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Hot Tubs vs. Swimming Pools vs. Swim Spas… Which Is Right For Your Family?
A guide to the similarities and differences between hot tubs, swimming pools and swim spas.
So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and create your own backyard oasis, but where to start? Hot tubs, swimming pools and swim spas can all make great additions to your backyard space, but each has their own pros and cons. We are going to compare these three products and help you to have a better understanding of which would work best for you and your family.
Table of Contents
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Price at a glance
$20khigh-end
hot tubs start at a few thousand
$20k–$60k+
swim spas sit in between
$100k+
inground pools, top investment
Hot Tubs
Price
Of the three options, hot tubs are the cheapest and easiest to purchase and install. Prices can be as low as a few thousand dollars for a smaller, more basic model, but can range upwards of $20k for a larger model with more high end features.
Space
Hot tubs are great for small yards, patio spaces or even indoors. Some hot tub models are as small as for just two people, so they can fit in almost any space. Due to their small size, the delivery process for a hot tub is quite easy. Usually they can be moved with just a few people and little to no equipment. For a tighter fit, there may need to be some equipment, such as a crane, or slight modifications to the property such as widening a doorway or fence opening. Even with these special situations, hot tub delivery can still be performed in a matter of hours.
Installation
Hot tubs also come with the easiest hookup and some models can even be run on 110V which means they can be plugged into a regular household outlet. Of course, if you choose to run a hot tub from a standard outlet, you will likely have to compromise on some features and power.
Customization
Hot tubs come in a variety of shapes, colors and seating patterns, but keep in mind that these options are still limited and only so much can be customized. You can however customize the area surrounding the hot tub to suit your style and needs if you would like to. This can be in the form of landscaping, decks, patios and more.
Activities
Another potential downside with hot tubs is there are not many activities outside of lounging and relaxing. A hot tub may be a great option for older adults or people looking to host social gatherings.
Swimming Pools
Price
Swimming pools are a hugely customizable backyard project. However, with this customization comes the largest space requirements and highest price point. Inground pools can cost over $100k USD depending on features and upgrades.
Space
Due to their customizability, swimming pools can be practically any size. You may have some limitations with local regulations, so it is important to make sure you are following the guidelines.
Installation
The timeline for swimming pool installation is also the longest and can take weeks or even months to complete. Swimming pools also require the most equipment and you may need to spend extra time and money to clean up the rest of your yard once construction is complete.
Customization
Swimming pools can be built entirely to your specifications, depending on the type of pool. Fiberglass pools have less customizability, but have unmatched durability. With concrete and vinyl liner pools, your pool can be built to practically any shape, size or depth. You can also select from a wide variety of liners or tile and stonework to compliment your pool’s shape.
Activities
Swimming pools are very versatile and can be used for exercise, relaxing or hosting parties. Pools may be a great option for families with small children or people looking to host a lot of events.
Swim Spas
Price
Swim spas are a very versatile product that can range in price from around $20k to over $60k depending on the size, brand and features. This price point puts them in between a hot tub and a pool, while combining many of the key features of both of these products.
Space
Swim spas are a great option for people who are looking to swim laps, but do not have the space for a swimming pool. Swim spas can be under 15′ in length which makes them great options for small yards, but also can be upwards of 20′ for larger spaces.
Installation
The timeline for getting a swim spa can be very quick. The prep work is minimal with having a concrete pad laid and scheduling an experienced electrician for hook up. Once your swim spa has been delivered, you can be using it within a day’s time.
Customization
Swim spas have some degree of customizability between models with colors, sizes and features. Swim spas can come with or without a designated lounge area. As with hot tubs, the area around your swim spa can be designed to elevate your backyard space.
Activities
Swim Spas combine some of the best features of both hot tubs and swimming pools. Swim spas with a lounge area allow one person to use the swim jets and exercise while one or more people can relax and use the massage jets and seating.
Pro Insight • Epic Hot Tubs Service Team
“The quickest way we help a family decide is one question: do you want to swim, soak, or both? If the honest answer is mostly soaking and relaxing, a hot tub is the easy call. If it is swimming and room for the kids, a pool wins. When you want both but do not have the space or budget for a full pool, that is exactly where a swim spa earns its keep.”
In Summary
Hot tubs, swimming pools and swim spas each are great additions to your backyard oasis and, while they have many similarities, they each provide unique benefits. Take the time to do some research and speak with your local backyard products dealer about which product is best suited for you and your family. Whichever you choose is sure to make a splash!
Pro Insight • Epic Hot Tubs Service Team
“Two things surprise shoppers most. First, a swim spa gives you real lap swimming in a footprint that fits where a full pool never could. Second, the timelines are worlds apart: a hot tub can be running within hours, a swim spa is usually usable within a day of delivery, and an inground pool is a construction project measured in weeks or months. If you want to be in the water this season, that gap matters.”
FAQ
Which is cheaper: a hot tub, swim spa, or swimming pool?
Of the three, hot tubs are the most affordable, ranging from a few thousand dollars for a basic model up to around $20,000 for a large, high-end one. Swim spas sit in the middle, generally $20,000 to over $60,000 depending on size, brand, and features. Inground swimming pools are the biggest investment and can run over $100,000 depending on the upgrades you choose.
Can a swim spa replace both a hot tub and a swimming pool?
For many families, yes. A swim spa combines the best features of both: models with a dedicated lounge area let one person use the swim jets to exercise while others relax on the massage seats. It gives you lap swimming without the space a full pool needs, though it will not match the open swimming area of a large pool or the low entry price of a standalone hot tub.
Which takes the longest to install?
Swimming pools take the longest by far. Installation can take weeks or even months and requires the most equipment and yard cleanup. Hot tubs are the fastest and can often be running within hours of delivery, and many plug into a standard 110V household outlet. A swim spa needs a concrete pad and an electrician for hookup, but once it is delivered you can usually be using it within a day.
Have questions, or want to see options in person? Stop by any of our five North Carolina showrooms and talk it through with our team: Raleigh, Durham, Sanford, Charlotte, or North Charlotte. We are open 7 days a week, no appointment needed.
Have Questions About Hot Tubs, Swimming Pools or Swim Spas?
The team at Epic Hot Tubs is here to help! Call 888-884-3742 or fill out the form below to speak with a member of our team today!
About The Author:
Richard Horvath
Hot Tub & Spa Expert
Richard has been in the hot tub & spa industry for years. As a long hot tub & swim spa owner himself, Richard has a passion for helping homeowners create their dream backyard.
