Want a backyard hot tub with enough room for friends without installing a permanent spa? The Bestway SaluSpa Bali 5-7 Person is a round inflatable hot tub with 180 AirJet bubble jets, smartphone controls, and an insulated cover.
It’s an option for families and groups, but there are a few things to consider before buying. For starters, heating takes time, and you’ll need a level surface that can safely support the filled tub.
This review looks at the Bali’s specifications, features, setup requirements, heating performance, and maintenance.
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Bestway SaluSpa Bali 5-7 Person At A Glance
- Size: 85 x 85 x 28 inches, round
- Jets: 180 AirJet bubble jets
- Water: 314 gallons at 80% fill
- Max temperature: 104°F
- Controls: Bestway Connect smartphone app
- Best for: Budget buyers who host groups
- Should skip it: Couples, deck owners with low load limits, and anyone wanting focused jet massage
What Do You Get With The Larger SaluSpa Bali?
The main attraction is the extra space and 180 AirJet system. Instead of shooting pressurized water at specific areas, the jets release bubbles from the bottom of the tub.
The bubbles provide a gentle, all-around massage. They’re designed for relaxing rather than the concentrated pressure you’d get from a hot tub with dedicated hydrotherapy jets.
Bestway uses MaxHold internal beams to support the inflatable walls. These fabric supports help the tub maintain its shape and air pressure, even after repeated use.
The outside is made with three-layer TriTech material, which is designed to resist punctures and everyday wear.
An EnergySense insulated cover is included. It helps reduce heat loss when nobody is using the hot tub, which is particularly helpful because heating a large volume of water takes time (and money).
Bestway states that its EnergySense insulated walls and cover can provide up to 40% greater energy efficiency than comparable inflatable hot tubs. Actual energy use will depend on the weather, water temperature, and how frequently you use the spa.
The model also meets APSP-14 and California Title 20 energy requirements, allowing it to be sold in applicable states with stricter spa efficiency rules.
Is The Bestway Connect App Helpful?
The Bestway Connect app is one feature that could make owning this inflatable hot tub easier, particularly if you don’t use it every day.
You can adjust the water temperature, control filtration, and switch the bubble jets on or off from your smartphone.
The Power Saving Timer also allows heating to be scheduled up to 40 days ahead.
That’s handy when you want the water ready for a particular evening. Instead of switching on the heater when your friends arrive, you can schedule it beforehand.
The app gives you another way to manage the hot tub without needing to walk outside to adjust the control panel.
Bestway SaluSpa Bali Hot Tub: Size and Fit
Will The 85-Inch Bali Fit Your Patio?
Before ordering, check the space where you plan to put it.
The Bali measures 85 inches across, or about 7 feet 1 inch. You’ll need a flat, level surface that’s at least that wide, plus some extra room for walking around the tub, removing the cover, and accessing the controls.
The filled weight needs even more attention.
At 314 gallons, the water alone weighs roughly 2,600 pounds. That’s before adding the tub itself or anyone sitting inside it.
If you’re planning to use a wooden deck, check its load capacity first. Many decks aren’t designed to support that much concentrated weight.
A concrete slab or properly prepared, compacted ground may be a more suitable location.
You’ll also need access to a properly grounded electrical outlet that meets Bestway’s requirements. The spa should be connected directly to the appropriate outlet rather than through an extension cord or multi-plug adapter.
Can Seven Adults Sit Comfortably?
The Bali is advertised for 5-7 people, but that doesn’t mean seven adults will have plenty of space.
The 85-inch measurement includes the thick inflatable walls, so the actual seating area is smaller.
Five adults is a more reasonable expectation if everyone wants some room. Seven people may fit, but it’ll be crowded, especially if they’re all adults.
Families with children will have an easier time getting closer to the advertised capacity.
If you regularly invite friends over, the extra diameter could be helpful. For two or three people, a smaller tub may provide enough space without taking up as much of the patio.
Bestway SaluSpa Bali Hot Tub: Heat Performance
How Long Does The SaluSpa Bali Take To Heat To 104°F?
Don’t expect to fill the Bali and use it a few hours later.
Heating a large volume of water can take much of a day, depending on the starting temperature and outdoor conditions. A heat-up time of around 24 hours is possible, although it isn’t guaranteed.
The time depends partly on the starting water temperature and the weather outside. Cold tap water and cooler air can make the wait longer.
Keeping the insulated cover in place while heating helps limit heat loss.
Once the water reaches your preferred temperature, planning future heating cycles through the app can help avoid another long wait.
Can You Use The Bali During Winter?
There are limits to cold-weather use.
Product guidance for this Bali model advises against using the spa when the outdoor temperature is below 39°F.
The Bali includes Freeze Shield technology to help protect internal components from freezing. However, that protection doesn’t override the operating temperature restrictions for the model.
If you live somewhere with long, cold winters, check the manufacturer’s operating temperature guidance before setting up or using the spa.
What Maintenance Does The Bali Need?
Like any inflatable hot tub, the Bali needs regular water care to keep it clean and ready to use.
You’ll need sanitizer, water-testing strips, replacement filters, and electricity for heating and filtration.
Keeping the insulated cover on when the spa isn’t in use can help reduce heat loss.
The app’s scheduling feature may also help you plan heating around the times you expect to use the tub.
Water maintenance is another regular job.
You’ll need to check sanitizer levels, test the water, and adjust the pH when necessary. This becomes especially important when several people use the spa frequently.
The Bali includes a ChemConnect dispenser designed to help distribute chlorine through the water.
Bestway provides a 1 year warranty on the pump and 180 days on other parts for its U.S. SaluSpa range. Check the warranty documentation supplied with your model and keep your proof of purchase.
Our practical spa maintenance tips for inflatable hot tub owners explains a weekly cleaning and water-care schedule.
Bali 5-7 Person Main Advantages And Drawbacks
What works
- Insulated cover comes in the box
- Lots of seating and jet coverage for the price
- App scheduling makes slow heating easier to manage
What doesn’t
- Too heavy when full for many wooden decks
- Bubble massage only, with no targeted jets
Bestway SaluSpa Bali 5-7 Vs.Other Inflatable Hot Tubs
The larger Bali isn’t the only inflatable spa to consider. The Coleman SaluSpa models, and Intex PureSpa range are also options.
| Model | Size | Jets | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| SaluSpa Bali 5-7 Person | 85″ x 28″ | 180 | Groups and frequent hosts |
| Coleman SaluSpa (e.g., Palm Springs) | Varies | Varies | Sale shoppers |
| Intex PureSpa Plus | Varies | Varies | Buyers wanting a different pump brand |
SaluSpa Bali 5-7 Person
The larger Bali measures 85″ x 28″ and comes with 180 bubble jets.
It’s designed for people who want to share their hot tub with family or friends and need more space than a typical smaller inflatable spa provides.
The Bestway Connect app, EnergySense insulation, and Freeze Shield technology are also included with the smart model.
Coleman SaluSpa
Coleman-branded inflatable spas, including models such as the Palm Springs, are manufactured by Bestway under a licensing arrangement.
Sizes and jet counts vary depending on the model.
Many Coleman SaluSpa models share features with Bestway’s own inflatable hot tubs, including AirJet bubble systems, inflatable wall construction, and insulated covers.
If you’re comparing Coleman and Bestway models, check the seating capacity, dimensions, number of jets, and included accessories to see which one matches your needs.
Intex PureSpa
The Intex PureSpa range is another option if you’d like to compare different inflatable hot tub designs.
Its dimensions, seating capacities, and jet counts vary by model.
For example, the six-person Intex PureSpa Greywood Deluxe has 170 bubble jets, an insulated cover, and a built-in hard-water treatment system.
Other PureSpa models offer different configurations and accessories.
Should You Buy The Bestway SaluSpa Bali 5-7 Person?
The Bestway SaluSpa Bali 5-7 Person is worth considering if you want an inflatable hot tub for family gatherings, weekends with friends, or regular group use.
Its main advantage is the amount of space it provides. With an 85-inch diameter, 180 AirJet bubble jets, smartphone controls, and an insulated cover, it offers several features that are handy for a larger household.
You’ll need to plan around the heating time, though. Depending on the starting water temperature and outdoor conditions, it may take around 24 hours to reach 104°F.
For people who regularly have four or more adults using the spa, the larger Bali provides extra room compared with the smaller model.
If you’re usually soaking with one other person, a smaller 4-6 Person hot tub may be enough, and it’ll take up less outdoor space.
The Bali 5-7 Person is a practical choice if you have the space for it, want room for family and friends, and don’t mind planning your heating schedule ahead of time.
