I was recently sitting in the sunshine in my garden and I started to wonder how much room I would need for hot tub and if it would be possible to fit one in. So, I started to do some research into how much space hot tubs actually take up and what the possible options might be.
So, how much space do I need for a hot tub? A hot tub for 5 – 6 adults will need a minimum of 250cm x 250 cm (8 feet 2 inches x 8 feet 2 inches). The hot tub itself will have a foot print of around 220cm x 220cm (7 feet 2 inches x 7 feet 2 inches) plus you will need clearance of between 1 and 2 feet (30 – 60cm) around the sides for access and maintenance.
However, hot tubs come in a huge range of shapes and sizes depending on how many people they can accommodate. Chances are, with a bit of planning, you can fit one in somewhere. So what are some possible options?
Hot Tub Sizes and People Capacity
Hot tubs vary in capacity between the small and intimate, designed for 2 – 4 people to huge party sized tubs that can hold up to 8 people. Shape wise square hot tubs are popular but you can also get rectangular ones and even round and triangular shapes.
You also have a choice between a permanently installed hot tub and a temporary inflatable one. The inflatable versions have the advantage of being portable and, when set up, don’t really require maintenance clearance around them. However, the permanent hot tubs are much more luxurious and comfortable.
Let’s look at three possible sizes.
Firstly, a small cozy hot tub for 2 – 4 people. These are around 180 cm x 180cm ( 5 feet 10 inches x 5 feet 10 inches). If you went for an inflatable version it could basically go right up into a wall or corner but a permanent hot tub would require a minimum 30cm or 1 foot clearance meaning a minimum space of about 210 cm x 210 cm (6 feet 8 inches x 6 feet 8 inches). Remember you need to allow space for steps to actually access the hot tub on one side as well.
Going to the other extreme and a large hot tub designed for up to 8 people would have a (rectangular) foot print of around 330 cm x 230 cm ( 10 foot 8 inches x 7 foot 5 inches). Again allowing for space around it you would need a minimum space of around 360 cm x 250 cm ( 11 foot 8 inches x 8 foot 2 inches). The inflatable version would take up less space at around 200 cm x 200cm ( 6 feet 5 inches x 6 feet five inches).
Medium sized hot tubs, accomodating 5 – 6 are the most popular and these are around 250cm x 250 cm (8 feet 2 inches x 8 feet 2 inches) for the hot tub itself and a minimum of 280 cm x 280 cm ( 9 feet 1 inch x 9 feet 1 inch) including clearance. Again inflatable versions save space at around 200 cm x 200 cm ( 6 foot 5 inches x 6 foot 5 inches).
Remember though that the quality of your whole hot tub experience will be enhanced by location. It’s not much fun being hemmed in by close walls on three sides! If you can locate your hot tub with a bit of a view and plenty of room for climbing in and relaxing beside it then so much the better!
Apart from space considerations, what other factors need to be taken into consideration?
What should a hot tub stand on?
Whatever size or type of hot tub you decide on it will need a solid and firm structural support beneath it. Water is obviously extremely heavy and even the smallest hot tub will hold nearly 700 litres of water weighing in at a wapping 700 KG. Add in the weight of 2 – 4 people and the total is around 1000KG or a metric tonne! Permanent hot tubs are even heavier with the hot tubs themselves weighing in at around 850 pounds, filling with 400 gallons of water and several occupants can tip the scales at well over 5000 pounds. This needs to be properly supported!
Many people like their hot tub to be on, or surrounded by a deck but the deck needs to be reinforced beneath to take the weight. Other options include concrete slabs, block work or even a solid deep gravel surface on the ground.
Wherever the hot tub is it needs to be firm, level and secure for the safety of the occupants and other people around. If you are in doubt, particularly for a permanent hot tub them you should seek professional structural advice.
Other hot tub location factors you might not have thought of.
Possibly the biggest other consideration for locating you hot tub is the issue of privacy. You might well not want all of your neighbours to be able to see you in your swimming costume in your hot tub! Providing some seclusion might mean erecting a fence or wall, partitioning off an area with some screening plants or having a large canopy over the hot tub. Remember that upstairs windows often overlook neighbour’s gardens and when the leaves on the trees begin to fall they loose their screening abilities!
Many hot tub owners report wanting their hot tub to be within easy reach of the house. It might seem idyllic to have a hot tub 200 yards from home in the woods but practically speaking it’s a long walk! Having the hot tub within 10 feet of home comforts is said to be ideal.
Also have a think about whether you want to be sitting in full sun or shade, do you want a spot with a cooling breeze or do you need to be protected from the elements? Pets and children have to be considered from a safety point of view as well.
Remember to allow plenty of space for opening doors as well. There’s nothing more annoying than opening the back door and only having a couple of inches to maneuver around through it because the hot tub is in the way! Remember that a permanent hot tub is a large object to install as well. Will it fit through the house or gateway to the garden when it arrives? Is there room to maneuver it into position?
What water and electrical connections do I need for my hot tub?
All hot tubs will need both an electrical and water connection. Permanent hot tubs will have permanent connections made and, to a certain extent, the closer the hot tub is located to the house the less costly making these connections will be. Generally speaking professional fitting advice will need to be taken as the combination of electricity and water isn’t one that is worth taking any risks over!
If you are going for a temporary inflatable hot tub the water and electrical connections are much simpler. Filling and draining can simply be done with a hosepipe. Inflatable hot tubs come with a long electrical cable that should be connected to a proper grounded socket inside the house. For safety reasons, it is not recommended to use an extension lead. If the lead from the hot tub won’t reach to a safe indoor socket then a qualified electrician should install a safe and grounded outdoor socket to use instead.
Can I install a hot tub myself?
Yes, of course. Whether or not this is a good idea though remains the big question. You can certainly build the base yourself but maneuvering anything but the very smallest (or inflatable) hot tub into position is a major task. Not only are hot tubs relatively heavy they are extremely large and awkward. You may well need a trolly or even a crane to get one in position.
If you purchase a new hot tub from a dealer the chances are that they will at least include delivery in the price. Whatever the situation though, unless you are a qualified electrician, you will won’t be able to sort out the electrical supply yourself.
So, going the DIY rote would probably mean sorting out the landscaping and base yourself and leaving the actual transportation and electrical connections to the professionals.
Related questions
How long does it take to fill a hot tub with water? This depends on the capacity of the hot tub and the water pressure. However, it generally takes between one and two hours. Most hot tubs are filled simply by using a hose with plain clean water. Chemicals are added to keep the water fresh and clear.
How long does it take to heat up the water in a hot tub? A number of factors need to be taken into consideration. It will depend on the air temperature, the amount of water in the hot tub, the cold water temperature and the capacity of the heating device. However, it’s usually a matter of hours rather than days and most hot tubs will have reached the correct temperature in about 4 hours.
What temperature should the water in the hot tub be? Different people prefer different temperatures and you can experiment to find the most comfortable temperature that you prefer. Most people like the water o be in the range between 100 degrees F – 102 degrees F (37.7 C – 38.8 C) with a maximum safe recommended temperature of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).
Andrew Hind
This post was created by Andrew. Enjoyer of hot tub soaking, fine cheese, music and photography.