July 29, 2025

What Size Hot Tub Should I Get?

A Real-World Guide to Choosing the Right Fit

When you begin your search for the perfect hot tub, one of the first decisions you'll face is choosing the right size. It sounds simple enough — until you realize that a 5-person spa doesn’t always comfortably seat five adults, and that your intended use, available space, and long-term needs all play a big role.

If you're wondering, "What size hot tub should I get?" — you're not alone. It's one of the most common questions we hear, and for good reason. With so many models available, from compact two-seaters to oversized party spas, it can be tough to determine what’s right for your home and lifestyle.

In this guide, we’ll help you understand what hot tub sizes really mean, the questions you should ask before choosing, and how to select the model that brings comfort, functionality, and long-term satisfaction.

Why Size Matters — And Why “5-Person” May Not Mean What You Think

Hot tub sizes are typically labeled based on seat count. You’ll see models listed as 2-person, 4-person, 6-person, and so on. But the reality behind these numbers isn’t always as straightforward.

A hot tub labeled as a “5-person” model may physically contain five molded seats. However, when five adults sit in the tub at the same time, the space can feel tight. If you want plenty of room to stretch out, or if you’re soaking with friends or family members who value their personal space, a 6- or even 7-person hot tub might be a better choice.

On the flip side, if you rarely expect to fill every seat and your usage is more intimate or infrequent, a slightly smaller spa might suit you just fine — and save you on initial costs and ongoing energy use.

Ask These Questions Before Choosing a Hot Tub Size

To choose the right hot tub size, it’s important to consider how you will use it — not just what the label says. The following questions can help guide your decision and are especially valuable for search engines when researching your purchase.

1. How many people will regularly use the hot tub?

This is the single most important question to ask. Think realistically about your daily or weekly usage:

  • Will it just be you and your partner most of the time?

  • Are you part of a large family that plans to use the spa together?

  • Will you host friends frequently?

If you only have five or more people in the tub a couple of times a year, there’s little need to size up solely for those rare occasions. However, if you plan to host regularly or have a large household, you’ll want more room to avoid crowding.

2. Do you want room to stretch out or lounge?

Many people prefer the ability to fully recline in their spa — especially after a long day. This is where space really matters.

  • A spa may technically seat five, but it may only have one lounge-style seat.

  • Taller individuals may find legroom tight in smaller models.

  • Even when not full, a spacious tub can feel more luxurious.

If comfort is a top priority, consider sizing up even if you’re not maxing out seat count.

3. What type of seating configuration do you prefer?

Not all hot tub seating is created equal. Some models offer a mix of upright seats and lounger-style positions. Others prioritize open bench seating or wraparound designs.

Think about:

  • Whether you want individual seats or a more communal bench feel

  • If you enjoy lounge seating with full-body jet coverage

  • Whether a no-float lounger is important (PDC’s Lifestyle and Premium models offer this)

More seats often means more variety — and a better experience for multiple users at once.

4. How much space do you have for installation?

Measure your installation area carefully, including:

  • Physical dimensions of your patio or deck

  • Clearance space for service access and cover operation

  • Any limitations with doorways, gates, or delivery paths

It’s easy to fall in love with a large, feature-rich hot tub — only to find it doesn’t quite fit your space. PDC Spas offers a wide variety of sizes, including compact models like the Carmel that are perfect for smaller patios.

5. Are you installing the spa indoors or outdoors?

Indoor installations often require a smaller model to accommodate doors and ventilation needs. Outdoor installations typically allow more flexibility, but you’ll still need to factor in cover clearance and access for routine maintenance.

Also consider whether your spa will sit in a recessed area, on a deck, or freestanding — each scenario may impact your optimal size.

6. How often will you entertain or host guests?

If you're buying a hot tub primarily for entertaining, a larger model may be worth the investment. Not only will it allow for more people, but it provides a better experience when the spa is in use.

That said, don’t overbuy for the sake of the occasional gathering. If you’ll entertain 2–3 times per year but mostly use the spa solo or as a couple, a smaller model may be the smarter fit.

7. What’s your ideal balance of features vs. size?

Bigger hot tubs often come with more bells and whistles — advanced jet systems, LED lighting, integrated sound systems, and more. But that doesn’t mean you need to go big to get quality.

PDC offers powerful hydrotherapy and premium features across all sizes, so you can enjoy luxury in a compact footprint if needed.

8. What is your ongoing maintenance and energy usage tolerance?

Larger hot tubs naturally use more water and require a bit more energy to maintain temperature. That said, energy-efficient design can make a major difference.

All PDC Spas hot tubs are built with TemperLok™ insulation, efficient pumps, and insulated hot tub covers to retain heat — making even our largest models cost-effective to operate year-round.

Hot Tub Size Categories: What’s the Difference?

Here’s a closer look at typical hot tub size ranges and who they’re best suited for:

Small Hot Tubs (2–3 People)

Best for: Singles, couples, or limited space.

  • Ideal for personal use

  • Fits most patios or balconies

  • Lower upfront and operating costs

PDC Pick: Mirage – compact, powerful, and thoughtfully designed for everyday use.

Medium Hot Tubs (4–5 People)

Best for: Small families, couples who like more room, or occasional entertaining.

  • Flexible without being too large

  • Often includes a mix of upright seats and a lounger

  • Great balance of features and size

PDC Pick: Seasons– offers a spacious, therapeutic experience for mid-size households.

Large Hot Tubs (6–7+ People)

Best for: Large families, frequent hosts, or those who want a more open layout.

  • Offers the most seating variety

  • Ideal for group relaxation and entertainment

  • Usually includes more powerful jet arrays and customization

PDC Pick: Bali – generous seating and top-of-the-line features make this model a standout for larger groups.

Bonus Tip: Consider Future Needs

A hot tub is a long-term investment — not just a purchase for the next six months. Think about how your needs may change:

  • Will your family grow?

  • Will you want to host more events in the future?

  • Are you planning to relocate, renovate, or expand your outdoor space?

It’s often worth going slightly larger now, rather than outgrowing your spa later and facing the hassle of replacement.

Final Thoughts: Comfort Comes First

Choosing the right hot tub size isn’t just about the numbers — it’s about real-life comfort and use. A “6-person” spa might technically fit six people, but if you want room to lounge, relax, and move freely, it might be perfect for four. On the other hand, if your needs are compact and simple, a smaller model might bring the same joy with fewer resources.

At PDC Spas, we build hot tubs for real people with real lives. From space-saving designs to spacious group models, our lineup offers comfort, quality, and customization at every size.

Ready to find your perfect fit?
Explore our full line of Luxury, Premium, and Lifestyle Series hot tubs, or contact us to speak with an expert. We'll help you choose the size that works for your space, your lifestyle, and your everyday routine.