Posted by Alex Clamp in
Buying
on 15th February 2023
It’s crucial you get clued up on the standard hot tub sizes before you start weighing up which is the right spa for you.
In this short guide, we’ll walk you through the typical dimensions of small, medium, and large spas to give you a clear idea of what hot tub size you’ll be able to go for.
So, grab your tape measure and let’s dive right in.
While each spa manufacturer has its own designs and standard hot tub sizes, if you buy a standard hot tub fitting 5-6 people from a major brand it will usually be sized between 6’6″ – 7’9″ x 6’4″ – 7’9″ x 2’7″ – 3’2″ (length x width x height)
On average, small hot tubs (2-4 people) will range between 5’4″ – 7″ feet in length, 5’4″ – 6’8″ feet in width, and 2’4″ – 2’9″ feet in height.
On average, medium hot tubs (5-6 people) will range between 6’6″ – 7’9″ feet in length, 6’4″ – 7’9″ feet in width, and 2’7″ – 3’2″ feet in height.
On average, large hot tubs (7+ people) will range between 7′ – 9′ feet in length, 7′ – 9’2″ feet in width, and 3′ – 3’3″ feet in height.
It’s a good idea to use these dimensions to get a rough idea of what size hot tub you’ll be able to fit in your garden before you head to a showroom.
Of course, each model has its own dimensions, and these are just rules of thumb – so be sure to visit a reputable dealership and speak to the staff to get a clear picture of what size will be best suited to the space you have available.
It isn’t just a hot tub’s dimensions you need to keep in mind when you’re thinking about where – and whether – a model you have your eye on would fit in your garden.
Be sure to also factor in:
The space you’ve got in mind needs to be big enough for your home spa, its foundations, and its cover lifter – as well as have space around the control panel for maintenance access.
As a general rule, be sure to account for 12” of clearance on three sides, and at least 18” around the access door.
It’s a good idea to speak to a reputable hot tub dealer about the specific clearance you’ll need to leave around a specific model before you think about getting it installed.
Another important thing to keep in mind when you’re measuring up for the hot tub you’ve got your heart set on is whether everybody will be able to get in and out of it comfortably.
This isn’t much of an issue for two-person hot tubs, but if there’s only one place to easily enter and exit a larger model then everyone will have to shuffle around to each other, which won’t make for such a relaxing experience.
So, if you’re planning on opting for a large hot tub that you’re planning on regularly filling with friends and family, it’s well worth making sure people will be able to comfortably get in and out of every seat.
It’s also important to bear in mind that there’ll need to be clearance for the cover lifter, which will add a few feet of height to the tub on one side. This is particularly important if you’re planning on building hot tub housing.
Once you’ve chosen the perfect spot for your hot tub, it’s important to measure up for delivery.
If there’s ample access to where you’d like your hot tub installed from the street then this isn’t something you’ll need to worry too much about.
But if it’s going to be a tight squeeze to get your hot tub in place then you’ll have to get the measuring tap out and see if it’s going to fit.
Walk the path the delivery team will take to get your hot tub from the street into your garden and measure up to make sure it would fit – bearing in mind spas are delivered on their side on a dolly during a ground delivery.
Pay special attention to overhead obstacles like low-hanging branches or a lintel over a fence gate, as well as any tight corners.
You might have to cut back branches or remove sections of a fence or a gate so the delivery team can get your hot tub into place. If this is the case, make sure to do all this in advance, as you could hold up the delivery if you try and do it on the day.
To make sure the delivery goes smoothly, be sure to read our hot tub installation guide before the big day – as well as ask the dealership their advice and recommendations.
And be sure to bear in mind that all is not lost if there isn’t space to deliver the model you’re after, as you might be able to find a WhatSpa? approved hot tub dealer that offers crane delivery. Be sure to ask if this is an option when you visit the showroom if you think it’s going to be a tight squeeze to get a hot tub into the space you’ve picked out.
Last but not least, it’s important to consider how many people will be using your hot tub – and how often.
Of course, if you’re lucky enough to have the ideal spot to fit a large hot tub in your garden then this isn’t something you need to worry about.
But if you’re weighing up whether to slot a smaller model into the perfect space or squeeze a larger spa into a more cramped area, the deciding factor should be how many people you want to be able to regularly use your hot tub at once.
If you’re planning on enjoying one of the biggest benefits of having a hot tub and making a regular event of inviting friends and family around to soak in your spa, it might be well worth opting to slot the larger model into the smaller space.
However, if your loved ones are likely to only swing by for a soak every once in a blue moon then that might sway you to opt for the smaller hot tub in the ideal location and potentially take turns in the tub with your friends and family when they do pay a visit.
Of course, if the largest models on the market don’t fit in the space you have, then unfortunately there’s nothing you can do other than go for the biggest hot tub that does fit.
No matter which size hot tub is the best option for you, be sure to buy yours from a WhatSpa? approved dealership to make sure you’re getting a quality spa that’s installed by certified engineers.
And be sure to pick up your free copy of WhatSpa? magazine for help picking the right hot tub for you – no matter what size you opt for.
Find the best hot tubs across every price range with the WhatSpa? Hot Tub Buyer’s Magazine. The latest edition includes the latest WhatSpa? Hot Tub Best Buy Awards. Request your free magazine now!
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About the author
I am the Content Writer and Marketing Officer at WhatSpa? Magazine. I have worked at WhatSpa? for over 8 years, and I recently graduated with Distinction from Northumbria University with a Master's degree in Occupational and Organizational Psychology. My role at WhatSpa? is to ensure that all hot tub lovers can easily access the highest quality and most up-to-date content, news and information from within the UK wet leisure industry.
Read our hot tub buying guide to learn how to choose the perfect hot tub model, then get the best deal from a quality hot tub retailer.
Read our guide to choosing the right type of housing for your hot tub and what you need to consider.
Read our guide on buying a hot tub for a small garden.