Bigger isn't always better. If you don't have a big family, you might wonder if getting a hot tub is a good idea, since you won't have a crowd to fill a 6-seat or 12-seat spa like you see so often on TV shows and in the movies. In reality, a two-person hot tub might be the right solution for your household. If there's only one or two people who will be using it, a 2-seater makes sense. Is a smaller spa right for you? Let's take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of a two-person spa.

Space
You'll need a place that can hold the unit with at least a two-foot buffer of space around it on all sides. Make sure that there's at least a 12-foot overhead clearance, especially from power lines. The average two-person spa is roughly seven or eight feet long by four feet wide and about two feet deep. In comparison, a hot tub that seats six people is seven or eight feet square and three feet deep, depending on the exact model.

Electricity
Smaller spas can usually run on a 110-volt outlet. Check the manufacturer's recommendations in the product description or in the owner's manual to confirm before you make a purchase. If that's the case, you won't need an electrician to come out and fortify your home's electrical circuits, unless you don't have one within plug-in distance of where you want to put it. There are larger spas that run on 110 volts. They typically have fewer bells and whistles and may take longer to heat.

Capacity
Make sure that the hot tub you're considering suits your needs in the number of people it holds and how much water it uses. If you're someone who likes to entertain and invite over friends, or if you have a large family that spends a lot of time together, a 2-seater spa might not be the right solution for you. If you're in a small household or you plan to use it for therapy, a small unit could fit your needs and your budget.   

Features
A more compact hot tub doesn't necessarily mean that it has fewer bells and whistles – or none at all. You'll find some with contoured seating, cup holders, multicolored LED lights and even a waterfall. This creates a relaxing atmosphere. If you're the only one using the spa and you want more space or a variation on jet types and styles, you might be more comfortable in a two-person hot tub instead of a single-person spa. If it's for therapeutic benefits, consider changing out some of the water jets to accommodate your needs. Keep in mind that the jets are still powerful and may be stationary, rotary or both.

Construction
One-person and two-person spas are typically made with a one-piece acrylic  shell. The spa control panel is within arm's reach, but may have fewer controls than some of the larger models, depending on the manufacturer.

Before you purchase a hot tub, it's important to make sure that you have all of the basics covered. Try to estimate the number of people and frequency that you plan to use it. It's also important to account for space, weight, the amount of water it uses and what type of electricity requirements it has.