Tub Sizing: Balancing Space, Capacity, and Cost

Selecting the dimensions of your Snorkel is an intentional act of design. It is the balance between the physical footprint on your property and the personal sensory experience of the soak itself. To find your "perfect fit," we look at two primary variables: Height (which defines your immersion style and soaking posture) and Diameter (which defines your social capacity and legroom).


As you explore the options below, remember our guiding principle: The wisest choice is the smallest footprint that comfortably supports your typical ritual. This ensures faster heat-up times, lower resource consumption, and a more intimate environment, while still leaving room for the occasional guest.


Selecting Your Desired Water Depth
Choosing the right height is an intentional decision between two distinct styles of immersion. We recommend selecting the water depth that best aligns with your preferred soaking posture and how you intend to use your sanctuary.

The Trade-off: A 3' high tub of a larger diameter (e.g., 6’x3’) holds roughly the same water volume as a smaller 4' high tub (e.g., 5’x4’), but holds more people and allows for more useful lounging room. Custom heights between 3’ and 5’ high are available. 

Selecting Your Footprint
While height defines your soaking posture, diameter defines your social capacity and legroom. Our guiding philosophy is simple: Select the smallest diameter that comfortably fits your typical headcount. This ensures a more intimate ritual, faster heat-up times, and lower long-term energy costs.

The Diameter Trade-off: Efficiency vs. Space: Choosing a larger tub involves a balance of upfront comfort and ongoing maintenance.

• Heating Demand: A 7’ or 8’ tub requires significantly more water. In colder climates, these larger volumes may require upgraded electric heaters (18kW or 24kW) or more frequent wood-stoking to maintain optimal temperatures.

• Resource Mindfulness: If water is scarce or energy costs are a primary concern, opting for a 5’ or 6’ diameter provides a luxurious experience for you and a few guests.

• The "Occasional Guest" Rule: Remember that you can always "squeeze in" an extra friend for special occasions. It is usually wiser to size your tub for your daily life rather than your annual party.

Technical Specifications: Deeper Data
To move from inspiration to installation, you need to understand how your choice of height and diameter impacts your site. The chart below illustrates the "resource reality" of each size—comparing the weight for your foundation and the performance of our primary heating systems.

If you’re looking for a more detailed technical breakdown—including dry weights and our full range of heating options—you can find the complete chart here:

Download the Performance & Specification Chart (PDF — 13 MB)

Performance & Specification Chart

The need for personal space is highly individual. To help you visualize the "foot-to-leg" ratio, we have documented real-world seating scenarios.
Note on the Visuals: To provide the clearest view of legroom, these photos utilize a 3’ tall tub. If you choose a 4’ tall tub, your posture will be more upright, with your feet tucked more directly beneath the bench.