The Bestway 54190E SaluSpa is bound to whisk you to a place of relaxation with its luxury touches. On the more expensive end of the best inflatable hot tubs (opens in new tab), if you’re looking to splurge on a fancy model, this one might suit you perfectly. Snazzy features include a built-in skin-softening system and a wood paneling effect.
This SaluSpa, the Helsinki model, can fit up to seven people, meaning that you have plenty of space for entertaining. And even better, with a digital control panel, easy setup, and an integrated water filtration system, there’s less for you to do all around.
This SaluSpa model is designed to be moved around more easily compared to the very best hot tub (opens in new tab)s, which require proper installation and a permanent spot in your yard. Let’s take a look at the Helsinki now to see if it’s right for you...
Bestway 54190E SaluSpa Helsinki AirJet review: Overview
In terms of measurements, the first thing to know is that the Bestway 54190E SaluSpa is 71 inches across and 26 inches deep. That means it has plenty of space to accommodate a family, with room for guests too. Anyone looking for something a little cozier might want to consider a smaller tub, such as the Intex Pure Spa 77 (opens in new tab).
The walls of the tub are supported by DropStitch technology; thousands of fibers worth of support provide durability, but won’t weigh it down when it comes to packing up the 54190E SaluSpa or moving it around. It can hold 297 gallons of water and can get up to a maximum temperature of 104 degrees.
Bestway 54190E SaluSpa Helsinki AirJet review: Features
The Bestway 54190E SaluSpa Helsinki AirJet boasts puncture-resistant tri-tech material and l-beam wall construction within, so that people can sit comfortably and safely on the edges surrounding. Another feature that makes it great for back gardens is its lift handles, meaning you don’t have to settle on just the one spot in your backyard for it. And don’t worry about losing heat either, as the ground cloth on the bottom of the tub is there to help with insulation.
More technical features include a multi-function spa pump, which keeps the water at an optimum temperature and regulates the filtration system at the same time. The inbuilt ChemConnect dispenser also disperses a regulated amount of chlorine throughout the water automatically, so that once it’s topped up, you don’t have to lift a finger.
When it comes to design, the Helsinki has a luxurious touch with its wood paneling finish, which would suit plenty of different decors. The exterior is made from drop stitch material, so your tub should keep its shape even after a series of inflations/deflations, as well as being fitted with freeze shield technology.
An inflatable hot tub at this price can be expected to go all out on frills, which is why the Bestway 54190E SaluSpa also has a built-in skin-softening system to prevent any irritation to its users whilst the warm water does its work. It also has an impressive 83 bubble jets, each of which should soothe your body and create a massaging sensation.
Bestway 54190E SaluSpa Helsinki AirJet review: Design
Setting up the Bestway 54190E SaluSpa couldn’t be easier, with no additional tools being required to assemble it in your backyard, and the included pump being used for both inflation and deflation.
It should inflate within minutes too, which is great for those who might prefer to store their tub away or take it on trips with them. The cushioned floor and ground mat means that comfort is built-in, and makes for an altogether pleasant seating experience according to reviewers.
The multi-purpose pump can be controlled digitally, with a soft-touch control panel so you can get your tub’s temperature whizzing up to 104 degrees. You can control the temperature of the tub and its bubbles from the control panel within, as well as set a timer for up to 72 hours in advance. That is a massive bonus for those who don’t want to wait around for it to heat up.
The dual heating and bubbling system is meant to mimic that of a proper tub, while the cushioning material within provides you with a pop-up spa experience.
Bestway 54190E SaluSpa Helsinki AirJet review: How it runs
To keep the water suitably warm, the Bestway 54190E SaluSpa Helsinki AirJet tub comes complete with an aluminum foil-coated cover, which increases longevity and means that the pump won’t have to work as hard to heat things up again.
A built-in air chamber is a final step in trying to prevent escaping heat from leaving. What’s more, it also has a convenient drain valve for easy emptying, and safety lock clips to keep any children from accessing it when out of use.
This means that all in all, the Bestway 54190E SaluSpa Helsinki AirJet is complete with a pool liner, cover, pump, chlorine dispenser, and filter cartridges. There’s also a handy repair kit for when you might need to treat any issues.
On the same note, the warranty for this model is one year on the pump and 180 days on the tub’s liner. This isn’t an overly impressive time period but is somewhat standard for inflatables of this type.
Bestway 54190E SaluSpa Helsinki AirJet review: User reviews
The Bestway 54190E SaluSpa has a 3.9 rating out of 5 stars on Amazon, collected from 477 global ratings. Users were particularly impressed by the ease of setup and the comfortable seating within.
One user commented that “Set up was very simple and quick. The spa itself is great, very sturdy and the jets are very powerful”. Another added, “This thing is amazing and has kept me sane during the coronavirus quarantine. Totally worth the money. I’m actually in it as I write this.”
Other less impressed reviewers found that the water took longer than expected or advertised to heat to the desired temperature. One reviewer said, “ Temperature goes up to 104 F, but the heater is undersized, so it takes forever to get it up to that temp and it will cool pretty rapidly once you have the bubbles going, but it's entirely sufficient for a once-daily use.”
Should you buy the Bestway 54190E SaluSpa Helsinki AirJet?
It’s safe to say that the Bestway 54190E SaluSpa not only looks great but is a breeze to set up and operate. The luxury built-in features, such as the chlorine dispenser and the touch controls mean that you can concentrate purely on relaxing, rather than the technicalities. As for the tub experience itself, the network of jets and cushioning within this model should make for a haven of relaxation, so you can unwind whenever you need to.
Besides some user complaints that it takes longer than desired to heat up, the only other drawbacks here are this model’s price and less than impressive warranty. If it’s more of a splurge than you’re looking for, why not check out the Coleman SaluSpa (opens in new tab), for something a little less expensive.
For more water therapy content, we’d also recommend our guide to the best swim spas (opens in new tab).