A compact round two-seat hot tub steaming on a small deck corner

2 person hot tub sizes: the small hot tub class

A 2 person hot tub runs 67 to 81 inches across, stands 26 to 31 inches tall, and holds 160 to 177 gallons, small enough for the decks, patios, and balconies a full-size spa rules out.

What counts as a small hot tub

Of the 93 models in our database, 8 carry a manufacturer rating that covers 2 people: 1 hard-shell and 7 inflatables. Makers of small inflatables usually advertise a range rather than one number, so a tub sold as "2-3 person" or "2-4 person" is listed here and also on the 4 person page when its range reaches that far. If a tub is rated for exactly 2, it is only here.

Every 2 person model, side by side

ModelTypeRated seatsGallonsDimensions (in)Filled + 2 adults (lb)
AquaRestAR-300 Hard-shell 2 160 81 x 65 x 31 1,936
Bestway St.Lucia AirJet (2-3 person) Inflatable 2-3 160 67 dia x 26 H 1,779
Bestway SaluSpa Miami AirJet (2-4 person) Inflatable 2-4 177 71 dia x 26 H 1,921
BestwaySaluSpa Cancun AirJet (2-4 person) Inflatable 2-4 177 71 dia x 26 H 1,921
BestwaySaluSpa Tahiti AirJet (2-4 person) Inflatable 2-4 177 71 dia x 26 H 1,921
BestwaySaluSpa Bahamas AirJet (2-4 person) Inflatable 2-4 177 71 dia x 26 H 1,921
BestwayHavana AirJet (2-4 person) Inflatable 2-4 177 71 dia x 26 H 1,921
BestwayBali AirJet LED (2-4 person) Inflatable 2-4 177 71 dia x 26 H 1,921

Filled weight is the tub's empty weight (spec where published, a typical figure for its type otherwise) plus water at 8.34 lb per gallon plus two adults at 185 lb each.

What a small tub costs to keep hot

Less water means less standby heat loss. At a 102 degree set point, a 50 degree average outdoor temperature, an average cover, and power at $0.17/kWh, holding 160 to 177 gallons at temperature runs about $25 to $26 a month in heating energy. That is the floor for a covered, well-kept tub; jets, wind, and lid-off soaks add to it. Put your own climate and power price into the running cost calculator.

Will your deck take it?

Even the lightest 2 person tub in this group lands near 1,779 lb once it is full of water and people, and the heaviest reaches 1,936 lb. Spread over a small footprint that is a real structural load, so check the filled weight calculator against your deck's rating before committing to a spot.

2 person hot tub questions

How small is a 2 person hot tub?

The 2-seat models in our database span 67 to 81 inches on their longest side and stand 26 to 31 inches tall. Round inflatables sit at the small end; the one hard-shell in this class is the largest footprint of the group.

How much does a 2 person hot tub cost to run each month?

Heating a tub this size (160 to 177 gallons) at 102 degrees F with a 50 degree average outdoor temperature and power at $0.17/kWh works out to roughly $25 to $26 a month. Rerun it with your own numbers on the running cost calculator.

How heavy is a 2 person hot tub when it is full?

Filled with water and two adults, these models weigh about 1,779 to 1,936 lb. That is deck-load territory even at the small end, so check your structure with the filled weight calculator before you buy.

Is a 2 person hot tub the same as a small hot tub?

Mostly, yes. Retailers use "small hot tub" for anything rated around 2 to 3 seats. This page lists every model whose manufacturer rating covers 2 people, including tubs sold as "2-3 person" or "2-4 person", since those are pitched at the same buyer.

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