Guide to Hot Tub Seats

8 Minute Read

There are so many things to consider before making your hot tub purchase — including what type of hot tub to purchase such as an in-ground, portable, or inflatable. One of the most important factors you’ll want to take into serious consideration are the types of seats available in the hot tub. The seats will largely determine your overall hydrotherapy experience.

It's important to review the details of each hot tub seat type, such as size, features, and available variations, to make an informed decision that best fits your needs.

Here, we’ll offer an informative guide to hot tub seats that will help you understand the wide array of options available to you in the various types of spas. Let’s break down some of the main types of hot tubs and the type of seating available in each.

Introduction to Seating Options

When it comes to creating moments that truly restore you, thoughtfully designed seating transforms your entire wellness experience. Whether you're drawn to a classic spa sanctuary or discovering the freedom of portable relaxation, every seat is crafted to cradle your body in perfect harmony—because true restoration begins the moment you settle in. Each design works with your natural form, melting tension away and inviting you to breathe deeply into the experience your body craves. With wellness solutions as unique as you are, finding your perfect match means discovering seating that doesn't just support—it nurtures. From contours that embrace every curve to layouts that flow with your lifestyle, the right seating design elevates your spa time from simple relaxation to genuine renewal. When you choose seating that truly understands your body's needs, every moment becomes an invitation to feel better—body and mind.

In-Ground Hot Tub Seating

The seats in in-ground hot tubs are created with hard materials such as stone, granite, and concrete… none of which are exactly comforting. The seats often follow the shape of the hot tub itself and can be equated to bench-style seating. These seats likely do not recline back or allow you to elevate your legs. In-ground hot tubs do have jets; however, they generally have fewer and less powerful jets than those of a quality portable hot tub model. In addition, in-ground hot tubs typically lack the flexibility in seating arrangements found in other hot tub types, which can limit comfort and customization

Portable Hot Tub Seating

Premium portable hot tubs are designed for hydromassage — from the seating to the jets. In addition to the variety of seating options and configurations that are available, most quality portable hot tub brands will offer you a variety of jet options and strategic jet placement for a soothing massage therapy experience. Many premium models feature jets specifically positioned to target the neck, shoulders, and lower back, providing a more comprehensive and therapeutic massage. Size of the hot tub will often determine seating options. For example, larger spas feature more seats. Higher-end brand models will often feature a variety of jet types and placement for each seat. If you want the ability to customize your massage and target different areas of the body, a larger spa may give you that ideal option. This gives you the opportunity to have a customized hydromassage therapy experience any day of the week — and that never gets tired!

A few seating options such as heights, angles, loungers, and more include:

Open Seating

An open-seat configuration in a portable hot tub allows more users in the hot tub due to the nature of the design. Depending on the brand and model, portable hot tubs with open seating are equipped with a variety of strategically placed jets that deliver hydromassage designed to soothe and relax you as the power of water and specialty jets ease muscle tension. Open seating is often preferred for entertaining since this option positions all occupants so they can see one another and easily converse.

Lounge Seat

A lounge seat, or lounger, in a portable hot tub allows you to sit in a reclined position while experiencing full-body hydromassage. A lounger will have multiple jets throughout as well as a foot dome. Imagine relaxing back in a reclining chair with an elevated footrest. This is a similar experience in the lounge seat of a portable hot tub — with the added benefit of purposefully positioned jets to deliver soothing hydrotherapy. Lounge seats tend to be selected when a spa is going to be used by immediate family or simply a couple. This is due to the fact that when seated in the lounge seat, it can be a bit awkward to see and converse with others in the spa. In addition, some people tend to “float” out of the seats when the jets are on. It’s a good idea to do a wet test on the spa you like to make sure the seating angle is such that you don’t drift out when the jets engage.

The seats will vary from brand to brand and even across models within the same brand so we strongly recommend you try before you buy. Angles and depth of lounge seats vary by brand and model. If you’re interested in a spa with a lounge seat, a wet test can ensure you experience how you’ll be positioned during your spa experience.

Cool Down Seat

A cool down seat in a portable hot tub serves as the ideal transition spot into and out of your spa experience. A cool down seat sits higher than the other seats in the spa, allowing you to sit up higher above the water line. This option allows you to let your body adjust to the temperature of the water as you begin your hot tub experience — as well as the temperature of the elements when you’re ready to get out of the hot tub. Cool down seats are also ideal for families with little ones so they can enjoy the hot tub experience without being fully immersed in the hot tub.

Inflatable Hot Tub Seating

There are some upsides to inflatable hot tubs, such as their budget-friendly price point and ease of portability and storage. They can be deflated and inflated as the name suggests. However, if you are looking for relaxing hydromassage through powerful jet placement in the seats, an inflatable hot tub is likely not your best option. This is due to a few factors. First, there are no actual jets in an inflatable hot tub. They simply have air bubblers that move the water about to simulate a spa experience. Second, there are no actual seats in most inflatable hot tubs, which means you and your hot tub guests will be sitting on the bottom of the unit itself. Some models have a cushioned bottom surface, and there are also cushions available for inflatable hot tubs. Many booster seats and cushions are specifically designed for adults, come in a variety of color options, and product details such as size and price may vary. Customers should review delivery options and place their order early to ensure timely arrival, as these accessories are focused on providing enhanced comfort and support. However, these options cannot compare to the comfort-driven design of a premium brand hot tub.

If you’re looking for your future hot tub to deliver high-performance hydrotherapy that will ease muscle tension and provide overall relaxation, you’ll want to seek out comfortable seating with jets that will deliver high-performance hydrotherapy. Simply put, models from a premium brand will offer more jet options for a better hydromassage experience. If you work with a dealer that represents a reputable premium portable hot tub company, they can introduce you to a variety of hot tub models with seating options so you can determine which one you like best.

When you want to explore the breadth of hot tub seating options available in Jacuzzi® hot tub models, visit a local dealer near you.

Click here to find your nearest Jacuzzi® hot tub showroom.

Hot Tubs and Seat Accessories

To truly transform your wellness sanctuary, discover how thoughtfully designed seat accessories can elevate every moment in your spa. Comfort that cradles your body is the foundation of restorative hydrotherapy, and the right accessories create experiences that restore both body and mind. Features like ergonomic head rests, cool-down retreats, and premium waterproof cushions provide the support your body craves, allowing you to craft a wellness experience that's uniquely yours. Inflatable spas, in particular, offer adaptable comfort solutions, including luxury add-on loungers and reclining sanctuaries, so you can design the perfect space where stress simply melts away. When choosing your spa, consider how available seat accessories can enhance your path to restoration. By selecting the ideal combination of seating and wellness-focused accessories, you'll create a personalized retreat that ensures every session becomes a moment of profound relaxation and renewal.

Learn more about Jacuzzi Hydrotherapy Seating Options:

MX Therapy Seat | Jacuzzi® Hot Tub Hydromassage

RX Therapy Seat | Jacuzzi® Hot Tub Hydromassage

FX Therapy Seat | Jacuzzi® Hot Tub Hydromassage

Medical disclaimer: This information is not intended to prescribe a particular diagnosis or course of action. We are not medical professionals. Please contact your GP or other medical professional for advice if you have any concerns about your current health or well-being.

Learn more about Jacuzzi Hydrotherapy Seating Options:

MX Therapy Seat | Jacuzzi® Hot Tub Hydromassage

RX Therapy Seat | Jacuzzi® Hot Tub Hydromassage

FX Therapy Seat | Jacuzzi® Hot Tub Hydromassage

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About The Author: Ashley Field

Director of Training, Jacuzzi Group

Ashley Field has been with Jacuzzi Group since 2016, previously having worked for Discover Financial Services and Taco Bell. When she was initially contacted about an opportunity with Jacuzzi Group, she loved the idea of building... Read Full Bio