inflatable Hot Tub with Energy-Efficient Spa Cover
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
INTEX PureSpa 6 Person Inflatable Hot
Best for: Couples who want extra comfort touches
Pros
- 170 jets
- Two headrests and LED light
- Woodgrain finish
- 290 gallon capacity
Cons
- Temperature range not listed
- Warranty not listed
Best for: Smaller patios wanting a Greystone look
Pros
- Compact 77 in footprint
- Two S1 filters included
- 1 year limited warranty listed
Cons
- Capacity and jet count not listed
- Tighter for six adults
The INTEX PureSpa 6 Person Inflatable Hot Tub listed as the Greystone Deluxe (model 28451EP) has the smallest footprint here at 77 by 77 inches and 28 inches tall. It weighs 130.5 pounds, according to the listing, and comes with a one year limited warranty.
The feature list includes heated air bubbles with adjustable temperature, an energy-efficient foam cover the listing says improves efficiency by up to 50%, Fiber-Tech beam construction for stability, the Hard Water Treatment System, and an integrated control box for easy filter changes. Two S1 type filter cartridges are included. The listing does not specify the water capacity, jet count or temperature range.
This suits a smaller deck or patio where an 85 inch tub will not fit. With a smaller shell, six adults will feel snug, so larger families may prefer one of the 85 inch models below.
INTEX 28427EH PureSpa Bubble Massage Spa for Saltwater-Ready Setups
Intex
INTEX 28427EH PureSpa Bubble Massage Spa Set Outdoor Inflatable Portable Hot Tub, Includes Energy Efficient Spa Cover, Saltwater System Ready, 6 Person, 85in x 28in
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
INTEX 28427EH PureSpa Bubble Massage Spa
Best for: Families who want saltwater-ready options
Pros
- Saltwater system ready
- 140 bubble jets
- 68-104°F range
- 290 gallon capacity
Cons
- Salt system not listed as included
- Warranty not listed
The INTEX 28427EH PureSpa Bubble Massage Spa is the classic Intex PureSpa 6 person model. The listing gives outer dimensions of 85 by 28 inches, inner dimensions of 65 by 28 inches, 290 gallons of water, and a temperature range of 68 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. A tilt-adjustable control panel runs 140 bubble jets around the inside.
It has Fiber-Tech construction, the Hard Water Treatment System, the PTC heater and the foam spa cover. The included components are listed as the spa set, two filter cartridges and a bag, and it weighs 109.6 pounds. The title calls it saltwater system ready, but the listing does not describe how the saltwater system connects or say one is included. Warranty details are not listed.
Pick this if you like the idea of adding a saltwater system later. If you want more jets and comfort extras, the Greywood Deluxe is next.
INTEX PureSpa 6 Person Inflatable Hot Tub, Greywood Deluxe with Headrests
This INTEX PureSpa 6 Person Inflatable Hot Tub is the Greywood Deluxe (model 28441EH), and its listing highlight notes two headrests and an LED light included. It lists 170 jets, the most in this roundup, along with a 290 gallon capacity, seating for 6 and an 85 by 28 inch size. The material is listed as PVC or polyethylene with a woodgrain finish.
It shares the PTC heater, Fiber-Tech construction, Hard Water Treatment System, foam cover and easy-access filter box with the other PureSpa models. The listing does not give a temperature range, weight or warranty. The extra headrests are a nice touch; if you want more cushions for a different tub, our guide to hot tub pillows covers add-ons.
This suits couples and adults who want a more relaxing, evening-spa feel with light and head support. If you care more about saltwater readiness, the 28427EH is the better match.
INTEX SimpleSpa 6 Person Inflatable Hot Tub for Simple Setups
Intex
INTEX SimpleSpa 6 Person Inflatable Hot Tub, Portable Spa with 140 Jets
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
INTEX SimpleSpa 6 Person Inflatable Hot
Best for: First-time owners wanting a simpler build
Pros
- Puncture-resistant mesh exterior
- Insulated cover and ground cloth
- 140 jets
- 290 gallon capacity
Cons
- Not Fiber-Tech construction
- Lower 26 in wall
The INTEX SimpleSpa 6 Person Inflatable Hot Tub (model 28489ST) is the Intex SimpleSpa 6 person option. It lists 140 jets, 290 gallons, seating for 6 and an 85 by 85 by 26 inch size, a little lower than the PureSpa models.
The big difference is construction. Instead of Fiber-Tech, it uses horizontal beam construction with a strong mesh exterior the listing says resists punctures and abrasions. It keeps heat with an insulated ground cloth and insulated spa cover rather than the high-density foam cover the PureSpa listings describe. It has the heated air bubbles, Hard Water Treatment System and two S1 filter cartridges. The listing does not give a temperature range or warranty.
Choose SimpleSpa if you want a straightforward tub for occasional use and like the idea of a tougher outer skin. If you plan to use it often in cooler weather, a PureSpa with the foam cover may hold heat better, based on how the listings describe the covers.
INTEX 28427EG PureSpa Bubble Massage Spa with 120 Volt Listing
Best for: Saltwater-ready shoppers checking capacity closely
Pros
- Saltwater system ready
- 140 jets
- 120 volt listed
- 68-104°F range
Cons
- Conflicting 210 vs 290 gallons
- Warranty not listed
The INTEX 28427EG PureSpa Bubble Massage Spa looks almost identical to the 28427EH. It is saltwater system ready in its title, lists 140 jets, the tilt-adjustable control panel, Fiber-Tech construction, the PTC heater, the Hard Water Treatment System and the foam cover. It gives the 68 to 104 degree temperature range and lists 120 volts.
There is a conflict worth knowing about: the features say 290 gallons, while the specifications say 210 gallons. With the same 85 by 28 inch size as the 28427EH, 290 gallons is more consistent, but check with the seller if the exact fill volume matters for chemicals. The listing does not give a warranty.
This is a fine alternative if the 28427EH is not available. If a listed warranty matters most, the 28427EP below is the one that states it.
INTEX PureSpa 6 Person Inflatable Hot Tub, Bubble Massage with Listed Warranty
The last INTEX PureSpa 6 Person Inflatable Hot Tub is the PureSpa Bubble Massage Spa (model 28427EP). It lists the same 85 by 28 inch outer size, 65 by 28 inch inner size, 290 gallon capacity and 68 to 104 degree range, along with Fiber-Tech construction, the Hard Water Treatment System, the PTC heater and the foam cover.
Its listing adds a one year limited warranty, which only one other model here mentions. It does not state the jet count or a saltwater-ready claim.
This suits careful first-time buyers who want the warranty written down. For more background on the brand, see our main Intex hot tub guide.
How to Choose the Right Intex Hot Tub
Measure your space. Most models are about 85 inches across; the Greystone Deluxe is 77 inches. Allow room around the tub to walk and to reach the control box.
Pick your build. PureSpa models use Fiber-Tech construction and a foam cover; SimpleSpa uses beam and mesh construction with an insulated cover and ground cloth.
Decide on jets and extras. The Greywood Deluxe lists 170 jets plus headrests and an LED light; most others list 140 or do not say.
Think about water care. If you want to try saltwater later, choose the 28427EH or 28427EG. Keeping the water clean is key; our hot tub cleaner guide covers upkeep.
FAQ
Which Intex hot tub should I buy for a family of six?
An 85 inch model gives the most room. The 28427EH or 28427EP are solid all-round choices, and the Greywood Deluxe adds jets and headrests.
What is the difference between PureSpa and SimpleSpa?
PureSpa models list Fiber-Tech construction and a high-density foam cover. SimpleSpa lists horizontal beam and mesh construction with an insulated cover and ground cloth.
Does saltwater system ready mean a salt system is included?
No. It means the tub is designed to work with one. None of these listings say a saltwater system is included.
How hot can an Intex PureSpa get?
The listings that give a range say 68 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Are filters included?
The Greystone Deluxe and SimpleSpa list two S1 filter cartridges, and the 28427EH lists two cartridges. Others mention easy filter replacement without saying how many come in the box.
Do these hot tubs come with a cover?
Yes. PureSpa listings name an energy-efficient foam cover, and SimpleSpa lists an insulated cover.
