Best 4-Person Mid-Sized Hot Tubs (Top 3 Options Reviewed)

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 medium 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 when buying a medium h ot tub.

• Size – Will the four person 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 seats 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 four person hot tub is placed in your space.

Helpful questions you can ask yourself can include:

• How often I use my medium 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