What is the Best Hot Tub Size?

The first thing some people say to our hot tub dealers is, “There’s only the two of us! So all we need is a small hot tub!” 

Then when it comes to choosing one, they buy a tub that holds six people. The grandkids need a place to play, right? 

Others come in looking for “standard hot tub sizes.” Some want a certain number of seats then realize they only need two or want eight. 

It all depends on what you actually want and need. All sorts of sizes exist. While that helps you find the one you want, it can also be confusing and even overwhelming to some people.  

We wrote this article to help you understand the different sizes of hot tubs available. We want to give you a sense of what is on the market because there is such a wide range of sizes. We wanted to help you make a good decision, so you’re not stuck on the showroom floor trying to decide.  

So in this article, we will go over: 

• What are the standard hot tub dimensions 
• What size the most popular tubs are 
• Factors in choosing the best size for you 
• Pricing on hot tub sizes 
• What to look for in choosing a hot tub of any size 

And by the end, hopefully, you’ll have a better sense of how to select the size that fits you best! 

 

 

What is a Good Size for a Hot Tub?  

This is one of those “it depends” questions. A good rule of thumb is to buy for who you need, and then add one or two more seats than you need. That way you can vary your seating position and get a different massage each time.  

But before you do that, you have to first ask yourself, who is going to be using it? In general, these are the ranges you’d be looking at: 

• Smallest: 5-7 feet wide by 5-7 feet long. These sizes are small hot tubs for 2-4 people. 
• Middle: 6-8 feet wide by 7-8 feet long. These are medium hot tubs for 5-6 people. If you select this, you are choosing the average hot tub size.   
• Large: 7-9 feet wide by 7-9 feet long. Large hot tub sizes have seating for 7 or more and are good for a large family.  

To use Hydropool’s line as an example, it features small, medium and large: 

• Our smallest Signature hot tub is 7 feet x 5.5 feet, it's our small hot tub size.  
• Our most popular mid-sized Signature is 7 feet x 7 feet, a medium-sized hot tub.  
• Our large hot tub is 8 feet x 9 feet and seats and is a nine-person hot tub.    

What is the Range of Pricing on Hot Tubs?  

• Most small tubs are around the $10,000-$12,000 range.  
• Mid-sized can be between $12,000-$18,000.  
• Large spas are around $15,000-$25,000.  

What is the Most Popular Hot Tub Size?  

This is a very common question for us. Most companies offer multiple hot tub seating options for 4-6 people. This is the most popular size. For instance, Hydropool provides 14 different models in this size range.  

The major differences between different models in the size range will include:

• the actual size of the hot tub itself
• the options that come with it
• the quality of the manufacturing overall.  

Why is 4-6 People the Most Popular Size for Hot Tubs?  

Most hot tubs are owned by an individual or a couple. But they also want their hot tub to be accessible to their guests. They do this for the same reason most people drive cars that hold four or more people, even though they are driven most of the time with just one person in them.    

This is also a good size to get a lot of value. A Hydropool Serenity 5900 starts around $12,000. It’s our mid-range model in this size. It has to be priced competitively though, because there are so many hot tubs in this range out there.   

How do I Know I Have Chosen the Right Size for me?  

You will know because you will have actually sat in the hot tub. At least that is our hope. Our advice to you and anyone buying a hot tub is to try before you buy. If you’re buying a four-seat hot tub, get three others to hop in with you to make sure you all fit.  

Some hot tubs are sold like tents. They say the hot tub seats four people, but in reality, it would be four people having a very squishy experience. You want to make sure whatever the actual physical size of the hot tub, the right number of people ACTUALLY fit in it.

One other tip: Make sure everyone puts their feet in the footwell. It doesn’t matter how big the hot tub is, if it has a tiny footwell, everyone will be touching toes. Maybe that’s what you want, but for most people, we have found the more space in that area, the better!  

What Mistakes do People Make When it Comes to Hot Tub Sizing?  

When people make a mistake on hot tub sizing it’s because they usually buy too much hot tub. A hot tub for 4-6 people is highly adaptable. 

You could go with a smaller hot tub if you have company who will use it a few times a year. This will save you money in your monthly costs. You can take turns in the tub when company comes!  

How Much Space do I Need for a Hot Tub?  

This is a key question. Before you buy, it is worth checking if the hot tub can be based where you’d like to put it. 

This can often be done over the phone, with a FaceTime call. You need to ensure there’s a wide enough path for the hot tub to end up in your backyard. Most of the time the area can be reached by turning the hot tub on its side. Sometimes cranes are required for special circumstances, such as high-rise balconies.   

Do I Need to Leave any Space Around my Hot Tub?  

You want to leave from two to three feet around your hot tub so that it can be accessed for servicing. As much as every manufacturer might hope their hot tubs are indestructible, they all will require eventual service. When that time comes, you don’t want to have to tear up your yard to get at the hot tub.  

Other Than Size, What Else Matters When I Buy a Hot Tub?  

Size is just one of the factors. Others include: 

• The quality of the brand and tub builder.
• We always encourage people to buy from manufacturers who have been around for a long time. We know we can be accused of being biased here, because Hydropool has been around for more than 40 years. But we say this because we have seen many fly-by-night places come and go in that time. It’s hard to enforce a warranty if the company no longer exists.  
• Buy from an established retailer network. This is because over the lifetime of the hot tub, you will have questions. A retailer can provide answers to those questions. They can help when your water isn’t the way you’d like it and you can’t figure out why.  

What Size Hot Tub Should I Get?  

We hope this guide has given you some help on determining what size it should be. In some cases, the size of your backyard or the access to it will dictate what size you buy. But in most cases you will get to choose the size that suits you best.  

We hope this helped you decide on which is the right hot tub size for you. We do have more tips: Here’s our best guide on buying a hot tub.  

If you want to see some of our hot tubs in different sizes, check out our hot tub builder.