What is the best large 6 person hot tub I can buy?

Author: Nick Clamp, Editor-In-Chief, WhatSpa? Magazine

Are you looking for the best large 6 person hot tub for your garden?

Diving into the search for the perfect hot tub, whether it’s scrolling through endless online pages or planning trips to local retailers, you might find yourself wondering, “What is the best 6-person hot tub available?” or even, “Is a 6-person hot tub the right fit for me?” In this piece we will help answer that question and show you what to look for.

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What should I look for when buying a 6 person hot tub?

When considering the purchase of a 6-person hot tub, there are several key factors you should take into account to ensure you’re making a decision that meets both your needs and preferences. A hot tub is a significant investment, not just financially, but also in terms of lifestyle enhancement. Here’s what you should look for:

Space and Comfort

• Size and Layout: Ensure the hot tub comfortably accommodates six people, with ample space for each person. Consider the layout of the seats and whether they offer varied depths and positions for different heights and preferences.
• Ergonomic Seating: Look for ergonomically designed seats that support the body comfortably during extended soaking sessions.

Performance and Hydrotherapy

• Jet Configuration: The number and type of jets play a crucial role in the therapeutic experience. Look for a hot tub that offers a diverse range of jets, including adjustable and targeted jets for specific areas like the back, shoulders, and feet.
• Pump Strength: A powerful pump ensures that the water pressure from the jets is strong enough to provide effective hydrotherapy.

Quality and Durability

• Construction Materials: High-quality materials such as acrylic or reinforced fiberglass are indicators of a durable hot tub that will withstand the elements and frequent use.
• Insulation: Good insulation is key for energy efficiency, especially in colder climates. It helps maintain water temperature, reducing heating costs.

Features and Amenities

• Lighting and Entertainment Options: Ambient lighting and built-in sound systems can enhance the hot tub experience, making it more enjoyable and relaxing.
• Water Care Systems: Look for hot tubs with advanced filtration and water purification systems to ensure easy maintenance and clean, clear water.

Energy Efficiency

• Energy Consumption: Check for energy-efficient models that use less electricity to heat and maintain water temperature, which can significantly reduce operating costs.

Warranty and Support

• Warranty Coverage: A comprehensive warranty can offer peace of mind, covering potential repairs and defects. Pay attention to the warranty length and what components it includes.
• Customer Support: Good customer service from the manufacturer or retailer is crucial for addressing any issues or questions that may arise after purchase.

In summary, when selecting a 6-person hot tub, it’s essential to consider a combination of comfort, performance, durability, and additional features that suit your lifestyle. These factors will help ensure that you invest in a hot tub that provides the ultimate relaxation and enjoyment for years to come.

How big are 6 person hot tubs?

While 6-seater hot tubs can range in sizes, a typical model’s dimensions are:

• 6.56ft – 7.54ft wide (200-230cm)
• 6.56ft – 7.54ft long (200-230cm)
• 2.62ft – 3.28ft deep (80-100cm)

When you’re measuring up to see if you have space for one, be sure to keep in mind that you need to place your tub with at least 60cm between your hot tub cabinet and any surrounding walls so you can get in and out of it safely and comfortably.

You’ll also need 120cm of clearance on the side of your hot tub that contains the access panel so you can access it for repairs and servicing.

That means you’ll need a garden space of roughly four square metres near a drain and a water outlet to be able to install a 6-seater home spa.

How much water do 6-person hot tubs need?

Most 6-person hot tubs require between 1,100 and 1,400 litres of water. However some of the biggest models – especially ones with lounger seats – may require up to 1,800 litres.

What’s the usual layout of 6-person hot tubs?

6-person hot tubs tend to come in two configurations: six standard seats, five standard seats and one lounger.

While it’s ultimately a matter of personal preference:  

• An all-seater model is probably the way to go if you’re planning on regularly filling your hot tub, as they tend to be roomier.
• A lounger hot tub is a great and ideal option if your tub is only going to be at max capacity every now and then, as you’ll be able to enjoy an incredible full-body massage. The downside is that it will be a bit more cramped when you do decide to invite all the friends back around.

Whichever configuration sounds right for you, we recommended that you always head to a hot tub dealership and wet test a few different products and models to make sure you find a home spa that suits both your needs and comfortably fits your body type.

How much do 6-person hot tubs cost?

The typical 6-person hot tub costs from around £8,000 to £14,000, while some top-end models cost up to £20,000.

Go for a spa on the lower end of the scale and you can expect relatively basic features. The pricier six-seaters, on the other hand, tend to have more pumps (which means more powerful jets and bubbles) and a wider variety of jets to help you get the exact kind of massage you want.

And as you get into the top end of the market, you can expect high-end features like easy touch-screen controls, dual-level filtration systems, and enough underwater lighting for your own disco when the sun goes down!

Some of the best hot tubs around today can even come with mobile phone apps that let you monitor your hot tub’s status, sort and adjust its temperature, and track its energy usage from your pocket. 

You can see more information on pricing in our hot tub price guide.

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How much does it cost to run 6-person hot tubs?

Since 6-person hot tubs are some of the biggest models on the market, they have more water to heat up.

While this is counteracted a bit by the fact that six-seaters are often most brands’ top-end models and tend to have the best component options, the fact is they’re going to cost you more than a smaller spa to run.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep the running costs of your 6-person hot tub down, including:

• Invest in quality insulation. Your hot tub’s insulation greatly affects how much it costs to run. To keep your electricity bills as low as possible, go for a fully foam-insulated model from a WhatSpa? recommended hot tub brand.
• Cover it up. Hot tubs lose around 60% of their heat through the surface of their water. Investing in a quality hot tub cover can help trap that heat in and achieve optimal results when trying to cut down your energy bills. 
• Set the right temperature. While it might seem counterintuitive, you’ll actually save the most money if you leave your hot tub at the temperature you enjoy soaking at rather than turning it down between soaks.
• Master its settings. You can shave a bit off your energy bills by switching your spa to rest mode before you head off on holiday and making use of economy mode during the height of summer.
• Protect it from the elements. Tucking your hot tub away from the elements – or building hot tub housing around it – will protect it from the wind, rain, and snow and keep its running costs down.
• Close your spa’s jets when you’re not using them to block cold air from rushing in and cooling it down.
• Keep it clean. If you don’t clean your filters as part of your regular hot tub maintenance routine, they won’t work as effectively – which will ramp up your spa’s running costs, so be sure to stock up on the right hot tub cleaning and chemical products.
• Winterise your hot tub if you’re not planning on using it over the winter months. 
• Installing a hot tub air source heat pump can significantly cut your energy bills. You’ll just need to make sure you opt for a heat-pump-compatible home spa – and leave enough room around your tub to install a heat pump.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can you put a 6-person spa on a deck?

Yes! However, there are a few important factors to consider before doing so. Before bringing home your new hot tub, make sure you have a spot that’s the right size (you can use typical hot tub dimensions to help estimate). Furthermore, ensure your decking is both flat and anti-slip to help avoid unwanted accidents. Finally, keep in mind that both your tub and decking must be close enough to water supply lines, electric power sources, and drainage options.

Read our detailed guide on ‘How to work out if a deck can support a hot tub‘ for more details on this topic!

How long does it take to fill a 6-seater hot tub?

The time it takes to fill your hot tub will depend on various factors such as the water pressure, the size of the tub, and the flow rate of the faucet. On average, a 6-seater hot tub with standard water pressure will take around 2-3 hours to fill to the desired level.

However, factors such as water restrictions and low flow rates may increase the filling time. It is important to keep these factors in mind so that you can plan accordingly and make the most of your hot tub experience.

Is a 6-person hot tub right for you?

A six-seater home spa can be the hub of your social life – and the perfect way to enjoy quality time with your family in the garden and away from screens.

Keep everything we’ve laid out here in mind and you’ll be sure to have no worries when picking out the perfect 6-person hot tub for you.

Pick up your free copy of WhatSpa? magazine for more expert advice on buying, installing, and maintaining a hot tub – as well as our pick of the best buys for any budget.

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