Shopping for a hot tub can sound pretty straightforward. But when you dig into the options, you suddenly face a lot of decisions.
And one of the very first ones is the size of the spa.
Should you buy a compact hot tub that is mainly meant for one or two users? Or does a six-person hot tub suit you better?
The right choice depends on how you plan to use the spa. And for many Mesa homeowners, that means considering the difference between a 2 person vs. 6 person hot tub.
Fortunately, there’s no automatic winner in the hot tub sizing war. At Sunset Spas, we help Arizona homeowners pick hot tubs in person, not based only on the picture or the seat count.
Let’s discuss the factors that may help you make the choice.
Quick Tip: When to Buy a 2-Person or 6-Person Hot Tub
If you plan to use the hot tub mainly for couples and you don’t need extra space, go for a 2-person hot tub.
If you want to entertain guests, accommodate more people in the spa, use various seating positions or simply want more room to stretch out, a 6-person hot tub can be a better choice.
Just keep in mind that it’s not all about the number of seats.
Two hot tubs with similar seat counts may feel very differently inside. It depends on the seat design, the presence of loungers, footwell space, jet placements and overall spa dimensions.
So visiting a showroom is a must here.
What Space Do You Have at Your Mesa Home?
Before shopping for a hot tub, you need to determine how much space you have in your backyard.
A compact spa may suit owners of townhouses, compact patios, side yards and any other areas where every square foot matters. It leaves more room for outdoor furniture, a grill, a dining set or just extra landscaping.
But obviously, a 6-person spa takes more space.
However, don’t forget about additional space for access, spa cover, steps, equipment and maintenance.
Besides, think about the movement pattern around the spa.
Even though the hot tub technically fits into the corner, you may find yourself squeezing between pieces of patio furniture every single time you get in.
Who Will Use the Spa Regularly?
Again, the question sounds obvious, but it can save you from buyer’s remorse.
Instead of focusing on holidays or rare moments of luxury, think about how you and your family will use the hot tub on a usual day.
If you and your spouse just want to relax in the evening after work, a compact spa may be all you need.
But if you have teenagers, adult children, grandchildren or even friends who come to visit, a larger hot tub may fit much better.
By the way, remember about the future. You can shop for 2 people right now, but you will want more room in the future if you like to entertain guests.
Is a 2-Person Hot Tub Comfortable for a Couple?
Absolutely.
Compact hot tubs usually focus heavily on the seating experience. So depending on the model, you may find deep seats, lounge seating, hydrotherapy jets and comfortable foot positions.
It’s a great choice for couples who mainly plan to use the spa for relaxation and therapy.
Plus, a compact spa gives you an easy reach to everything you may need.
But the compact size doesn’t always mean a spacious interior.
Some models of 2-person hot tubs have small footwells or limited seating positions.
For this reason, you should test the seats before making the purchase decision, if possible.
Height and body proportions matter much more than the specification sheet says.
Why Mesa Families Like 6-Person Spas
A larger hot tub provides more flexibility for you and your family.
First of all, you get more seating positions in 6-person spas. Each of them may have different jet arrangements and seat depths.
Secondly, it becomes easier to entertain guests in such a spa.
You don’t need to gather 6 people in it every day – it’s enough to have a couple of guests and still enjoy the additional space.
Also, a 6-person spa may seem less crowded, although there are fewer people in it.
That’s why some owners prefer larger hot tubs even if their household consists of 2 or 3 members.
Pay Attention to the Real Dimensions, Not the Number of Seats
The seat count can be misleading when you’re comparing hot tubs.
Although a certain model can claim to provide 6 seats, you and 5 of your friends may find it uncomfortable when sitting together.
But the opposite can also happen – 5 or 6 seats may fit perfectly into a compact, well-designed interior.
When comparing hot tub sizes, pay attention to:
- overall dimensions of the exterior
- seat depth and width
- footwell space
- lounge seats vs. upright seats
- jet placement
- entrance points
- spa height
- distance between seating positions
Consider Water, Energy and Maintenance
Sure, a 6-person spa contains more water. For this reason, it requires more energy for heating water and more chemicals for maintenance.
However, it’s not the only factor you should take into account.
Insulation quality, pump design, cover quality, water and outside temperatures, your hot tub habits and equipment efficiency play their role too.
Arizona climate creates its own particularities.
Even though winters in Arizona are milder than in many states, the summer heat is definitely something to think about when planning your hot tub.
Also, a 2-person spa may suit owners who prefer smaller volume of water in their spa. On the other hand, you may prefer to sacrifice some compactness in exchange for more room in the spa.
Don’t compare hot tubs by size alone.
Hydrotherapy or Seating Position?
Many people shop for hot tubs because they want to relax in the evening. And others look for a hydrotherapy device after work or exercise.
If hydrotherapy is your priority, check the locations of the jets carefully.
More seats in a hot tub don’t guarantee better hydrotherapy.
For example, a 2-person spa can have two great therapy positions, while a six-person one may have several different jet arrangements for different zones of your body.
Think what is important to you:
- several highly defined seating positions
- several different seating positions to choose from?
Will You Host Guests in Your Backyard?
People in Arizona spend a lot of time outdoors, especially when the weather is pleasant in the evenings.
If your backyard is already used as a party zone, you may prefer a 6-person spa.
Your friends can enjoy it, and you can host them around it.
Otherwise, some homeowners prefer a quiet place where they can disconnect and relax in peace and quiet.
In this case, a 2-person hot tub can be a great choice.
Which Hot Tub Fits Better Into an Existing Backyard?
Obviously, a compact spa has an advantage in this case.
It can fit easily among existing landscaping, a pool, a patio, walls or any other obstacles.
Delivery access remains important for both spa types. Before purchasing a hot tub, check how it will be delivered.
Gates, narrow pathways, roofline, AC units, walls and other objects in your backyard may impact this process.
Is It Worth Buying a 6-Person Hot Tub for 2 People?
Yes, of course.
A 6-person spa is not exclusively for 6 persons.
It can be great for couples who want more space, several therapy seats, larger footwell or extra room for occasional guests.
But purchasing a large spa only because it seems “bigger must be better” is definitely not always a wise decision.
If you prefer compact backyard, rarely entertain guests, and love the seating positions in a smaller spa, you may be happier with the smaller one.
Visit Showroom and Test Hot Tubs In Person
Online research gives you information about features, sizes and price ranges of the hot tubs. However, it doesn’t give you the impression of the spa itself.
Visit our showroom and test different sizes and spa models.
Check the seats, footwells, entrance points, loungers, controls and jet locations.
What is the most important, imagine how you will use the spa in your backyard.
Will the compact spa be cozy or cramped?
Or will the larger spa be spacious enough or oversized?
It becomes much easier to answer these questions in person.
Choose the Right Spa for Your Mesa Home
Comparing a 2 person vs. 6 person hot tub is not about choosing a better spa size.
It’s about choosing a better fit for you.
A compact hot tub can be a great choice for couples, for private relaxation, for hydrotherapy or for smaller backyards. And a six-person spa offers more seats, more flexibility, more room for guests and more ways to enjoy your backyard.
Before purchasing a hot tub, think about your backyard space, regular users, entertaining habits, preferences about hydrotherapy, maintenance and long-term plans.
Then compare several hot tub models in person.
We offer a wide range of premium hot tubs and swim spas for Arizona homeowners. Our specialists will help you to compare different sizes, seating arrangements, features and options so you can choose a spa for your Mesa backyard and lifestyle.
After all, the best hot tub is not necessarily the biggest one.
It’s the one you want to use.
