How to Choose the Ideal Spa for Your Backyard

By adding a spa, you can transform your backyard into a personal oasis. This fixture offers the perfect blend of relaxation, fun, and wellness all rolled into one. You can unwind after a long day, host friends for a soak under the stars, or enjoy the wellness benefits of hydrotherapy. But with so many options, how do you find the perfect fit for your space and lifestyle? Here’s everything you need to know to choose a fixture that turns your outdoor area into a retreat you’ll never want to leave.

Air Jets

So, you might be wondering: what do I look for when buying a hot tub? The air jets play a major role in how effective and enjoyable your hydrotherapy experience will be. The feel of the massage, the relaxation it offers, and how well it soothes tired muscles all come down to how they’re positioned, how many there are, and whether they can be adjusted to suit your preferences.

If you’re on the hunt for a powerful 4 person spa, look for one with a 3HP (three-horsepower) motor. This type of motor has the strength to deliver a strong, invigorating flow of air through the jets, perfect for those who enjoy a stimulating massage after a long day or tough workout. This system is also generally more energy-efficient, making it a smart choice if you’re looking to balance performance with running costs. If the fixture has multiple 3HP motors, this means more power behind the jets, which translates to a stronger, more effective massage.

Size

Before you start dreaming about lazy soaks under the stars, it’s worth thinking practically about how much space you have. Hot tubs come in a few general size categories, and while some brands mix up the dimensions a bit, most fall within familiar ranges:

• Small fixtures are perfect for couples or anyone tight on space. These are usually around 1.63 to 2.13 cm long, 1.63 to 2.03 wide, and just under 0.9 metres tall. They’re great if you’re after something cosy but still luxurious.
• Medium-sized 4 person spas are a step up and ideal for families or small gatherings. These usually fit 4 to 5 people. Height tends to be about 0.9 metres or above, which makes it a comfortable depth without feeling overwhelming. Some models go even deeper, up to around 1.5 metres, providing a more immersive soak.
• Large hot tubs are where things get spacious. They’re perfect for entertaining or bigger households. Expect dimensions around 2.1 to 2.7 metres (or more) in both length and width, and heights around 1 metre or higher.

Different Types of Spas

When it comes to picking a hot tub for your outdoor space, there’s more than one style to consider. Each type offers a different vibe, features, and level of investment, so it comes down to what kind of experience you’re after and how you plan to use it:

• Permanent above-ground fixtures: This 4 person spa is the most popular choice for a reason. Built with a sturdy shell, powerful jets, and a moulded interior, permanent spas are made to last and to impress. They create a focal point that invites relaxation and connection, and they transform your outdoor space. Whether you’re relaxing solo or hosting a soak session with friends, they come in loads of sizes and setups. Some are simple and sleek, while others go all out with extras like LED lighting, Bluetooth speakers, and even waterfalls. Compared to other options, they’re more energy efficient and offer that unbeatable, deep massage experience that inflatable models can’t replicate.
• In-ground fixtures: If you’re going for the ultimate luxury look, an in-ground 4 seater spa is hard to top. These are custom-designed and sunk into your patio or garden space, often finished with elegant materials like stone or mosaic. They can be tailored exactly to your preferences, from seating layout to overall shape. But keep in mind that this level of customisation comes with a higher price tag and often involves more intense landscaping work. If you love that sunken look but want to keep things more straightforward, partially recessing a permanent hot tub could give you a similar aesthetic without the same cost and hassle.
• Inflatable fixtures: These are often the entry point for new hot tub owners thanks to their lower price and easy setup. Just plug it in, fill it up, and you’re ready to go. But while they might seem convenient, they’re not built for long-term performance. The jets don’t pack the same punch as those in a proper spa, and the materials don’t hold up nearly as well.

13 vs 32 Amp Spa

At first glance, a 13-amp hot tub might seem easier and more affordable. It plugs into a regular household socket, so there’s no need for special wiring or electrical work. That’s a big tick for convenience, especially if you’re buying this kind of fixture for the first time. And yes, they do cost less upfront, largely because they’re built with fewer high-end components.

But while 13-amp fixtures are accessible, they don’t deliver the same performance as 32-amp 4 person hot tubs. Most permanent fixtures run on 32 amps for a reason. If you’re looking to enjoy all the hydrotherapy benefits a hot tub can offer, this setup is hard to beat. The extra power behind a 32-amp model means the jets deliver a strong, targeted massage that helps relieve muscle tension, soothe aches and ease pains. You won’t be stuck with weak bubbles or slow warm-up times, and they’re usually more energy-efficient in the long run, too.