I've had this for a solid couple of months now, so probably a good time to evaluate it. I'm going to start out by noting that this is the third one that I bought over the summer. The other two had slow, and not so slow punctures, so I returned both of them after a little bit of use, and I've been using this one since the middle of August.
I've used it pretty much every night. I've had a visitor use it, and my son has done too. It's a decent size for me and an eight year old, and I guess if you knew the folks, or wanted to, you could get in with 2 others, but you'd be in contact.
As you can see from the photos, I decided to create a bit of a platform for it. That's because the small patch of lawn I have is very hilly/ bumpy, and I wanted a more level pool.
So the good things you can probably get from the other reviews. I've loved using it, and am now thinking of moving it into my garage for the winter - I enjoy using it, but it will go below freezing soon enough and I know that the pump can't handle that!
The things I've learned are hard to find information on but here's what I got.
1. I'm still not sure about balancing the chemicals. I used bromine tablets, used something at the start to supposedly produce a bromine reserve, but every time I've measured the chemicals using a test strip, it registers almost no bromine. I don't know what to do about that.
2. Probably related to that - despite using bromine, a bromide solution as above, clarifying solution and cleaning the filters regularly, the water still went cloudy and then foamy. The first time it was after about 6 weeks, the second time after 2 weeks. Both times I was tempted to apply a shock treatment, but instead just drained the water to start again. When I refill the pool in the garage I'll try to be more on the chemicals, but it just may be that I need to just change the water every two or three weeks, especially if it's used as much as I use it!
3. I don't know if it's connected, but the punctures both appeared after I pumped the hot tub up quite a lot. Maybe it's better if it's not too rigid. Like I say, I don't know if it's connected, but slightly less pressure in the tub now and I haven't had a leak!
4. To inflate the tub you use the same pump that you use for bubbles. If you need to inflate it at all later, it's a real pain to disconnect, inflate, and reconnect. I found it way easier to use a plug in inflator - something like 120 Volt AC Portable Electric Air Pump for Mattress Inflatables with Three Nozzles,
5. I also used hot water from the house to fill the tub up. Personally, I think next time I'll just fill it up from the hose and allow the 2 days for it to heat up (which is how long it took here in eastern WA, even in the summer).
6. The final thing I learned was...well actually I didn't learn this. I expected it, and it was true. It is brilliant to just sit in the hot tub looking up at the stars. When I was there with my son we saw the meteor showers this summer, and generally this works well and provides an excellent experience for around 10% or less than the cost of a 'real' hot tub. It's a bit redneck, but I'm OK with that and I haven't regretted buying it for a second!
***UPDATE OCTOBER 2016
So, I kept the hot tub in my garage, and it has given pretty much flawless service. I started using a non-chlorine shock treatment on a more regular basis, kept an eye on the bromine tablets, and subsequently have been getting a month or more between water changes. Quite happy about that. So happy in fact, that at the end of the season, when the price of the spas went down, I bought another one to keep in reserve. What I did not know at the time was that the model has been updated, and there is one quite significant change.
The new hot tub is shallower. I'm 6'3" so that is not fantastic as far as I'm concerned, although I can deal with it! It's probably going to be better for kids and people who aren't that tall. Another change is that the walls of the hot tub are thinner - not the material, but the distance between the outside and the water. This means that although it's shallower, there's more leg room in the tub, making it more comfortable I guess when you have more than one person in the tub.
They've also updated the heater. I only used the basic functions, but it does seem to have a couple of updated features. Another thing I noticed is that the power cord is now thicker. That's probably a good thing! It's still highly recommended...but...the one I received didn't do so well on its test run. One of the connections between the heater and the pool (that goes to a filter) was a little askew, which meant that it was a real PITA to attach. Really quite difficult to get it tight enough that it wouldn't leak. Also, the bottom surface of the one I received wasn't properly glued to the base of the tub, so it kind of filled with air. I spoke to Bestway about this, and they have told me that they will replace the tub. I'll update this review as needed.
*** UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2018
So it finally died over the summer - in June or July, meaning that I got just under 3 years use out of it, at least every other day, probably more like 3 out of 4 days, meaning that it was used hundreds of times. I don't regret buying it for a second, but I wish I had been able to repair the tiny hole that appeared. It was on a seam so the vinyl patch wouldn't work, and I couldn't make vinyl repair glue work either. So, I started using the one that I mention above that I bought in October 2016 for a very reasonable price (yes, it was sitting in my garage for almost 2 years).
The new one is a bit shallower as I mention above, but it seems (although I may be wrong) that the internal dimensions are slightly larger because the walls of the tub are thinner. The new heater seems a little more intuitive, but more importantly, the connections are bit easier to make between the tubes from the heater and the water circulator and the tub itself. My one complaint that I don't think I mentioned above in my review was just how ridiculously hard it was to unscrew and screw back in all the connecting tubes when you change the water (you have to do that otherwise there is no easy way to drain the water). It was really cumbersome, especially in the winter when it was a bit chilly in my unheated garage, and it was way to easy to strip the threads, meaning I needed to use plumbing tape). I hated it, and it always took much longer to do. But no more. The new connections sit slightly further out, and so far it has been remarkably easy to change the water, which I haven't done loads because...
...yeah, it turns out that using a shock treatment in the tub helps keep the water clearer. And also, cleaning the filters every few days. I should probably even do that every other day. So far what I've been doing is hosing the filters thoroughly, and that seems to get rid of all the accumulated stuff. I will change the filters every 2 months or so in the summer, but probably more frequently in the winter when the snow and cold weather makes it harder to hose those down.
I'll add a photo when I get a chance of the new one in the garage. It's still highly recommended in my view!
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I bought this as a soak after work or over the weekends. At this price it's about the price of a 2-3 day hotel stay with a professional spa, but lasts a LOT longer than that.
As to the negatives: there is no seat, no "jets" that you would imagine in a professional grade tub, no lights and the temp gets to only 104, and takes a while to get there.
As to the positives: cost. As another reviewer pointed out, most people want a lounger, with jets for your neck, back, arms, legs and feet but to get that you're talking $8-10k AT LEAST. This has an easy set up and easy fill, with easy operation. I set this up in my basement and with a large dehumidifier can keep the humidity to around 45% which is more than safe. While it doesn't have "jets" that you would picture at a professional jacuzzi it does have a LOT of rolling bubbles and when you lean back against it gives the same effect. Not the "flesh pounding" you'd get with the professional grade but feels like a light massage on your back and neck. The lid does a GREAT job of not only locking in the heat but the humidity also. Make sure you keep up on bromine etc just like with all hot tubs and you'll have no problem. Even with the drawbacks listed above, I would highly recommend it. Underwater lights are a bit tacky (IMO), and I was on the fence about the bubbles and no jets but they come out and foam up at such a rate it does the job and I'm happy with it. The temp gets to only 104 but I have found that sufficient. With professional level spas they can get to 115 and while I have found it feels nice, I can only do 15 minutes and usually get out a bit dizzy. At 104 it's about right. The heat penetrates the muscles and when you get out you're not dizzy from the heat and no "temperature shock" from leaving it. I would like to say the temp goes from 104 to 100 within 10 minutes but I have not found an issue with that as the heater will kick on and keep it in that range.
One warning I would like to say is that if you have any images of sitting in it with snow falling on your hair etc...forget it. As with all hot tubs it injects ambient air into the water to create the bubbles and what do you think happens to 104 water when you inject 28 degree air? That's right, the temperature tanks faster than the heater can heat it up, real quick.
While the professional level tubs can hack it, this one can't. I don't have a problem with that because this runs off a 110 v circuit and professional tubs require 220 or more and come with an electric bill to match. This tub will add about $8 /wk to your bill while a professional level tub will jack your bill by 20% or more, easy. Probably close to 30% if it's outside in the winter (I used to own one at a previous house I lived in).
All in all, for the price point it outperformed my expectations. If you're buying it expecting professional grade, you're going to be disappointed. You won't get the pounding jets, lounger and broiling hot water, but you won't be paying $8-10k with a 30% jack in your electric bill, forever and ever Amen, either. On the other hand, if you're up for a hot soak after work with a light massage, this is for you.
I bought it after reading reviews and I like it. It's not a lot of things, but what it is, is great for the price, especially if it holds for up for even one year. I would prefer it a couple or four degrees hotter, but it's adequate at 104. I really wanted to use this winter, so this is what I've done... I put one inch builder's Styrofoam insulation under it, I put R19 insulation wrapped in mylar and wrapped it around it, also made a insulation stuffed muffin top for it. Hopefully it is well insulated and the heater won't have to work too hard and it will last outside all winter.
I bought the Lay-Z Spa Miami in November 2015. After running gloriously for two weeks, it started throwing the dreaded error code E02. After doing mighty battle with the plucky little hot tub, here is what I learned about diagnosing and fixing E02. These are roughly in the order of how likely they are to occur. First, ALWAYS START WITH THE FILTERS. If your filters are old or dirty, it makes all the other problems worse. In particular, because the plumbing between the filter and the pump is a low pressure system, it's prone to drawing air INTO the tubes. So, if your filters are dirty, the pump has to pull harder against the filters, causing even lower pressure and drawing even more air in. Once enough air starts getting in, it can form bubbles that are big enough to interfere with the water flow sensor, which trips E02.
===== Reason #1: Dirty filters =====
To diagnose:
- Unscrew filter assembly, open it up and have a look.
To fix:
- Hose that bad boy down. Bestway says to do this daily. If the filter is clogged with goo and algea, I haven't had any luck cleaning it out, you just have to change it.
===== Reason #2: OLD filters =====
To diagnose:
- If your filters have been submerged for more than two or three weeks, the paper-based material gets soggy and congeals together, significantly restricting water flow. You REALLY DO have to replace them every two or three weeks, even if they don't look dirty.
- To confirm this is causing problems, remove one filter and run the pump, putting your hand over the return inlet to feel the jet of water. If the water stops flowing as soon as you reconnect the filter (and you then get E02), it means the filter is the only thing obstructing water flow.
To fix:
- Replace the filters! Amazon has a pack of 12 for $40.
===== Reason #3: Air leaking in at the connectors near filters =====
To diagnose:
- With the pump off, bleed all of the air out of the transparent vinyl "side hose" by slowly loosening the connectors on either side (some water will drip out)
- Re-tighten connectors
- Turn the pump on, and watch for bubbles to gather in the hose, or listen for a faint hissing
- Elevate middle of hose gently to cause any bubbles to gather in the middle of the tube where you can see them
To fix:
- Tighten the connectors; consider wrapping threads in teflon tape
- Be sure to hold filters underwater until all air is purged before screwing them on, otherwise it migrates into the tube
===== Reason #4: Air leaking in at pump connectors within the egg =====
To diagnose:
- With all other sources of air ruled out, turn the pump on and listen for air going through it (sounds irregular and gurgley, like when you first start a garbage disposal with a big chunk of food). You can also look for bubbles EXITING the egg through the short transparent bit of hose behind connector C.
- Gently twist the "T" connector (B) going into the egg by lifting/lowering the side hose. If the air sounds get worse, one of the two seals inside is broken. (You really have to baby this connector otherwise, especially when the water is cold and the vinyl is stiff).
To fix:
- Flip the egg over and remove the bottom panel
- Loosen the hose clamps on either side of the short piece of vinyl tub within
- Heat both ends of the tube up with a heat gun or blow dryer
- Re-seat both ends on the external connector and the pump, and tighten the hose clamps behind the barb on the fitting
===== Reason #5: Side hose is too short, pulling a kink in short hose behind elbow connector =====
To diagnose:
- Examine the short tube behind the elbow connector (embedded inside the tub) to see if it's collapsed badly enough to restrict water flow.
To fix:
- Buy a foot of vinyl tubing (1" ID, 1.25" OD) from Home Depot ($2.50)
- Cut the side hose in half (voiding your warranty, of course), and splice it back together again with the new hose, but with 2 or 3 inches extra in the middle
- To do the splice, heat up the new hose with a heat gun (or blow dryer) and work it over the cut ends of the side hose (I was able to get 5 inches of overlap on either side, making the side hose 2 inches longer total)
- Fit two wormscrew hose clamps (<$1 each) over the middle of the overlaps while the vinyl is still warm. Be careful that they don't have any sharp edges near the tub wall.
===== General thoughts =====
- It's not good to run the pump dry, so when you first turn it on, either let is soak for an hour (to allow water to work its way in through the filters), or unscrew a filter to let water rush in all at once (albeit unfiltered). If you don't do this, you'll almost certainly get E02 a couple of times before the pump fills up enough to support water flow.
- The tub deflates a bit after first inflation, because the warm water works all the wrinkles out
- The vinyl side hose and second filter are a design afterthough from Bestway. The early setup videos and product photos don't show it or mention it. I believe that's why it causes so many problems, it needs some redesign. The biggest issue is that moving the side hose around can really torque the T connector going into the egg, loosening one or both of the seals within.
- I believe rubbing and brushing the filter when you wash it just packs the gunk into it further, recommend water only.
- When installing the tub in a location, don't allow the egg to get squeezed against a wall, which will push on connector C and crush the pump supply tube inside. Remember that the tub walls expand as you fill it, so allow a couple inches between the egg and any walls or railing. This was probably my biggest mistake of the whole adventure.
- I didn't get to this point (thankfully), but if you get really desperate and give up on the whole thing (after voiding your warranty), the component parts of the spa are in high demand on ebay. You can part out a Lay-z spa for as much as it's worth, if you're patient and don't mind shipping things.
- As with any hot tub, there's a significant cost to operating the thing, almost entirely because of the heater. Running the pump flat out to keep the tub at 104 degrees cost us about $100/month. That was in the winter, with an ambient temperature of ~40 degrees. Electricity is 11.8 cents/kWh for us, so I think the 2kW heater was on about two thirds of the time. By bringing the temperature down to 102, and turning the heater off completely on days we don't use it (about half the time), the cost dropped to ~$35/month. I think I'm losing a lot of heat through the slab it's installed on though, despite a foam pad, so I may put it up on a short platform to see if I can decrease cost further (I am very cheap).
This is by far the best item I have purchased on Amazon.
GOOD:
The tub shipped in a couple of huge boxes. The initial installation was really not too bad and can be done in less than 30 minutes.
It's surprising durable, we have had this item outside in freezing rain and snow in the middle of Oklahoma and it has run like a champ! In fact it has ran nearly non stop for some 6 months now.
The maximum temperature is 104, which is like a nice hot bath, the pump produces enough air bubbles to be enjoyable.
The display screen on the pump is rather nice and uses pretty simple options to run the tub.
The cover is rather nice, its quite large and really helps lock in the heat.
The power cord is heavy duty GFCI so you dont have to worry about shocking yourself.
It's pretty Big! I am 6'1'' and my fiance is a full figured gal and we fit in there with a lot of room to spare!
BAD:
The air bubbles are a bit loud, however nothing major.
UGLY:
The worst part about this item are the small O-ring/Gaskets inside the plumbing. They are easy to replace but there appear to be zero replacements. I used a couple of rubber gaskets I got from Walmart and they working pretty well. In the time we have had it we have only had one tiny leak and it was due to just one of these little O rings wearing out.
Feature Product
- Fast, easy set up - inflates using the spa's pump - NO tools needed
- Rapid-heating and water-filtration system. Max. Heat Capability: 104°F
- Easy to operate digital control panel; automatic start/stop timer-controlled heating system
- 2-4 Person Capacity
- Inflated Size: 71" x 26" ; 177 gal. Water Capacity.Pump is supplied with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) - ground fault trip current not exceeding 6mA
Description
Always dreamed of having your very own hot tub? The Lay-Z-Spa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub is the affordable, go-anywhere spa which can comfortably accommodate up to 4 adults! This fully portable, inflatable hot tub can be easily set up either indoors or outdoors within minutes. The Lay-Z-Spa Miami requires no tools or professional installation. With its soothing 104 Degree F water temperature and massage jets, the Lay-Z-Spa Miami Hot Tub is perfect for soaking sore muscles, unwinding after a hard day at work or even as a luxurious and romantic treat for you and your partner to enjoy together. The digital control panel allows you to turn up the heat without having to exit the tub. The Lazy-Z-Spa Miami Hot Tub also comes supplied with a cover to maintain optimal water temperature, a set up and maintenance guide DVD, filter cartridges (twin pack) and a chemical floater. Dimensions of inflated tub: 71"x26".
I thought long and hard before I bought this. I live in the Caribbean so with added freight and duty charges this cost me about $600. I couldn't afford to have it not work. I have had it for about a month now and I love it. I am using it to cool off, so I have not used the heating feature and probably never will. It is HOT here in the summer and I am in it every day.
It was easy to set up, no leaks, everything works perfectly and I couldn't be happier. The chemicals were easy to balance and such a small hot tub doesn't use much.
I bought the Miami because it was the smallest size. I have it on an upstairs deck which is a 6" reinforced concrete slab so I wanted to keep the weight down. If I had a ground level location for it I probably would have gotten a larger size but it is fine for the two of us to keep cool. It's not very pretty but surrounded by potted plants it is just fine. So glad I bought it.
I am happy with the 104-degree temperature. It is hot and I feel immediately soothed and relaxed. I was not expecting it to feel this warm because the reviews said it would not get extremely hot but it is hot enough for my husband and I. I live in a warmer climate and have it outdoors on a wood platform between it and the cement and it is protected under a balcony. It has stayed 104 consistently even in chillier temperatures around 42-50 degrees. It has dropped to strangely cold temps here a few days and it still does great and keeps it up. This is not designed for climates that are consistently under 40 degrees.
Set up was fairly easy and I pulled up some videos on the website by looking up Miami Jet. I am very happy it has a nice cover and the hot tub inflates itself with the heat pump provided. I have the chemicals needed and am finding it easy enough to maintain and not entirely difficult to understand. I ordered a chemical kit that had the necessities. I have wanted this tub for two years and I am actually happier then I thought I would be. The bottom is comfortable and thicker than expected. Its really quite nice and we have had company enjoy it as well. It surpasses my expectations at this point. I will continue to update in the following months.
Update- I have had this hot tub for several months now and my husband and I use it daily and sometimes more than one a day on the weekends (morning, afternoon, night) The bubbles are fantastic and the temp is quite hot. 104 is hot. I am so happy and thankful we have this. It is easy to take care of with chemicals and the filters are easy to change. We take the cover off together usually but its decently easy to take it off by myself and put it back on. So nice.
Update- we have had it for over half of a year and we use it every single day. It’s easy to care for and I use Bromine instead of clorine. I read Bromine withstands heat better.
Background: I've had the hot tub for about a week now and I'm loving it!!! I've been debating for a long time whether I should buy one of these or just save up and get a real one. I AM SO GLAD I DIDN'T WAIT ANY LONGER!!!
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Packaging: The box came a little beat up, but I can't say who's fault that is. On the inside, everything was in great condition and was brand new, so I can't fault that. The kit weighs approximately 60lbs total.
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Assembly: It took me about 15 minutes to set it up and start filling it with water. It comes with everything you need to inflate it and didn't require any tools to put together. You simply inflate the tub and then inflate the top, then connect the pump/heater unit to the tub. There are velcro straps around the edges of the lid to keep it on the tub when not in use.
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Chemicals: This was my first tub so I was a novice when starting to use the chemicals. I recommend contacting a local pool or spa supply store for more information in this area. I shocked the tub to start it up and am using bromine tablets in the floater (in the box with the hot tub)
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Use: It's a dream. It maintains 104 degree temperature during 20-30 minute sessions in the evening when it's 60-70 degrees outside. I imagine it will cool off a little faster during colder nights, but I think the heater does an excellent job keeping up with use. The "Lay-Z-Massage" system was the biggest surprise to me. I was expecting some light bubbles, but I was wrong! The bubbles are strong and create a very nice massaging sensation across the entire spa. I was very happily impressed with this.
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Construction: Its built much like an inflatable pool, but with much more solid construction. My biggest fear prior to recieving it was air leaking out, but it's just as full now as it was on day one. The pump appears to be solid and well built.
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Concerns: None at this point. Will update if something changes
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Summary: I'm upset with myself that I waited so long to buy this. You can buy 20 of these for the cost of a basic normal hot tub. If this even holds up for 2 years I would be completely thrilled and will be ready to buy another one!
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UPDATE - 8/12/2016
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It's been over 2 months since my spa stopped working. It was under warranty, so I contacted Bestway and asked for service. They had me cut the power cord off the pump and send them a photo along with some other information. They told me they had the pump in stock and would send it out right away, but didn't have the liner so I might have to wait for that. The pump was the major issue anyway so I was thrilled. I did what they requested 30 minutes after getting off the phone with them. I then waited a month without hearing a word from their service department. When I called in they apologized and admitted that they had dropped the ball and would send a pump out as well as some complimentary filters for the trouble, unfortunately the pump was no longer in stock. The representative apologized and told me they would have some new pumps in soon so I should check back in 2 weeks. That was over a month ago. Called in today and they're still out of pumps. They refuse to do anything else and according to their phone representative, not a single person at the company knows when the pump will be in stock. This is the worst warranty service I've ever received.
Only had it a few weeks but thus far, great! Since it is summer, I'm sure it may help with getting the temp up, from the first day it took 17 hours to get the temp to 104 & thereafter after using it, it would take but a few hours to get it at that temp. Once I put the bubbles on the temp went down 3 or 4 degrees - if I didn't use it, the temp pretty much stayed at or near 104. Very good engineering - and I think the top cover does a great job insulating it. I paid $257 & if this stays good for a year, I won't mind paying that each year for a new one since a "normal" size unit runs in the thousands plus factor in the cost of chemicals, heating. Besides, it is used only by one person so that makes a difference.No way can 4 people fit - two of us, fine. You'll need to buy: Leisure Time 45425 02 Bromine tabs 1 1/2# 2pack $34; hot tub Things Sodium Bromide 2 # $25; Leisure Time 45005 4way Bromine test strips - buy 2 pack of 50 each around $16; Leisure Time CB Calcium Booster $10; Spa Bright & Clear $15d; Lay-Z Spa replacement filters $60 for 12 pack ----all of this will last you quite a while but it's the best deals & necessary items. I bought all on Amazon. The company won't tell you what to buy - something legal - even some pool companies won't unless you come in --so it took a while to get to the bottom of this & use it & find that the strip came out great, so as I said, the aforementioned items will be needed & are the best deals & will last quite a while. I forgot to mention how comfy it is! The inflatable tub makes lying your neck on the back very comfortable & the bubbles massage you great! I like to get in a position where my feet touch the bottom where the bubbles come out so they, too, get a foot massage! We also bought a couple foam boards from Lowes to place under the tub for more insulation (1")
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