Pick your size by how many people use it regularly, not the maximum it seats. A tub that's "too big" costs a little more to run and to fill and can feel empty; one that's too small gets crowded the first time you have company. Here's how to choose, with real specs from the Eco Spa lineup so the numbers are concrete instead of vague.
The Eco Spa Lineup at a Glance
| Model | Seats | Jets | Best for | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E1 | 2–4 | 12 | Couples, small decks | $11,999 |
| E2 | 2 | 21 | Couples wanting more jets | $12,999 |
| E3 | 2–3 | 23 | A lounger + diverter | $14,799 |
| E4 | 3–4 | 21+ | Families (most popular) | $14,999 |
| E5 | 2 | 21+ | Deep two-person soak | $15,499 |
| E6 | 6–7 | 21 | Entertaining, big families | $17,999 |
| E6 Deluxe | 6–7 | 34 | Max hydromassage | $19,999 |
2 People: Compact (E1, E2 & E5)
Ideal for a couple, a condo deck, or a smaller backyard. The E1 gives you a real soak with room to stretch; the E2 packs 21 jets and holds about 200 gallons: more water than the industry-average two-person tub, so it feels roomier than its footprint suggests. The E5 is the deep-soak option for two. Best for: couples, renters, tighter spaces, and anyone who wants lower fill and running costs.
3–4 People: The Family Size (E3 & E4)
The most popular choice for most households. The E4 (3–4 seats, 21+ jets) is the balanced pick: enough room for a family or a couple who likes to host, without the footprint or running cost of a full six-seater. The E3 adds a dedicated lounger and a diverter valve if you want to direct pressure to one seat. If you're genuinely unsure what size to get, this tier is almost always the right answer. Best for: families, frequent hosts on a budget.
6–7 People: Full Size (E6 & E6 Deluxe)
For entertaining and bigger families. The E6 seats 6–7 with 21 jets; the E6 Deluxe steps up to 34 jets for a noticeably stronger hydromassage. You'll want the yard space for it and a slightly higher running cost, but for a busy household that hosts often, the extra seating earns its keep. The Deluxe is also the one model that runs exclusively on 220V. Best for: large families, regular entertaining, and serious jet therapy.
Hot Tub Size Chart by Capacity
Typical dimensions across the industry, so you can sanity check any spa against the space you have. These are common ranges rather than any one manufacturer's figures.
| Seats | Typical footprint | Typical height | Water volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 person | 5'6" x 6' to 6'6" x 7' | 29" to 33" | 150 to 250 gallons |
| 3 to 4 person | 6'6" x 6'6" to 7' x 7' | 30" to 34" | 250 to 400 gallons |
| 5 to 6 person | 7' x 7' to 7'6" x 8' | 33" to 36" | 350 to 475 gallons |
| 7 to 8 person | 8' x 8' and up | 35" to 38" | 450 to 600 gallons |
Two things the chart cannot tell you. Seat counts are optimistic across the whole industry, so read the number as the maximum rather than the comfortable figure. And height matters more than people expect: at 30 inches the water sits noticeably lower on your shoulders than at 35, which is the difference between pleasant and properly warm in a BC February.
Eco Spa Dimensions, Exactly
| Model | Seats | Footprint | Height | Gallons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E1 | 2-4 | 72" x 60" | 30" | 212 |
| E2 | 2 | 76" x 46" | 33" | 200 |
| E3 | 2-3 | 77" x 60" | 33" | 230 |
| E4 | 3-4 | 77" x 60" | 33" | 230 |
| E5 | 2 | 77" x 60" | 33" | 240 |
| E5 Deluxe | 2 | 77" x 60" | 33" | 240 |
| E6 | 6-7 | 78" x 78" | 35" | 325 |
| E6 Deluxe | 6-7 | 78" x 78" | 35" | 325 |
The E2 at 46 inches wide is worth noting separately. It is the one dimension that decides whether a spa can reach a courtyard or a narrow side passage at all, because spas travel on edge on a dolly.
The Space You Need Around It
Measure three things beyond the tub itself:
- Cover swing. The cover has to fold or lift somewhere. Allow for it or you will be fighting a wall every time.
- Service access. Leave clearance at the equipment panel. You will want it eventually.
- The delivery route. Clearance needs to be roughly the height of the tub, since it travels on edge. Gate posts are always narrower than the gate looks. See delivery day.
And check what it weighs filled. A spa runs between roughly 88 and 108 lbs per square foot with people in it, which is above what most residential decks are designed to carry. Can a deck support a hot tub has the arithmetic.
Don't Forget the Footprint
Measure your space before you fall in love with a size. Every Eco Spa sits on any flat, level surface: a deck, patio, or gravel pad, no concrete required, but you still need clearance to open the cover fully and reach the side panels for service. Leave roughly two feet of access around the tub, and check that your gate and pathway can fit the shell on delivery (the one-piece HDPE shell is lighter than acrylic equivalents, which helps in tight spots).
Does a Bigger Tub Cost a Lot More to Run?
Less than you'd think. A bigger tub heats more water, but the cover matters far more to your bill than the seat count. Across the whole lineup, a well-insulated Eco Spa runs roughly $10–40 per month in BC, with the larger E6 models sitting toward the top of that range and the compact models near the bottom. The R-40 hard cover is doing the heavy lifting on every model.
Seating and Jets: What Actually Matters
Jet count gets marketed hard, but placement matters more than the number. More jets (like the E6 Deluxe's 34) means more zones and stronger overall pressure, which is great if hydromassage is a priority. For most people, the deciding factors are simpler: how many seats you'll actually fill, whether you want a full-recline lounger (E3), and how the seats fit your body when you sit in them. That last one is why it's worth visiting a showroom.
The Simple Rule
Count the people who'll use it most weeks and add one. A couple → an E2 or E5. Two regulars who occasionally host → an E4. A full house that entertains → an E6 or E6 Deluxe. Compare all the models side by side, or tell us your space and how you'll use it and we'll recommend a fit, no upsell.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size hot tub do most people buy?
A 3–4 person hot tub (like the Eco Spa E4) is the most popular for households, enough room for a family or hosting without the footprint and running cost of a six-seater.
Does a bigger hot tub cost a lot more to run?
Not dramatically. A bigger tub heats more water, but a quality rigid cover matters far more to your bill than seat count. Across sizes, a well-insulated Eco Spa runs about $10–40/month in BC, with larger models toward the top of that range.
How much space do I need for a hot tub?
Enough for the tub's footprint plus clearance to open the cover and reach the side panels for service, a couple of feet around it. Eco Spa sits on any flat, level surface, so no concrete pad is required.