What is the best three-person hot tub?

Good three-person hot tubs can be found at only a few select manufacturers. In this article, we’ll break down which ones we like at Hydropool and discuss specific models that we think are your best buys.

At Hydropool, we make a three-person hot tub in the Signature 379G. Here’s our criteria of what makes a good small hot tub:

• A good three-person hot tub should have all the capabilities of a larger hot tub. You should be able to get a soak, a hydrotherapy massage, and have a lounge seat (if you want one).
• It should have comfortable seating. You should be able to actually fit three people in (test this at a local hot tub store). And ideally, they shouldn’t have to stare at each other or otherwise sit funny.
• A three-person hot tub should fit into small spaces. That means being smaller than 80x80, which is four-person hot tub size.
• Lastly, just because it’s small, doesn’t mean it should be built cheaply. A good, small hot tub should be like the Mini Cooper of hot tubs. You shouldn’t have to skimp on quality if you have a smaller patio, deck or backyard.

Three-person hot tubs are especially great for couples or retirees. They work for condo-dwellers and for anyone with a smaller backyard who still wants a luxury experience.

Three-person hot tubs we like include models by Sundance, Jacuzzi, Hydropool (well, we do make a good one!), Marquis, Hot Spring and Bullfrog. They are presented below in no particular order. Each model has unique qualities, but we’d consider them all decent builds.

As always, we recommend buying from a local hot tub dealer! And with any of these hot tubs, we’d encourage you to go sit in them in what’s called a dry test before buying.

Sundance Dover

A plug and play model – that means it uses a regular plug-in – the Dover comes with Sundance’s unique Fluidix jets, which contain no moving parts. The Dover has two seats facing each other plus a lounge seat.
Cost: The Sundance Dover is positioned as a mid-range model, offering excellent value given its robust features and superior build quality. Sundance does not post its pricing online, from what we could see.
Unique Element: The unique element of the Sundance Dover is its Fluidix Jets, which provide customizable and effective hydrotherapy by allowing users to adjust the jet pressure and direction without the use of moving parts. No meaning parts means they are pretty hard to break!
Overall Size: The Sundance Dover measures approximately 69” x 82” x 30.5” inches.

Jacuzzi 315

The Jacuzzi 315 is a high-quality hot tub and a premium offering on this list. It comes with two seats facing each other and another that it calls semi-lounge seating.

Cost: The Jacuzzi 315 is positioned as a high-end model, as everything under the Jacuzzi nameplate is. It doesn’t offer prices online.

Unique Element: The coolest element of the Jacuzzi 315 is a unique HydroSoothe™ massage pillow, delivering a superior head and neck massage and a soothing cascade of water over the neck and shoulders without splashing or spraying.

Overall Size: The Jacuzzi 315 measures approximately 76 x 66 x 32 inches (L x W x H). That’s small!

Hydropool Signature 379

The Hydropool Signature 379 Gold is a mid-range model. It features two angled seats plus a lounge seat. When we say angle, what we mean is that the two chair-style seats don’t directly face each other, so that you don’t have to sit staring at someone directly across from you. It also creates sufficient room for a step into the hot tub, for easy access. It’s a clever bit of design that doesn’t reduce your space but makes it more effective.

Cost: The Signature 379 can be had for under $14,000 at the time of this writing. For current pricing, see the model page here (Hydropool believes in publishing pricing at all times).

Unique Element: The 379 can be had in either 30” or 37” deep versions, depending on your space. So if you’ve got an especially tight access or want to put it on a condo deck, for example, the 30” can fit through most doors.

Overall Size: 84”x”65”x either 30” or 37” (L x W x H)

Marquis Crown Spirit

The Marquis model takes a unique approach with a classy look. As the company website explains, “its curved front entry offers an elegant approach, with four hydromassage seats for up to three people.” So it’s got four seats, but only three at a time, please. It’s an interesting idea and an honest one, rather than pretending it is built for four.

Cost: We believe the Marquis Crown Spirit hot tub is in the premium market segment, but we couldn’t get pricing on the company website.
Unique Element: The Crown Spirit features three different types of massage: one for each seat.

Overall Size: The Marquis Crown Spirit Hot Tub measures approximately 85 x 66 x 36 inches (L x W x H).

Hot Spring JetSetter LX

The Hot Spring JetSetter LX has salt water as an offering and the company’s patented Moto-Massage jet, which is built for your back.
Cost: The Hot Spring JetSetter LX is positioned as a high-end model. At the time of publication, it starts at just under $17,000.
Unique Element: The standout feature of the Hot Spring JetSetter LX is its Moto-Massage DX jet system. This innovative system delivers a powerful and soothing massage experience, moving up and down your back to target key muscle areas.
Overall Size: The Hot Spring JetSetter LX measures approximately 84 x 68 x 33 inches (L x W x H).

Bullfrog Model A5L

The Bullfrog Model A5L is a premium hot tub designed for those seeking a blend of luxury, efficiency, and customization in a compact package.
Cost: This is premium product. Bullfrog doesn’t have pricing online from what we could see, but we believe it’s at the higher end of the market.
Unique Element: The most unique element of the Bullfrog Model A5L is the JetPak Therapy System. This system allows users to customize their spa experience by selecting from various interchangeable JetPaks – which amount to seats. Each are designed to offer distinct massage types targeting different muscle groups.
Overall Size: The Bullfrog Model A5L measures approximately 84”x68”x 32” (it includes a lounge seat in the three, with the other two staring directly at each other.

What’s the best three-person hot tub?

We hope this list gives you some good ideas! We went through our criteria at Hydropool for a good three-seat hot tub, as well as the best models we’ve seen out there. A good three-person hot tub should work for couples or anyone who isn’t planning on doing any entertaining in their hot tub.

If you have a balcony or condo, a three-person hot tub can often be helicoptered into place or with a few models, such as Hydropool’s 30” deep Signature 379, brought up the elevator and through your front door!

We hope this article answered your questions on three-person hot tubs, but if we missed anything, reach out to your local retailer for help.