long narrow hot tubs

Do you want a hot tub, but have no rear or side access to your backyard? Or perhaps you’d prefer an indoor spa, safe and protected from the weather.

Whatever your reason for needing to get a hot tub through a door, I was in the same position as you for my last spa purchase.

I had just moved to a house on a steep hill in San Francisco. It had a beautiful backyard with a perfect spot to put a hot tub—8′ square, almost exactly level and with a fantastic view.

The catch?

The only way to reach it was via the 34″x80″ front door, and through the house. So I began my research.

I was excited to discover that I wasn’t limited to just an inflatable spa, and that there are in fact hardshell hot tubs that can fit through doors. This article is a shortlist of the options I came up with.

The requirements

• Less than 34″ deep (the width of my front door)
• At least one side must be less than 80″ (the height of my doors)
• As light as possible (it also had to go up some stairs)

Full disclosure: I did not actually purchase all of these hot tubs (I am just one person, after all) so I can’t review them for quality. However, I was in the genuine position of needing to buy a spa that would fit through my house, and will of course include the one I did finally settle on, and explain why.

2-3 person hot tubs that can fit through doors

As you might imagine, many hot tubs that will fit through a door are on the smaller side. If you’re mostly planning to use your spa alone or as a couple, one of these could suit you just fine.

Smaller hot tubs also have the advantage that they can fit in smaller spaces once installed, which could be handy if space is an issue.

Hot Spring TX

• Capacity: 2 people
• Dimensions: 72″ x 72″ x 29″
• Shape: Corner
• Does it have a lounger? No

With its unique shape, the TX provides comfort for two and fits in spaces other spas don’t. The patented Moto-Massage® jet and adjustable precision jets recharge and invigorate you.

Caldera Aventine

• Capacity: 2 people
• Dimensions: 64″ x 64″ x 29″
• Shape: Corner
• Does it have a lounger? No

The Aventine® hot tub has been specially designed for small spaces and fits exceptionally well in a corner. So tuck it away and enjoy a wonderful hydromassage experience in this portable 2-person hot tub.

Softub Sportster 140

• Capacity: 2 people
• Dimensions: 59″ x 24″
• Shape: Round
• Does it have a lounger? No

At 5 feet in diameter, the Sportster® 140 is the perfect choice for those with space limitations, or for individuals that want a full-featured spa, at an entry-level price. Lightweight and portable, the Sportster® 140 can easily be installed in almost any setting; indoors or outdoors.

Marquis Nashville

• Capacity: 3 people
• Dimensions: 60″ x 84″ x 29.5″
• Shape: Rectangle
• Does it have a lounger? Yes

The Nashville is the perfect personal hot tub for you and a companion. Lay back and relax in the lounge or chat up your partner in the therapy seat next to you. The cool-down massage seat provides a third spot to linger.

The Nashville’s 120 volt plug-and-play convenience is ultimately carefree. Or, an optional 240V Performance Upgrade is available to enhance your therapy experience. When it comes to compact hot tubs, The Nashville is Southern comfort at its best.

Marquis Nashville Elite

• Capacity: 3 people
• Dimensions: 60″ x 84″ x 29.5″
• Shape: Rectangle
• Does it have a lounger? Yes

Perfect by yourself or with some companions, Nashville Elite offers the luxury of a day spa in your backyard. It’s a premium 3-person hot tub to lounge in as you whisper to your partner in the therapy seat next to you. The cool-down massage seat provides a third spot to linger.

With the convenient 120 volt plug-and-play system, you can locate it just about anywhere. Stainless steel jet faces and foam-over-plumbing insulation are standard. Available options include: full-foam insulation, Motown™ audio with Bluetooth, Twilight™ LED multipoint accent lighting, and 240V Performance Upgrade.

Marquis V65L

• Capacity: 3 people
• Dimensions: 65″ x 84″ x 29.5″
• Shape: Rectangle
• Does it have a lounger? No

V65L is your personal vacation at home. Just add friends for serious fun! A space-age three person hot tub, its compact size fits tight spaces. A comfortable Commander’s Lounge lets you really chill out. A total of 22 Jetpods soothe weary muscles. And the convenient 120 volt plug-and-play system lets you locate it anywhere.

Hot Spring SX

• Capacity: 3 people
• Dimensions: 72″ x 77″ x 33″
• Shape: Rectangle
• Does it have a lounger? No

This compact three-seat spa fits smaller patios and decks. With an exclusive Moto-Massage® jet, plus adjustable Precision® jets, the SX delivers a unique, energizing experience.

Hot Spring Stride

• Capacity: 3 people
• Dimensions: 84″ x 65″ x 29″
• Shape: Rectangle
• Does it have a lounger? Yes

The Stride offers seating for three with a lower step-over height for easy access. A comfortable lounge and adjustable jets leave you recharged and ready for the next challenge.

Hot Spring Jetsetter

• Capacity: 3 people
• Dimensions: 84″ x 65″ x 29″
• Shape: Rectangle
• Does it have a lounger? Yes

Designed for small spaces and easy installation, the Jetsetter is ideal for shoppers seeking a luxury spa that can operate on either 115 or 230 volts. This compact spa is ideal for smaller spaces yet provides interior space to seat three people in comfort. Its 29” height also enables it to fit through a standard doorway.

Hot Spring Jetsetter LX

• Capacity: 3 people
• Dimensions: 84″ x 65″ x 33″
• Shape: Rectangle
• Does it have a lounger? Yes

The Jetsetter LX is ideal for those looking for a small luxury hot tub that offers all the features of a large spa. This spa fits well in areas where space is limited, yet still offers a 33″ depth and enough room to comfortably seat up to three people. This rectangular hot tub is ideal for smaller patios, yards and decks.

Caldera Kauai

• Capacity: 3 people
• Dimensions: 84″ x 65″ x 29.5″
• Shape: Rectangle
• Does it have a lounger? Yes

Named for an island popular among vacationers, the Kauai® redefines easy living. The Kauai hot tub seats 3 adults and features the UltraMassage® lounge and EcstaSeat®. Powerful spa jets and conversation seating makes the Kauai a popular 3-person hot tub. With 20 Euro jets, 5 VersaSsage® jets and a powerful ReliaFlo® 2.0 HP pump, the Kauai is a powerhouse of pleasure.

Caldera Celio

• Capacity: 3 people
• Dimensions: 84″ x 65″ x 29″
• Shape: Rectangle
• Does it have a lounger? Yes

The Celio’s unique lounge and dual-facing captain’s chairs, combined with the space saving dimensions make it the perfect spot for conversation or relaxing. Its signature comfort seating includes a deep EcstaSeat® and angled calf jets for a powerful hydrotherapy experience.

4-6 person hot tubs that can fit through doors

Yes, it really is possible to find hot tubs for groups of up to 6 people that will fit through a standard door!

Don’t expect these spas to be comfortable for large groups regularly, but hot tubbing as a small family—or the occasional social soak with guests or neighbors—will be totally doable.

Hot Spring Triumph

• Capacity: 4 people
• Dimensions: 93″ x 74″ x 33″
• Shape: Rectangle
• Does it have a lounger? Double

The Triumph is a beautifully designed double-lounge spa that comfortably fits four people. Enjoy an exclusive Moto-Massage® DX jet plus jet options that deliver great hydrotherapy to your back, calves and feet. A spacious bench area seats two and doubles as a unique cooldown ledge that adds to the feeling of luxury in this feature-packed spa.

Dream Maker EZL Spa

• Capacity: 4 people
• Dimensions: 79″ x 69″ x 32″
• Shape: Rectangle
• Does it have a lounger? Yes

Experience a truly unique pressure-controlled massage in the EZL Spa. A 4-person spa with patented comfort back water stream contoured channels and 16 stainless steel massage jets. The durable, lightweight spa comes in seven color combinations of Syncrylic™ diamond body colors with complementary textured panels available in brick or wicker.

Softub Legend 220

• Capacity: 4 people
• Dimensions: 71″ x 24″
• Shape: Round
• Does it have a lounger? No

The Softub® model that started it all when it was first released in 1986, and is still one of Softub’s most popular models today! The Legend® 220 accommodates up to 4 adults, while only making a 6-foot site footprint, and plugs into a standard 15 Amp (115 Volt) outlet! With 5 customizable jets, you can be sure to find your favorite position.

AquaRest Select 200

• Capacity: 5 people
• Dimensions: 74” x 76” x 29”
• Shape: Round
• Does it have a lounger? No

Come home to the Select 200, the 5-person spa by AquaRest Spas. Experience total relaxation as your spa’s 20 massaging stainless steel hydrotherapy jets soothe muscles and ease away the tension of the day. Relax in the Select 200’s spacious interior as the LED backlit waterfall with nine colorful light settings creates the perfect ambiance for wellness and entertaining.

Hot Spring Prodigy

• Capacity: 5 people
• Dimensions: 78″ x 84″ x 33″
• Shape: Rectangle
• Does it have a lounger? No

The Prodigy works well in both large and small spaces. It’s a mid-size hot tub with open seating for five in a spacious interior. The well-placed entry step doubles as cool-down seat when you’re done enjoying the generous variety of hydrotherapy jets and the exclusive Moto-Massage® DX jet.

Nordic Impulse

• Capacity: 5 people
• Dimensions: 78.5″ x 31″
• Shape: Round
• Does it have a lounger? No

The Impulse™ Classic is a great model in which to begin your hot tub lifestyle. It is the shallowest of the Nordic Hot Tubs models, at a 31″depth, but it has all the details, features, and benefits of Nordic tubs.

Convertible for 110/220V, the Impulse™ is a perfect blend of form, fun, and function. The barrier-free bench seat provides unrestricted seating choices so you can enjoy superb hot water therapy.

Dream Maker EZ Spa

• Capacity: 5 people
• Dimensions: 78″ x 68″ x 32″
• Shape: Rectangle
• Does it have a lounger? No

Experience a truly unique pressure-controlled massage in the EZ Spa 5-person spa with patented comfort back water stream contoured channels and 16 stainless steel massage jets. The durable, lightweight spa comes in seven color combinations of Syncrylic™ diamond body colors with complementary textured panels available in brick or wicker.

AquaRest Elite 500

• Capacity: 5 people
• Dimensions: 79” x 79” x 32”
• Shape: Square
• Does it have a lounger? Yes

Discover the Elite 500, the five-person hot tub with full lounger from AquaRest Spas. Recline and unwind as 29 stainless steel hydrotherapy jets massage away tension. The therapeutic lumbar arch support alleviates achy backs and the multi-level jet placement delivers soothing water pressure that massages every muscle into relaxation.

AquaRest Elite 600

• Capacity: 6 people
• Dimensions: 79” x 79” x 32”
• Shape: Square
• Does it have a lounger? No

Unwind in the Elite 600, the 6-person hot tub with 29 stainless steel hydrotherapy jets that ease away the tension of the day. The therapeutic lumbar arch support alleviates achy backs and the multi-level jet placement delivers soothing water pressure that massages every muscle into relaxation.

Softub Resort 300

• Capacity: 6 people
• Dimensions: 78″ x 27″
• Shape: Round
• Does it have a lounger? No

Providing pure comfort with the ability to entertain, the spacious Resort® 300 can accommodate up to 6 adults. At 6½ feet in diameter, this is truly a spa the whole family can enjoy!

Custom built with an additional 3 inches in depth, the Resort® 300 allows you to soak deeper for additional comfort. This tub comes standard with a therapy seat that is designed to elevate your soaking position, while strategically placed, pulsating jets soothe your upper and lower back, all while plugging into a standard 15 Amp (115 Volt) outlet!

Softub Portico

• Capacity: 6 people
• Dimensions: 78″ x 27″
• Shape: Round
• Does it have a lounger? No

In 2020, Softub® introduced a new model hailed as the ultimate in comfort, therapy, and design. The Portico™ offers extended seating that gives you the option of lounging on the Therapy Station™ bench while still allowing you to take full advantage of the popular barrier-free soaking experience.

The spa I purchased

So that’s it: my long list of hardshell hot tubs that will fit through a standard door!

The one I eventually went with was the Dream Maker EZ Spa.

Being rotomolded, it had a dry weight of just 280 lbs, which is very light for a 5-person spa (I was especially thankful for this when it came to getting it up the steps).

Dream Maker as a brand also came highly recommended, and overall I’ve been very happy with the spa, with no problems since installing it in 2017.