How Clever Layouts Are Bringing Luxury Hot Tubs to Smaller Gardens
Garden spending in the UK is projected to surge this year, driven by a growing desire to elevate our outdoor spaces. As the warmer months arrive, homeowners are increasingly investing in landscaping, lush planting, and premium outdoor living features to make the most of their time outside.
While many UK properties feature more modest garden footprints, limited square footage no longer means compromising on luxury. In fact, with more searches for “small garden ideas” in the UK, the demand for creative, high-end solutions for compact spaces has never been higher.
This, combined with recent trends for innovative home wellness solutions and growing hot tub popularity is reflected in a range of new products on the market, targeting those with smaller gardens. Demand for compact hot tubs is growing as homeowners invest in outdoor spaces, maximising smaller gardens without compromising on luxury.
While many people assume a hot tub requires a large garden or expansive patio, this isn’t always the case. Experts say newer models are being designed to deliver the same premium experience within a much smaller footprint. Sarah Watkins, Hot Tub Expert and Head of Marketing at Platinum Spas explains.
“A lot of people still think hot tubs are only suitable for large gardens, but we see a good demand for more compact designs that work well in modern outdoor spaces.
“People don’t necessarily want to compromise on features just because they have a smaller garden. Many homeowners want the same hydrotherapy and relaxation benefits without the spa dominating the entire garden, which is why the layout and the shape of your hot tub is just as important as its overall size.”
Below, Sarah discusses some of the considerations buyers should think about, before selecting a hot tub for their small garden. From choosing the right tub shape, to power supply, support and running costs.
Choosing the right hot tub shape for your garden
According to Sarah, one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when choosing a hot tub for a smaller garden is focusing purely on capacity rather than the actual dimensions and layout of the spa.
Rectangular models are often easier to position against fences, decking edges or walls, while upright seating arrangements can help maximise seating space without increasing the overall footprint.
The positioning of loungers can also make a significant difference. Rather than using bulky square seating layouts, many modern compact hot tubs are designed with narrower shells and more efficient seating configurations.
Important considerations before buying a hot tub
Before buying a hot tub, homeowners should consider:
- Power supply requirements: Most premium hot tubs require a dedicated electrical supply, so it’s important to check whether additional electrical work may be needed before installation.
- Ground support and base preparation: Hot tubs are extremely heavy when filled with water (and people). They should always be installed on a solid, level base capable of supporting the full weight. This could be a concrete base, heavy duty decking, or specialised interlocking spa pads. Another option is sinking the hot tub into the ground, helping to reserve your garden sightlines.
- Access for delivery: Measure any gates, pathways or access points to ensure the hot tub can be safely delivered into the garden. Compact hot tubs are sometimes easier to maneuver through standard garden gates, potentially saving homeowners thousands on crane hire to lift larger tubs into the garden.
- Space around the hot tub: Leave sufficient room around the spa for maintenance access, cover removal and comfortable use.
- Running costs: Energy efficiency varies between models, so homeowners should consider insulation, cover quality and anticipated electricity costs before purchasing. Smaller tubs often mean there’s less water to heat though.
For those looking to select a smaller hot tub for their garden space, Sarah recommends,
“Two models are proving particularly popular for smaller gardens: the Tahiti three seater hot tub and Topaz two seater hot tub. Both have been designed to give a “full-size spa feel” without needing a huge footprint.”
Images courtesy of Platinum Spas
