hot tub on screened porch

Lots of people put hot tubs inside or on a screened patio. But before you buy one, you’ll need to know will a hot tub fit through a door.

Here’s how to determine that for your home:

For an average-sized hot tub, you need a door frame that is at least 33″ wide and 80″ tall. Hot tubs are moved by turning them on their sides. They start at a height (now the width) of 29″ and the length (now the height) can sometimes be up to 93″, requiring disassembly of either the door frame or hot tub.

But there’s a lot more to know than just that. AND, there are still some things to do if it won’t fit that don’t involve sledgehammering your door.

So let’s keep going!

Where you put your hot tub is one of the most important decisions you’ll make on your journey to getting one. If you desire an indoor hot tub, then space is one of the most important things to consider. It is critical to properly measure doors and rooms to ensure that your hot tub will be able to fit.

Keep on reading to find out what you need to know about placing your hot tub indoors.

Moving a hot tub…. What could possibly go wrong? pic.twitter.com/FfCgfW31GY

— NorthernTails (@NorthernTails1) October 25, 2021

Will a tub fit through my door?

Certain areas of your home may be more difficult than others to fit a hot tub through.

For an average-sized hot tub, you will need a door frame that is at least 33 inches wide and 80 inches tall. This is to ensure proper clearance.

If you are currently constructing your home, install french doors in the room you want your hot tub to be in!

They are a perfect way to allow enough space for your hot tub to get into the desired room or area.

If you are facing small doorways or a staircase that makes things too difficult to maneuver a hot tub inside, you still have some options.

Some companies sell smaller sized hot tub models. These models can easily fit through small doors and tight spaces. This ensures tough installations are possible.

Make sure that you speak to your local hot tub dealer before making any decision. They will have the experience and expertise. They will be able to help you choose the right model that will fit in your home.

Here are the typical dimensions of hot tubs:

Hot Tub Sizes	Length	Width	Height
Small (2-4 people)	5’4” – 7”	5’4” – 6’8”	29” – 35”
Medium (5-6 people)	6’6” – 7’9”	6’4” – 7’9”	33” – 38.5”
Large (7+ people)	7’ – 9”	7’ – 9’2”	36” – 38”

If it won’t fit, inflatable hot tubs can be a great alternative.

And with prices in the hundreds instead of thousands, an inflatable hot tub can be a great choice for those on a budget or those who want one inside a small doorway. If you are interested in inflatable hot tubs, check out this recent article.

I get into all the pros and cons of inflatable hot tubs and make suggestions of the top-rated ones to consider. I even give you one insider tip on how to get at least 5 years of life out of one.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

Was doing my daily Zillow search and learned that I’m in need of a sunroom with an in-ground hot tub. pic.twitter.com/q4AcIsekcJ

— Knuck If You Brunch (@schLEEpington) May 11, 2021

Can you put a hot tub in a sunroom?

Sunrooms can be the perfect fit for a hot tub.

A sunroom is designed to provide an outdoor-like experience, and hot tubs are usually placed outdoors. By installing your hot tub in a sunroom, you won’t have to deal with annoying bugs, leaves, or inclement weather.

Even better, you won’t have to worry as much about humidity issues like mold or mildew or having to add proper ventilation.

The first thing you need to take into consideration is the dimensions of your hot tub.

It may fit in the sunroom itself, but not fit through the door. Take measurements of the hot tub shell’s width and depth. Also, consider the weight of the hot tub once it is filled with water.

If your sunroom has a concrete or paver floor, you should be fine on the weight of the hot tub. It is a good idea to provide at least 3 feet of space around the outside of the hot tub.

But can you put a hot tub on a wooden deck?

The short answer is yes. My hot tub is on my wooden deck in the back yard a few feet off the ground. But, it’s crucial to determine if your floor can support your hot tub’s weight.

In a recent article, I get into everything you need to know about hot tub weight and decks.

I let you know how to quickly measure the pounds per square foot your hot tub has (loaded with people and water), and how to determine if your deck can hold that. I even show you how to reinforce your deck if it can’t hold the weight.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

My family had to get a little creative moving a hot tub tonight 😅 pic.twitter.com/mEQTfsxAZ5

— Will Custer (@gmfwilly) December 24, 2019

Can you take a hot tub apart?

You can take a hot tub apart if you wish to remove it from your property, but it can be a complicated process.

First, unplug the electrical hook-up.

This includes not only shutting off the electrical breaker but disconnecting the electricity from the panel to the tub. Make sure that all equipment is properly removed such as the heater/control box, pump, blower, etc. Most of this is simply screwed into the wooden frame of your hot tub and connected with PVC pipes.

Next, remove all the paneling from around the sides of the hot tub.

Newer hot tubs simply have molded plastic panels that slide out or are clipped in. Some hot tubs are built with their skirts consisting of wooden slats that are connected via tongue and groove. Or just wooden panels that screw into the frame.

You should now only be dealing with the wooden frame of the hot tub, as well as the actual hot tub shell.

If you are trying to move and reuse your hot tub, you’ll next want to try and remove the shell from the frame. This will be tricky and time-consuming as the frame may be glued to the shell.

Alternately, you may find it easier to carefully flip the hot tub upside down and simply remove the bottom part of the frame to make it easier to move through the doorway.

After all, the shell is the heart of the hot tub. You don’t want it to crack or break if you plan to reuse it. The frame is mostly 2x4s and can be repaired or rebuilt somewhat easily if you have to disassemble it.

If you just want the hot tub gone, then we don’t care about keeping the hot tub in good shape.

Make sure to wear safety gear, such as work gloves, safety clothing, and safety goggles. Then, begin sawing the hot tub into pieces and deposit them into a dumpster.

Moving Tough Stuff: How to Move a Hot Tub https://t.co/wabGzK6dVD pic.twitter.com/BZzVbqplhV

— Oz Moving & Storage 🚚 📦 💪 (@OzMovingNYC) April 18, 2018

How do you get a hot tub inside?

First, you may want to hire professional hot tub movers. They have done this before and will ensure you have adequate space and room for an indoor hot tub.

Professional hot tub movers will turn the hot tub on its side. Then they often use a thick plastic sheet with a handle that sits mostly under the hot tub to make it easy to slide.

Of course, when they get to things like steps, they will have to lift it.

It’s also usually best to take hinged doors off of any door you’re trying to fit the hot tub through. And make sure to measure that door frame before you lift the hot tub!

When lifting the hot tub, make sure the wood frame doesn’t bend or twist as that could easily crack the acrylic shell.

Of course, not all hot tubs are good candidates for an indoor spa.

Luckily, in a recent article, I get into everything you need to know about how to install a hot tub indoors.

I go through all the pros and cons of indoor hot tubs, and let you know of everything extra you’ll need like ventilation and maybe a dehumidifier for areas like basements.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

Speaking of basements, drainage is important when you place your hot tub in your basement.

If you have a nearby drain in the room where you plan to put your hot tub, no problem. If not, you’ll want to have a plumber give you a quote on adding one.  Depending on where the sewer line is in your house, then that could turn the installation of the hot tub into a larger job, which would be much more expensive.

To get your hot tub inside, you will need to contact a professional contractor and a hot tub company. They will help you and handle any problems that may arise.

#craning a custom copper hot tub to the 2nd floor roof deck at our project in #SilverLake #architecture #design #LA pic.twitter.com/J7BDyap5UH

— Hsu McCullough (@HsuMcCullough) August 25, 2016

Can I put a hot tub on the second floor?

In theory, you can install a hot tub on the second floor.

But before you do anything, you will need to contact a professional contractor. They will evaluate the floor and your house, and based on all the available information, they will let you know if you can or cannot.

Hot tubs are heavy, especially when filled with water. The last thing you want is to have your hot tub falling through your second floor.

If you don’t have proper support for the weight, the contractor will let you know what you need to strengthen or change about your house or floor to install your hot tub on the second floor.

How much do hot tubs weigh?

A lot, especially when filled with water and people! There are also many different sizes and shapes of hot tubs. Luckily, I break them all down in an easy to read style so you can quickly and accurately estimate how much yours weighs.

To learn more about hot tub weight, check out this recent article. Just click that link to see it on my site.

Also, Make sure your floor is waterproof.

Use foam or rubber mats, concrete, or some sort of anti-slip tile. The contractor will be able to tell you everything you need to successfully set up your indoor hot tub.

But wood, carpet, or wood-like laminate flooring is a bad idea.

Next, make sure the room you are placing your hot tub in has proper ventilation.

Hot tubs generate a lot of heat and moisture, so proper ventilation is essential unless the room is just a screened-in porch.

If you have a window in the room, then get something like the Genesis Twin Window Fan (click to see the current price on Amazon). You put it in the window just like you would a window air conditioner unit.

It’s also an Amazon’s Choice product with 100’s of great reviews and well under $50.

A dehumidifier is also a must for enclosed rooms.

It reduces the humidity around the hot tub but also prevents issues like condensation, mold, and mildew.

The best-selling dehumidifier on Amazon is the hOmeLabs 4,500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier (click to see the current price on Amazon).

It has almost 7,000 reviews and almost all 5-stars too! 

Final thoughts

You can have a hot tub indoors.

You can place a hot tub in a sunroom, or even on your second floor. Just ensure that any room you want to place your hot tub in has proper ventilation, non-slip flooring, and can hold the weight of a full hot tub.

Hire a contractor to ensure that everything is properly figured out.

For an average-sized hot tub, you will need a door frame that is at least 33 inches wide and 80 inches tall. This is to ensure proper clearance.

Additionally, you can take a hot tub apart if you don’t want it anymore. Make sure you wear proper safety gear and unhook all electrical items such as gas lines, heater, and unplug the hot tub plug.

A contractor and hot tub company will help you with any issues and will get your hot tub inside for you.

Wondering how level the floor needs to be where you plan to put your hot tub?

It’s no surprise, but your floor must be level. If you are curious about hot tubs and level floors,  and especially what to do if your floor ISN’T level, check out my recent article.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

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Photos which require attribution:

Hot tub Installation (6 of 7) by Philip Schatz is licensed under CC2.0