Small, Medium, or Large: You Complete Guide to Hot Tub Sizes

Hot tubs are a staple in millions of homes, with around 7.3 million hot tubs across the United States. Their growing popularity is no surprise, given that tubs provide a space to relax, ease sore muscles, and connect with family and friends. They’ve become a sought-after addition for enhancing both wellness and entertainment at home.

At Crystal River Spas, we know how essential it is to choose the right hot tub for your needs. Size is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a spa, as a perfectly sized hot tub can transform your home into a personal oasis.

In this hot tub size guide, we’ll explore small, medium, and large hot tub sizes, breaking down what each offers so you can make the best choice for your space and lifestyle. Let’s get started.

Why Hot Tub Size Matters

The first thing to say is that choosing the right hot tub size is crucial for:

• Comfort
• Functionality
• Long-term satisfaction

A hot tub that’s too small may leave guests without seating, while one that’s too large could increase maintenance and energy costs unnecessarily. The right size ensures you have a hot tub that fits your space, accommodates your household, and matches how you plan to use it.

For example, a couple seeking an intimate retreat may find a smaller hot tub with one to three seats ideal for personal relaxation. A family of four or five might prefer a medium-sized tub that offers enough seating and jets for everyone to enjoy.

If you love hosting gatherings or need extra space to stretch out, a large hot tub with seating for six to eight (or more) is a better choice. By properly understanding your priorities first, you can make an informed decision that perfectly balances practicality and enjoyment.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Size

Several factors come into play when deciding on the best hot tub size. First, it’s important assess the available space where the hot tub will be installed. You should ensure the area to ensure it can comfortably accommodate the tub with room for safe entry and maintenance.

Next, think about who will be using the hot tub. So, for example, if you’re planning to relax solo or with a partner, a small model may be ideal. For family use, you may wish to consider a medium size hot tub that balances seating with manageable upkeep, while for those who entertain frequently, larger hot tubs provide enough room for guests to relax without feeling crowded.

Lastly, you should factor in your budget, as larger tubs generally cost more to:

• Purchase
• Heat
• Maintain

All in all, by weighing up these considerations, you’ll have a clearer idea of which size is the right fit for your space, lifestyle, and budget.

Small Hot Tubs (1-3 Seats)

Small hot tubs, designed to seat one to three people, are an excellent choice for singles, couples, or anyone with limited outdoor space. They are perfect for individuals seeking a personal retreat to unwind after a long day or for couples looking to enjoy quality time together. These tubs fit seamlessly into smaller patios or compact backyards, which makes them ideal for urban living or homes with limited space.

The intimate size ensures a cozy, relaxing experience, emphasizing comfort and convenience. Whether you want a private soak under the stars or a warm, inviting spot to enjoy during cooler evenings, a small hot tub delivers the benefits of hydrotherapy without taking up excessive room.

For anyone prioritizing relaxation over hosting, a small tub is a practical and luxurious addition to any home.

Benefits of Small Hot Tubs

Small hot tubs offer significant advantages, starting with their energy efficiency. Since they hold less water, they require less energy to heat and maintain, translating to lower monthly operating costs.The compact size also means they are easier to clean, and maintenance tasks like water treatment and filter changes take less time.

Installation is often simpler with smaller models, as they can fit into tighter spaces and may not require as much structural preparation. Additionally, their reduced water volume allows them to heat up faster, so you spend less time waiting and more time enjoying.

Models like the Jetsetter LX, Stride, and Embrace combine these practical benefits with luxurious features, ensuring a comfortable and efficient spa experience.

Things to Consider

Now, while small hot tubs are perfect for personal use, their limited seating may not accommodate larger groups or frequent entertaining. If hosting guests is a priority, you should consider whether a small tub meets your needs. However, their faster heating times and space-saving design make them a great option for those with specific space and usage requirements.

Medium Hot Tubs (4-5 Seats)

Medium hot tubs, which are designed to seat four to five people, are perfect for families or small gatherings of friends. They offer a balance between space and intimacy, making them ideal for households with multiple members or those who enjoy entertaining on a smaller scale. If you’re looking to relax with your partner, enjoy some family time, or host a cozy evening with close friends, a medium hot tub provides just the right amount of seating.

These tubs are versatile enough to suit a variety of lifestyles. They fit comfortably in most backyards and patios without requiring excessive space, making them a practical choice for those who want more capacity than a small tub without the footprint of a large one.

A medium-sized hot tub offers both social and personal relaxation opportunities, making it a popular choice for many homeowners.

Benefits of Medium Hot Tubs

Medium hot tubs strike an excellent balance between functionality and space efficiency. They provide more room for movement and interaction than smaller models, allowing users to enjoy a more spacious and comfortable soaking experience. Despite their increased size, they remain relatively energy-efficient and easy to maintain compared to larger hot tubs.

The added seating also enhances versatility, making them great for socializing or stretching out to enjoy a personal soak. Medium hot tubs like the Envoy, Prodigy, and Flair combine advanced features with ample seating, offering the perfect mix of relaxation and practicality. These models often include customizable jets and ergonomic seating, ensuring everyone has an enjoyable experience.

Things to Consider

It should be noted that while medium hot tubs are great for families and small groups, they may still fall short for those who frequently host larger gatherings.

Additionally, they require more space and water than small tubs, which may impact installation and running costs. Still, for most homeowners, the trade-off is worthwhile for the added comfort and versatility these hot tubs provide.

Large Hot Tubs (6-8+ Seats)

At the top end are large hot tubs, which are generally sized to seat six to eight or more people. As such, they provide the perfect setting for social gatherings, whether you’re hosting a backyard party or a relaxing evening with friends.If you enjoy group activities or frequently have guests over, a large hot tub offers the space and comfort needed to accommodate everyone.

These hot tubs are also great for families with multiple children or multi-generational households. They allow everyone to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of a hot tub without feeling crowded.

Benefits of Large Hot Tubs

The spacious design of large hot tubs provides unmatched comfort and versatility. They often feature multiple seating options, including lounge seats and deep, contoured spaces that cater to different preferences. The extra room allows for a variety of jet configurations, which ensures each seat offers a unique therapeutic experience.

Large hot tubs, like the Grandee and Prism, for example, are typically packed with advanced features such as energy-efficient systems, customizable lighting, and powerful jets for hydrotherapy.

They’re perfect for creating a luxurious, spa-like atmosphere at home. Plus, despite their size, many models are designed with energy-saving technology to keep running costs manageable.

Things to Consider

While large hot tubs are undeniably impressive, they do require more space, water, and energy than smaller models. It’s important to note that proper planning is essential to ensure your outdoor or indoor area can accommodate the size and weight.

Additionally, maintenance can take more time due to the increased water volume. Even with these considerations, for those who prioritize comfort, capacity, and a touch of grandeur, the benefits of a large hot tub far outweigh these considerations.

Benefits of a Test Soak to Determine the Best Size

A test soak is one of the best ways to ensure you select the ideal hot tub size for your needs. This hands-on experience allows you to gauge comfort, space, and the overall feel of a hot tub before making a final decision. By actually sitting in the hot tub, you can test the seating arrangements, jet placement, and water depth, helping you determine if the size feels right for you and your guests.

During a test soak, you can also assess the hot tub’s heating and jet systems, meaning you’ll be able to determine whether the jets target the areas of your body where you need the most relief or if you prefer a more spacious feel.

Additionally, a test soak lets you evaluate whether the hot tub will fit well in your space. You can ensure the dimensions work with your backyard or patio and see if you have room for additional features like steps or accessories.

Overall, taking the time for a test soak ensures your purchase will meet your expectations for comfort and functionality.

Maintenance Considerations for Different Hot Tub Sizes

When choosing a hot tub, it’s also essential to consider maintenance needs, as they can vary depending on the size of the unit. Larger hot tubs, with their increased water volume, may require more maintenance, especially when it comes to cleaning and water treatment.Larger volumes of water mean that more chemicals are needed to balance the:

• pH
• Alkalinity
• Sanitizer levels

Additionally, the filtration system in a larger tub may need to be cleaned or replaced more often to ensure the water stays clear and safe.

On the other hand, smaller hot tubs are generally easier to maintain. They require fewer chemicals and less water treatment, and their compact size often means less surface area to clean.

However, smaller tubs may require more frequent attention to keep them in top condition. The filters may clog more easily, and since the water volume is smaller, it can heat up and cool down faster, requiring more energy for consistent maintenance.

Essentially, the maintenance for a hot tub varies with size, and considering these differences can help ensure your tub stays in good working order with minimal effort.

Importance of Proper Hot Tub Installation

Finally, whatever size you choose, proper hot tub installation is crucial to ensuring a safe, efficient, and long-lasting experience. At Crystal River Spas, we bring years of expertise to the table, handling every aspect of your hot tub setup with care and precision.

When you purchase from us, you can count on complimentary delivery and expert installation within the Roaring Fork Valley area. Our certified professionals will ensure your hot tub is set up properly, in the right location, and securely connected to all necessary utilities.

Before the installation, we’ll work with you to determine the ideal spot for your new hot tub. This location needs to be sturdy, wide enough to accommodate the hot tub, and able to support its significant weight, often around 1,000 pounds. Also, keep in mind that water and users will add even more weight, so choosing a pre-tested, stable area is essential.

Our experts will also ensure that your hot tub has access to a dedicated electrical source, ideally a separate amp breaker, for reliable power.

Guide to Choosing Hot Tub Dimensions

To sum up, finding the right hot tub sizes for your needs is key to creating the perfect relaxation space. Whether you’re after a small, private spa or a larger setup for family and friends, Crystal River Spas offers a wide selection to meet your preferences.

Our expert team is ready to help you choose the ideal hot tub and ensure a seamless installation. Reach out to us today and let us help you enjoy the ultimate hot tub experience.