Hot tubs vs Swim Spas – Which is better for me?

Swim spas and hot tubs are both popular choices for relaxation, entertainment and health benefits, but they have some key differences that you should be aware of before setting your heart on one.  

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Relaxation or exercise?

Both serve slightly different purposes from one another; hot tubs are predominantly used for relaxation and tranquillity with warm water and built-in jets to massage the body. Swim spas, on the other hand, are designed for exercise and therapy. Swim spas can be used by those who enjoy the sport or wish to build up strength through hydrotherapy techniques manufactured in a long, narrow shape and a built-in current allows you to swim or perform other aquatic exercises in place. Therefore, it is crucial that you fully understand the functionality of a luxury hot tubs and swim spa to ensure that it aligns with your wishes and will be genuinely fit for purpose.  

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Sizing  

Another important element to consider with both pieces of equipment is the difference in size. Swim Spas are typically larger than Hot Tubs, as they need to be able to accommodate a person swimming or exercising. This means that swim spas require more space in your garden and may be slightly more expensive to install.

Hot tubs can be smaller and easier to fit in an outdoor space, the relaxation of a Spa, Vita Spa, Reef Spas, Orca Leisure, Thermals or California Spa hot tub will be a great addition to your home.  

Research the measurements of your chosen hot tub or swim spa to discover which option will be the best fit and seamlessly complement your outdoor space. Our hot tub suppliers and swim spa specialists can discuss individual products with you and confirm they meet all your requirements.  

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Costings

You may be thinking how much does a hot tub cost in comparison to a swim spa? Typically, hot tubs are priced lower than a luxury swim spa due to the smaller and more simplistic design that requires fewer parts. Consequently, it is recommended to outline a budget and explore the market to discover what is available to you.  

Our hot tub suppliers can listen to your budget and provide you with affordable options that don’t require you to compromise on quality.

However, the ongoing costs of swim spa and hot tub maintenance are similar, as both require regular cleaning and water treatment.

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Features  

When it comes to features, hot tubs and swim spas both offer a variety of options. Both types of tubs can come with built-in lighting, waterfalls, and stereo systems. Swim spas, however, can also come with adjustable currents, underwater treadmills, and other exercise equipment.

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Other Types of Swim Spas and Hot Tubs

Then we have the combined hot tub and swim spa which gives you all the benefits. These are, of course, larger so space must be carefully measured. A combined Hot Tub and Swim Spa will be able to be controlled independently from each other. Meaning you can have the hot tub at hot tub temperatures and the swim spa at a lower temperature more conducive to exercise. Also available are "Party Tubs" , these Swim Spas have a bench on either side of the swim spa along with the resting area. These swim spas are great for socialising where size matters. Different again are exercise pools which can be as compact as a swim spa but just do not have a resting area, so no seating options. There really is a solution for everyone.

Hot Tubs also come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes. Some are very compact, suitable for an individual and others can be large enough to accommodate seven or eight people comfortably. Some larger hot tubs even have exercise equipment that can be added to breach the gap between a hot tub and swim spa. It really does depend on what you are hoping to achieve from your important investment.

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Get in touch  

If you are looking to purchase a new swim spa or hot tub, please get in touch with our friendly team at Hot Tub & Spa Solihull where we can help you to find the perfect piece of equipment. Whether you want somewhere to slope off and relax, or you want to experience the health benefits of a swim spa, we stock the ideal products for your home.