Here’s our guide to standard hot tub sizes including dimensions for small, medium and large spas.
So you want a hot tub, but you’re not sure what size? If you’re working with a very tight space, grab your measuring tape first. Keep in mind that you’ll need 12-18” of clearance all around the hot tub.
If you’ve got a big backyard or patio, ask yourself how many people you anticipate inviting into the hot tub at one time. Then you can narrow down your search by only looking at models with at least that number of seats.
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Standard Hot Tub Size
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a standard hot tub size. A four-person hot tub, for instance, might comfortably fit only two or three adults, depending on their size, shape, and need for personal space.
Not only that, the configuration of the seating, the depth of the water, and the width and breadth of the tub can all vary significantly from one model of hot tub to another.
On one hand, this is great — no matter what your preferences are, you’re sure to find a hot tub that suits you. On the other hand, it makes it a bit difficult to compare or even narrow down the options.
Hot tub retailers group hot-tubs into three categories — small, medium, and large.
Small Hot Tubs (2-4 People)
Small hot tubs are those with measurements in the following range: Length: 5’4” to 7″ Width: 5’4” to 6’8” Height: 29” – 35”. They usually seat two or three people.
Medium hot Tub (4-6 People)
A medium hot tub seats between four and six people. Most hot tubs are medium-sized. The length can range from 6’6” to 7’9”. Widths are between 6’4” to 7’9”. The height of a medium hot tub can be anywhere from 33” to 38.5” H.
Large Hot Tub (7+ People)
If a hot tub can seat seven or more people, it is considered large. These are at least seven feet long and wide. (Source Caldera)
The largest pre-fabricated model available has a length of 9’ and a width of 9’2”. Large hot tubs generally stand 36” to 38” tall.
Besides length, width, and height, there is a third measurement that comes into play when considering a hot tub: water depth.
Typically, a hot tub is filled until the water is about five inches from the rim. How much of your body is underwater depends partially on the size and shape of your body, but also on the size and shape of the supporting structure.
Some hot tub seats are very low, while others are higher. Children and shorter adults may prefer a shallower seat. Taller adults tend to favor deeper-set seats.
Standard Hot Tub Size Chart
Hot Tub Size: (Ranges)
Length:
Width:
Height:
Small (2 to 4 People)
5’4” to 7″
5’4” to 6’8”
29” – 35”
Medium (4 to 6 People)
6’6” to 7’9”
6’4” to 7’9”
33” to 38.5”
Large (7+ People)
7’+
7’+
36” to 38”
Hot Tub Dimensions 2 person
One of the smallest two-person hot tubs available is 6’6” long, 3’7” wide, and only 2’9” high. It can accommodate two people sitting face to face, but if you’d like to stretch out, it can only be used alone.
Hot Tub Dimensions 4 Person
An average, square, four-seat hot tub would likely be 6’2” long, 6’2” wide, and 2’10” high. Although these models are advertised for four people, they are usually more comfortable with just two or three.
5 Person Hot Tub Dimensions
One round, five-person hot tub model measures 6” in diameter and 2’9” in height. Another square, five-person hot tub model might measure 7”1’ in length and width, and be 3” tall.
Hot Tub Dimensions 6 Person
A hot tub with lots of jets will require extra power and machinery to run, and result in a rectangular, rather than square, design. One example 6 person model has 57 jets, is 7’8” long, 8’4” wide, and 2’10” high.
7 Person Hot Tub Dimensions
One popular, square, seven-seat hot tub model has a length and width of 7’10”, and a height of 3”. It comes equipped with two lounger-style seats.
Hot Tub Dimensions 8 Person
A rectangular, eight-seat hot tub model with one lounger-style seat measures, on average, 11 feet long, eight feet wide, and three feet tall.
Cost to Operate a Hot Tub
The cost to run your hot tub will vary on several factors such as the temperature you set and how often it is used. However, the average cost to operate a hot tub will cost less than $1 per day to run.
A small hot tub should cost about $7 to $10 a week and a large hot tub should cost about $10 to $15 per week to run.
In a survey from the site Pool And Spa, “69.5 percent of people report that on average, only two people use their hot tub at once.” With that said, one may need to consider their individual needs when it comes to buying a hot tub to make sure they are getting the best model for their needs.
Hot Tub Weight
An empty hot tub usually weighs between 500 and 1000 lbs. To ensure you have adequate structural support, your foundation should be able to withstand not only the weight of the tub but also the water and the occupants.
A small hot tub filled with water and people will weigh about 3,000lbs. A medium-sized hot tub in the same condition will weigh about 4,500lbs and a large hot tub can be expected to weigh in at 5,500lbs.
Hot Tub Pad Size
Hot tubs can be placed on wooden decking if there is adequate support, but many homeowners choose to pour a concrete pad instead. The pad should be, at minimum, the same size as the hot tub.
If exterior stairs will be needed to enter the hot tub, the pad should be large enough to accommodate those as well.
Matthew has been writing about interior design since 2015 when he founded Designingidea.com. He owns a design firm and enjoys working alongside interior designers and architects to share new and exciting design trends, picture galleries, and room layouts with his readers.
Matthew Sherborne
