The gap between wanting a spa and having one has traditionally been cost and construction — a built-in spa is a significant landscaping and construction project. Portable and inflatable spas close this gap dramatically, delivering meaningful hydrotherapy and relaxation benefits at a fraction of the price and with setup measured in hours rather than weeks.

Inflatable spas use the same air-ring wall structure as inflatable pools but are designed for heated water use. The insulated cover maintains water temperature between sessions; the heating element warms water to a set temperature (typically up to 40-42°C); the bubble jet system circulates air through the water for massage effect. A modern inflatable spa at 38°C in a Melbourne evening in April or May extends the outdoor season remarkably.

The key practical consideration for inflatable spa ownership is heating time and cost. Starting from cold water, an inflatable spa heater raises water temperature at approximately 1-2°C per hour — meaning heating from cold to 38°C can take 12-24 hours depending on ambient temperature. For this reason, maintaining a set temperature between uses (rather than heating from cold each time) is more energy-efficient and more practical for regular use.

Hard-sided portable spas use rigid acrylic or polymer shells supported by a cabinet structure, with a more powerful jet pump system than inflatable models allow. The jets in a hard-sided spa are directional, pressurised hydrotherapy jets rather than the ambient bubble massage of an inflatable. This produces a meaningfully different and more therapeutic experience, particularly for back and shoulder massage.

Browse our spa and hot tub range online with fast delivery across Melbourne and Australia.