The Best Hot Tubs for Small Spaces (Options for All Budgets)
By Jennifer Rhodes · Updated
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Do you have a small yard? Do you want to relax in the best hot tub for your space, but don't know where to start? Well I've got good news for you! There are some great options on the market that will work well for people who live in smaller spaces. Let's take a look at some of them.
The best hot tubs for small spaces are: an inflatable spa, a Softub, a rotomolded spa, a corner tub, or a small acrylic model. These are all popular options perfect for a small garden, because not only are they compact in size—they're among the most affordable types of hot tubs too.
Budget is a major factor in purchasing a hot tub for most people. But depending on the type of experience you want, you can actually get small spas in a wide range of price points. I will try to include them all in the models I suggest below.
Inflatable hot tub
Inflatable spas are an affordable option that is great for anyone on a budget. They are naturally smaller than hard-sided spas because there's a limit to how much water their material can support.
People enjoy inflatable hot tubs because of their price, portability, and convenience. Their puncture resistance means they are also relatively durable.
One of the more popular smaller models (for around 3 people) is the St. Lucia from Bestway:
If you're looking for something for up to 6 people, the Intex 28427E is worth looking at:
Unfortunately, inflatable spas also have several drawbacks, such as their lack of built-in seating. They are not good for people who want to host large groups in their hot tub. There is also decreased durability when compared to other spas on this list. Note that inflatable hot tubs are also a poor choice if you live in a very cold climate because the vast majority are not designed to operate below 40°F.
I have a detailed guide on inflatable spas if you would like to learn more.
Softub
Softubs are cost-effective and comfortable hot tubs that use patented, green technology to maintain heat within a soft, lightweight foam design. These spas are more durable than inflatable tubs, meaning you do not need to worry about popping and bursting.
They are also more transportable than traditional, hard-sided spas. Instead of heavy lifting, these tubs can roll on their sides, making it easy for two people to transport them short distances conveniently.
The Sportster 140 is a reasonably-priced Softub. It comes in various color choices, including interior and exterior options. The many benefits of the Sportster 140 include:
- Portability
- Tiny footprint (fits 1-2 adults only)
- Lightweight design
If the Sportster 140 is too small for you, they do make several larger models. Unfortunately, like inflatable spas, Softubs also have no built-in seating.
Rotomolded hot tub
Rotomolded spas are light and durable hot tubs with minimal features. They have a similar appearance to small acrylic hot tubs, but companies make them from different materials. They are less expensive but more basic than acrylic spas. Rotomolded spas are a great option for a moderate budget.
Benefits of a typical rotomolded hot tub include:
- Durability
- Cost-effectiveness
- Light weight for a hard-sided spa
The EZ Spa from Dream Maker Spas is one example of a rotomolded spa. It's a decent mid-range option that is light, durable, and affordable.
The EZ spa has all the basic features you would expect in a spa, such as jets and lights. There are also many add-on packages you can use to customize your spa experience. For instance, you can choose to add an LED ambiance package, or a set of matching steps if you want those additional features.
Corner hot tub
Corner tubs are great for small spaces because of their unusual triangular shape. They can fit nicely in small yards (and even into quite awkward spaces) because of this.
A corner hot tub takes up only half the standard hot tub size. While this does make them generally only large enough for two people, this limited seating may be no problem if you only have a small household.
Several high-end hot tub brands make a corner model, and these have various fancy features that make up for the small size. You can customize your corner hot tub in many cases with optional add-ons to make it more specialized for you.
One popular corner tub is the Nordic D'Amour All-In-110V spa. It is a heart-shaped tub with features like the high-volume whirlpool and targeted pressure jets. This tub is only large enough for two people, but Nordic is a quality brand, and the technology and user customization options make it a great choice.
Small acrylic hot tub
Acrylic hot tubs are the most common type of hot tub, and what most people would imagine when they picture a "real" hot tub. The smallest models fit 3-4 people, have minimal footprints, and can work for smaller spaces.
These spas are certainly the most expensive (and largest) choice on this list, but they are the smallest type of hot tub you can get that still has all the features you would otherwise only find in a larger acrylic spa: square shape, molded seating, powerful massage jets, and a high-end brand name.
A model like the Hot Spring SX would be great for a small backyard, and comfortably fit three adults. Compared to most acrylic spas, it's small for sure, but it delivers on the promise of a relaxing hot tub with multi-functional jets at an affordable price.
Although small acrylic hot tubs like the Hot Spring SX are the most expensive option, if you are less constrained by budget and only limited by space, a small acrylic spa is going to be where you want to start your search.
The bottom line
There are many types of hot tubs available for small spaces, and each type has its benefits and drawbacks. I hope this article has given you some ideas about what hot tubs for small spaces are available, and that it will help you find one that best fits your situation!