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With so many hot tub brands to choose from, we’re often asked how they compare to one another. Sure, Lay-Z-Spa may be considered the top dogs, but can Intex match up?
Over the last ten years, we’ve tested and researched hundreds of the top portable spas from the largest (and smallest) manufacturers. As we’ve journeyed to become the internet’s number one inflatable hot tub guide, we’ve learned exactly what to look for in the perfect model.
In this article, we’ll decide which is better when it comes to Lay Z Spa vs Intex and determine which brand is really worth your time and money. We’ll consider build quality, efficiency, affordability, and any key features that stand out, and in the end, we’ll pick a definitive winner.
Sounds good? Let’s dive in!
Lay-Z-Spa is considered an industry leader, with its flagship models containing several patented technologies designed around energy efficiency and year-round use. They’re well known for their anti-icing system, rapid heating and dynamic air jets, all of which are included as standard in the current range!
Intex models focus on durability and water quality, with their patented PVC Fiber-Tech construction material incredibly resistant to punctures and weathering. Their hot tubs also have a built-in hard water treatment system, so they’re great for areas that suffer from mineral-heavy water supplies.
You’d be forgiven for assuming that all hot tub manufacturers are alike. How different can portable spas really be? Well, though they share some similarities, it turns out Lay-Z-Spa and Intex models are pretty distinct!
We also think you should have the chance to view other buying guides which will help you compare to other makes and models. Take a look at our review for the Lazy Spa hot tub and you can also browse our Intex hot tub review if you want a spa from this great brand.
As arguably the most recognisable inflatable hot tub brand, the Lay-Z-Spa range is extensive, with over 20 models stretching from 2-4 seaters up to 7-person spas. The Intex range is smaller, featuring 11 models in capacities from 4 to 6 people, with eight circular models and three octagonal spas.
All currently produced Lay-Z-Spas can be used year-round thanks to their Freeze Shield frost protection, rapid heaters and triple-layered PVC linings. Intex models have comparably robust linings, though they don’t heat quite as fast and don’t include any frost protection.
Lay-Z-Spa also offers Wi-Fi functionality to control their hot tub’s heaters, jets and timers from a smart device, with all air jet models able to be upgraded after purchase. Intex does offer Wi-Fi functionality on a few hot tubs, though you can’t add this feature at a later date.
Lay-Z-Spas enjoy rapid heating to 40 degrees in as little as 6-12 hours and use automated sensors to maintain a set temperature during storage. Intex models can take up to 24 hours to hit 40 degrees with no automated heating system, so you’ll rely only on physical insulation to keep things toasty.
Winner: Lay-Z-Spa
Lay-Z-Spas are constructed using their own Duraplus material, featuring a polyester mesh core and two layers of UV-resistant PVC. This triple-layering helps the hot tub retain its shape, with the mesh core acting as an internal frame.
Intex uses its own Fiber-Tech material, containing thousands of high-strength polyester fibres laminated between two sheets of similarly UV-resistant PVC. However, the added density of these fibres provides extra protection!
Winner: Intex
Lay-Z-Spa’s range features between 120-190 air jets, with some premium models adding 8-10 hydro jets on top! In comparison, Intex’s cheapest model has 100 jets, with 170 being their maximum and no current options for hydro jets.
Both brands use dual-operated pumps, meaning the jets can be heated, though only Lay-Z-Spas come with variable speed controls.
Winner: Lay-Z-Spa
Lay-Z-Spas contain water filtration systems, though they’re not specifically suited to mineral-heavy water. Intex, however, includes a dedicated hard water treatment system in all of their hot tubs.
You’ll even find some Intex models come with a salt water sanitation system, sanitising the water by using electrolysis to convert salt into chlorine, which can be less time-consuming than using standard pool chemicals!
Winner: Intex
At a glance, it seems Lay-Z-Spas are more expensive. But when you look across the entire range, you’ll find plenty of affordable models.
Comparing this to Intex’s collection, you’ll see that their cheapest model is a little pricier than Lay-Z-Spa’s, with fewer jets and fewer features. This rings true across their mid-range hot tubs too, with both brands comparably priced, though the Lay-Z-Spas pack in more functionality.
Winner: Lay-Z-Spa
It’s hard to beat Lay-Z-Spa’s accessories, with the brand and their parent company Bestway producing a mammoth range, including:
Intex does put up a fair fight though! They have a range of branded inflatable pool toys and floats alongside their pool vacuums and padded hot tub mats.
The good thing about accessories is they’re universal, so you don’t have to stick with one brand, but we think that Lay-Z-Spa offers a wider variety!
Winner: Lay-Z-Spa
It’s not hard to find a Lay-Z-Spa stockist; the brand is so popular that retailers are clamouring to carry their hot tubs. Alongside their website, we’ve seen these spas sold by:
Intex models are also not too hard to find; we’ve come across Intex hot tubs at:
Though, it’s quite hard to find Intex’s official UK webstore!
Winner: Lay-Z-Spa
If these two brands didn’t cut it, see how they fare against some of the other smaller brands in the hot tub industry.
So, when it comes to Lay-Z-Spa vs Intex, we think we have a winner.
Though we’re big fans of Intex hard water treatment system and their Fiber-Tech linings, Lay-Z-Spa’s filtration system and construction materials aren’t too far behind!
What’s more, Lay-Z-Spa has a more extensive range, more varied features, faster heating and more options in terms of massage systems.
Sure, your average Lay-Z-Spa isn’t the cheapest, but you’re getting built-in frost protection, variable speed jets, and rapid heating included as standard, with plenty of optional extras on top.
So, in terms of this battle, Lay-Z-Spa are definitely our choice!
John Devlin
Hello, Welcome to my website. I’m John, and I created the InflatableHotTubGuide while researching these spas nearly a decade ago. Since its creation, the site has become the leading UK resource for many models. As a passionate hot tub user, I love to test and explore all the latest machines this industry keeps creating. I hope you find our content helpful.
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