Bestway SaluSpa Miami Review (2025): The Undisputed King of Compact Hot Tubs?

Part 1: The Deep Dive – A Hands-On Review

To truly understand the Miami, you have to live with it. From the moment the box arrived to our long-term energy cost tracking, here’s our detailed experience.

The Setup: From Boxed to Bubbling in Under an Hour

Bestway’s claim of a “simple setup” is an understatement. The process is so brilliantly straightforward it borders on magical. For a general overview, you can check our comprehensive guide on inflatable hot tub setup, but here’s how the Miami-specific process went for us:

1. 1

   Site Selection & Unboxing

   We chose a level spot on a concrete patio. Inside the box, we found the spa liner, the pump unit, an inflatable cover, a ChemConnect dispenser, and a filter cartridge. Everything was well-packaged and felt substantial.

2. 2

   Inflation via Pump

   This is the best part. We connected the pump to the liner, attached the small inflation hose, and pressed the “Massage” button. The pump itself acts as an air blower, and the entire tub inflated to a firm pressure in just 9 minutes. No external pumps, no effort.

3. 3

   Water & Heat

   After a quick inflation of the cover bladder, we filled the tub with a garden hose (about 40 minutes for 177 gallons). We then put the cover on, set the digital control panel to 104°F, and let the heating process begin.

The total hands-on time was less than 20 minutes. The rest is just waiting for the water to heat, which, thanks to its smaller volume, is faster than most other tubs.

Build Quality & Durability: What is DuraPlus™?

The Miami isn’t a cheap pool toy. It’s constructed from Bestway’s proprietary DuraPlus™ material (formerly known as TriTech). This is a 3-layer material featuring a polyester mesh core sandwiched between two layers of durable PVC. This composition provides excellent strength and resistance to punctures, UV rays, and the stress of repeated inflation and deflation. Internally, it uses an I-Beam construction, which are vertical chambers of vinyl that give the tub its rigid, circular shape and prevent it from bulging. When inflated, the walls are firm enough to lean against comfortably.

The Soaking Experience: 120 AirJets and a Cozy Fit

Let’s address the elephant in the room: capacity. Can four adults fit? Yes, if they sit upright with knees touching. Is it comfortable? No. The SaluSpa Miami is, in our expert opinion, the best 2-person hot tub on the market. For two adults, it’s an intimate and incredibly comfortable experience with plenty of room to stretch your legs. This is why it’s a perennial favorite on our list of the best 4-person inflatable hot tubs, where we note its ideal use case is for couples.

The 120 AirJets create a delightful, full-body bubble massage. It’s not a deep-tissue, muscle-pounding jet system, but rather a gentle, effervescent sensation that is wonderfully soothing and perfect for unwinding. The pump even heats the air before blowing it through the jets, so you don’t get a blast of cold bubbles—a thoughtful touch at this price point.

Part 2: Long-Term Ownership – What to Expect After 3 Months

A review isn’t complete without looking at the realities of day-to-day ownership.

The True Cost of Your Backyard Oasis

The sticker price is just the beginning. Here’s a realistic breakdown of the annual cost:

• Electricity: This was our biggest question. We tracked our usage carefully. In a moderate U.S. climate (average temp 65°F), keeping the Miami at a constant 102°F added an average of $35 per month to our electric bill. This is significantly less than larger tubs, which can easily run $50-$70.
• Chemicals: A good chemical starter kit costs around $40-$60 and will last you several months. Expect to spend about $15-$20 per month on chemicals and test strips long-term.
• Filters: The Miami uses Type VI cartridges. A pack of 6 costs about $20. You’ll use one every 2-3 weeks, so budget around $10 a month for filters.

All in, you’re looking at a running cost of about $60-$75 per month to operate the SaluSpa Miami, which is exceptional for the experience it provides.

The Miami Maintenance Schedule

Keeping the Miami’s 177 gallons of water clean is much easier than managing a 400-gallon spa. The principles, however, are the same. A consistent routine is crucial.

• Weekly: Test and balance your water, and rinse the filter. This takes about 15 minutes.
• Monthly: Deep clean the filter by soaking it in a cleaning solution.
• Every 2-3 Months: Perform a full drain and refill. This is the most involved task, but our comprehensive guide on how to clean an inflatable hot tub walks you through every step.

For a complete overview of all the small tasks involved, our general inflatable hot tub maintenance guide is your best friend.

Part 3: The Miami vs. The Competition

How does this budget champion stack up against other giants in the industry?

SaluSpa Miami vs. Coleman SaluSpa (Tahiti)

This is the most common comparison, and the answer is simple: they are virtually the same product. Bestway is the parent company that manufactures both. Both the Miami and the standard green Coleman SaluSpa have a 177-gallon capacity, 120-140 jets, and use the same pump and DuraPlus/TriTech material. The primary differences are color and branding. Our advice? Buy whichever one is cheaper on the day you’re looking. For a deeper dive into the Coleman model, check out our full Coleman SaluSpa review.

SaluSpa Miami vs. Intex PureSpa (4-Person)

This is a more interesting comparison of philosophy. The Miami is about value above all else. The Intex PureSpa offers more features for a slightly higher price. As we detail in our Intex vs. Coleman comparison, Intex models often include their superior Fiber-Tech construction for firmer walls and a built-in hard water treatment system. If you live in an area with hard water, the extra cost for the Intex might be worth it to protect the pump from scale buildup, a common cause of issues we discuss in our Intex PureSpa troubleshooting guide.

Part 4: Who is the SaluSpa Miami PERFECT For? (And Who Should Pass?)

This is the most important section. The Miami is a 5-star product for the right person and a 3-star product for the wrong one. Let’s find out which you are.

If you fall into the “Pass On” category, don’t worry! There’s a perfect tub for you in our comprehensive guide to the best inflatable hot tubs of 2025. And if you’re determined to soak in the snow, our guide to the best inflatable hot tubs for winter is a must-read.