22 August 2022
A hot tub can make a great addition to any property and is sure to enhance your space. But what do you do if space is hard to come by?
Hot tubs are noticeably not the smallest, lightest products in the world and the last thing anybody wants is for their dreams of relaxing in their hot tub with a glass of champagne to be dashed by a lack of space.
In this blog we discuss what are some of the best hot tubs for small spaces, how much space a hot tub needs, the pros and cons of inflatable tubs, as well as cover how to arrange the delivery of your hot tub.
How Much Space Does a Hot Tub Need?
When it comes to how much space a hot tub needs, you should try to give yourself a clear foot of space on each side of your tub. This is to afford room for covers, steps, etc. You should also factor in that conducting efficient maintenance and cleaning you’ll need room to walk around the entire tub.
It is also worth remembering to try to factor in the quality of your experience. While it may sound ideal to fit a hot tub into a perfectly sized space by the side of your home, your enjoyment can be significantly enhanced by the location. If you find yourself hemmed in on all sides by walls, you’ll likely have less fun than in a more open space with a view.
When it comes to the space your hot tub needs, another factor that needs to be taken into consideration is what the surface is. Regardless of the size, shape, or type of your dream hot tub, you will need solid support for a base. Water is extremely heavy so even small hot tubs can weigh a huge amount. The most common supports for a hot tub are:
- Reinforced decking
- Concrete slabs
- Gravel surfaces
Are Inflatable Hot Tubs Any Good?
In terms of size, inflatable models are arguably the best hot tubs for small spaces. You can even store it away when you’re not using it. But the problem with inflatable hot tubs is that they’re generally not the best when it comes to factors such as build quality and user experience.
There’s a reason you can often pick up inflatable hot tubs for only a few hundred pounds from a supermarket shelf; they’re a common summer impulse buy that isn’t designed to create the best user experience possible.
Your inflatable hot tub likely won’t have a seat. At best it will feel more like sitting in a warm paddling pool than a high-quality hot tub. This type of tub also often has poor insulation leading to any heat present escaping much quicker. Additionally, due to the relatively poor insulation, the heater needs to work significantly harder, leading to overinflated running costs for an underinflated experience.
Contrastingly, while not as handy for smaller spaces, a hard shell hot tub is built to provide the user with comfort, peace, and relaxation at all times. Not only that but your hardshell hot tub can also be used all year round — even when it’s raining.
If you’re short on space and simply want a tub that may last through the peak of the Summer, you may want to consider an inflatable model. However, if you’re looking for something more substantial, something designed around your experience; something more immersive, a hard shell hot tub is likely perfect for you.
Best Hot Tubs for Small Spaces
Not all hot tubs are designed to cater for large get togethers. Sure there are plenty of models , but there’s also a booming market for more compact tubs, perfect for a more intimate experience. From the Topaz, Arizona, and Palma, here is our selection of the best hot tubs for small spaces:
Topaz Hot Tub
With dimensions of 2000 x 1560 x 780 mm, the Topaz model is one of the most compact hot tubs we have in terms of width and height. But even smaller tubs such as this one come jam-packed with must-have features like:
- 73 multi-directional jets for the ultimate hydro-massage experience
- An easy-to-use control panel
- LED lights to set the perfect ambience
Arizona Hot Tub
Much like the Topaz, hot tub is another of our highest quality three-person hot tubs. Two loungers and one seat makes this model perfect for couples and small families.
Dimensions of 2130 x 1650 x 875 mm do make the Arizona a touch bigger, but this will provide you with a little extra leg and elbow room. This model also comes with LED lights and a simple control system, plus 43 soothing jets to work through any aches and pains.
Palma Hot Tub
The Palma boasts only one lounger instead of the more traditional two, meaning that there is significantly more space for additional seating — so none of your nearest and dearest have to miss out on all of the fun, rest, and relaxation.
With dimensions of 2000 x 2000 x 900 mm, the Palma is actually one of our most economical hot tubs in terms of size and space. Its 87 jets are on hand to ensure complete and total relaxation. At a similar price to the Topaz listed above, the Palma hot tub could be the best model to suit both your needs and your space.
Remember, this is just the short list. If you want to we have a much wider variety for you to choose from.
How to Arrange the Delivery of Your Hot Tub
Even the best hot tubs for small spaces aren’t tiny. Working with an who knows what is required to successfully deliver your hot tub is key. However, there are a few things that you can do to help, including clearing the area, making sure you’re home for delivery, and updating the deliverers should any situations change.
No matter how small your hot tub may be, the delivery will likely still need to be an intricate process. Things you can do to help arrange the delivery of your hot tub are:
Keep the Street Clear
When delivering, we use a van and a fit-for-purpose dolly cart. The total length of the van and cart is around 7m, meaning we will need plenty of space outside your home to park up and get the hot tub ready for delivery.
We use a van and a fit-for-purpose dolly cart to deliver hot tubs. The total length of the van and cart is around 7m, so we will need plenty of room to park up and detach your hot tub.
Assess the Logistics
No matter how much space you have available in your back garden or in your home, installation must be well thought out in advance. Manoeuvring a hot tub requires spatial awareness, so please check that the hot tub you want can fit in the space you’ve allocated.
Additionally, if you’re looking to include any bonuses to your tub such as steps or a cover lifter, you’ll need more room to accommodate. Some of the heavier covers can be a two-person job to remove and put back on so you’ll need ample space around your hot tub.
It’s also important that we have a way of getting from the front of your property to the installation area. If we can’t get your tub through a gate, over a wall, or past steps/drain pipes, we may have to hire additional equipment such as a crane to help — a potentially expensive procedure.
If in doubt, feel free to contact us beforehand for assistance.
Clear the Area as Much as Possible
The process of delivering a hot tub is complicated and intricate. When it comes to fitting your tub, the last thing either party wants is for additional clearing to need to be done while your hot tub is on a cart. Remove any items out of the space that would inhibit installation prior to your delivery slot.
Make Sure Someone is Home
It sounds like an obvious point, but it’s surprisingly common. If nobody is home when it’s time for your hot tub to be delivered, you’re highly unlikely to return to a new tub left in a safe space.
As you can imagine, there are very few neighbours who would be willing to sign for a package as large as a hot tub — even some of the smaller models on the market.
We pride ourselves on sticking to agreed time slots. If there are any issues which will stop us from showing up on time, we will let you know as soon as possible.
Let Us Know if You Need to Change the Date or Time
We know life doesn’t always run perfectly. If you need us to change the date or time of your delivery, it is always a good idea to let your deliverers know as soon as possible. The more notice you give, the easier it will be to rearrange.
Work Out Which Hot Tub is Right For You With Hot Tubs Direct
Whether you have a vast, open and expansive space to work with or you’re just attempting to make your little corner of the world that bit more relaxing, you’re sure to find the perfect hot tub at Hot Tubs Direct.
If you’re struggling to pick the right one, have any questions about sizing for your space, installation or anything you can imagine, feel free to get in touch with a member of our team.
