Is a Spa Pool the Same as a Hot Tub?

Name: Alpine Spas | Spa Pools, Saunas & Swim Spas
Address: Unit 1, 450 Princes Highway Noble Park, VIC, 3174, Australia
Telephone: 1800 99 33 88
Price range: Contact Us

Inspiration

Making the choice between purchasing a Spa Pool or a Hot Tub can be a tricky part of the journey for some consumers. Deciding between two different types of products which, on the surface, seem to do the exact same thing can throw up some new questions during your purchasing process. We’ve put together this short article to help you understand the key differences between these two products and which one might best meet your unique needs.

Functionality

One of the key differences between a Hot Tub and a Spa Pool is that they offer the bather a vastly different soaking experience. Hot Tubs are simply a warm place to relax, with your water being heated by burning wood in your Hot Tub burner, whereas Spa Pools have an internal heater that will heat the water to an exact temperature. Spa Pools in almost all cases will feature a number of jets which mark one of the main selling points for many customers – access to the healing power of hydrotherapy. If quality hydrotherapy is high on your priority list, you are more suited to a Spa Pool.

Maintenance

Maintenance is another key difference between these two products and their functionality; Spa Pools in most cases feature a means of internal water sanitisation – one of the most common means you will see is the presence of an Ozone Generator. Spa Pool filters provide another layer of water sanitisation which is absent from Hot Tubs. Spa Pools also need to be regularly treated with a sanitiser which usually takes the form of Chlorine. This is completely different to a Hot Tub which uses freshwater directly from your garden tap. However, it’s important to note due to the freshwater element, you need to replace that water far more frequently than that of a treated Spa Pool. Hot Tubs are designed around the chemical-free experience and often use of chemicals within a Hot Tub can result in significant damage.

Size and Design

In most cases, Hot Tubs are circular and will seat anywhere between 2 – 6 people. On the other hand, modern-day Spa Pools come in almost all shapes and sizes and you can find Spa Pools that will comfortably seat up to 8 people for a highly social soaking experience. Seating options is another key difference. Spa Pools often feature a deep lounger, captain’s chair, recliner, or all of the above. These options allow the bather to stretch their limbs out and relax their entire body, whereas most Hot Tubs feature simple bench seating, meaning you do not necessarily have the option of stretching all the way.

Installation and Running Costs:

It’s important to consider the nitty-gritty details before purchasing either of these relaxation tools. Depending on the size of a Spa Pool you may have chosen, it could require its own dedicated line of power be installed on your property with a plug outlet placed outside that offers up to 32 Amps. This work requires a registered electrician. Whereas Hot Tubs don’t draw any power due to them being organically heated through the Hot Tub’s Wood Burner. This also means Hot Tubs don’t require a lot of technical componentry in them which results in a much lighter product that is much easier to relocate should you need to.

Features and Accessories:

When shopping for Spa Pools and Hot Tubs you will likely note that Spa Pools feature more of what are commonly referred to as ‘bells and whistles’. These can take the form of multicolor lighting, letting you select a color scheme to match the occasion, the option of installing a mechanism which makes it easy to lift the cover with one person, or simply a dedicated space to keep your beverages chilled in a built-in ice box. Conversely, Hot Tubs often don’t feature these extras, but you can still enjoy certain after-market accessories such as a Floating Bar or Booster Seats to keep the little ones’ heads up above the water.

Cost:

For many buyers, the price tag is the key variable that will push them in either direction. However, in recent times the gap between these two products has continued to shrink. For a Hot Tub that can comfortably seat up to four people, you can expect to pay in the range of $7,000 – $15,000. On the other hand, you can choose between many Spa Pool designs that also seat four people for prices between $6,000 – $8,000. However, it’s important to remember you may incur more installation and ongoing costs with a Spa Pool then you will with a Hot Tub.

Understanding the differences between hot tubs and spa pools is crucial when making a purchasing decision that aligns with your specific needs. By considering the factors outlined in this article you can determine which option suits you best. Perhaps you’ve decided a Hot Tub would be the perfect addition to your holiday home due to its low maintenance needs, or realised a Spa Pool is going to meet the needs of your whole family, and therefore is the best option moving forward. To explore a wide range of high-quality spa pools and hot tubs, we invite you to check out our selection and find the perfect relaxation tool to enhance every aspect of your well-being. Shop the Range Now.