I love soaking in my friend’s full sized hot tub with my wife and we have talked about getting one ourselves. However, once we realized how much traditional hot tubs cost, and what a pain they are to install and maintain, we quickly changed our minds!
On a recent trip to Costco we spotted the Saluspa Laguna Inflatable Hot Tub and realized that it might be the perfect solution for us! We wanted to share what we learned on our research about this hot tub so you could decide if it is right for you.
The Saluspa Inflatable Hot Tub at Costco is a portable and affordable option that can be easily set up and taken down. It’s perfect for those who want the benefits of a hot tub without the hassle and cost of a traditional one. But is it worth the investment? Let’s dive into this review to find out!
Features and Benefits
Before we dive into the features and benefits, let’s take a look at what’s included in the package:
- Inflatable hot tub
- Insulated cover
- Heating system
- Filtration system with filter cartridges
- ChemConnect™ dispenser
- Repair patch
- Air pad protector for the bottom of the tub
Now, let’s take a closer look at the features and benefits of each component:
Inflatable Hot Tub
The hot tub is made from Duraplus material, which is a three-ply reinforced material that provides exceptional durability and comfort. The tub can hold up to four people and has a maximum water temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
One of the main benefits of an inflatable hot tub is that it can be easily set up and taken down. It can be inflated using the included pump in just 10 minutes and can be taken down and stored away when not in use.
Insulated Cover
The insulated cover is an important component of the hot tub. It helps to keep the water warm and clean, while also providing a layer of protection against debris and weather. The cover has an easy-to-use buckle system that ensures a secure fit and can be locked for added safety.
Heating System
The heating system is what allows the hot tub to reach and maintain a maximum water temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The heating system is easy to use and can be controlled using the digital control panel on the tub. The heating system also has a timer that can be set to turn on and off at specific times.
Filtration System with Filter Cartridges
The filtration system is an essential component of any hot tub. It helps to keep the water clean and free from debris and bacteria. The hot tub comes with two filter cartridges that are easy to replace and can be cleaned using a garden hose.
ChemConnect™ Dispenser
The ChemConnect™ dispenser is a unique feature of the hot tub. It is a built-in dispenser that can be used to add chlorine or other chemicals to the water. The dispenser helps to ensure that the water stays clean and free from bacteria and other contaminants.
Repair Patch
The hot tub at Costco comes with a repair patch that can be used to fix any small tears or punctures
Air Pad Protector
The air pad protector is an optional component of the hot tub. It is designed to be placed underneath the tub and provides an extra layer of protection against punctures and tears.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the spa are 71 x 26 x 26 inches and it holds 177 gallons of water. The spa has a dry weight of 77 pounds and, when filled with water will weigh over 1,500 pounds.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to set up and take down
- Portable and can be used indoors or outdoors
- Affordable compared to traditional hot tubs
- Durable and made from high-quality materials
- Has a maximum water temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit
- Can hold up to four people
- Includes a filtration system and ChemConnect™ dispenser
- Comes with a repair patch and air pad protector
Cons
- May not be as durable as a traditional hot tub
- Requires a level surface for proper installation
- Some users have reported issues with the pump and heating system
- The included filter cartridges may need to be replaced frequently
- Only comfortable for two people
The biggest issue to be aware of is that the instructions that come with the unit for how to set up and operate the hot tub are just about useless.
I did some digging around and found two great videos on YouTube that help a LOT.
The second video shows how to use the control panel and has a nice introduction to the chemicals you will need to use to maintain the water.
The first video shows you exactly how to set up the hot tub.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Folks have lots of questions about the hot tub so here are a bunch of answers!
How Long to Set Up?
If you are setting the tub up in warm weather then it will take about 15 minutes to get everything out of the box and another 15 minutes to fully inflate.
If you are setting the tub up in cold weather (below 50F) then the manufacturer suggests keeping the package indoor where the temperature is above 59°F(15°C) for at least 2h before inflation as this will make the spa liner more flexible and easier to set up.
This is a 177 gallon tank and, with standard faucet water flow rates, will take about an hour to fill.
How Long to Get Hot?
The maximum temperature setting for the water is 104F and the tub heats the water at a rate of 1-2F per hour. How long it will take to get to the maximum temperature will depend on the starting temperature of the water.
For example, if the initial water temperature is 50F then it will take the tub about 25 hours to come up to temperature. If the initial water temperature is 86F then it will take the tub about 8 hours to get to temperature.
How Much Does it Cost to Operate?
The operational cost of the tub will be about a dollar a day for the electricity to run the heater and pump along with the cost of the chemicals needed to keep the water clean. Depending upon the cost of chemicals in your area you should expect a total operational cost between $50 to $100 per month.
How Long Will It Last?
A fair life expectancy for these units is about three years.
There are two failure modes that people encounter with these hot tubs. The first failure mode is pump failure which happens with about 20% of the units after three years. The second failure mode is deterioration of the plastic. Some people report the tub falls apart at the seams while other get splits and cracks.
Do the Jets Really Work?
The AirJet system, which has 120 jest providing massaging air bubbles, works great but does cause the water temperature to drop. You will only want to use the jets in short bursts to keep the temperature up.
Can it Be Used Indoors?
Yes, you can use the hot tub indoors but be mindful of some important issues.
Some things to consider are:
- Can the location you put it can support the 1,500 pound weight?
- Can your home handle all of the humidity this will create?
- What is your plan to drain the tub?
How Many People Does it Fit?
This is advertised as a four person hot tub but those would have to be four skinny people that are really good friends. In reality this is a two person hot tub that is the perfect size for my wife and me to soak in comfortably.
Conclusion
Overall, the Saluspa Laguna Inflatable Hot Tub at Costco is a great option for those who want the benefits of a hot tub without the hassle and cost of a traditional one.
It is affordable, easy to set up and take down, and can be used both indoors and outdoors. While it may not be as durable as a traditional hot tub, it is made from high-quality materials and comes with a repair patch and air pad protector for added protection.
If you’re thinking about purchasing the hot tub, then we highly recommend it.
Costco Value
The hot tub is available from Costco online for $499 but will be less expensive in the warehouse.
You can purchase the equivalent version of this product, the Bestway Miami, at Walmart for $500.
This means that you will save about $100 if you buy the portable hot tub at Costco instead of Walmart.
Hey there, I stumbled upon your blog and thought I’d throw in my two cents about the Saluspa Laguna since I actually own one (purchased from Costco online).
Overall, it’s a great product, and was perfect for someone (me) looking to try out a hot tub at home without putting a full 10K plus into a builtin hot tub.
The set up is relatively easy and can be completed with one person in about an hour without filling it. Filling it then takes another hour or so depending on fill rate.
Once it’s set up, it’s actually REALLY nice. Like, perfect temperature, plenty of space (fits 3 people comfortably), and actually quite sturdy.
Had plenty of people over to try it and all were impressed. You get a lot of funny stares when you first mention an “inflatable” hot tub, but all were converts once they tried it.
For ~$500 it’s relatively inexpensive and a great adjunct to an outdoor entertaining space.
Read below for a word about the Laguna vs Miami — as they are definitely NOT the same product, despite the claimed same dimensions
The big downsides are as follows, however:
Heating time — the initial “heat up” can take a full day to get to 104, so you have to set it up with plenty of time in advance
Chemicals — you have to invest in hot tub/pool chemicals to keep it clean, and that took an investment of both time and money. There are plenty of geeky blogs out there that tell you what to do, but I found the easiest way was to go to my local pool shop and explain the situation. Cost more initially for the chemicals, but if anything goes wrong they will usually test your water for free and give free advice on how to balance your tub so its clear. It’s definitely not a “set and forget” type of thing though, and you have to maintain the water every few days at least to make sure it’s ready to go
Energy inefficiency — the pump is slow to heat, so you basically have to decide if you want to run the tub at operating temp 24/7 (which I imagine is very expensive), or turn the temp down at night and remember to set it up with enough time to heat up in the late morning / early afternoon. So for instance if I want to be able to use the tub at 7pm, I gotta be sure to turn up the heat by noon at the latest. Otherwise the window is gone. (This will also depend on your ambient temperature and how much the temp of the water drops at night)
Those are the big ones. Owning the Saluspa has overall been worth it, also for the fact that it’s shown me I definitely do NOT want to invest the money into a permanent tub, with all the extra expenses and maintenance that go along with it. I plan on using this seasonally and then packing it away when not desired.
A word on the Laguna vs Miami, since it was touch upon in your post. They are most assuredly NOT the same product. I know this because my original Laguna actually had a very small leak on the interior liner that was causing it to lose inflation over several days. It didn’t affect the functionality too much, but I def didn’t want to wait for the leak to get bigger. It was just the inflatable portion though, so rather than return the entire thing to Costco (esp given the bulk of it), I tried to go through Bestway. Their service was… a mixed bag. Creating an account on their website and initiating the claim was actually pretty easy (although I had to do it in a non-chrome browser for some reason… their site seemed outdated). But the warranty claim about the leak went through very easily with some photos of the bubbles of the leak, and within a few days I got a message that a replacement inflatable liner (thats what they call the interior portion of the tub) was on it’s way. Well, when it arrived, I saw that it was labeled MIAMI not Laguna… which had me suspicious, until I too looked it up and saw that the dimensions /size was listed the same on Bestway’s website. HOWEVER, they are NOT the same size. I could tell this just by handling the product. You see, the Laguna actually includes a thin outer shell of insulation that you put the liner into before inflating — this both makes it look nicer, and I imagine improves the efficiency of keeping the water warm. The Miami does NOT have this shell, first — and second, it’s actually a few inches smaller in diameter. While this may not seem like a big deal, this makes it so that the Laguna shell does not fit snug around the Miami inflatable liner, and the Laguna top does NOT fit into the top of the Miami (it’s supposed to fit snuggly inside the liner top, not just sit on top). When I measured this out for myself to make sure I wasn’t crazy, I verified that the Miami liner is about 1.5-2″ smaller in diameter than the Laguna liner. When I brought this up to Bestway, they claimed that they were exactly the same. I sent them photos, but they literally told me that they only have the Miami liners now and they are the same (which seems untrue, given that they are still selling the Laguna on Costco Online). So much as to say…. the overall response pattern from Bestway was quite good, but they are just wrong that these are the same product. So that kind of addresses your comparison of the two. Overall, the Laguna seems to be higher quality (and is verifiably larger) than the Miami. This is also noticeable when sitting in both tubs — the Laguna feels spacious and could fit three people easily, where as the Miami feels more cramped and makes you question whether a third person would want to even enter the tub.
A few more tips if you’re going to get one of these
— Watch the youtube videos on people setting them up. This will help you a lot
— I’d recommend getting a pad or some sort of insulation for your floor to increase the heat retention. Costco is actually selling tile pad squares right now for about $30, which is a steal. I ended up making my own out of insulation foam from Home Depot that took about $80 and 2hrs of time measuring and cutting it out.
— Make sure you don’t overfill the tub — remember that the water level will rise when you get in, and even more so if you use the bubbles.
Too many words! That’s enough for now. Hope this helped someone.
Thanks so much for the time you invested in this review! Between it and the original post I’m headed back to Costco tmrw! 👍
Thank you so much for this detailed review! I am trying to decide whether to get this for my fiance for Christmas or not and your review definitely helped!
What am page do you need to plug into
Sounds great! My wife and I purchase one from Costco and haven’t set it up yet my question is do you use yours in the winter and if so how do you maintain temp and keep it from freezing.
Please reply to Randy at [email protected]
We have a coleman salusun hottub. We have used it for 4 summers now and love this addition at our camp. We had an issue our second summer, the pump stopped pumping. We attempted to contact the company . They were very difficult to get ahold of anyone and when I finally did they only wanted to sell me a new pump when after investigation, I needed an impeller, which is a $10 item. I found one on line and installed it and it has worked great ever since. Our top inflatable cover developed a hole this year and instead of bothering with the company, I searched the internet and found one to fit.
Since you’ve had your hot tub for a few months now are there any issues you’ve noticed? How frequently do you drain the water? Are you noticing the slime buildup on the inside of the tub like I’ve seen others comment on?
Can a salt water type chemical be used in the Laguna tub?
great question. I’m not sure yet. I would imagine in low doses.
Same on chlorine and bromine (for cleaning)
Hello!
Has anyone experienced the pump making a loud grinding noise immediately after turning it on during setup and inflation?