A hot tub can transform a garden or outdoor area into a space designed for relaxation, socialising and home wellness. However, choosing the right hot tub involves more than deciding which model looks best. Seating capacity, seating layout, massage jets, pumps, entertainment features, available space and how you expect to use the hot tub should all influence the decision. A couple primarily interested in relaxation may have very different priorities from a family wanting a larger hot tub for regular shared use.
The current Orion Air Sales Saunas & Hot Tubs range includes four Certikin hot tub options from the Avon Collection, covering six- and seven-person configurations. The range includes the Alveston, Stratford and Warwick, with the Warwick available in two finishes. This gives buyers options ranging from a straightforward six-person model with a reclining lounger through to larger seven-person hot tubs equipped with 58 jets, three pumps and built-in audio.
What Should You Look for When Choosing a Hot Tub?
The first question should be how the hot tub will actually be used. Some owners primarily want somewhere to relax at the end of the day, while others want a hot tub that becomes a social feature for family and friends. Seating capacity is therefore important, but the type of seating deserves just as much consideration. Upright seats create a sociable arrangement, while a full-length lounger provides a different experience for someone who prefers reclining.
Massage features are another major consideration. Jet quantity can vary substantially between hot tubs, but the number of jets should not be viewed in isolation. The arrangement of the seats, available pumps and intended massage experience also matter. Buyers should therefore compare the complete design of a hot tub rather than assuming that one specification automatically determines which model is best.
How Many People Will Regularly Use Your Hot Tub?
It can be tempting to choose a hot tub based on the minimum number of people likely to use it. In practice, thinking about occasional use by family and guests can be more useful. A larger-capacity hot tub gives greater flexibility when several people want to use it together, while a six-person model can still provide considerable room for smaller households.
Orion's current Certikin range illustrates this choice well. The Alveston and Stratford are both designed for up to six adults, whereas the Warwick provides seating for seven adults and is described as the largest hot tub in the Avon Collection. The right choice therefore depends not simply on household size, but on whether the hot tub will primarily be used privately or as part of a larger outdoor entertaining space.
Six Person vs Seven Person Hot Tubs
A six-person hot tub can be an excellent option for families, couples wanting additional space, or households that occasionally invite friends to use the spa. It can provide a good balance between capacity and the amount of garden space dedicated to the hot tub. Both the Certikin Alveston and Stratford in Orion's current range accommodate up to six adults.
A seven-person hot tub becomes particularly interesting for larger households or buyers who expect the spa to form part of their social and entertaining space. The Certikin Warwick accommodates seven adults and combines that capacity with 58 jets, three pumps and built-in audio. The extra seating position can make a meaningful difference when the hot tub will regularly be shared.
Hot Tub Seating Layout Is Just as Important as Capacity
Two hot tubs advertised for the same number of people don't necessarily provide the same experience. Seating arrangement influences how occupants sit, interact and experience the massage system. This is particularly noticeable when comparing a conventional upright seat with a dedicated reclining lounger.
The Certikin Alveston uses five seats plus a full-size reclining lounger, while the Stratford also combines five adult seats with a dedicated lounger. This type of configuration can appeal to households wanting both sociable upright seating and somewhere to stretch out and relax. When comparing hot tubs, looking beyond the headline capacity and examining the actual seating arrangement can therefore be very worthwhile.
What Is a Hot Tub Lounger?
A hot tub lounger is a moulded reclining position that allows the user to adopt a more laid-back posture than a conventional upright spa seat. For someone purchasing a hot tub primarily for personal relaxation, the presence of a lounger may be one of the most important differences between models.
This makes the question “Should I buy a hot tub with a lounger?” highly personal. If you enjoy reclining and expect to use the hot tub frequently for quiet relaxation, a lounger may be attractive. If maximum sociable seating is the priority, the overall seating configuration may matter more. The Certikin Alveston and Stratford both provide dedicated reclining positions alongside their other seats.
Understanding Hot Tub Massage Jets
Massage jets direct water into the hot tub seating area to create the characteristic spa massage experience. The number of jets varies considerably between models, and their arrangement around different seating positions contributes to how the hot tub feels in use.
The Certikin Stratford, for example, features 82 massage jets, while the Warwick is specified with 58 jets and three pumps. These specifications demonstrate why buyers should compare more than capacity alone. Someone interested particularly in massage and hydrotherapy features may prioritise the spa system differently from a buyer whose main objective is socialising.
Are More Hot Tub Jets Always Better?
Not necessarily. A higher jet count sounds attractive, but the quality of a hot tub experience cannot be determined from the number of jets alone. Their position, water delivery, pump arrangement and how they correspond with the seating positions are all relevant.
The Stratford and Warwick demonstrate this particularly well. The Stratford is specified with 82 massage jets and accommodation for six adults, whereas the seven-person Warwick has 58 jets and three pumps. Rather than concluding that one is automatically better, buyers should consider whether they prioritise seating capacity, massage configuration, reclining positions or social use.
Certikin Alveston Six Person Hot Tub
The Certikin Alveston is the entry model within Certikin's Avon Collection and is designed to accommodate up to six adults. Its layout provides five individual seats alongside a full-size reclining lounger. Orion currently offers the model in a Sterling Silver Grey finish.
This makes the Alveston particularly interesting for buyers looking for a relatively straightforward six-person home hot tub while still wanting the versatility of a dedicated lounger. Its published applications include domestic hot tubs, home spas, garden wellness areas and outdoor relaxation spaces. View the Certikin Alveston Six Person Hot Tub
Certikin Stratford Six Person Hot Tub
The Certikin Stratford moves the focus towards a more feature-rich massage experience. It accommodates up to six adults using five adult seats and one dedicated lounger, while its published specification includes 82 massage jets and a built-in sound system. Orion currently lists the Stratford in Midnight Canyon Grey.
For buyers comparing the Alveston and Stratford, both provide six-person capacity and a lounger-based layout, but the Stratford adds clearly specified massage and entertainment features. That can make it an appealing choice where hydrotherapy-style relaxation and integrated audio are particularly important. View the Certikin Stratford Six Person Hot Tub
Certikin Warwick Seven Person Hot Tub
The Certikin Warwick is the largest hot tub currently listed within the Certikin Avon Collection on Orion Air Sales. It provides seating for seven adults and is equipped with 58 jets, three pumps and a built-in audio system. The Warwick is designed for applications including domestic hot tubs, home spas, outdoor relaxation, hydrotherapy and entertaining.
Its seven-person configuration makes the Warwick particularly relevant to families and buyers expecting to entertain regularly. Rather than sacrificing the spa experience for additional capacity, its published specification combines the larger seating arrangement with a three-pump system and integrated audio. View the Certikin Warwick Sterling Silver Grey Hot Tub
Certikin Warwick in Sterling Silver Grey or Midnight Canyon Grey
Orion currently offers the Warwick in Sterling Silver Grey and Midnight Canyon Grey. Both listings specify capacity for seven adults, 58 jets, three pumps and built-in audio, so the most obvious published distinction between these two products is the finish.
This gives buyers greater flexibility when coordinating a hot tub with a garden design, patio, decking or outdoor entertaining area. A hot tub is a substantial visual feature, so colour can become an important consideration alongside the technical and comfort features. View the Certikin Warwick Midnight Canyon Grey Hot Tub
Comparing the Certikin Hot Tub Range
The current Orion range makes it possible to approach selection according to how the hot tub will be used rather than simply choosing by price or capacity.
| Model | Capacity | Published Seating / Features | Best Suited To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certikin Alveston | 6 people | 5 seats + full-size reclining lounger | Buyers wanting a straightforward six-person Avon Collection hot tub |
| Certikin Stratford | 6 adults | 5 seats + lounger, 82 jets, built-in sound | Buyers prioritising massage features while retaining six-person capacity |
| Certikin Warwick | 7 adults | 58 jets, 3 pumps, built-in audio | Larger households, shared relaxation and entertaining |
| Certikin Warwick Midnight Canyon | 7 adults | 58 jets, 3 pumps, built-in audio | Same published Warwick capacity/features with an alternative finish |
The comparison also highlights an important point about choosing the best hot tub: there isn't one model that is automatically right for everybody. The Alveston may suit someone wanting the Avon Collection's six-person format without prioritising the Stratford's extensive jet system, while the Warwick becomes particularly attractive where seven-person capacity and entertaining are higher priorities.
Planning Where to Put a Hot Tub
Before buying any hot tub, the installation location should be considered carefully. A hot tub needs an appropriate supporting base and sufficient space for the complete unit, while practical access for delivery and installation needs to be established before the equipment arrives.
Future servicing access should also be considered. Building a hot tub tightly into decking or landscaping without considering access to serviceable components can make maintenance more difficult later. Exact foundation, clearance, electrical and installation requirements should always be confirmed for the particular hot tub being purchased.
Can You Put a Hot Tub on a Patio or Decking?
The supporting surface must be capable of safely carrying the complete installed load. Remember that the relevant weight isn't simply the empty hot tub: once filled, the installation contains a substantial quantity of water in addition to the spa itself and its occupants.
For this reason, existing patios, decking and raised structures shouldn't automatically be assumed suitable. The proposed location and supporting structure should be assessed appropriately before installation, particularly where the hot tub is being positioned on raised decking or another structure rather than a suitable ground-level base.
Think About Hot Tub Delivery Access Before Ordering
One surprisingly easy detail to overlook is how the hot tub will physically reach the garden. Gates, narrow side passages, walls, fences, steps, changes in level, conservatories and restricted access around the property can all affect delivery.
Planning this before purchase is far easier than discovering an access problem on delivery day. Buyers should establish the dimensions and delivery requirements of the exact hot tub and compare them with the route from the delivery point to its final position.
Hot Tub Electrical Requirements
A permanent hot tub contains electrical equipment operating in close proximity to water, so electrical installation is an area where proper planning is essential. The electrical requirements can vary between models according to their equipment and design.
The exact supply and protective requirements should therefore be confirmed from the installation documentation for the selected model and handled by an appropriately competent electrical professional. It is better to establish this before preparing the final location so that the electrical installation can be incorporated properly.
Hot Tub Water Circulation and Filtration
Behind the relaxing appearance of a hot tub is a working water system. Water needs to circulate through the appropriate filtration and treatment arrangement so that the spa can be maintained correctly. Pumps, filters and associated components therefore play an important role in hot tub operation.
Owners should follow the manufacturer's requirements for filtration, water treatment and routine maintenance. A hot tub's massage system and its water-care requirements are related parts of the overall installation, but strong massage performance doesn't remove the need for correct filtration and water management.
Hot Tub Water Care and Maintenance
Owning a hot tub involves ongoing water care rather than simply filling it once and leaving it permanently. Water chemistry needs to be maintained appropriately, filters require attention, and the hot tub itself should be maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Maintenance requirements should therefore be considered when buying, particularly if the hot tub will receive frequent use. Establishing a sensible routine for checking water condition, cleaning filtration components and inspecting the spa can make ownership considerably easier.
Using a Hot Tub for Relaxation and Hydrotherapy
Hot tubs are popular because they combine warm water with seating and water-jet massage. Some buyers primarily want somewhere to unwind outdoors, while others particularly value the massage experience after work, exercise or everyday activity.
The Certikin range sold by Orion reflects these different priorities. The Stratford's 82 jets make massage a prominent part of its specification, while the Warwick combines 58 jets and three pumps with larger seven-person capacity. Both are described as suitable for hydrotherapy applications, although a domestic hot tub should not be treated as a substitute for medical treatment or professional healthcare advice.
Hot Tubs for Entertaining Family and Friends
A larger hot tub can become part of a wider garden entertaining area rather than simply a private spa. Seating capacity becomes especially important here because the difference between accommodating six and seven adults may matter when friends and family regularly use the hot tub together.
The Warwick is particularly positioned towards this type of use. Its seven-person capacity, built-in audio and large layout make it the most obvious model in Orion's current range for buyers prioritising social use. The Stratford also provides integrated sound but combines it with a six-person layout and dedicated lounger.
Built-In Hot Tub Audio Systems
Integrated audio can make a hot tub feel more like a complete outdoor entertainment and relaxation area. Both the Certikin Stratford and Warwick listings specify built-in sound or audio systems, allowing music to form part of the spa experience without relying entirely on separate entertainment equipment.
Whether this matters will depend on how you intend to use the hot tub. For quiet personal relaxation it may be secondary to seating and massage features, while households creating a sociable garden environment may place considerably more value on integrated audio.
Creating a Home Spa and Garden Wellness Area
Modern gardens increasingly serve as extensions of the home, and a hot tub can form the centrepiece of a dedicated relaxation area. Positioning can be planned around patios, landscaping, privacy screening, outdoor lighting and nearby seating to create a more complete home spa environment.
Practical considerations should still lead the design. Safe access, suitable drainage, servicing clearance and the required electrical arrangements shouldn't be sacrificed purely for appearance. The best installations combine an attractive garden setting with straightforward access and sensible long-term maintenance.
Which Certikin Hot Tub Should You Choose?
For someone wanting six-person capacity with a full-size reclining lounger and a relatively straightforward entry into the Avon Collection, the Certikin Alveston is the natural starting point. For buyers who still want six-person accommodation and a lounger but place greater emphasis on massage and entertainment, the Stratford adds 82 jets and built-in sound.
For larger households or regular entertaining, the seven-person Certikin Warwick is the obvious model to consider. Its 58 jets, three pumps and built-in audio combine with the largest seating capacity in the Avon Collection, while the choice between Sterling Silver Grey and Midnight Canyon Grey allows the appearance to be matched more closely to the surrounding outdoor space.
Certikin Hot Tubs from Orion Air Sales
Orion Air Sales' current hot tub collection concentrates on Certikin's Avon Collection, with options for six- and seven-person home spa installations. Rather than presenting dozens of very similar configurations, the range offers clear steps between the Alveston, Stratford and Warwick according to seating requirements and the level of massage and entertainment features required.
The best starting point is to decide how many people will realistically use the hot tub, whether a reclining lounger matters, how important the massage system is and whether integrated audio and additional social capacity are priorities. From there, the published specifications of each model can be compared against the available installation space and site requirements.
View Certikin Saunas & Hot Tubs at Orion Air Sales
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Hot Tub
What size hot tub should I buy?
Choose according to the number of people likely to use it regularly, the available installation space and the type of seating you prefer. If entertaining is important, allowing some additional seating capacity can be worthwhile.
Is a six-person hot tub big enough for a family?
For many households, yes. The Certikin Alveston and Stratford both accommodate up to six adults, making them suitable for family use as well as smaller groups of guests.
Should I choose a six-person or seven-person hot tub?
A six-person model may be appropriate where space and a lounger configuration are priorities. A seven-person model such as the Warwick provides additional capacity and is particularly suited to larger households and entertaining.
Which Certikin hot tub has the most jets in Orion's current range?
Of the four products currently listed in Orion's Saunas & Hot Tubs category, the Certikin Stratford has the highest published jet count at 82 massage jets.
Which Certikin hot tub is the largest?
The Certikin Warwick is described as the largest model in the Avon Collection and accommodates seven adults.
Does the Certikin Alveston have a lounger?
Yes. The Alveston has five seats and one full-size reclining lounger, providing capacity for up to six adults.
Does the Certikin Stratford have a sound system?
Yes. Orion's published specification for the Stratford includes a built-in sound system as well as 82 massage jets.
Does the Certikin Warwick have a sound system?
Yes. Both Warwick variants currently listed by Orion specify a built-in audio system, together with 58 jets and three pumps.
What should I check before installing a hot tub?
Consider the supporting base, available space, delivery route, service access, drainage and electrical requirements. The exact installation instructions for the selected model should be checked before preparing the site.
Can I install a hot tub outdoors in the UK?
Hot tubs are commonly used in outdoor domestic settings, and the Certikin models discussed here are listed for domestic outdoor relaxation and home spa applications. The installation still needs to meet the requirements of the particular model and site.