2–3 person hot tubs

A 2–3 person hot tub is usually about 5½ to 6½ feet (170–200 cm) long and holds roughly 750 to 1,150 litres (200 to 300 US gallons) of water. It suits couples and small spaces, but it still needs a level base that can carry its full weight, a dedicated electrical supply and a cover that keeps the heat in.

Who a small hot tub suits

• Couples who mostly soak on their own
• Small patios, side yards and townhouse yards (check your strata rules first)
• A second tub for a cabin or guest suite
• Anyone who wants a smaller tub to heat and look after

If you often have friends or family in the tub, try a 4–5 person tub in the showroom too. The step up in footprint is often smaller than people expect.

Shapes and seating

Small tubs come in a few layouts:

• Square or round with three seats: everyone sits upright, facing each other.
• Rectangular with a lounger: one person stretches out, one or two sit. A good choice for two people who both want different jets.
• Two seats side by side: compact, with room for two to sit facing the view.

Sit in each one. In a small tub, leg room and how your feet meet in the footwell matter more than the number of jets.

How much does a small hot tub weigh?

Water weighs about 1 kg per litre, so the water alone in a small tub weighs roughly 750 to 1,150 kg. Add the tub itself and the people in it.

As an example, a tub holding 950 L that weighs 250 kg empty, with two adults of 80 kg each, puts about 1,360 kg (3,000 lb) on its base. That's far less than a family-size tub, but it's still a concentrated load. On a deck it needs to be checked by someone qualified (see hot tubs on decks); on the ground it needs a level, well-drained pad.

Power: plug-and-play or 240V

Small tubs are where you'll find most plug-and-play models. They run on a dedicated 120-volt outlet with GFCI protection, which keeps installation simple. The trade-off is slower heating, and on many models the heater pauses while the jets run on high, which you notice most in winter.

Other small tubs are hardwired to a 240-volt circuit like a full-size tub, so they heat faster and can run the jets and heater together. Either way, the circuit is electrical work that needs a permit. See hot tub electrical.

Running a small tub

Less water means less to heat, but a small tub isn't automatically cheap to run. Insulation and the cover make the biggest difference, so look at those as closely as you would on a big tub. Our running costs guide shows how to estimate the electricity.

Getting it into the yard

Small tubs are easier to deliver, but they still travel on their side on a cart. You'll need a clear path a little wider than the tub is tall, room to turn corners, and enough overhead clearance for its length. We check this before you buy, as part of our installation process.