Essential Hot Tubs Edgewater vs Edgewater EX: Which One Is Right for You?

The Essential Hot Tubs Edgewater is a 28-jet, plug-and-play spa built for daily relaxation and easy setup. The Edgewater EX is an upgraded 40-jet version with a more powerful pump, extra leg jets, and stronger therapy output. Both seat 5–6 adults, share the same 74″ x 74″ footprint, and offer a lounger or non-lounger configuration. Choose the Edgewater if simplicity and value matter most. Choose the Edgewater EX if deeper muscle therapy is your priority.

Key Takeaways:

• The Edgewater seats 5–6 adults comfortably. So does the Edgewater EX. The difference is therapy depth, not capacity.
• The Edgewater EX uses a 5 Peak HP pump. The Edgewater uses a 2 Peak HP pump. That difference is felt in every jet.
• Both models are manufactured at the Essential Hot Tubs Pennsylvania facility and ship ready to use.

What Is the Essential Hot Tubs Edgewater?

The Essential Hot Tubs Edgewater is a 5–6 person hard shell acrylic spa with 28 fully adjustable stainless steel jets, a Balboa heater, and plug-and-play 120V setup. It is designed for everyday relaxation and family use at an accessible entry-level price point.

What Is the Essential Hot Tubs Edgewater EX?

The Essential Hot Tubs Edgewater EX is the upgraded version of the Edgewater. It features 40 stainless steel jets, a 5 Peak HP two-speed pump, 6 leg jets (up from 4), and a 4kW Balboa all-season heater. It is positioned as a comfort upgrade model for buyers who want stronger hydrotherapy without moving to a larger spa.

How Many People Do the Edgewater and Edgewater EX Comfortably Fit?

Both models comfortably fit 4 adults for a relaxed soak, or 5–6 for social use.

The marketing number says 5–6 for both. In practice, 4 people gives everyone their own seat with personal space. Five adults works well for entertaining. Six is possible but feels full. Neither model is a party spa — they are best suited for couples who soak daily, or families of 3–4 who want a weekend gathering option.

If your primary use is a couple or two close friends soaking together, both models have more space than you need. If you regularly entertain 5 or more adults, consider stepping up to the Essential Hot Tubs Polara, which offers a true 6-seat layout with dedicated zones.

Lounger or No Lounger — Which Configuration Should You Choose?

This is the most important decision you will make, and it applies equally to both the Edgewater and Edgewater EX.

Both models are available in two configurations: with a full-body lounger, or without (open seating only). Here is what that means in practice:

• Lounger configuration — One seat reclines fully so you lie back at an angle. Every jet from neck to foot targets your body simultaneously. This is ideal if you soak alone regularly or want the deepest passive therapy experience.
• Open seating configuration — All seats are upright captain’s chairs and side seats. Four adults sit comfortably without anyone losing their seat to the lounger. This is the better choice for couples or groups who use the spa together most of the time.

The floating issue is real and worth knowing: lighter adults (roughly under 130 lbs) can find that the buoyancy of the lounger pushes them upward rather than holding them in position. If that applies to your household, open seating may be the more comfortable daily choice.

One person soaking alone most evenings → choose the lounger. Two or more people using the spa together regularly → open seating gives everyone a quality seat.

What Is the Therapy Difference Between the Edgewater and Edgewater EX?

The Edgewater delivers a solid, gentle-to-moderate full-body massage. The Edgewater EX delivers noticeably stronger, more targeted muscle relief — particularly in the legs and lower back.

The difference is not about jet count. It is about pump power and jet coverage.

The Edgewater runs a 2 Peak HP two-speed pump across 28 jets. The result is a smooth, consistent water flow that relaxes muscles and reduces tension effectively. It is well suited to winding down after a normal working day.

The Edgewater EX runs a 5 Peak HP two-speed pump across 40 jets — including 5 back jets and 6 leg jets. That extra leg jet coverage is a meaningful upgrade for anyone who stands all day, runs, or carries physical strain in their calves and feet. The high-speed setting on the Edgewater EX is also noticeably more powerful, making it a better choice for deeper tissue relief rather than passive soaking alone.

If you or your partner have chronic back tension, muscle soreness from exercise, or circulation needs, the Edgewater EX’s pump and jet layout justifies the upgrade. If your goal is evening decompression and light relaxation, the Edgewater delivers that without overpaying.

Will It Fit My Backyard, Deck, or Patio?

Both the Edgewater and Edgewater EX share identical external dimensions: 74 inches x 74 inches x 34–35 inches tall.

At 74 inches square (just over 6 feet), both models fit comfortably on a standard 8×8 foot deck or patio. Leave 12–18 inches of clearance on at least two sides for access and maintenance. The 34–35 inch height is low enough for most deck railings and easy entry and exit without steps — though an optional step is recommended for seniors or users with limited mobility.

For doorway delivery: both models are delivered curbside by Essential Hot Tubs’ freight service. At 74 inches wide, they cannot pass through a standard 36-inch exterior door. Access must be via a gate, side passage, or over a fence. Measure your access point before ordering.

How Deep Is the Water and Does It Matter?

The Edgewater and Edgewater EX both sit at approximately 34–35 inches total height, with water depth reaching roughly 28–30 inches in the seated position.

This is a mid-depth spa. For most adults of average height, water reaches the chest when seated upright in the captain’s chairs. The lounger position provides greater immersion along the full length of the body.

Taller users — over 6 feet — may find the seated depth leaves their shoulders partially out of the water. For those users, the lounger configuration is the better choice as it maximises full-body immersion. Shorter users and those with limited mobility will find the depth comfortable and the entry height easy to manage.

What Will It Cost to Run — Edgewater vs Edgewater EX?

Both models hold 300 gallons and use a Balboa stainless steel heater. Running costs are very similar. The Edgewater EX’s larger pump uses slightly more energy at high speed.

Both models plug into a standard 120V/15A household outlet straight out of the box. For year-round use — particularly in colder months — Essential Hot Tubs recommends converting both to a 240V connection installed by a licensed electrician. On 240V, the 4kW Balboa heater maintains temperature efficiently even in freezing conditions.

The Edgewater EX’s pump runs at higher peak power during jet use. In daily use at moderate speed, the difference in running cost between the two models is minimal. The larger energy variable is how often you run the jets at high speed, not which model you own.

Is the Edgewater for Daily Use or the Edgewater EX?

The Edgewater is ideal for daily relaxation soaks. The Edgewater EX suits daily use AND active therapy sessions.

Think of it this way: The Edgewater is a spa you sink into after work. You turn on the jets at medium speed, let the warm water work, and step out feeling unwound. It excels at passive therapy — just soaking in hot water with gentle jet movement.

The Edgewater EX is a spa you use with a purpose. You switch between low speed for relaxation and high speed when your lower back is tight or your legs are sore from a run. The 5 Peak HP pump gives you a meaningful range from quiet soak to powerful targeted massage in a single session.

If you picture yourself using the spa for 20–30 minutes every evening to decompress — the Edgewater is exactly what you need and nothing more. If you see the spa as part of an active recovery routine, or if one person in your household has ongoing muscle or joint needs, the Edgewater EX is the daily driver you will appreciate more over time.

What Features Differ Between the Two Models?

Both models share the same core comfort features. The meaningful differences are below.

The control panel on both models is a Balboa digital backlit display. It sits at the same position on the spa shell and operates identically — temperature, jets, and lighting are all one-button controls. No learning curve switching between the two.

Both include an LED waterfall feature. Both include a built-in ice bucket with lid — a practical detail that keeps drinks within reach without leaning over the edge.

Edgewater vs Edgewater EX: Which One Offers Better Value for You?

Never think of these as cheap or expensive. Think of them as two different investments depending on what you need from your spa.

The Essential Hot Tubs Edgewater is an entry-level model in the best sense — it includes full hard shell acrylic construction, a Balboa heater, genuine stainless steel jets, and plug-and-play convenience. It is not a compromise spa. It is a focused spa. For buyers who want daily relaxation without complexity, it delivers everything needed at the lowest point of entry into the Essential Hot Tubs range.

The Essential Hot Tubs Edgewater EX is a comfort upgrade model. The additional investment buys you a 5 Peak HP pump, 12 extra jets, and meaningfully stronger therapy output. For households where one or more people have physical recovery needs — athletes, people on their feet all day, anyone managing chronic muscle tension — the Edgewater EX pays back its premium every session.

Choose the Edgewater if: You want a quality, low-maintenance hot tub for regular relaxation soaks and your primary use is winding down rather than active muscle therapy.

Choose the Edgewater EX if: You want the same compact footprint with noticeably stronger hydrotherapy — and you plan to use the high-speed jets regularly as part of a recovery or wellness routine.

Both are manufactured at the Essential Hot Tubs Pennsylvania facility, shipped ready to use, and backed by the same warranty. The decision comes down to how deeply you want your spa to work for you.

Both models are available at essentialhottub.com with curbside delivery across North America.