Hot tub and spa seating configuration explained

There is something about hot tub seating that make people competitive. Heaven forbid a guest sits in your
chair at the family dinner table! Going out for a night on the town? While expensive tickets may land you an
aisle seat in the orchestra at a Broadway play, there is no guarantee that you will score the cozy cushioned
booth next to the fireplace when you retreat for a bite to eat -- regardless of your fast-paced sprint past the
rest of the patrons. So, why doesn�t the same rivalry apply during a group soak in the hot tub? Simply put,
there is no "best seat in the house" when it comes to today�s aim-to-please hot tub models.

The hot tubs of the current industry feature a wide array of seating options, all of which pamper users in spa
style. From sprawling lounges to accommodating captain�s chairs, the latest hot tub seats may give La-Z-Boys
a run for their money. To better understand the layout and design features that differentiate one seat from the
next, it helps to conduct a side-by-side comparison of the most popular seating types found in the hot tub
market.

Hot tub configurations are extremely varied both from a size and seating stand-point. You have a wide
variety of seating to choose from; there is a 1 person hot tub, 2 person hot tub, 3 person hot tub, 4 person hot
tub, 5 person hot tub, 6 person hot tub, 7 person hot tub and so the number grows from there.

Contoured seat. Common in many hot tubs, the bucket seat is a low individual seat, similar to those found
in various sports cars. A depression in the seat surface allows the lower half of the body to rest comfortably in
a sedentary position. Any number of jets may be located in the seat back to massage aches and pains away.

Bench seating. As its name implies, bench seating provides more of a platform upon which people can sit.
The size of the bench determines whether one, two, or more spa-goers can rest on this type of seating area.
Because the body�s posterior rests on the seat, rather than in the seat, users can usually stretch out a bit and
rest their hands behind them if desired. Based on original hot tub designs, some companies still offer hot tubs
that consist solely of barrier-free benches for a traditional hot tub effect. These particular hot tubs may have
any combination of persons they will accomdate.

Loveseat. Depending on the hot tub manufacturer, a loveseat often qualifies as bench seating -- the only
difference being that the loveseat accommodates only two people. If you want to cuddle in the bubbles with
your loved one, a loveseat provides a great spot to settle for intimacy. As the name implies this particular hot
tub is a 2 person hot tub how ever there are cases where there are more than just two seats.

Lounger. Lounge seating has recently become one of the most sought-after features topping hot tub
shoppers� wish lists. A lounge is designed to resemble a recliner, allowing its user to stretch out his or her
entire body, from head to toe. Jet placements vary, depending on the manufacturer, but most lounges
include a headrest as well as armrests. The degrees to which the seat back and the leg area of the lounge are
angled differ, based on the maker and the model of the hot tub. This particular hot tub is most noteably a six
person hot tub.

Reversible lounger. Gaining popularity as a type of hot tub seating, the reversible lounger refers to a
lounge that is just that -- reversible. A bather can recline facing either direction, his or her head at one end of
the lounge or the other. Reversible lounges usually offer two different headrests and seating depths on
opposite sides. The center of the lounge sometimes consists of raised bench seating that keeps legs elevated
when the lounge is in use and also doubles as a separate seat when the lounge is vacant.

Doublewide reversible lounger. This type of seating provides all of the conveniences afforded by the
reversible lounge and then some. Its roominess and versatile design enables two people to lie side by side or
stretch out face to face for easy conversation. It is common for these lounges to feature convenient grab bars
for safe movement from one seat to the next. In addition, oversized headrests can accommodate couples that
choose to soak beside one another.

Captain�s chair. The design of a captain�s chair is not as easily explained as other types of seating, because it
varies based on the manufacturer. In fact, some hot tub companies do not even use the name captain�s chair
to describe comparable seats in their own models. Therapy seat is a frequently used alternative. Prominent
features that define these types of seats typically include headrests, wide molded armrests, oversized seats
and more jets. Captain�s chairs are almost always located in one of the spa�s four corners, to create a
tucked-away feeling.

Cool-down seat. What could be more convenient than an above-the-waterline seat that lets bathers
gradually adjust to the air temperature when entering or exiting their hot tubs? In many models, this seat also
doubles as a step area leading into and out of the spa. Typically this is only offered on high-end hot tubs.
However we are seeing this as an option on many other hot tubs today.

Reverse-molded seats. Reverse molding is a sophisticated technique used by some manufacturers to
create a contoured ledge that cradles the neck and positions it for jetted action. These seats boast extremely
comfortable upper body massage since most have built-in padded neck collars for further support. Although
hot tub and spa seating may differ in composition and in design features, each resting spot offers equivalent
�roundtable� status. With so many multifunctional places to sit down and relax, playing favorites is the only
challenge.