February 2, 2026

Hot Tub Seating Style Explained- Lounger vs Open Seating

If you’ve been shopping for a hot tub lately, you’ve probably noticed two main seating “personalities”:

Lounger seats (laid-back, reclined, full-body seating).
Open seating (upright seats—more flexible, more social).

And if you’ve asked around, you’ve probably heard two opposite opinions:

“A lounger is the BEST thing I ever bought.”
“A lounger is the seat I regret most.”

So what’s the truth? Both—depending on your body size, how you like to soak, who you soak with, and what you expect from your hot tub.

This guide breaks it all down in plain English so you can choose the seating style you’ll love long-term (not just the one that looks cool in the showroom).

Quick Answer: What Most People Regret

Here’s the simplest way to think about it:

People regret a lounger when…

They float out of it (especially shorter or very buoyant people).
The lounger takes up space, and they actually wanted more flexible seating.
They mainly soak with family/friends, and the lounger becomes “that one seat nobody fights for.”
They don’t love being reclined in water (some people prefer an upright position).

People regret open seating when…

They wanted a “full-body massage seat” feel, and open seating doesn’t offer the same reclined jet path.
They mostly soak solo and realize a lounger would’ve been their favorite “recovery chair.”
They wanted to really stretch out and open seating feels like “just sitting.”

The fix isn’t guessing. The fix is matching the seating style to how you’ll actually use your tub.

Here’s the simplest way to think about it:

People regret a lounger when…

They float out of it (especially shorter or very buoyant people).
The lounger takes up space, and they actually wanted more flexible seating.
They mainly soak with family/friends, and the lounger becomes “that one seat nobody fights for.”
They don’t love being reclined in water (some people prefer an upright position).

People regret open seating when…

They wanted a “full-body massage seat” feel, and open seating doesn’t offer the same reclined jet path.
They mostly soak solo and realize a lounger would’ve been their favorite “recovery chair.”
They wanted to really stretch out and open seating feels like “just sitting.”

The fix isn’t guessing. The fix is matching the seating style to how you’ll actually use your tub.

A lounger is a reclining seat that supports your body from the shoulders to the feet. It often includes:

Nack jets (upper + mid + lower back)
Hip/glute jets
Calf and foot jets
A molded shape so you can stretch out.

It’s meant to feel like: “lying back in warm water while getting a full-body massage.”

Lounger vibe: best for

Solo soakers
Couples who want a “main seat.”
Post-work relaxation and recovery.
People who love to stretch out and be fully supported.

What Is Open Seating?

Open seating means upright seats (with different depths, jet layouts, and heights) without a reclined, full-body lounger shape. It often includes:

Multiple seat depths.
A variety of jet placements.
More space for rotating seats.
Easier conversation and socializing.

It’s meant to feel like: “everyone has a seat, you can move around, and it works for more body types.”

Open seating vibe: best for

Families and friend groups
People who like to rotate seats
Homes with different heights/body types using the tub
Anyone who wants flexibility over a “one-star seat”.

The Real Question: How Do You Actually Use a Hot Tub?

Before you choose, answer these honestly:

1) Are you primarily a solo soaker or a social soaker?

Solo/quiet routine: lounger can be perfect.
Friends/family often: open seating usually wins.

2) Do you like being reclined in water?

Some people LOVE it. Some people feel exposed or uncomfortable. If you’re the type who likes sitting upright in a bath, you may prefer open seating.

3) Are there multiple heights/body types using the tub?

If yes, open seating is easier. Loungers can be picky about fit.

4) Do you want one “best seat,” or do you like switching it up?

One best seat: lounger
Variety and rotation: open seating

Why People Love Loungers (When They Fit)

When a lounger fits your body well, it can be a “wow” experience.

1) Full-body jet path

Loungers often line jets up from the shoulders down to calves/feet, which feels more like a complete massage session.

2) It’s mentally relaxing

Reclining signals “rest.” If you’re buying a tub for stress relief, this is a big deal.

3) Great for post-workout nights

People love a lounger after heavy training days because you can settle in and let the jets hit major muscle groups without constantly shifting.

4) Couples love the “main character seat.”

If you and your partner both want a favorite seat, a lounger can become “the seat.” (Sometimes that’s cute. Sometimes it’s an argument. )

Why People Regret Loungers (The Honest Reasons)

This is where you avoid buyer’s remorse.

1) Floating out of the lounger

This is THE biggest complaint.

If the lounger is too long for you, your hips rise, and your body wants to float upward. You end up bracing yourself or sliding down, which turns relaxation into effort.

Signs a lounger may be tricky for you:

You’re shorter and tend to float easily.
You feel like you’d need to “hold on” to stay in place.
You don’t love reclined positions in water.

Fix: wet test the lounger if possible, and try multiple brands/models. Loungers are not all the same shape.

2) Lounger takes up “prime real estate”

In many tubs, the lounger uses space you could dedicate to two open seats or a more versatile layout.

If you soak with friends/family, you may realize:

The lounger seat is always “occupied” by one person.
Or it’s always empty because it doesn’t fit everyone.

3) Not everyone likes reclined soaking

Some people feel too exposed or don’t enjoy lying back. Open seating feels more natural.

4) Lounger can dominate how you use the tub

If you only use the lounger and ignore the other seats, you might be paying for variety you’ll never use—unless the layout is well-designed.

Why People Love Open Seating (Especially Long-Term)

Open seating tends to be the “safe bet,” but it’s not dull—done right, it’s the most practical.

1) Works for more body types

Different seat depths and shapes help:

Shorter users
Taller users
Broader shoulders/hips
Anyone who floats more easily.

2) Better for entertaining

Open seating usually makes conversation easier and feels more “hangout friendly.”

3) You can rotate seats like a mini spa circuit

Different jets hit different areas. People who love variety and customization usually prefer open seating.

4) More usable space

Instead of one large lounger, you get more seating options and sometimes a more open footwell.

Why People Regret Open Seating

Open seating can still lead to “I wish I had…” moments.

1) You wanted a full-body recline experience

If you pictured yourself lying back, fully supported, with jets hitting everything, open seating might feel like a compromise.

2) You mostly soak alone

If it’s just you 90% of the time, you may realize you don’t need “party seating.” You need your perfect seat.

3) Not all open seating layouts are equal

Some are designed brilliantly. Some feel like “six versions of the same seat.” The key is variety:

Different depths
Different jet zones
At least one “therapy” seat that hits major tension areas.

The “Wet Test” Is Everything (And Here’s How to Do It)

The showroom can be misleading because dry seats feel different than wet seats.

Water changes:

Buoyancy
How you sit in the mold.
Whether you float.
Whether jets hit the right zones.

If you can wet test, do this:

1. Sit normally and relax your core.

2. See if you naturally stay in position.

3. Try a lounger without holding on.

4. Shift between seats and notice which one feels best.

5. Ask: “Would I choose this seat every time?”

If you can’t wet test:

Ask for guidance based on:

Your height
Your preferred soak posture.
Whether you tend to float.
Who will use the tub most often?

(And prioritize models known for comfortable ergonomics and multiple seating depths.)

Who Should Choose a Lounger?

A lounger is a GREAT choice if most of these are true:

You soak mostly alone or as a couple

You love reclining and being fully supported

You want a “recovery chair” vibe

You’re okay with one seat being the “feature” seat

The lounger fits your body well (no floating struggle)

Best lounger buyers:

Solo soakers
Couples who want relaxation + jets
Fitness-focused owners who want a consistent post-work routine.

Who Should Choose Open Seating?

Open seating is usually best if most of these are true:

You soak with family/friends often

Multiple heights/body types will use the tub

You like sitting upright and rotating seats

You want the most flexible layout

You want fewer fit issues and fewer regrets

Best open-seating buyers:

Families
Hosts
People who want variety without a “fussy” seat.

The Best of Both Worlds: “Lounge + Open” Hybrid Layouts

A lot of people land here—because it solves the regret problem.

A hybrid layout usually includes:

One lounger (or a semi-lounge).
Plus several open seats of different depths.
Plus, a footwell designed for comfort.

This gives you:

A “feature seat” for solo nights.
open seating for guests.
Flexibility for different body types.

If you’re torn, a hybrid is often the safest answer.

The Sneaky Detail People Forget: Seat Depth Matters More Than Seat Count

People get excited about “how many seats.” But the real question is:

Do those seats actually fit the people using the tub?

A tub with fewer seats that fit well beats a tub with more seats that don’t.

Look for:

Multiple depth options.
Ergonomic shaping that supports your back.
Jets that hit real zones (not random spots).
A footwell that doesn’t feel cramped.

"Which People Regret?” The Most Common Scenarios

Here are the most common regret patterns—so you can avoid them.

Regret pattern #1: Buying a lounger without testing it

They loved the idea. It didn’t fit. They floated. They stopped using it.

Regret pattern #2: Buying open seating when they wanted a “reclined escape”

They soaked alone, wanted to stretch out, and now wish they had a lounger or a semi-lounger.

Regret pattern #3: Buying a lounger in a tub that’s too small for entertaining

They expected to host more and realized the layout doesn’t work well for groups.

Regret pattern #4: Choosing based on looks, not comfort

Hot tubs are “feel purchases.” Ergonomics wins over aesthetics every time.

A Simple Decision Checklist

If you want the easiest way to decide, use this:

Choose a lounger if:

“I want to stretch out” is your #1 goal.
You most often soak alone or as a couple.
You want full-body jets.
You’ve tested it, and it fits.

Choose open seating if:

Flexibility and fit matter most.
You soak with different people often.
You like rotating seats.
You want fewer surprises.

Choose hybrid if:

You want both experiences.
You’re not sure how often you’ll host.
You want one “wow seat” without losing flexibility.

Love’s Hot Tubs Tip: How to Shop Without Regret

When you’re at Love’s Hot Tubs, don’t just ask “how many seats?”

Ask these instead:

Which seat fits my height best?
Which seat hits the spots I actually want (upper back, hips, calves)?
Do people tend to float in this lounger?
Is there more than one seat depth option?
If I host, where do people naturally sit and talk?

Your best hot tub is the one you’ll use constantly—not the one that sounded coolest online.

Final Thoughts

Lounger vs open seating isn’t about “better.” It’s about better for you.

If you want a reclined, full-body, deep-exhale soak, a lounger can be perfect.
If you want flexibility, fit, and social comfort, open seating usually wins.
If you’re torn, hybrid layouts are often the safest and most loved option.

And if you’re still unsure, that’s normal. The right choice usually becomes obvious the moment you sit in the tub and think:
“Yep. This is the seat I’d pick every night.”

References

1. CDC — What You Can Do to Stay Healthy in Hot Tubs
2. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) — CPSC Warns Of Hot Tub Temperatures
3. CPSC — CPSC Issues Warning for Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs

4. CPSC (PDF) — Guidelines for Entrapment Hazards: Making Pools and Spas Safer

5. CDC (PDF) — Suggested Health and Safety Guidelines for Public Pools and Spas(includes spa/hot tub temperature guidance)

6. CDC (PDF) — Hot Tub User Information (sanitation basics + temperature guidance)

7. U.S. Masters Swimming — Why Do You Float in Water? (buoyancy basics; helps explain “floating out” of loungers)

8. NCBI Bookshelf (StatPearls) — Diving Buoyancy (how body composition can affect buoyancy)

9. San Diego State University (CoachSci) —Floating/Buoyancy explanation (Archimedes principle applied)

10. CDC/NIOSH — Anthropometry and Work (explains why “fit” varies across body sizes; supports the “seat fit matters” point)

11. ISO overview —ISO 7250-1: Basic human body measurements for technological design(standards context for sizing/fit concepts)

12. University of Western Ontario — Choosing the Proper Chair (explains why seating designs fit differently across body types)