How Deep is a Hot Tub?

Getting a new hot tub can be a fun experience, but also a daunting one because there are so many factors. As you start to shop around, one question you may start to ask is: how deep should a hot tub be?

The standard hot tub depth is around 31”. This is deep enough for you to sit comfortably without struggling to get in and out of the hot tub. There are some custom depths you can pick for the tub, going as shallow as 24” and as deep as 42”, though these are less common.

There are a few different factors that will determine how deep your hot tub should be. Understanding these factors and thinking about how you plan to use the hot tub will help you pick the right hot tub for you. Let’s look at some of the different depths you can choose for a hot tub and other important considerations to help you choose the right one for your needs.

How Deep Are Most Hot Tubs?

The depth of your hot tub will depend on your own personal preferences. Some hot tub owners like it to be deeper for relaxation and hydrotherapy while others like it shallow for social gatherings.

The average depth of a hot tub is a depth of 31”. This is the standard for most hot tubs, though you can easily custom make yours to get it higher or lower.

• You can choose a shallow option that goes as deep as 24”. This is preferable for socializing in the hot tub.
• You can choose a deeper option that goes down 36”. This is better if you are using the pool for therapeutic needs.

Customizations will depend on the company you use to create the hot tub. If you would like a specific depth for any reason, talking to the company is the best first step. They can help you determine the right depth and size of the hot tub while helping you create the perfect machine for your needs.

Keep in mind that the deeper the hot tub, the bigger it is. This will increase the amount you pay for the hot tub, both to make the hot tub and to install it later. While you may consider a deeper hot tub because it sounds better, keep in mind there are some issues with having a deep hot tub which we’ll discuss further down.

How Deep Should My Hot Tub Be?

Most new hot tub owners will go with the standard size, meaning they get a hot tub that is 31” deep. This works well for most people. But what if you think you want something different? How deep should your hot tub be?

Often, the number of people you plan to have inside the hot tub will be an important factor. If you only plan to have three or four people inside the machine at a time, you do not need the hot tub to be as deep as you can just lay your legs out in front of you.

However, if you plan to frequently have larger numbers of people in the hot tub, then going for a deeper model may be a good idea. There are a few things you should consider before purchasing a hot tub and making your final decision.

Here’s some things that will determine how deep the hot tub should be:

• Your height: Taller people should go with more depth in the hot tub to make it more comfortable for them. Shorter people can choose a shallow option.
• How much room you have available in your home for the hot tub.
• How much money you want to spend. The deeper the hot tub, the more expensive it is to purchase and maintain.
• How you plan to use the hot tub. Therapy options lend themselves to a deeper hot tub while social gatherings do well with a shallow option.
• Do you have room for the stairs? If you go for a deeper option, you need to have stairs to help you in and out.

For most customers who choose to buy a hot tub, the traditional depth is usually enough to get the job done. You will be comfortable and ready to relax at this depth, without wasting a lot of time and money with something that is bigger and deeper. It is likely that you will not need that extra depth. 

When Should I Consider a Deeper Hot Tub?

There are some situations where a deeper hot tub may be the preferable choice.

For starters, if you are trying to use the hot tub for hydrotherapy, then a deeper tub is a good option. If you use a deeper hot tub, the jets will move off the mid back and end up on the neck and the shoulders instead, providing more relief for those areas. It also allows you more flexibility in which exercises and activities you can perform.

Hot tubs are a great option to provide some pain relief. Traditional sizes for hot tubs may not be deep enough to help with back and neck aches. However, if your hot tub is mostly for kicking back with friends and a beer, then a shallower tub is usually better.

Why a Deeper Hot Tub is Not Always Better

While there are times when you may want a deeper hot tub, other times it does not make sense to go deeper with your hot tub. Most consumers who are looking at a hot tub will be fine with the standard depth.

Here’s some reasons why a deeper hot tub may not be better for you:

• When the hot tub is deeper, you have to use more water to fill it up. This costs more before you even use it. It also takes more time to fill up.
• All that extra water has to be kept warm. This can increase the bills you pay to have the hot tub. It is easier to fill up a smaller hot tub and maintain it at a high temperature.
• You need to add in steps if you make the hot tub deeper. This can add to the amount you spend.
• Related to the above cost of stairs, deeper hot tubs are harder to get in and out of. If you are using it to help with aches and pains, you may struggle to get in and out of a deeper hot tub in the first place.

Choosing the Right Hot Tub Depth for You

With all the options for the depth of a hot tub, it may seem overwhelming to pick the right one.

Unless you have specific plans for the hot tub, the standard depth of 31”will be enough. This will give you the ability to sit back and relax in the hot tub while socializing, making it the perfect option for your home.

There are many customizations that you can add to the hot tub, including the depth, any stairs you would like, and other great features. Knowing where you will put the hot tub and how you plan to use it will help you pick the right hot tub for you. If you’re curious about how long it takes for a hot tub to heat up, please be sure to visit our this article here.