One of the most delicious ways to unwind at the end of a hectic day is to soak in a warm spa or hot tub and enjoy the massaging action of the bubbling water.  Hot tubs are already a welcome addition to many homes, but the cost of purchasing and installing traditional hot tubs prevents many homeowners from taking the plunge.  Traditional hot tubs usually require a significant outlay of money because it's necessary to pay for more than just the hot tub.  Properly preparing the surface underneath and the location surrounding a hot tub, and making certain that proper wiring is installed are vital, and often costly, steps one must take when adding a traditional hot tub to the backyard or deck.  More frequently, homeowners are finding that portable hot tubs offer a more affordable alternative.  When it comes to surface preparation, size, ease of set up, and wiring requirements, portable hot tubs have the advantage.

Less work is required to prepare the surface on which portable hot tubs will be placed because, generally speaking, portable hot tubs do not regularly find a permanent home in a single location.  Preparing an area for a traditional hot tub requires much effort and planning.  Poured concrete slabs, paver stones, and deck installations are three common options for traditional hot tub surfaces.  While they may look lovely, they consume a large quantity of space and cost a good deal to install.  One of the benefits of portable hot tubs is the very fact that they are portable and can be put up, taken down, and moved around without much effort.  As a result, the only real requirement for the surface underneath portable hot tubs is that it is to some extent level and smooth -- rocks or other debris could scratch or puncture the bottom of portable hot tubs.  Portable hot tubs can be used on grass, patios, driveways, and even in a garage or basement.

Two more advantages of portable hot tubs are their size and easy set up.  Portable hot tubs are generally smaller than traditional hot tubs and can fit into snug spots.  Homeowners wishing to purchase a portable hot tub are not required to clear a significant area in the yard or on the deck in order to house the structure.  Because of their smaller size and clever construction, most portable hot tubs can be assembled in only a few minutes -- some are inflatable and come outfitted with their own inflating device, while others have insulated panels that connect together.  Setting up and transporting portable hot tubs is so easy that many hot tub owners enjoy taking them along on vacations and even to the homes of friends and family.

One of the most practical advantages of portable hot tubs is their ability to plug into a standard household outlet.  Traditional hot tubs operate on hard wired, GFCI-protected 220-240 volt 50 amp circuits.  A qualified electrician is necessary to install these circuits..  Portable hot tubs, alternatively, have a GFCI built into the end of the cord, so they can plug directly into a standard 110-120 volt outlet.

Portable hot tubs have a number of advantages over traditional, more permanent hot tubs.  No need for surface preparation, smaller size, easy set up, and the ability to use existing household wiring make portable hot tubs an attractive option for homeowners who would love to own a hot tub, but who don't want the expense or the permanence of traditional hot tubs.  One could argue that, because portable hot tubs save homeowners money, they make relaxation time even more satisfying.