What hot tub seats are right for me? (Guide, buying tips and more)

June 13, 2023

Estimated read time - 7 minutes



Author – Fin Green - Content Creator UK, Jacuzzi Group 



Hot tubs are a popular way to relax, unwind, and soothe tired muscles after a long day. It may come as a surprise, but one of the most important features of a hot tub is the seating.

This article is your beginners guide to seats in a hot tub. Are you wondering what the popular options are, or how to pick a tub with the best seats for you? This article will cover these common questions, and more. 

Why do hot tubs have seats? 

It may seem like a silly question, but there are a few key reasons why hot tubs have seats.

• Versatile - Allows you to sit upright or recline against jets.
• Comfort - You will use less energy if you are sitting, rather than moving around in the water (e.g. in a pool)
• Socialising - People can sit in the body of water and spend quality time together. 

How are hot tub seats designed? 

Hot tub seats are designed in a way that allows ultimate comfort for its users. Some manufacturers and brands have patented features on their products so they become exclusive to them.

Here are some of the design features to look out for and take into consideration as you do your research:

• Design - The innovation behind the seat is an important factor that many people overlook. Not all are the same. You will find the best options on the market are designed to mould to the average human body. They're typically called 'ergonomic seating'. 
• Recessed jets - Have you ever sat in a hot tub and felt the jets poke you in the back? After a short while this can get pretty uncomfortable! This is because the jets aren't ‘recessed’.

Recessed jets sit flush to the shell of the hot tub. They play a big role in the overall comfort you experience when you sit back and relax. 

• Seating configuration - Hot tubs can include a range of seating options within the one tub.
• Seat heights - Are you tall, small or in the middle? It's important that there's at least one seat in the hot tub that your body fits well in. 

What is ergonomic seating?  

The word ‘ergonomic’ itself means the design of products, systems, and environments that are comfortable, efficient, and safe to use by people, minimising the risk of injury or discomfort.  

It brings together human anatomy, physiology, psychology, and behaviour to create products and environments that support the user's physical and mental well-being. 

In terms of hot tub seating, this is all true, ergonomic seats are designed to specifically contour to the body through in-depth research around how a human body sits or lays comfortably.  

This is a plus for hot tubs as hydrotherapy benefits can be excelled to their highest potential of comfort and effectiveness as your body will lay comfortably and the output of water, air, or a combination, will be getting to all the correct areas.  

If you like the idea of ergonomic seating, you can research online or ask your local dealer to find models which have these seating types. 

What kind of hydrotherapy does each hot tub seat have? 

Different seats can offer different hydrotherapy benefits to different muscle groups in your body. This can all vary depending on the seat design, patented technology, general technology and jet placement.

The greater the quality of hot tub, the greater the quality of hydrotherapy you're likely to receive. Let's take look at what you can gain from the options mentioned earlier in the article.

Lounger 

A lounge seat is designed to be contoured to the shape of your body.

They target specific areas of the body, including the neck, back, legs, and feet by using a range of water jets. (Including pulsating, rotating, and oscillating jets)

Captains chair 

A captain's chair is a type of hydrotherapy seat that features a high-back design for added comfort and support.

It typically has several jets that are strategically positioned to target the muscles in the neck, back, and shoulders.

Some captain's chairs also have additional jets that target the legs and feet for a full-body hydrotherapy experience.  

Bench seat 

Bench seats are quite literally a bench within your hot tub that can house a few people. For this reason they don't tend to have lots of jets fitted to them and provide some hydromassage to your back.

Seat with foot dome 

Foot domes and jets are designed for reflexology. They can also help increase blood flow and relax the muscles in your feet.

Cool down or child seat 

Cool down seats do not give hydrotherapy. They are designed so that its user is partly out of the water. 

What is the difference between barrier and barrier-free hot tub seat designs? 

Barrier seating in a hot tub refers to individual seats with contouring and angular acrylic around the edges.

Think of it like a rollercoaster seat that wraps around you and makes you feel more enclosed within the space. 

Barrier seating allows you to have your own space. This is particularly effective if you don't want to touch or bump into other people. This is especially useful when you are soaking. 

Non-barrier seats do not have any raised barriers. They're open; the shells are smoother, and you won't have that feeling of being enclosed.

Non-barrier options allow for easier movement between seats and encourages more social interaction between users. 

The decision between barrier and non-barrier seating depends on your personal preferences. Consider how you plan to use your hot tub when making your choice.

If you want more privacy and less interaction with others, barrier seating may be the better option for you. However, if you want a more social and open experience, non-barrier seating may be the way to go. 

Can you get seats in inflatable hot tubs? 

Yes, some inflatable hot tubs even have seats ‘built’ into them. They can also be adjusted or moved around. 

Inflatable hot tub seats may not be as comfortable as traditional ones. However, you can still enjoy the soothing warmth of the water and relax.

Inflatable hot tubs provide minimal to no hydromassage. That's because they don't have for example, stainless steel jets built into the fabric. They generally provide more of a fun, bubbly social experience.  

How do I work out which hot tub seat is best for me? 

Now you've heard of the options, you may now be wondering, which hot tub seat could be best for me? Here are some points to think about so you can better understand which options could be best for you.

Purpose  

What is the primary use of your hot tub? Is it for hydrotherapy, relaxation, or socialising? Depending on the purpose, you may need a tub with different seat types.

Comfort  

A good hot tub seat should be comfortable, provide enough support for your body and ideally have recessed jets.

We also recommend that the seat is deep enough to accommodate your height. Ask the salesperson if average body sizes is factored into the hot tub seat designs.

Depth of seating 

Not every seat in a hot tub is well suited to us. It’s quite common for or two to be too wide or long for you, and that’s okay! Make sure you choose a hot tub with at least one or two seats, depending on its size. Ensure the seats are comfortable and then you will be on the right track.

Positioning 

Do you want to sit side by side? Face to face? A circular shape for socialising? You will be able to find a configuration that works perfectly for you.  

Placement of jets 

If quality hydrotherapy is a priority, consider the placement of jets in the seats. The jets should be positioned to target the specific muscles you need or want to massage. 

Mobility  

Some hot tub seats are designed with specific groups of people in mind, such as seniors or people with disabilities. If you have mobility issues, consider a seat that is easy to get in and out of or has handrails for support. 

Personal preference 

Ultimately, the best hot tub seat for you is one that meets your personal preferences. Whether you prefer a lounge seat, bench or upright seat, choose what makes you feel the best. 

Extra considerations towards personal preference are whether you want

-An extra seat for a lounger 

-Sacrifice a footwell 

-Or consider height of those using the hot tub against footwell area in hot tub. Some hot tubs don’t leave much room for multiple people in a footwell area; especially tall people. 

For peace of mind, we recommend you try a hot tub out. Just like test driving a car before you buy, booking an appointment to visit a showroom for a test soak, will put you at ease with your decision. 

Interested in booking an appointment to try a Jacuzzi® Hot Tub? Use our location function below to find your nearest store.  

Summary 

We hope this article has helped you gain a clearer understanding of hot tub seats in the UK, buying tips and the benefits of testing a hot tub out before buying.

To learn more about Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs, download our Buyer's Guide.

Interested in learning more about the seats you’ll find in Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs? Click the button below to explore our extensive range across our three collections