Confused whether to go for a swim spa or a hot tub?
Well, you are not the only one; lots of individuals are looking to understand the two’s benefits. As more and more households take their wellness experience to the backyard, the two are growing immensely popular, and it is only appropriate that you pick one according to your requirement.
But here’s the thing…
You do not want to regret your purchase in a few years, right? Wrong decision can end up costing you thousands of dollars, and you might end up regretting the same for years. Not anymore! By the end of this article, you will be able to figure out which option is best for you.
Key Insights:
- Differences Between Swim Spas and Hot Tubs
- Size and Space Requirement
- Cost to Expect
- Health Benefits
- Making The Final Choice
Differences Between Swim Spas and Hot Tubs
Let me break it down for you;
A hot tub is a traditional way to relax yourself. The conventional tub design offers various sizes of seating capacity (around 4-8 people), comes with powerful massage jets, and the heated water is the ultimate stress buster. It is also the most efficient way to enjoy a nice hot bath with family and friends.
A swim spa? Well, that’s a different story.
Swim spa is exactly what it sounds – a combination of a swimming pool and a hot tub. It comes with a large rectangular shape having enormous power jets that will provide a powerful current against which you can swim in the same place. You get both relaxation as well as a swimming pool in the same equipment.
Here’s what makes them unique:
- Powerful resistance jets for in-place swimming
- Larger dimensions (around 8 feet wide and 12-20 feet long)
- Water is deep around 4-5 feet for aquatic exercise
- Dual-zone swim spas with independent spa and swim area
Numbers do not lie, my friend. The global pool and spa market size was $24.28 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $36.09 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 3.3% from 2026 to 2033. And this tremendous growth in this industry is due to increasing homeowners who are now focusing on luxury backyard experiences.
Size and Space Requirement
Okay, let me tell you something that most of the people don’t even bother about.
Space can entirely make or break your purchasing decision, and if you’re looking for swim spas installation in Las Vegas, you will need to think about it. Well, hot tubs are smaller in size as compared to a swimming pool, and most of its size will only be the required clearance around it. We are talking about a standard size of 64-100 square feet, and you can quickly fit it in the corner, deck, or even into the landscaping without much renovation.
Swim spas, on the other hand, need some space.
Are you talking about minimum 96-160 square feet, my friend? This space is required just for the installation of the product, and some huge models even extend over 20 feet in length. If you are talking about the required clearance around the unit, that’s another discussion.
But wait;
Don’t forget that if you’re planning on buying a pool as well, a swim spa might actually end up saving you a lot of space.
Cost to Expect
Okay, let me give you the harsh reality.
Hot tubs are the affordable option. If you go with a premium brand and the quality of a tub is top-notch, you can have it at a starting price of $5,000 all the way up to $15,000, or you can even indulge in something luxurious that may exceed the $20,000 mark. It is not that hard to install, and the monthly operating costs, which include the charges related to heating, water, and chemicals, come around to $45-$60.
Swim spas are the opposite end of the cost spectrum.
Average swim spa purchases will be somewhere around $30,000-$40,000, which is a big investment and does not even include the cost of installation. However, as mentioned earlier, a swim spa will provide you with the functionality of both a hot tub and a swimming pool.
Operating costs matter too:
- More water to heat = more expensive energy bills
- Larger surface area means increased requirement of chemicals
- More extended filtration cycle = electricity costs
The counterargument? A swim spa will provide you with an all-season year-round workout facility that doubles as a relaxation machine. If you are a fitness enthusiast, you are going to find some serious value at the time of use.
Health Benefits
I can tell you this;
Hot tubs are good at therapeutic relaxation. The warm temperature increases blood circulation, eases out the muscle tension, and helps with better sleeping cycles. The powerful massage jets also target specific trigger points for relieving chronic pain and arthritis.
Swim spas are where it takes the game to the next level.
Hot tubs benefit combined with a full-body workout in one unit – now that’s a deal. Swimming against the current is like a low-impact cardio workout, which is kinder to your joints than running or weightlifting but is still effective in burning the calories.
Swim spas deliver:
- Cardiovascular conditioning from the comfort of your home
- Resistance training with the help of aquatic exercise
- Hydrotherapy works as a muscle recovery
- Year-round swimming independent of the climate
Athletes use them, Physiotherapists recommend them, and families use them for multiple purposes, ranging from fitness to playtime.
The ultimate advantage? Hit the gym hard and immediately switch over to the relaxation mode in the same unit.
Making The Final Choice
Okay, now it’s time to make a decision about which one you should choose – a hot tub or a swim spa?
Well, it entirely depends on the purpose or the goal you are looking to achieve. Hot tubs have the upper hand when it comes to pure relaxation. It is also the most efficient way to enjoy a nice hot bath with family and friends. Low-cost and a relatively small footprint make it accessible for most homeowners.
Swim spas are the most favorite when it comes to fitness.
If you are looking to swim laps, train for your triathlons, or wish to stay active at your place, the swim spa is your best bet. Although a relatively higher cost, when compared to a hot tub, its versatility and year-round usability provide you with a substantial amount of value.
Consider these factors:
- Space available in your backyard
- Fitness goal, current lifestyle, and your priority
- Budget – price for both initial purchase and operating costs
- People who will be using it on regular basis
- Do you want to exercise or just be relaxed?
Manufacturers are even launching dual-zone swim spas that offer the best of both the worlds. You will be getting a dedicated swimming area in combination with a separate hot tub zone.
The Final Word
Choosing between a hot tub and a swim spa is not rocket science.
Hot tubs offer pure relaxation at a much lower price point, are intimate, affordable, and the most efficient way of unwinding yourself. Swim spas, on the other hand, combine serious fitness with hot tub luxury, and it will provide you with dual functionality.
The right choice will always be based on your lifestyle and your own priorities.
If you value exercise and want a facility to swim all year round, go for a swim spa. However, if your goal is relaxation and budget is one of the primary concerns, you are better off going with the conventional hot tub.
Either of the choices is a healthy investment that will not only provide you with multiple health benefits and family fun but will also improve the value of your home. After all, it’s not just any tub, it’s your own backyard oasis, and you should be using it for the coming years.
Go on, make your decision now and start enjoying.
