What Would I Buy? The Owner's Honest Guide to Our 3 New Portable Spa Pool Models

By Dave Clark, owner, Portable Spas NZ

I own two portable spa pools. I use them both at least once a day — every single day. My oldest is well into its fifth year and shows absolutely no signs of stopping. So when I tell you I'm genuinely tempted to trade up to one of our new models, you should know that's not a sales pitch. It's just the truth.

We've just added three new models to our range: the Tidal, the Cocoon, and the Denver. I selected these specifically because they're among the most popular spa pool models sold overseas. They've been available to distributors since mid-last year, and the international sales data backs up why I chose them. Within 24 hours of listing the Tidal on our site, I'd sold two. I have expressions of interest in the Denver already, and I expect this shipment may well sell out before it hits the warehouse.

So rather than write a standard product description, I thought I'd do something more useful: tell you honestly what I think of each model, what makes each one stand out, and — at the end — which one I'd personally buy.

The Three New Models at a Glance

Tidal — $2,399	Cocoon — $2,499
Denver — $3,399

Before I get into the detail, here's how they sit in the range. The Tidal ($2,399) and Cocoon ($2,499) are the more accessible entry points into the new lineup, while the Denver comes in at $3,399 and represents a step up in features, construction, and overall presence. All three seat up to six people and run on a standard household power connection — no specialist electrician needed.

The Tidal — The One I Think Will Be Our New Best-Seller

The Tidal is built around the same liner and shell construction as our Mono range, which has been our most popular model since day one. If you've seen a Mono in person, you already have a feel for the Tidal's quality. But the Tidal adds something the Mono doesn't have: water jets.

Specifically, three SyncJet hydromassage nozzles powered by a 750W pump, on top of 138 air nozzles running at three intensity levels. It's built from DWF — Drop-Stitch Woven Fabric — which gives it a rigid, boardlike wall that holds up beautifully under pressure and makes it the most portable of the three new models at just over 40kg.

It also has the UVC-PLUS disinfection system, which eliminates up to 95% of bacteria — reducing how much you need to rely on chemicals to keep the water clean. Heats to 40°C, holds 930 litres, and fits comfortably on any flat surface.

Personally? The colour works for me. I think the Tidal will appeal to a huge range of buyers — people who love the proven Mono platform but want the added hydrotherapy of water jets without jumping to a premium price point. I genuinely believe this becomes our new most popular model.

Tidal at a glance: $2,399 NZD · Seats 6 · 930L · 138 air jets + 3 SyncJet hydromassage nozzles · DWF construction · UVC-PLUS sanitation · Wi-Fi app control · 40.2kg

The Cocoon — The One That Made Me Stop and Think

The Cocoon is the model I find hardest to categorise — and that's actually a compliment. Its construction is genuinely unlike anything else in our range. Instead of the inflatable or woven-fabric walls you'd find in a standard portable spa, the Cocoon uses high-density EPE pearl foam panels. The result is a rigid, well-insulated spa that goes together differently to everything else we sell.

It's also our fastest-heating new model — capable of raising water temperature at 1.9–2.6°C per hour with its 2200W PTC ceramic heater, compared to the Tidal's 1.5–2.0°C. And because of that foam construction, it retains heat exceptionally well, which has a direct impact on running costs. It's also notably quiet in operation.

At 43.4kg it's still very manageable, and the anti-slip floor is a thoughtful touch. It comes with 130 air jets plus 3 SyncJet nozzles, UVC-PLUS sanitation, and Wi-Fi app control.

My honest take: if I were someone who moves their spa around a lot or values quick, easy setup above everything else, the Cocoon would be top of my list. I'm a home handyman and my spas are permanently sited, so saving a few minutes on assembly isn't a big deal for me personally — but I can absolutely see why this model will appeal to people who want simplicity and efficiency front and centre.

Cocoon at a glance: $2,499 NZD · Seats 6 · 850L · 130 air jets + 3 SyncJet nozzles · EPE foam panel construction · UVC-PLUS sanitation · Wi-Fi app control · 43.4kg

The Denver — The One I'd Actually Buy

Let me be straight: if I'm replacing one of my two personal portable spa pools this year, I'm getting a Denver.

The Denver is the premium model in our new lineup, and it looks the part. It has a distinctive wood-effect panel finish on the outside that gives it a warm, natural, proper hot-tub feel — the kind of look that sits beautifully on a timber deck or in a more landscaped garden setting. It's a substantial spa: 970 litres, comfortably seating six adults, built to a standard that genuinely competes with far more expensive permanent installations.

What really sets the Denver apart is the jet system. It has eight dorsal water jet nozzles with twin nozzles each, powered by EcoPulse technology and a 3-speed pump, on top of 130 air jets. That's a noticeably more powerful and targeted hydromassage experience — your back actually knows about it. It's a real step up from a single-nozzle setup.

Add the OLED touchscreen control panel, Wi-Fi app scheduling, the UVC antibacterial sanitation system, and a fast 2200W PTC heater rated at 1.7–2.4°C per hour, and you've got a spa that does everything I want without the price tag of a fixed install.

The RGB LED lighting is what clinched it for me personally — 20 colours to play with. I'm someone who appreciates mood lighting in the evening; there's something about soaking under the stars with that glow that makes the whole experience feel more deliberate, more of a treat. The Denver delivers exactly that.

Denver at a glance: $3,399 NZD · Seats 6 · 970L · 130 air jets + 8 twin-nozzle water jets · Wood-effect panel exterior · RGB LED lighting (20 colours) · OLED touchscreen · Wi-Fi app control · 96.3kg

How the Three Models Compare

Model	Price	Capacity	Water Jets	LED Lighting	Best For
Tidal	$2,399	930L	3 SyncJet (single)	No	Portability, great value
Cocoon	$2,499	850L	3 SyncJet (single)	No	Easy setup, energy efficiency
Denver	$3,399	970L	8 EcoPulse (twin)	Yes (RGB, 20 colours)	Premium hydromassage, warmer aesthetic

A Note on Availability

Here's where things stand right now. The Tidal is in stock and ready to ship. The Denver is on preorder as part of our July shipment, arriving at the end of the month — and it's already attracting genuine interest before it's even landed. I'm not going to pretend we have unlimited stock; we don't, and the Tidal in particular has proven itself with strong early demand.

If you've got your eye on the Denver, now is the time to get in touch. We can secure yours with a preorder deposit so it's reserved the moment the shipment lands. And with winter well and truly here, there's no better time to have a hot spa waiting at the end of the day.

So — What Would You Buy?

I've thought about this a lot, and here's where I've landed: when I replace my two personal portable spas (funds permitting!), I'll be going one Denver and one Tidal. The Denver for the evenings — the lights, the twin jets, the premium feel. The Tidal for the mornings — light, portable, no-fuss, brilliant.

But everyone's different, and everyone's backyard is different. The best way to figure out which model is right for you is to have a proper conversation about it. Ring me, email me, or use the contact form on the site — I'm genuinely happy to talk spas. It's kind of my thing.

Browse all three new models at portablespas.nz — or get in touch directly and we'll find the right fit for your home and lifestyle.