When I was a kid, my parents considered building a pool or buying a hot tub. While my parents and brother voted for a pool, I was the only one to vote for a hot tub – because I love them.
In 2021, I finally got my hot tub when I was asked to test the Bestway SaluSpa Helsinki Hot Tub. Then, a few months later, I was able to test the Bestway SaluSpa Hawaii Hot Tub. Talk about a childhood dream come true!
For almost two years, I’ve managed at least one of my house's best inflatable hot tubs. Not only have I enjoyed the benefits of a long hot soak every morning and night, but I’ve also learned a lot about inflatable hot tub maintenance at different times of the year. When my editor asked me to test the SaluSpa Fiji AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub, I jumped at the opportunity to try another one of the best hot tubs.
A quick look online showed me that the Fiji AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub had features similar to those of the other two hot tubs I’d tested. Would there be anything new to experience? Anything insightful to write? The answer was yes.
Read on to see how I discovered that the SaluSpa Fiji AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub may be the best type of inflatable hot tub for me.
Alex Temblador is a skilled freelance writer and product tester who has a passion for testing and reviewing products such as inflatable hot tubs. Her work has been featured in numerous publications, including Top Ten Reviews, Tech Radar, and Tom's Guide. As a first-time homeowner, Alex recently purchased a beautiful 103-year-old Sears & Roebuck house on half an acre of land, complete with a stunning wraparound porch, original hardwood floors, pocket doors, and a butler pantry. When she's not busy with her writing work, Alex can be found relaxing and enjoying her outdoor spaces, especially her favorite inflatable hot tubs!
Saluspa Fiji Airjet Hot Tub: Key specs
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Row 0 - Cell 1 |
| Type | Inflatable |
| Heat range | 68–104ºF |
| Water capacity | 170 gallons |
| Material | Three-layer DuraPlus |
| Volts | 110-120 |
| Fits | 2-4 people |
| Jets | 120 |
| Dimensions | 71 x 26 inches |
Saluspa Fiji Airjet Hot Tub: Price & availability
The SaluSpa Fiji AirJet Hot Tub is a budget-friendly option for those looking for a relaxing spa experience without breaking the bank. The price of the hot tub varies depending on the retailer, but it typically ranges from $500 to $750. It can be found on online retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and the Bestway website.
Saluspa Fiji Airjet Hot Tub: First impressions
I’ve set up two other SaluSpas in the past, so I felt confident in my ability to set up the SaluSpa Fiji AirJet Hot Tub. The box it came in was heavy at a little over 70 lbs. I used a dolly to move it from the front porch to the back porch. If I lived with someone else, we could have easily carried it with handles on either side of the box. Once on the back porch, I removed the items from the box and laid a thick tarp on the concrete.
In the past, the inflatable hot tubs I’ve tested have been made with PVC. Still, I was glad to see that the SaluSpa Fiji AirJet Hot Tub was made with DuraPlus, a type of three-layer material that is 33 percent more tear-resistant and 56 percent more stretch-resistant. Even so, I thought it best to lay down the tarp to prevent any possible tears from the rough concrete of my back porch.
The SaluSpa Fiji Airjet Hot Tub is designed to fit up to four people, so it’s pretty tiny in inflatable hot tubs. I liked this aspect because it made removing the items from the box and the setup much easier for a solo woman like me.
I plugged the pump into an outlet to air up the spa and connected the provided tube to the pump. Unfortunately, this is where I ran into trouble. The hot tub seemed to air up considerably over 10 minutes, but at about 15 minutes, I realized that the hot tub wasn’t being aired any longer. It was almost done, but the top of the spa still had some give. I couldn’t figure out what was happening, so I took a break and aired the cover. It took a few minutes for the cover to start to inflate, and just like the hot tub, at a certain point, I realized that the cover wasn’t inflating anymore.
I took a break, and it worked when I tried to air up the hot tub again. I don’t know what I did differently the last time, but I’m glad it worked.
After completely airing up the spa, I connected the pump and chlorine chemical dispenser and filled the hot tub with a water hose. I filled the spa between the minimum and maximum lines and then hit the filter and heating buttons on the pump. I set the temperature to 104 degrees and put the cover on.
When I finished setting everything up, it was about 6 p.m. The hot tub did not reach 104 degrees until 9 a.m. the following day.
Saluspa Fiji Airjet Hot Tub: Design
The Bestway SaluSpa Fiji AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub is designed with both form and function in mind. Its compact size—71 inches in diameter and 26 inches in height—makes it easy to set up and maintain while also comfortably seating 2-4 people.
The hot tub is made of durable DuraPlus material, 33% more tear-resistant and 56% more stretch-resistant than other materials commonly used in inflatable hot tubs. The SaluSpa Fiji AirJet Hot Tub features 120 bubble jets that surround the interior perimeter of the tub, providing a relaxing and soothing massage experience.
While the hot tub does not have back jets, the bubble jets are strategically placed to provide a full-body massage. The digital control panel makes it easy to adjust the temperature and activate the bubble jets, while the included cover helps to retain heat and protect the hot tub when not in use.
Saluspa Fiji Airjet Hot Tub: Performance
Before getting into the SaluSpa Fiji AirJet Hot Tub for the first time, I unlocked the cover from the hot tub. The snaps that lock the cover in place have a child lock design that requires me to press a button on the top of the snap at the same time that I press the sides together. It can be confusing to figure out how to unlock the cover, but it’s a great safety feature, especially for those who might have children around the hot tub. The cover fitted snugly on the top of the sauna and seemed to do a good job retaining heat.
I love getting into a 104-degree hot tub, especially in the mornings and evenings when the weather is cooler. The first thing I noticed when I stepped into the SaluSpa Fiji AirJEt Hot Tub was how padded the bottom was. It’s squishy and more comfortable than the two other hot tubs I tested. Because this inflatable hot tub does not have seats, I was glad for the extra comfort.
The SaluSpa Fiji AirJet Hot Tub is said to fit 2-4 people, but I do not believe you could fit more than three average-sized people. To get three people in the hot tub would require some maneuvering so that your legs are not on top of one another. I would also imagine three adults would likely cause water to spill out, especially if the water level were between the minimum and maximum water lines. This hot tub is best sized for a single adult, two adults, or maybe two adults and a child.
I should note that I’m five foot and five inches tall. When my back is placed against the side of the hot tub, the water level comes to about the bottom of my shoulder, and my feet are about five inches from the opposite side. I imagine someone 6 feet tall or taller might have to bend their legs in this hot tub.
The SaluSpa Fiji AirJet Hot Tub has an AirJet system, which means that holes line the edge of the inside of the hot tub. When I turn the AirJets on by pressing the massage system button on the pump’s digital pad, the pump shoots air through the holes to create a bubbly hot tub experience. The AirJets are a nice feature, but they don’t provide a massaging experience if that’s what you want. I do like that the AirJet system has a 30-minute auto-shut-off feature.
I tested the power-saving timer, and it seems to work in excellent order. This feature lets you save some power throughout the day or night by setting how many hours from now you want the heater to begin running. So, for instance, I don’t need the hot tub to be heated all night. Instead, I can hop out of the hot tub at 8 p.m. and set the timer for 12 hours. By 8:00 a.m. the following day, the hot tub will be heated to 104 degrees, and I can jump right in, knowing I saved some power and electricity overnight.
First, you can’t use the inflatable spa if the temperature reaches 14 degrees or lower. At that temperature, the spa must be deflated and stored away until the weather becomes warmer.
That said, the SaluSpa Fiji AirJet Hot Tub is equipped with Freeze Shield Technology, which allows you to keep the spa on when the temperature is less than 42 degrees and higher than 14 degrees. The Freeze Shield Technology will keep the water temperature between 42.8 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit at any time so the water doesn’t freeze and ruin the pump or the hot tub. Keeping the spa heater on would be best so the Freeze Shield Technology could work.
Beyond managing the hot tub's pH levels with chemicals and cleaning the filter, there are times when you will have to empty the hot tub. For instance, no matter what, you must replace the water a few times a year. I've also had to replace the water because too many leaves, twigs, or other green debris fell into the spa, and I could not remove them by hand. Other times, it's been too hot in the summer or gotten to freezing temperatures in the winter, making removing the water and storing the hot tub necessary.
No matter the case, it is not always easy to empty, deflate, and store a hot tub, especially if it is designed to fit more than four people. As a solo woman, I struggled with this aspect with the Helsinki and Hawaii Hot Tubs. They were too large for me to move around quickly, resulting in strained muscles and a few tears in the hot tub material that needed to be patched up.
I know I won't have the same issue with the SaluSpa Fiji AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub. The hot tub and the pump are considerably smaller than the other two I've tested. In the past, I've put off emptying the hot tub, cleaning it out, or moving it to storage because it was such a cumbersome task. I don't have the same concerns with the SaluSpa Fiji AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub. It's less than 60 lbs. when deflated, after all.
Of course, this system isn't without its faults. The instructions note that you must check the spa if the temperature drops below 42.8 degrees. It is also suggested that if you're away from your home for an extended period and expect the temperature to be below 42.8 degrees, you should disassemble the spa and store it.
Here is where some issues might arise. The instruction manual reads: "Any damage resulting from using the spa in these conditions is the customer's responsibility." Such a statement indicates that if SaluSpa's Freeze Shield Technology fails, even when using it within the temperature range that the company suggests, it is not SaluSpa's responsibility. This is unfortunate. However, I can attest that the Freeze Shield Technology of the Fiji AirJet Hot Tub has worked in good order as I've tested it through December and January. For good measure, I should note that I didn't have any issues with the Freeze Shield Technology when previously using the Bestway SaluSpa Hawaii Hot Tub.
As I mentioned, I've been testing the SaluSpa Fiji AirJet Hot Tub during the winter months. I live in Texas, and the weather has been relatively mild this winter. For instance, I set up the Fiji AirJet Hot Tub when the temperature was in the 60s.
If you want to set up the Fiji AirJet Hot Tub in the winter and the temperature is below 50 degrees in your area, you must take some extra steps outlined in the manual. For instance, when the hot tub arrives in its package at your door, it should be kept indoors where the temperature is above 59 degrees for at least two hours before inflation. The spa must then be removed and inflated in that same room with a temperature above 59 degrees before it can be taken outside and filled with water. Remember, this is only relevant to those who want to set up the hot tub when the temperature in their area is below 50 degrees.
As you know, in the winter, the temperature drops at night. For me, in Texas, that means that the nightly temperature could be anywhere from 20-50 degrees. Because of that temperature drop, the Fiji AirJet Hot Tub and its cover deflate more often than in the summer. Think of it like your car's tires and how they slightly deflate after a cold night. It's the same with inflatable hot tubs. (I will say that the Helsinki Hot Tub didn't seem to deflate as much as the Hawaii Hot Tub or the Fiji Hot Tub, though its cover deflated at the same level as the other two.)
Even though the Fiji AirJet hot tub might slightly deflate during cooler months, it's made of materials that keep it pretty sturdy overall, so I don't have to air it daily. I wish there were an easier way to air up the cover and the hot tub without removing the pump from the hot tub and then attaching the hose to the pump. It's a bit cumbersome of a task and one that I wouldn't say I like to do because even though I use caps provided to prevent water from flowing out of the hot tub, no matter how quick I am or hot tight, I put the caps on, water does leak out, and I have to refill the hot tub with some water when I'm done airing it up.
Saluspa Fiji Airjet Hot Tub: Maintenance
An inflatable hot tub is not much different than a regular hot tub for maintenance.
SaluSpa provides two filters when purchasing the Fiji AirJet Hot Tub. You can use only one filter at a time, but you must remove it every few days and cleanse it with hard running water. After a while, you’ll need to replace the filter completely.
A few days after setting up the hot tub, I went to a pool and hot tub store and tested my water’s pH to add suitable chemicals to prevent bacteria from growing. Because I’ve tested a few hot tubs, I had most chemicals – chlorine, calcium, alkalinity increaser/decreaser, etc. – on hand. If you are starting with a new inflatable hot tub, remember that you will have to spend a decent amount of money on chemicals and air filters to maintain the spa and keep it clean.
Saluspa Fiji Airjet Hot Tub: User reviews
The top reviews on Amazon show high satisfaction with the product. One user gave it a 5-star rating, praising its quick delivery, easy setup, and ability to reach the desired temperature within 24 hours. However, the absence of an instruction manual was noted, although the availability of setup videos online mitigated this issue.
Another also rated it five stars, expressing delight in the product's exceptional heating capability and perfect fit on their porch. Both reviews highlight a positive experience with the product, emphasizing its performance and ease of use.
Should you buy the Saluspa Fiji Airjet Hot Tub?
The SaluSpa Fiji AirJet Hot Tub is a great portable hot tub that provides a relaxing experience at an affordable price. It’s perfect for a single person, couple, three-person family, or two roommates living together.
It’s not so big that it requires a lot of room to set up or store, and because of its smaller size, it’s a lot easier to do maintenance, clean out, and move around. Size aside, it offers the same kind of hot tub experience as all SaluSpa hot tubs. It can heat the water to 104 degrees, and the hot tub has AirJets for a bubbly hot tub experience, a power-saving timer, and Freeze Shield Technology that lets you use it for most of the year.
If you don’t have the funds to buy a permanent hot tub, want to take your hot tub on vacation, or would like to try a heated water experience, the Fiji AirJet Hot Tub is well worth the buy.
How does the Saluspa Fiji Airjet Hot Tub compare?
Regarding inflatable hot tubs, I’ve tested the Bestway SaluSpa Helsinki air-jet inflatable Hot Tub and the Bestway SaluSpa Hawaii Hot Tub. These two hot tubs are considerably bigger than the SaluSpa Fiji AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub, which can fit many more people. If you live with a partner or alone, the Fiji AirJet Hot Tub is the more innovative way to go, as it will be easier to manage maintenance.
Like the SaluSpa Fiji Hot Tub, the Bestway SaluSpa Helsinki is only equipped with AirJets, while the Hawaii Hot Tub has the added benefit of two back massage jets in every corner. These additional jets provide a more relaxing spa experience. On the other hand, the Bestway Maldives Hydrojet Pro is a step up from the Hawaii Hot Tub in that it is equipped with LED lights, built-in seats, and a foot massage system.
If you’re looking for something comparable in size to the SaluSpa Fiji Hot Tub, you could go with the SaluSpa Zurich Airjet Inflatable Hot with EnergySense Cover. Its insulated cover is 40 percent more energy efficient than other covers. There is also the SaluSpa Madrid AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub With App Control. It is compatible with the Bestway Smart Hub App, which allows you to control the hot tub’s temperature, timer, filter, and massage system.
How I tested the Saluspa Fiji Airjet Hot Tub
At Top Ten Reviews, we are committed to providing our readers with honest and reliable reviews of products, including the best inflatable hot tubs in the market. Our team of expert reviewers conducts extensive research and testing to ensure that we recommend only the top products to our readers.
Our reviewers possess prior experience and industry knowledge, allowing them to identify and analyze the most critical features of each inflatable hot tub. They put each product through a series of tests, including set-up, performance, temperature control, ease of use, maintenance, and more, to deliver comprehensive and consistent reviews.
We test each inflatable hot tub in a real-life setting to ensure that our reviews are accurate and reliable. Our goal is to provide our readers with authentic and trustworthy reviews that help them make an informed decision when purchasing an inflatable hot tub. For more information about our testing protocols, please visit our comprehensive guide on how we test.
- First reviewed: 25th January 2023