Searching for a small to medium size hot tub that’s ideal for a small family or group?
If you’ve been wondering, “What is the best 4-person hot tub?” or “What size hot tub is best for four people?” we’re here to help you research the answer to these questions.
There are many options on the market and many things to consider when shopping for a four-person hot tub. This article aims to help you make the best buying decision, based on your hot tub wants and needs.
Throughout this article, we’ll present what we consider to be three of the best four-person mid-size hot tubs on the market based on main features, price, dimensions, pros, cons and more. We hope this comparison will help you decide which four-person hot tub will be the best fit for you.
Some hot tubs in this article may have a seating capacity of more than four seats. These models are still considered by us as being fair comparisons to include. This article includes models by the brands Hot Spring®, Arctic Spas® and Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs and are listed in no particular order.
Disclaimer - In this article, we’ve used brand names not affiliated with Jacuzzi Group. You can see the list of the brand owners at the bottom of this article. All information, including pricing and product details, was accurate at the time of writing (March 18, 2023) and may change without notice.
What should you look for in a 4-person hot tub?
When you start to explore different 4-person hot tub options, you’ll come to realize that whether it’s brochures, online articles or what you see in store, there’s a lot of information to take in. It can be overwhelming to figure out what to prioritize when shopping for a 4-person hot tub.
Ultimately, you will have your own wish list of what you want to get from a hot tub whether it’s relaxation, space, hydrotherapy, lounge seats and more.
The following list are some of the important main features and questions that you can ask yourself to use as a guide.
Size – Will the hot tub fit in my desired location? Do I want the hot tub to feel spacious or intimate when all the seats are filled?
Seat and seat placement – Do I want my hot tub to have an upright seat, lounger seat, an added toddler or cool down seat? Do I want to be sitting beside or opposite the person sharing the hot tub with me?
Shape – Do I want the hot tub to be round, square, or triangular?
Jets and hydrotherapy – Do I want to receive a targeted hydromassage? Do I want the massage to be focused on the top half or full body?
Sanitizer and water care – What sanitizer options are compatible with the hot tub?
Pump – Do I want a 2-speed pump or a single-speed pump? How many pumps do I want? A 2-speed pump powers heating, filtering (low speed) and jets (high speed). However, this jet type can be noisier and less cost effective to run. A single-speed pump comes in the form of a circulation pump (for heating and filtration). The additional and larger single-speed jet pump powers the jets. Additional pumps can relate directly to additional jet power, though the sensation of the jet is also linked to the jet type with some vendors having proprietary jets that offer an enhanced experience. More pumps can also mean higher utility bills, but this is not always the case as you may be running all the pumps at once.
Lighting – Do I want my hot tub to have lights on the interior and exterior?
Insulation – Is the hot tub well insulated with insulation around the shell or cabinet? Is the cover good? If you live in a northern climate, consider an upgraded cover if available.
Warranty – How long are the warranties for my hot tub? Do I have to pay a service charge?
Extra features – What features and accessories are offered or available as an optional upgrade?
Energy efficiency in a 4-person hot tub
When it comes to energy efficiency in a hot tub, you’ll find that different brands will offer different features that they state will reduce energy usage. The next step is understanding what savings you will get when the hot tub is placed in your space.
Helpful questions you can ask yourself can include:
How often I use my hot tub?
What will the foundation for my hot tub be?
Where should I place my spa, and should I be concerned about protection from wind in placing my spa?
To get the clearest answer to any energy efficiency questions you have, we recommend you speak to a hot tub salesperson.
Jacuzzi® hot tubs feature the SmartTub® remote management system. It acts as a personal hot tub assistant from your smart device and can operate from a cellular connection. Some of its useful features include the ability to monitor your hot tub’s kilowatt hour (kWh) usage and ‘smart heat mode,’ which calculates the time it takes the hot tub to reach your desired temperature.
How much do 4-person hot tubs cost?
The average price for a 4-person hot tub in the U.S. can range between $10,000 and $16,000, with luxury versions costing more than $20,000.
The retail price of a 4-person hot tub is made up of multiple factors including build quality, where components are sourced, included features and design. In addition to the initial purchase price, it’s important to keep operation costs in mind too. It’s a good idea to speak to a salesperson for the most accurate estimate of what a specific 4-person hot tub will cost you.
Hot Spring® Envoy™ 4-person Hot Tub
Looking for a hot tub with a range of hydrotherapy options and room to fit an extra hot tub user? The square Envoy™ hot tub from the HighLife® collection by Hot Spring® may be an option to consider.
The Envoy™ model offers five full-body massage options with two Moto-Massage® DX jets, a lounge and a captain’s chair with wrist jets and a foot or ankle massage in every seat. This hot tub brings together quality features and hydrotherapy in what Hot Spring® states on their website as their largest luxury lounge spa.
Hot Spring® Envoy™ Price
The Hot Spring® website does not provide an exact price for this model, but it does show a cost range with the Envoy™ model being categorized as $19,000 and up. You will need to request more detailed pricing online or visit a dealer to speak to a salesperson.
Hot Spring® Envoy™ Dimensions
Height (cm): 97
Length (cm): 254
Width (cm): 231
Filled weight (lbs.): 5,455
Water capacity (liters): 1,725
Hot Spring® Envoy™ features
Seats – 5 seats with lounge
Size – 254 x 231 x 97 cm
Shape - Square
Jets and hydrotherapy – 55 personalized-control jets. Two Moto-Massage® seats, SoothingStream® seat, Precision® Jet Seat and Captain’s Seat
Insulation – Multiple layers of foam insulation (meets California Energy Commission standards)
Water care and filtration - FreshWater® salt system ready (optional upgrade), 100 percent no-bypass filtration, high-flow Tri-X® filters, dual action filtration
Pumps – Two jet pumps: WaveMaster® 9000 one-speed jet pump, WaveMaster 9200 two-speed jet pump, and one SilentFlo 5000™ circulation pump
Lights – Luminescence™ multi-color four-zone lighting. Interior and exterior lighting.
Warranties – 7-year shell surface, 5-year no leak plumbing, component, No-Fault® heater and cabinet, 2-year interior light assembly and wireless remote-control battery. According to the Hot Spring® website, the servicing dealer may charge for repairperson’s travel or a service fee that isn’t covered by the warranty.
Optional extras include - Bluetooth® Music System, cover lifters, Freshwater® III Ozone system.
Hot Spring® Envoy™ Pros
Room for extra person as it includes 5 seats
Insulation meets certified California Energy Commission (CEC) standards
Offers three shell and six cabinet options
Includes unique Moto-Massage® jet
Hot Spring® Envoy™ Cons
FreshWater® salt system is an optional upgrade
May be charged a travel or service fee by servicing dealer
Deep seats may be too large for smaller or shorter physiques. Would need to consider using a booster seat.
Price not stated on website.
Arctic Spas® Kodiak (up to 6-person hot tub)
Searching for a hot tub with room for children? The Kodiak hot tub by Arctic Spas® may be an option to consider. It features a lounger, two upright seats (also known as His and Hers shuttle seats) and shallower seats for small people or those who want to cool down and be more elevated out of the water.
The cabinet is made with western red cedar and there are five configuration types (SDS, Legend Select, Legend, Signature and Prestige) These options have varying numbers of jets and pumps.
Arctic Spas® Kodiak Price
The price for the Arctic Kodiak is not displayed on the Arctic Spas ® website. You will need to request a price quote online or visit your nearest store.
Arctic Spas® Kodiak Dimensions
Dimensions for Kodiak (largest model):
Height (cm): 98
Length (cm): 235
Width (cm): 235
Filled weight (kg): Not available
Volume (gallons): 342
Arctic Spas® Kodiak features
Seats – Seating for 6
Size – 235cm x 235cm x 98cm
Shape – Square
Jets and hydrotherapy – Between 20 to 60 jets (depending on configuration)
Insulation – FreeHeat™ perimeter insulation system
Water care and filtration – Arctic Pure® system and Progressive Filtration System
Pumps – High-efficiency Aquaflow pump. Between 1 and 4 pumps, depending on configuration
Lights – Northern LED Lights
Warranties – 5-year warranty on parts and labor
Optional extras include – Spa Boy® automated and integrated saltwater system, Peak Ozone System
Arctic Spas® Kodiak Pros
Capacity for up to 6 people
Seating options including full body lounger
Designed to withstand cold climates
Variety of jet and pump configurations to suit different preferences and budgets
5 shell color options
Arctic Spas® Kodiak Cons
Lower configured options (Prestige and Signature) look less aesthetically pleasing with hot tub shell covering some jet positionings
Small footwell
Price not stated on website
Jacuzzi® J-435™ (up to 6-person hot tub)
J-435™ medium sized lounge and seating spa
Looking for a hot tub that combines compact size with high quality features, hydromassage options and design? The Jacuzzi® J-400™ Collection J-435™ model could be the right choice for you.
This hot tub features seating for up to six people, including a seat that is suited for children or as cool down seat, Jacuzzi® PowerPro® jets, a lounger, a high-back seat and a raised design on one side for added privacy. The J-435™ model is one of the most popular Jacuzzi® hot tubs.
Jacuzzi® J-435™ Hot Tub Price
The suggested retail price at time article was published for the Jacuzzi® J-435™ model was $19,510, but prices vary by dealer. It’s a good idea to check with your local dealer by requesting a quote so you can get exact pricing. Your local dealer can also let you know of any sales or promotions that might be available or coming up.
Jacuzzi® J-435™ Hot Tub Dimensions
Height (in): 37.5
Length (in.): 84
Width (in.): 84
Filled weight (kg): 2,037
Volume (gallons): 360
Jacuzzi® J-435™ Hot Tub Features
Seats – Up to 6 seats
Size – 37.5in x 84in x 84in
Shape - Square
Jets and hydrotherapy – 47 Jacuzzi® PowerPro® jets
Insulation – SmartSeal® full foam insulation
Water care and filtration – CLEARRAY Active Oxygen® Clean Water System, CLEARRAY® On-demand
Pumps – Two jet pumps, one circulation pump
Lights – Interior and exterior lighting
Warranties – 10-year shell structure, 7-year shell surface, 5-year cabinet and 4-year equipment, controls and plumbing
Included features – Illuminated diverter knobs designed to function as cup holders, lounge seat, adjustable pillows, ProFinish™ Cabinetry and Jacuzzi® SmartTub® system upgrade, Bluetooth® speaker.
Optional extras – CLEARRAY® PRO3TECT™ low output ozone generator, ProLast™ covers.
Jacuzzi® J-435™ Model Pros
Good warranties and no call out charges within warranty period
Optional upgrade to include the Jacuzzi® SmartTub® system app that shows you how your Jacuzzi® hot tub is performing, from monitoring energy usage and adjusting settings to reducing utility costs. It also enables remote operation of spa functions
Highest quality water care system offered by Jacuzzi® hot tubs
Quality range of features included
Jacuzzi® J-435™ Hot Tub Cons
Lounger takes up more space; less legroom for someone sitting on smaller seat
Summary – Is a 4-person hot tub right for me?
We hope this article has equipped you with some useful knowledge and a better understanding of what we consider to be the 4-person hot tub options on the market that can even accommodate more than four.
A hot tub with at least four seats is a great option for small families, those with young children, couples and those that want a little more room for socializing.
While size is an important factor to keep in mind, deciding which hot tub is best for you comes down to personal preference as well as things like cost, features, and jets.
Interested in learning more about Jacuzzi® hot tubs?
If you want to try out the J-435™ model for size and comfort, click the Find My Dealer button to find the nearest Jacuzzi® store or dealer near you.
Disclaimer: The following registered trademarks are owned by companies not affiliated in any way with Jacuzzi Group. Hot Spring®, Moto-Massage™, Precision™, Hydrostream™, Soothingstream™, Quartet™, Footstream™, Rotary Precision™, Directional Precision™, FreshWater®, Luminescence™, Tri-X™, Envoy™, FreshWater®, WaveMaster®, SilentFlo 5000™, No-Fault® heater, and HighLife® are trademarks owned by Watkins Manufacturing Corporation. Bluetooth® is a trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Arctic Spas®, SpaBoy® and Pulse™, FreeHeat™ and Artic Pure™ are trademarks owned by Spa Logic Inc Affiliations: Jacuzzi® is a registered trademark of Jacuzzi Group. All rights reserved.