If you’re considering upgrading your backyard for better relaxation or fitness, you’ve probably asked yourself: Should I buy a swim spa or a hot tub? While both options offer luxury and comfort, understanding the differences can help you make the right choice.
We have compiled this blog to explore the benefits of a swim spa, compare it with traditional hot tubs, and explain why a swim spa might be a better investment.
What’s The Difference?
When comparing a swim spa vs. a hot tub, the first thing to know is that a swim spa combines the features of a swimming pool and a hot tub. It is designed for relaxation and fitness. You can swim against a strong current, do exercises in water, and still enjoy the hydrotherapy benefits a traditional hot tub offers.
On the other hand, a standard hot tub focuses mainly on relaxation, offering heated water and massage jets without space for swimming. If you want to consider hot tub alternatives that offer both exercise and relaxation, a swim spa is the right choice.
Advantages Of Swim Spas Over Hot Tubs
Now that you’re clear on the difference between a hot tub and a swim spa, let’s dive into the advantages of choosing a swim spa.
Versatility
One of the biggest advantages of swim spas over hot tubs is versatility. Swim spas are designed for multiple activities. From rigorous lap swimming to low-impact water aerobics and therapeutic soaking, you get multiple uses from a single investment.
A hot tub, in comparison, mainly offers hydrotherapy. If you want a space for exercise, too, a swim spa is the best option for fitness and relaxation.
Space-Saving Fitness
If your dream has always been to own a pool, but your backyard space (or budget) says otherwise, a swim spa solves the problem. Swim spas are compact enough to fit in many yards where a full-size pool would be impossible. Plus, unlike pools, they are easier to maintain.
Hot tubs, while smaller and easier to place, don’t offer the space for swimming or working out. So, if you’re deciding between a hot tub or something more dynamic, a swim spa gives you greater value for your available space.
Year-Round Use
Another point in the swim spa comparison is that they are built for all-season use. No matter what the weather is outside, you can swim in the warm, adjustable-temperature water all year round.
While hot tubs are also designed for year-round use, the exercise benefits of a swim spa make it much more functional during different seasons, especially for people serious about fitness and rehabilitation exercises.
Other Benefits Of A Swim Spa
When you weigh the benefits of a swim spa against a regular hot tub, it becomes clear why so many prefer them:
- Fitness: Swim spas are ideal for full-body workouts, as they create a powerful water current you can swim against.
- Therapy: Similar to a hot tub, swim spas also have hydrotherapy jets to relieve muscle tension, improve blood circulation, and help in recovery.
- Entertainment: Larger swim spas offer plenty of space for family fun, making them a social centerpiece in your backyard.
Are Swim Spas Better Than Hot Tubs?
One million-dollar question that many ask is, Is a swim spa better than a hot tub?
The answer depends on your goals. If relaxation and soaking after a long day are your only priorities, a hot tub may suit you just fine.
But if you’re looking for a combination of exercise, hydrotherapy, and year-round versatility, a swim spa clearly stands out. It’s not just a place to sit and soak; it’s an entire health and fitness center right in your backyard.
Cost And Maintenance Comparison
Another key factor in deciding between a swim spa and a hot tub is cost. Swim spas usually require a higher initial investment, depending on features and size. Hot tubs, by comparison, are generally more affordable.
However, consider the added functionality of a swim spa. Instead of buying a separate pool and hot tub, you get the benefits of both in a single unit. If budget is a major consideration, and you only want hydrotherapy, a hot tub might be enough. But for those wanting a bigger return on investment, swim spas are worth every penny.
Should I Buy A Swim Spa Or a Hot Tub?
So, should you buy a swim spa or a hot tub?
Ultimately, it depends on your lifestyle and what you’re looking to get out of your backyard upgrade. If you’re excited about the idea of working out in the water, swimming at your own pace, and still enjoying a relaxing hydrotherapy spot, a swim spa offers unbeatable versatility.
However, if your main focus is simply unwinding with friends and family, and you’re working with limited space or budget, a hot tub might be the perfect fit for your needs.
Still not sure? Consider how you’ll want to use the space five years down the road. If you’re looking for more options for exercise, therapy, and family fun, the swim spa is likely the smarter investment.
Whatever your decision, we have a huge variety of swim spas and hot tubs in Oregon to suit every need. Visit us today at Spas of Oregon to find the perfect one for you!
Bottom Line
If you’re asking why you should choose a swim spa, the answer is simple: it offers everything a hot tub does—and so much more.
Choosing between a swim spa and a hot tub is a big decision, but if you’re looking for the perfect combination of fitness, relaxation, and entertainment, swim spas clearly stand out. With the added benefits of exercise, hydrotherapy, and family fun, it’s easy to see why more people are making the switch.
No matter which option you choose, Spas of Oregon is your go-to destination. We offer a wide selection of swim spas and hot tubs from an authentic dealer in Oregon, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your backyard.
Visit us today to make your dream space a reality!
