Hot Tub or Swim Spa? How to Choose Based on Lifestyle & Budget

When it comes to creating the perfect backyard retreat, both hot tubs and swim spas offer luxury, relaxation, and wellness benefits—but they serve different purposes and suit different lifestyles.

Whether you're looking to unwind after a long day, stay active with low-impact exercise, or entertain family and friends, choosing between a hot tub and a swim spa can be a big decision. 

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences—from size and cost to functionality and maintenance—so you can confidently choose the right fit for your space, budget, and wellness goals.

Hot Tub vs Swim Spa: Core Differences

What Is a Hot Tub?

A hot tub, also known as a spa, is a heated, compact pool designed for hydrotherapy and relaxation. With powerful jets targeting muscles and joints, it delivers soothing relief and stress reduction. The simplicity of a hot tub comes from plug-and-play installation and minimal site demands.

What Is a Swim Spa (Swim Hot Tub)?

A swim spa blends a small pool with a hot tub. It features an adjustable current for swimming or water jogging, along with a jetted seating area for relaxation and therapy. Often spanning 13–19 ft and deeper than a regular pool, a swim spa serves as a dual-purpose fitness and wellness hub. Many premium swim spas are dual-temperature, allowing different zones for exercise and soak time.

Operating & Maintenance Costs

• With smaller water volumes and simpler filtration, hot tubs are more cost-efficient to run, typically $1–$2 per day in electricity.
• Swim Spas, although more efficient than a full-size pool, require more energy and chemical maintenance due to their larger size and heating needs.

Space & Preparation: What You Need at Home

Hot Tub Arrangement

• Stocks measure approximately. 7×7 ft and require minimal clearance.
• Can be deck-mounted, patio-based, or even placed indoors if ventilation is sufficient.
• Needs a firm level base (pavers/concrete) and a 220 V plug-and-play wiring setup.

Swim Spa Setup

• Generally 13–19 ft long and 8 ft wide, sometimes deeper.
• Requires engineered slab foundation and enough space for crane delivery.
• Involves a more complex electrical setup, possible permits, and structural assessments

Wellness, Fitness & Lifestyle

Hydrotherapy Benefits

• Both options use hydrotherapy to ease tension and target sore areas via jets and warm water.
• Soaking in a hot tub at 40 °C can lower blood pressure and insulin resistance, especially helpful for individuals with type 2 diabetes, with cardiovascular benefits likened to light exercise.

Fitness, Rehab & Family Fun

• Hot tubs are purely for relaxation, no space or currents to support exercise.
• Swim Spas offer adjustable currents for swimming, water jogging, aquatic exercises, and even rehabilitation therapy. Buoyancy and resistance provide low-impact exercise ideal for joints, mobility, and endurance.
• Owners report swim spa use in winter with little impact on utilities, especially with insulated surrounds and ozone-cleaning systems.

Social & Recreational Use

• Hot tubs deliver a cozy ambiance for people, perfect for intimate gatherings and conversations.
• Swim spas combine fitness use with space for family play, although they often feel less intimate due to their size.

Maintenance & Upkeep

• Hot tubs are easier to maintain: fewer chemicals, smaller filters, and lower weekly maintenance.
• Swim spas require robust filtration, routine chemical adjustments, and larger water volumes that require deeper upkeep.

Efficiency Features

Both systems benefit from:

• High-efficiency pumps
• Good insulation
• Quality covers
• LED lighting
• These elements reduce energy usage and lower running costs over time.

Decision Guide: Which One Suits You?

Here's a breakdown to help determine what aligns with your desires:

1. What's Your Goal?

• Relaxation, hydrotherapy, conversation, stress relief → Choose a hot tub.
• Fitness, rehab, workouts, family fun → Opt for a swim spa or swim hot tub.

2. What Space Do You Have?

• Limited space or structural constraints? → The hot tub fits most patios or even indoors.
• Expansive backyard, access for crane, firm foundation? → The swim spa is suitable and practical.

3. What's Your Budget?

• Lower mix of upfront and running costs? → Go with a hot tub.
• Willing to invest and maintain a multifunctional unit for fitness? → Swim spa adds flexibility.

4. How Much Maintenance Are You Up For?

• Prefer minimal upkeep? → The hot tub is more straightforward.
• Okay with more care for larger benefits? → Swim spa delivers an all-in-one wellness experience.

Final Takeaway

At BonaVista LeisureScapes, we help you make a confident choice:

• If your focus is on intimate relaxation, stress relief, and low hassle, the hot tub is your ideal fit.
• If you want year-round exercise, therapy, family fun, and can devote space and budget, the swim spa will transform your backyard into a wellness haven.

Planning Your Purchase

When you're ready, our process includes:

1. Showroom Visit – Experience jets, seating, and curtains firsthand.
2. Site Assessment – We review your foundation, access, and electrical capacity.
3. Tailoring Your Unit – Pick models, jet types, heating zones, steps, and lifts.
4. Installation – Hassle-free delivery for hot tubs.
5. Expert Maintenance Training – We guide you on care, cleaning, and seasonal prep.

Ready to experience the soothing warmth of a hot tub or the energizing flow of a swim spa? Contact us to schedule your personalized tour, compare models, and craft the luxury aquatic retreat you deserve.