4–5 person hot tubs

A 4–5 person hot tub is usually about 6½ to 7 feet (200–215 cm) square and holds roughly 1,100 to 1,500 litres (300 to 400 US gallons). It's the size many couples choose when they want room for guests, and it suits small families too.

Who a 4–5 person tub suits

• Couples who want space to stretch out, or to invite friends over
• Small families
• Yards with room for a 7-foot square plus steps and a cover lifter

If it's usually just the two of you and space is tight, compare it with a 2–3 person tub. If the whole family will use it together, look at 6–8 person tubs.

Seating layouts

The main choice at this size is a lounger or not:

• Lounger plus three or four seats: one person lies back full length while the others sit. A lounger takes the space of about two seats.
• Five seats, no lounger: more room for everyone to sit upright, often with a mix of seat depths.

Seat depth, footwell space and where the jets hit you matter more than the jet count. Try both layouts in the showroom before you choose.

How much does a 4 person hot tub weigh full?

Water weighs about 1 kg per litre. As an example, a tub holding 1,300 L that weighs 350 kg empty, with four adults of 80 kg each, comes to about 1,970 kg (4,340 lb).

Spread over a 7 by 7 foot footprint, that's around 430 kg per square metre (about 90 lb per square foot), far more than most decks are designed to carry without extra framing and footings. On the ground, a level, well-drained pad is the usual answer. On a deck, have the structure checked first; see hot tubs on decks and under gazebos.

Power

Most 4–5 person tubs are hardwired to a dedicated 240-volt circuit. The amperage depends on the model, so check it early against the space in your electrical panel. A licensed electrician installs the circuit and a GFCI-protected disconnect under a permit. See hot tub electrical.

Some tubs this size are sold as plug-and-play models on 120 volts. They're easier to install, but they heat more slowly, which you notice more with this much water in a Fraser Valley winter.

Getting it into the yard

A tub this size travels on its side on a cart. The path needs to be a little wider than the tub is tall, with room to turn corners and overhead clearance for the tub's width. Narrow side yards, steps and steep driveways are common reasons to bring a tub in by crane instead. We check access before you buy; see installation.