Intex Hot Tubs: A Beginner’s Guide to Inflatable Spas
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Many people search for an “Intex jacuzzi hot tub,” but Jacuzzi is actually a separate brand name that has become shorthand for any bubbling tub. What Intex makes are inflatable spas: portable hot tubs with air-filled walls that you set up on a flat surface, fill with a garden hose and heat with a pump unit. Intex is one of the best-known names in inflatable pools and spas, and its PureSpa and SimpleSpa lines are a common first hot tub for people who do not want a permanent, built-in model.
The six models here differ in size and extras: two six-person tubs, three four-person PureSpa models with slightly different footprints and add-ons like headrests, LED lights and saltwater readiness, and one four-person SimpleSpa with 100 jets and a simpler build for beginners.
Intex Inflatable Hot Tubs Compared
| Model | Seats | Outer size | Water capacity | Bubble jets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PureSpa 6 Person (28451EP) | 6 | 77 x 77 x 28 in. | Not listed | Not listed |
| PureSpa Bubble Massage (28427EH) | 6 | 85 x 28 in. | 290 gallons | 140 |
| PureSpa Plus (28429EH) | 4 | 77 x 77 x 28 in. | 210 gallons | 140 |
| PureSpa Greystone Deluxe (28449EH) | 4 | 69 x 28 in. | Not listed | 140 |
| SimpleSpa (60022E-BW) | 4 | 77 x 77 x 28 in. | 210 gallons | 100 |
| PureSpa Greystone Deluxe (28449EP) | 4 | 69 x 69 x 28 in. | 210 gallons | Not listed |
INTEX PureSpa 6 Person Inflatable Hot Tub for Family Evenings
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: Larger households wanting a full-featured PureSpa
Pros
- Energy-efficient foam cover
- Hard water treatment system
- Two S1 filter cartridges included
- Fiber-Tech beam construction
Cons
- Heaviest listed at 130.5 pounds
- 77 in. size odd for 6 people
The INTEX PureSpa 6 Person Inflatable Hot Tub (model 28451EP, Greystone Deluxe) is a full-featured PureSpa sold with an energy-efficient spa cover. The cover uses high-density, heat-resistant foam, and Intex says it improves efficiency by up to 50% by keeping heat in the water.
It uses heated air bubble technology, meaning warm air is pushed through jets around the base to create a gentle bubbling massage. The heating system adjusts to your preferred temperature. Fiber-Tech Beam Construction is Intex’s name for the internal fibers that keep the inflatable walls firm and stable. A built-in hard water treatment system reduces mineral buildup, which helps protect the heater and pipes, and the integrated control box makes swapping filters easy. Two S1 Type filter cartridges are included, along with a one-year limited warranty. It weighs 130.5 pounds.
One thing to note: the listing gives dimensions of 77 by 77 by 28 inches, which is the same footprint as the four-person 77-inch tubs below, while the six-person Bubble Massage lists 85 inches. The listing does not state water capacity or jet count, so check with the seller if space for six adults matters. It suits families who want the PureSpa feature set with filters in the box. For a clearly roomier six-seater, the 28427EH is the better-documented pick. Our intex 6 person hot tub guide goes deeper into the larger sizes.
INTEX 28427EH PureSpa Bubble Massage Spa for Groups of Six
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: Groups of up to six
Pros
- 290 gallon capacity
- 140 bubble jets
- 68-104°F temperature range
- Saltwater system ready
Cons
- 85 in. footprint needs space
- Inner seating 65 in. across
The INTEX 28427EH PureSpa Bubble Massage Spa is the most clearly specified six-person tub here. It measures 85 inches across the outside and 65 inches inside, stands 28 inches tall, and holds 290 gallons of water. The water temperature range is 68 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
A tilt-adjustable control panel turns on 140 bubble jets around the inside. Heating comes from a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater, a heater type designed to regulate itself for safety and efficient heat transfer. It has Fiber-Tech Beam Construction, the hard water treatment system and the energy-efficient foam cover. The box includes the spa set, two filter cartridges and a bag, and the title says it is saltwater system ready. It weighs 109.6 pounds.
This suits households that often have friends over and want room for six. It needs the biggest patch of flat ground in the lineup, so small patios suit a 69-inch model better.
INTEX PureSpa 4 Person Inflatable Hot Tub with Headrests and LED Light
Best for: Small patios and decks
Pros
- Compact 69 in. footprint
- Energy-efficient foam cover
- Two S1 filters included
Cons
- Jet count not listed
- Seats four
Intex
Intex PureSpa 4 Person Inflatable Hot Tub with Energy-Efficient Spa Cover
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Intex PureSpa 4 Person Inflatable Hot
Best for: Saltwater-curious small households
Pros
- Saltwater system compatible
- 140 jets listed
- Headrests and LED per highlight
Cons
- Salt cell sold separately
- Size given only in highlight
Best for: Couples wanting extras included
Pros
- Two contoured headrests
- Multi-colored LED light
- 140 bubble jets
- PTC heater
Cons
- LED needs 3 AAA batteries
- 4 people max
The INTEX PureSpa 4 Person Inflatable Hot Tub listed as model 28429EH (PureSpa Plus Bubble Massage) is the version with the most comfort extras in the box. It includes two contoured headrests and a multi-colored LED light for mood lighting; the light needs three AAA batteries, which are not included.
It measures 77 by 77 by 28 inches, holds 210 gallons, seats four and runs on 120-volt power. The tilt-adjustable control panel activates 140 bubble jets, and the PTC heater warms the water to your chosen temperature. Fiber-Tech Beam Construction, the hard water treatment system and the energy-efficient cover round it out.
This is a lovely gift for a couple or small family who want a spa-night feel from day one. If you do not care about headrests and lights, the plainer PureSpa models do the core job.
Intex PureSpa 4 Person Inflatable Hot Tub for Saltwater Users
The Intex PureSpa 4 Person Inflatable Hot Tub listed as model 28449EH (Greystone Deluxe, black) is the one that calls out saltwater compatibility. Intex suggests upgrading with the Titanium Cell Saltwater Conversion Kit, sold separately: you insert the cell and add natural salt for a chlorine-free spa that Intex says gives clearer water and softer skin.
It seats four and lists 140 jets, a PTC heater, the energy-efficient cover, the hard water treatment system with an integrated control box, and Fiber-Tech Beam Construction. The item highlight says it measures 69 by 28 inches and includes two headrests and an LED light, although the feature list itself does not mention those extras. The listing does not specify water capacity.
It suits buyers who already know they want to avoid chlorine. Remember the salt cell adds a separate purchase.
INTEX SimpleSpa 4 Person Inflatable Hot Tub for First-Time Owners
Best for: First-time buyers keeping it simple
Pros
- 100 bubble jets
- Insulated ground cloth and cover
- Puncture-resistant mesh exterior
Cons
- Fewer jets than PureSpa
- Simpler cover than PureSpa
The INTEX SimpleSpa 4 Person Inflatable Hot Tub (model 60022E-BW) is the straightforward entry point. It has 100 bubble jets instead of 140, heated air bubble technology with adjustable temperature, and an insulated ground cloth plus an insulated spa cover to hold heat.
Its build is different from the PureSpa models: a horizontal beam construction for sturdiness and a strong mesh exterior that resists punctures and scrapes. It still has the hard water treatment system and the integrated control box, with two S1 Type filter cartridges included. It measures 77 by 77 by 28 inches, holds 210 gallons and seats four.
This is the easiest pick for someone trying a hot tub for the first time. The PureSpa models offer more jets and a foam cover Intex rates up to 50% more efficient.
INTEX PureSpa 4 Person Inflatable Hot Tub for Small Patios
The INTEX PureSpa 4 Person Inflatable Hot Tub listed as model 28449EP (Greystone Deluxe) has the smallest footprint in the group at 69 by 69 by 28 inches, while still holding 210 gallons. It weighs 118.8 pounds.
It shares the PureSpa essentials: heated air bubble massage with adjustable temperature, the energy-efficient foam cover, Fiber-Tech Beam Construction, the hard water treatment system and easy filter access, with two S1 Type cartridges included. The listing does not specify the jet count or mention headrests or lighting.
It suits apartment patios, decks and small yards where every inch matters. If you want extras included, the 28429EH is the step up.
How to Choose the Right Intex Inflatable Hot Tub
Measure your space. Leave room around the outer size: 69 inches for the compact PureSpa, 77 inches for most four-person models and 85 inches for the six-person Bubble Massage. The ground must be flat and able to take the weight of the water.
Count your bathers. Four-person tubs suit couples and small families; the 28427EH is the roomiest for six. A comfy extra is a set of hot tub pillows if your model lacks headrests.
Compare jets and covers. PureSpa models list 140 jets where stated and a foam cover; SimpleSpa has 100 jets and an insulated cover with ground cloth. Heating time is not given in any of these listings, so allow for a warm-up period before first use.
Think about water care. All six list a hard water treatment system. The 28427EH and 28449EH mention saltwater readiness. For a wider overview, see our main intex hot tub guide.
FAQ
Is an Intex hot tub the same as a Jacuzzi
No. Jacuzzi is a separate brand name often used for any hot tub. Intex makes inflatable portable spas under the PureSpa and SimpleSpa names.
Which Intex hot tub should I buy for four people
For extras in the box, the 28429EH with headrests and LED light. For small spaces, the 69-inch 28449EP. For simplicity, the SimpleSpa.
Does an Intex hot tub come with a cover
Yes. The PureSpa models include an energy-efficient foam cover, and the SimpleSpa includes an insulated cover and ground cloth.
How hot does an Intex spa get
The 28427EH lists a range of 68 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The other listings say the temperature is adjustable but do not give a range.
Are filters included
Most listings include two filter cartridges; several name them as S1 Type.
