How Much Space Do You Need for a Hot Tub? Planning Your Backyard Before You Buy

Key Takeaways

• The space you need for a hot tub depends on the spa's actual dimensions, how many people you want to accommodate, and how you plan to use the surrounding area.
• Don't measure only the footprint of the hot tub. Think about access, steps, the cover, electrical requirements, and room to comfortably get in and out.
• Compact hot tubs can fit into smaller patios and decks, while larger models need more room and may be better suited to spacious backyards.
• Patio Splash carries hot tubs in several sizes, including compact models and larger spas designed for families and entertaining.
• Measuring your available space before shopping can help narrow down which hot tub models are realistic for your backyard.
• Before you buy, confirm the exact dimensions, electrical requirements, delivery path, and installation considerations for the model you're considering.
• If you're wondering where to buy a hot tub, working with a local dealer can help you evaluate both the spa and whether it will work in your available space.

How Much Space Does a Hot Tub Actually Need?

The first number to look at is the hot tub's actual exterior dimensions.

Hot tubs aren't all the same size. A compact model designed for a couple can have a significantly smaller footprint than a spa built for a larger family or group.

For example, Patio Splash offers the Bullfrog A5L at approximately 7 feet by 5 feet 8 inches, while the A6 measures approximately 7 feet 4 inches by 6 feet 8 inches. Larger models such as the A7 are approximately 7 feet 4 inches by 7 feet 4 inches, while the A9L measures approximately 7 feet 10 inches by 9 feet 2 inches.

That difference matters when you're planning a backyard.

A hot tub that looks manageable in a showroom may feel much larger once you account for the surrounding space you need to actually use it.

Start With Your Available Space

Before choosing a hot tub, measure the area where you are considering placing it.

Measure:

• The total length and width of the available area
• Any walls, fences, railings, or structures around it
• Doorways and gates leading to the location
• The route from the delivery point to the installation area
• Any existing stairs or narrow passages
• The location of electrical service
• Any landscaping or furniture that will remain in the area

Don't rely on an approximate measurement.

If your available area is only slightly larger than the spa itself, you may find that the space feels cramped once the hot tub is installed.

Don’t Forget the Space Around the Hot Tub

The hot tub itself is only part of the space you need to plan.

You'll also want to think about how people will use the spa.

Consider leaving room for:

Getting In and Out

You need practical access to the hot tub. Think about where people will enter and exit and whether steps or another access solution will be needed.

A layout that technically fits the spa may not be comfortable if there isn't enough usable space around the entry area.

Opening the Cover

A hot tub cover needs to be opened whenever you use the spa.

Before choosing a location, consider how the cover will be positioned when open and whether nearby walls, railings, landscaping, or other objects could interfere.

Moving Around the Spa

You don't necessarily need a huge amount of open space on every side, but the surrounding layout should allow people to access the spa comfortably.

This is especially important if the hot tub will be used by several people at once.

Maintenance Access

Your hot tub will need regular maintenance.

When planning the location, don't think only about how the backyard will look on installation day. Consider whether the equipment and other service areas will remain reasonably accessible.

The exact access requirements can vary by model, so confirm them with your hot tub dealer before installation.

What Size Hot Tub Is Right for Your Backyard?

Your available space isn't the only factor. The number of people you want to accommodate also matters.

Compact Hot Tubs

A smaller hot tub can be a practical choice when space is limited.

For example, Patio Splash's Bullfrog A5L measures approximately 7 feet by 5 feet 8 inches and is designed as a compact spa for smaller spaces. Patio Splash describes it as suitable for patios and other space-conscious installations.

The A6 is another space-conscious option, measuring approximately 7 feet 4 inches by 6 feet 8 inches and seating up to six people.

These models demonstrate why you shouldn't assume every hot tub requires an enormous backyard.

Medium-Size Hot Tubs

If you want more seating and room to entertain, a larger footprint may make sense.

The Bullfrog A7 measures approximately 7 feet 4 inches square and is designed as an eight-person spa.

This type of hot tub can provide more room for family and guests, but it also requires more available space.

Larger Hot Tubs

For homeowners who want maximum seating and a larger spa experience, Patio Splash also carries models with significantly larger footprints.

The Bullfrog A9L measures approximately 7 feet 10 inches by 9 feet 2 inches and seats eight people.

A larger hot tub can become a major feature of a backyard, but it should be planned as part of the overall outdoor space rather than treated as something you simply place wherever it fits.

Can a Hot Tub Go on a Deck or Patio?

Yes, depending on the specific installation and structure.

Patio Splash offers compact models designed for patios and decks, and its buying guidance specifically recommends considering where the hot tub will be placed before purchasing.

However, don't assume that every deck or patio can support every hot tub.

Hot tubs become extremely heavy when filled with water and occupied. For example, the Bullfrog A5L has a listed filled weight of approximately 3,209 pounds, while the A7 is listed at approximately 5,236 pounds when filled.

If you're considering a deck installation, have the structure evaluated as appropriate and confirm the installation requirements for the specific spa.

What About Electrical Requirements?

Space planning isn't only about square footage.

Electrical requirements can vary between hot tub models.

For example, Patio Splash lists the Bullfrog A5L as available in a 120V plug-and-play configuration, while its standard installation requires a 240V dedicated circuit with 50-amp service. Other models have their own electrical requirements.

That's why it's important to choose the model before finalizing your installation plan.

Don't assume that a hot tub will automatically work with the electrical setup you already have.

Confirm the requirements for the exact spa you're purchasing and have electrical work completed according to applicable requirements.

Can You Put a Hot Tub in a Small Backyard?

You may be able to.

The key is choosing a model that fits both your available footprint and how you want to use the spa.

A smaller backyard may work well with a compact model, while a larger outdoor area gives you more flexibility to choose a larger spa and create a more complete backyard setup.

The goal isn't to find the smallest hot tub possible. It's to find the right-sized hot tub for the space you actually have.

Before You Buy: Measure Your Delivery Path

One of the easiest things to overlook is how the hot tub will get from the delivery point to its final location.

Before buying, check the route carefully.

Look at:

• Gates
• Doorways
• Side yards
• Fences
• Stairs
• Tight corners
• Overhead obstacles
• Changes in elevation

A hot tub may fit perfectly in your backyard but still be difficult to deliver if the path to that location is too restrictive.

This is one reason buying from a local hot tub dealer can be helpful. A dealer can discuss the specific model, delivery considerations, and installation requirements before you commit to a purchase.

What If Your Space Is Too Small for the Hot Tub You Want?

You have several options.

First, consider a more compact model.

Second, rethink the location. A different part of the patio or backyard may provide a better layout.

Third, consider whether the number of seats you originally wanted is actually necessary.

For example, moving from a large eight-person spa to a smaller model may significantly reduce the footprint while still giving you the hydrotherapy and relaxation experience you're looking for.

Patio Splash carries several hot tub models in different sizes, along with different spa brands, so comparing dimensions before choosing a model can help you find an option that fits your space.

Where Should You Buy a Hot Tub?

If you're searching for where to buy a hot tub, consider more than the sticker price.

A hot tub is a long-term purchase, so the dealer you choose can matter just as much as the model.

A local dealer can help you:

• Compare different spa sizes
• Test seating and layouts in a showroom
• Understand model-specific features
• Discuss delivery and installation
• Review electrical requirements
• Get help with water care and maintenance
• Access local service and warranty support

Patio Splash has showroom locations in Fort Collins, Greeley, Firestone, Colorado, and Cheyenne, Wyoming, and identifies itself as Northern Colorado's authorized Bullfrog Spa dealer.

Visiting a showroom also gives you a chance to sit in different models and compare how much usable space each one actually provides.

A Simple Hot Tub Space Planning Checklist

Before purchasing your hot tub, work through this checklist:

1. Measure the installation area.
   Write down the exact length and width available.
2. Choose the number of seats you actually need.
   Don't automatically choose the largest model.
3. Check the exact spa dimensions.
   Use the manufacturer's dimensions for the specific model.
4. Plan access around the spa.
   Think about getting in, getting out, and moving around the hot tub.
5. Consider the cover.
   Make sure the cover can be opened and stored without interfering with nearby objects.
6. Check the delivery route.
   Measure gates, doorways, paths, and other access points.
7. Confirm the electrical requirements.
   Requirements vary between models.
8. Consider the structure.
   If you're installing on a deck or other elevated structure, confirm that it can safely support the filled spa.
9. Think about maintenance access.
   Don't create a layout that makes future service unnecessarily difficult.
10. Confirm everything before ordering.
    Ask the dealer to verify the model dimensions and installation considerations for your specific location.

Why Plan Your Backyard Before Buying a Hot Tub?

Buying the hot tub first and figuring out where it will go later can create unnecessary problems.

Planning first lets you compare models based on what will actually work in your backyard.

You can also decide whether you want the hot tub to be the main feature of the space or part of a larger outdoor area with seating, landscaping, a patio, or other features.

Patio Splash's hot tub resources are designed to help buyers compare models, features, pricing, and other considerations before making a purchase.

Final Thoughts

The amount of space you need for a hot tub depends on the model you choose and how you plan to use your backyard.

A compact spa can work well in a smaller space, while larger models require more room for the spa itself and for practical access around it. Before buying, measure the installation area, check the delivery path, consider the cover and access points, and confirm the electrical and structural requirements for the specific model.

If you're still deciding where to buy a hot tub, visiting a local showroom can make the process easier. You can compare actual models, sit in different seating configurations, and discuss which options fit your available space.

Patio Splash offers multiple hot tub sizes and models and can help you compare options based on your backyard, household, and preferences.