Deciding on the proper size tub

[wmccall]

What about operating costs? Larger tubs equal more pumps etc. Does going from a 5 to eight person tub substantially push up operating cost? Just wondering.

Actually an 8 person spa won't run you much more than a 5 person of the same brand spa built the same way. You're obviously heating up more water from the start and it'll cost a little more to maintain the extra water but it is NOT even close to being proportional. Its not like a 500 gallon spa will cost double what a 250 gallon spa will run you.

Excellent point, once every several months when  you refill, the electric meter will spin fast a little longer.  We are having great weather, and I am going to dump and refill either Saturday or Sunday.  My water will start out around 42F

[meriflower]

We have a Marquis Epic and it is a large tub.  Usually it's just my husband and I.  We have two teen boys and they never use it.  We do like the larger tub as it gives us the capability to move around and massage all different parts of our bodies.  I remember wet testing several Hot Spring models.  I remember liking the Grandee the best.  When selecting a spa a wet test is a must as well as trying different recommended brands.