When is the Best Time to Buy a Hot Tub? (Inflatable & Acrylic Guide)
Buying a hot tub is a significant investment, whether you are dropping $500 on an inflatable Coleman SaluSpa or $10,000 on a permanent Jacuzzi. Like cars and winter coats, the hot tub industry revolves around a strict seasonal cycle.
Timing your purchase correctly can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Conversely, buying at the peak of the season means paying full MSRP and waiting months for delivery.
The absolute best time to buy a hot tub is late Fall to early Winter (October – December). Dealers are desperate to clear current-year inventory before the new models arrive.
For Inflatable Hot Tubs on Amazon, the best prices are typically found during Prime Day (July) and Black Friday (November).
1. The Hot Tub Deal Heatmap
This visual guide breaks down the price trends month-by-month based on industry data.
High
High
High
Avg
Sale?
Peak
Peak
Avg
Good
Great
Best
Great
2. Why Winter is the “Golden Season” for Buyers
It seems counterintuitive, right? Hot tubs are made for winter usage. Why would they be cheaper?
According to Jacuzzi, dealerships operate on a calendar year. By November, they have “floor models” taking up space that they need for next year’s stock. They are willing to negotiate aggressively to move that inventory.
3. The Inflatable Hot Tub Exception
If you are looking for a blow-up hot tub, the rules are slightly different. These are retail products, not dealership negotiations.
- Spring (April-May): Prices spike as people prep their backyards. Avoid buying now.
- Prime Day (July): Amazon often discounts older models like the Bestway SaluSpa Miami to make room for summer inventory.
- Black Friday (November): This is the absolute bottom dollar for inflatables. Retailers do not want to store big boxes in warehouses over the winter.
Intex PureSpa Greywood Deluxe (4 Person)
If you are waiting for a sale, keep an eye on this model. It offers the best balance of durability and features. Buying it in the “off-season” can save you up to 30%.
Check Price on AmazonCompare: Intex vs Coleman – Which is Better?
4. The Hidden Costs of Buying Used
In the Spring, you will see Craigslist flooded with used tubs. “Free hot tub, you haul it!” sounds great, but it is often a trap.
Moving a hard-shell tub costs $300-$500 in professional movers. Furthermore, used tubs often sit empty, leading to dry-rot in the seals and hidden biofilm issues in the pipes.
If you are on a budget, buying a new inflatable tub is often safer than a used hard-shell tub.
5. Don’t Forget the “Setup” Costs
When budgeting for the best time to buy, remember that the sticker price is not the final price. You need to budget for accessories immediately.
- Chemicals: You need a starter kit immediately. Read our cleaning guide here.
- Energy: Winter usage costs more. Check electricity costs here.
- Filtration: Filters need replacing monthly.
Floating Thermal Blanket
If you buy your tub in the winter (the best time for prices), you will pay more in electricity. Offset that cost immediately by buying a thermal blanket to float on the water surface.
Check Price on AmazonRelated: Best Covers for Heat Retention
Conclusion: Patience Pays Off
If you can wait until November, you will find the best deals of the year for both inflatable and permanent spas. The urgency to clear inventory for the coming year puts the power in your hands.
Ready to see what’s on the market? Check our flagship review of the Best Inflatable Hot Tubs of 2025 to start your research now.
