6–8 person hot tubs
A six to eight person hot tub is for families who soak together and people who like to have friends over. It needs more room, a stronger base and more power, so plan those early.
A 6–8 person hot tub is usually about 7½ to 8 feet (230–245 cm) square and holds roughly 1,500 to 1,900 litres (400 to 500 US gallons). Full of water and people it can weigh well over 2,500 kg, so the base, the electrical and the path into your yard all need planning before you choose.
Who a big tub suits
- Families who soak together
- People who regularly have friends over
- Anyone who wants a mix of seats, a lounger and room to stretch
Eight seats means eight people sitting close. If you'll usually be four to six, a 6-seat tub with a good mix of seat depths is often more comfortable than squeezing in more seats.
How big is a 6 person hot tub?
Most 6-seat tubs are about 7½ feet (230 cm) square and 8-seat tubs closer to 8 feet (245 cm), with a height of around 3 feet (90 cm) or a little more. Allow extra room around the tub for steps on one side and a cover lifter, which needs clearance behind the tub when the cover is open.
Weight and the base
Water weighs about 1 kg per litre. As an example, a tub holding 1,700 L that weighs 400 kg empty, with six adults of 80 kg each, comes to about 2,580 kg (5,690 lb).
That's why most family-size tubs go on a reinforced concrete pad on a compacted gravel base, or another base the manufacturer approves. A deck would need to be designed for that load. See hot tub pads and bases and hot tubs on decks.
Power
Bigger tubs often have two jet pumps, and some have extra features that draw power. Many need a larger 240-volt circuit than smaller tubs, so check the model's requirement against your electrical panel early. Older homes with a 100-amp service sometimes need a load calculation or an upgrade first. A licensed electrician installs the circuit under a permit; see hot tub electrical.
Heating more water
More water takes longer to heat and costs more to keep hot, which makes insulation and a well-fitted cover even more important on a big tub in our climate. Once it's up to temperature, a well-insulated tub mostly just holds its heat. Our running costs guide shows how to estimate the electricity.
Getting it into the yard
A big tub on its side on a cart needs a clear path a little wider than the tub is tall, room to turn, and overhead clearance of around 8 feet. Tight side yards, stairs, retaining walls and fences are why family-size tubs are often lifted in by crane. We look at access during the site check, before you buy; see installation.
FAQ
Questions
Something else on your mind? Ask us when you request a quote.
How much does a 6 person hot tub weigh full?
It depends on the model, but a 6-seat tub full of water and people commonly weighs somewhere around 2,000 to 3,000 kg (4,400 to 6,600 lb). The water is most of that.
Can a 6 person hot tub go on a deck?
Only if the deck is built for that load. Most existing decks aren't, so have an engineer or qualified builder check it, and expect to add framing and footings.
Will a 6 person hot tub fit through my side gate?
It travels on its side, so the gate needs to be a little wider than the tub is tall, usually somewhere around 3 feet, and the path needs room to turn. If it won't fit, a crane can lift it over the house or fence.
Is an 8 person hot tub too big for four people?
Not too big, but it costs more to heat and takes more space than you need. Many four-person households are happier with a 5 or 6 seat tub with a lounger.
Valley Hot Tubs
Planning a family-size tub?
Send us a photo of the spot and the path in, and we'll tell you what it needs.