When it comes to choosing a hot tub, the decision often boils down to one crucial factor: seating style. The two main types of hot tubs—lounger hot tubs and all-seater hot tubs—offer distinct experiences, each with its own set of benefits. Understanding the differences between them can help you decide which option best fits your lifestyle, space, and relaxation needs.
What is a Lounger Hot Tub?
A lounger hot tub features one or more reclining seats, often designed to allow the user to fully stretch out and enjoy a more horizontal position. These lounge seats are typically molded to support the body in a reclined posture, often with jets strategically placed to massage the back, legs, and feet.
Benefits of Lounger Hot Tubs:
- Full-Body Relaxation: Lounger seats are perfect for those who want to experience full-body relaxation. The reclined position allows you to stretch out, offering relief from head to toe. Jets targeting different muscle groups can help alleviate stress and tension more effectively than upright seating.
- Personalized Comfort: Loungers often come with adjustable jets, allowing you to customize your hydrotherapy experience. Whether you need a gentle massage or a deep-tissue experience, a lounger can cater to your specific preferences.
- Ideal for Solo Use: If you often use the hot tub alone or with one other person, the lounger offers a luxurious, almost spa-like experience. It’s an ideal choice for those who prioritize personal comfort over social interaction.
Drawbacks of Lounger Hot Tubs:
- Space Limitations: Lounger seats take up more space than traditional upright seats. This means fewer people can use the hot tub simultaneously. In smaller models, the inclusion of a lounger might reduce the number of overall seats.
- Not Suitable for All Body Types: Some users, particularly those who are taller or shorter than average, may find the lounger less comfortable. It’s important to test a lounger before purchasing to ensure it fits your body comfortably.
- Floating: Many people, paticularly women, find that they float when in a lounger. This often can lead to more time spent trying to stay in position than is spent relaxing. Also, if you are floating out of the lounger, you are drifting away from the jets and losing out on the massage benefits of them.
- Less Social: The reclined position of a lounger can make socializing a bit awkward, especially if others in the tub are sitting upright. If you enjoy hosting hot tub parties or chatting with friends, this might be a consideration.
What is an All-Seater Hot Tub?
An all-seater hot tub is designed with only upright seats, meaning all users sit in a traditional position rather than reclining. These hot tubs often have more seats than a lounger model, as upright seating takes up less space.
Benefits of All-Seater Hot Tubs:
- Social Interaction: If you enjoy using your hot tub with family or friends, an all-seater model promotes easier conversation and interaction. Everyone is seated upright, making it easier to engage in group conversations and activities.
- Maximized Seating: All-seater hot tubs typically offer more seating, making them a better option for larger groups. If you frequently entertain guests or have a large family, this could be the ideal choice.
- Versatility: The upright seats in an all-seater hot tub tend to accommodate a wider range of body types and sizes. This versatility makes them a more universally comfortable option for guests.
- No Floating: If you are a person who naturally floats, then an all-seaters wider range of seat options is probably for you. Every seat is one that you can enjoy and gain the full benefit from its hydrotherapy jets.
- Foot dome: The foot dome in an all-seater can be one of its best features. It allows you to put your feet against in, which in turn holds you in position. This way the rest of your body can relax and make the most of the massage abilities of the spa. Perfect for those who float as they are always looking to gently brace against something. The dome also offers a great foot massage and tidies up all the feet and legs in the spa, making everyone feel they have their own space!
- Open Plan: With no lounger to get in the way, all-seaters offer much more room for splashing around and having fun, this makes them the ultimate choice if you have a young family as all the kids want to do is splash around with as much room as possible!
Drawbacks of All-Seater Hot Tubs:
- Less Focused Hydrotherapy: While many all-seater hot tubs still offer excellent hydrotherapy, they may not provide the same full-body relaxation that a lounger can. Jets in all-seater models often focus on the back and shoulders, with less emphasis on the legs and feet. However, as you move up the ranges, this become less of an issue. Models such as the Sundance Optima have seats with neck, back, hand, leg and foot jets, meaning no body part is left out.
- No Reclining Option: If you enjoy stretching out and fully relaxing, you might miss the lounging experience. An all-seater model doesn’t offer the option to recline, which can be a downside for those who prioritize this feature.
- Potentially Less Luxurious: Without the lounger, some users might feel that the all-seater experience is less indulgent. While still relaxing, it might not provide the same spa-like feel as a lounger hot tub.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that 70-80% of second time hot tub buyers opt for a spa without a lounger.
Hyperion Hot Tubs
Which Hot Tub is Right for You?
Choosing between a lounger and an all-seater hot tub depends on your personal preferences and how you plan to use the tub.
- For Relaxation Enthusiasts: If your primary goal is to unwind and enjoy full-body hydrotherapy, a lounger hot tub might be the best fit. The ability to stretch out and enjoy a more tailored massage experience can provide unparalleled relaxation.
- For Hydrotherapy Seekers: If hydrotherapy benefit is high on your priorities, an all-seater may suit you best, due to a wider range of seating options. This is paticulary true for those who float out of a lounger.
- For Social Butterflies: If you plan to use your hot tub as a social hub, or if you frequently host gatherings, an all-seater hot tub offers better seating capacity and a more interactive experience.
- For Families: Families might find the all-seater model more practical, as it accommodates more people comfortably. However, if you have the space and want to mix up the experience, some models offer a hybrid design with both a lounger and upright seats.
- For Smaller Spaces: If space is a concern, consider how much room the lounger will take up. All-seater hot tubs generally fit more seats into a smaller footprint, which can be a critical factor if you’re working with limited space.
Conclusion
Both lounger and all-seater hot tubs offer unique advantages, and the best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize full-body relaxation or social interaction, there’s a hot tub design that will meet your expectations. Take the time to try out different models, consider your typical usage, and choose the one that best suits your lifestyle for the perfect blend of comfort and enjoyment.
Still Confused!
Come in to the showroom and feel the difference for yourself, we have hot tubs in multiple sizes and layouts. You can get into them dry to see for yourself what really works and for those really looking to feel the Sundance difference we have wet models too!