In this write-up we compare the two inflatable and portable spas in the Coleman Lay-Z Spa vs Intex Spa comparison. You might be thinking, “What could be so different about these hot tubs?” Well, in fact, there are some differences worth noting. We outline these differences and similarities in the passage below. Continue reading to discover which one will best suit your needs.
Coleman Lay-Z Spa – Click here to check price
Intex Spa – Click here to check price
Coleman Lay-Z Spa vs Intex Spa: Which of These Inflatable Spas is Best for You...?
Construction and Technology
Intex Inflatable Spa
The walls of the tubs are created using the I–Beam technology. This gives the walls a solid structure, making it possible for users to confidently seat on the tub edge or lean against it without fear of the tub bending, buckling or even collapsing.
Size
Both inflatable hot tubs have the same diameter and height, making them equally sized.
Seating Capacity
The Coleman Company claims their Lay-Z spa can accommodate a quite impressive number of 6 persons, while the Intex spa seats a maximum number of 4 individuals. A large amount of Lay-Z Spa users complained that contrary to the manufacturer’s claim, the Lay-Z spa can hold a maximum number of just 4 persons comfortably. Once 6 people are in the tub, the space gets very tight, the water level rises and begins to overflow out of the tub.
Water Capacity
While the Intex Spa has a maximum water capacity of 210 gallons, the Coleman Lay-Z Spa is able to hold a larger water volume of 254 gallons which lends credence to the 6-person capacity claim.
Massage Feature
Both the Coleman Lay-Z Spa and the Intex Spa are designed with a hydro-massage system powered by 120 bubble jets located in the tub’s interior. The bubbles are reputed to be quite noisy.
Maximum Temperature and Heating System
For heating purposes, both inflatable spas come with their own heater unit. They both have a maximum temperature of 104oF. A large percentage of users complain that heating the water up to the tub’s maximum temperature can take up to 24 hours for the Lay-Z Spa and even more for the Intex Spa.
Users of Coleman’s Lay-Z Spa are advised not to use their tubs in temperatures less than 40oF, as the low temperature could end up damaging the unit.
Set-up or Tub Inflation
The heater unit of both spas also serves the dual function of being an air pump. To inflate, plug the pump into a standard power outlet. It takes just 5 minutes for the tub to be fully inflated. It is advisable to inflate the tub to the standard pressure value of 1.2 PSI. Over-inflation or under-inflation of the tub must be avoided at all costs.
Water Filling and Draining
The tub takes less than 2 hours to get filled up using a standard garden hose. For drainage purposes, the spa is designed with a drain valve. All you have to do is connect the tub to a garden hose and release the drain valve.
Digital Control Panel
The heater/air-pump unit is designed with a digital control panel for adjusting the water temperature, generating bubbles and filtering the water. The beauty of the panel location is that users don’t have to leave the tub before accessing the control panel. However, users of the Lay-Z Spa would have to reach down to access the panel on the heater/air-pump unit. The Intex Spa’s panel is raised to a more comfortable and accessible height. The control panel of the Intex Spa has a plastic protective cover.
Accessories
Both come with a heater/air-pump combo unit, water-quality testers, and a chemical floater for dispensing either chlorine or bromine into the water for hygienic purposes. The chemicals themselves have to be purchased separately. Additional accessories include a pressure gauge, filter cartridges, and an air-padded ground (or drop) cloth
Filtration
Both spas come with an effective filtration system. Filters are designed into the tub to eliminate or reduce dirt or debris in the water. These filters are meant to be changed regularly depending on the condition of use. Water-quality testers included in the product packaging are used to test the water to determine if the filters need to be changed. A decent amount of users claim that there is no need to completely replace the filters after just one use. You can clean, rinse and reuse them for a couple more times before finally replacing them.
From the reports gotten from users of each of these two products, the Coleman’s filters have to be changed way more frequently than the Intex Spa’s. This has led many to conclude that you spend less with the Intex Spa compared to the Coleman Lay-Z Spa.
Click here to get more details on the Coleman Lay-Z spa
Click here to get more details on the Intex Spa
Convenient Features
Coleman Lay-Z Spa
Both spas have a lockable insulated cover constructed from the same material as the tub themselves. The cover gets its insulation property from the aluminum foil used in coating it. This cover protects the tub from dirt and debris and preserves the water’s temperature when the tub is not being used. It also acts as a safety measure, preventing children from entering into the tub without an adult’s supervision.
They are portable making them quite easy to travel with. They also can be used for both indoor and outdoor purposes.
The Intex Spa comes with a storage bag that can also serve as a carry bag. It also has a longer power cord than the Lay-Z Spa.
Auto Shut-Off Feature
The Coleman Lay-Z spa has an auto shut-off feature. After 72 hours of operation, the pump automatically goes into hibernation mode. Once this happens, the heating and filtration functions stop.
Power
Both inflatable hot tubs are rated 110v – 120v AC, and so can be used with a standard power outlet.
Warranty
The Coleman Lay-Z spa has a 1-year warranty on its heater/air-pump unit and 6 months warranty on the spa liner. The Intex Spa has a 1-year limited warranty.
Pros and Cons of the Coleman Lay-Z Spa
Pros
- Sturdy and durable
- Has an insulated cover
- Portable
- Larger water capacity
Cons
- No protective cover for control panel
- Cannot be used in temperatures less than 40oF
- Due to the bubbles being created, the massage mode is noisy.
- No storage bag
- Filters need to be changed and replaced quite frequently
Pros and Cons of the Intex Spa
Pros
- Sturdy and durable
- Has an insulated cover
- Portable
- Protective cover for control panel
- Has a storage bag
- Longer power cord
- Longer lasting filters
- Longer Warranty
Cons
- Due to the bubbles being created, the massage mode is noisy.
Click here to see reviews and ratings for the Coleman Lay-Z spa
Summary and Recommendation
Both of these portable inflatable hot tubs seem to be of high-quality. However, there are some things that would drive me towards the Intex over the Coleman. Although the Coleman claims that 6 people can fit in the spa at once, user experience points to a different outcome. I also like that there is a protective cover for the control panel, a longer power cord and warranty, as well as a longer lasting filters.