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Hot Tub vs Swim Spa: Which One is Right for You?

If you’re looking at ways to give your backyard an update, you might be looking at adding a spa or other water feature. But there are so many choices! How do you narrow them down and decide on one or another?

 

Well. We might not be able to weigh in on the benefits of a waterfall or fish pond (but come on—you can’t relax in those), but we can help you consider the differences between a hot tub and a swim spa.

 

Learn more about Swim Spas.
 

 

What is the size difference between a hot tub and a swim spa?

 

 

There are size differences between all spas, but the difference is especially notable between a hot tub and a swim spa. For our purposes here, we will consider an average-size hot tub and an average-size swim spa to highlight the differences and similarities.

 

The average size of a swim spa can vary considerably depending on brand and options. We will look at the Bullfrog Spas® S150 model. This beautiful spa can seat 13+ people comfortably on benches and other seat options and holds around 1190 gallons of water. It’s slightly deeper, wider, and longer than a hot tub and comes equipped with a swim current that allows for in-place swimming (but probably not with thirteen people in the spa). The S150 is 12.5 feet long. The S200 model, on the other hand, is 17 feet long.

 

Watch the video to learn how Flora Duffy uses her S200 after her training and for her recovery.

 

 

The average-sized hot tub can seat between five to eight people. Let’s consider the Bullfrog Spas A6 model. This spa comfortably seats eight people but offers less legroom and no potential for swimming. It holds around 359 gallons of water—which you’ll notice is significantly less than the S150.

 

 

What are the costs to consider?

 

 

When they say you get what you pay for, that’s not a joke. Clearly, there is a big difference between a swim spa and a hot tub, and this is probably the place where those differences stand out the most.

 

For an average hot tub, you’re probably going to spend somewhere in the ballpark of $12,000 or more, whereas swim spas start closer to $25,000 and go up from there. Although, when you consider what you’re getting for your money, you could realistically buy one of each, and still not pay what you would for a traditional in-ground pool.

 

Learn more about Hot Tub Costs or Swim Spa Costs

 

What features do they offer?

 

 

The A6 hot tub offers a more compact, space-saving hydrotherapy experience, and includes four interchangeable JetPaks (a Bullfrog Spas exclusive) that can be upgraded or changed at any time. It’s a fantastic option for soaking, hydrotherapy, and all the benefits that come with massage therapy.

 

The S150 offers all those same benefits, plus options for low-impact exercise, including a swim current that has a number of preset and customizable resistance options. Because it is a Bullfrog Spas brand product, it also has four interchangeable JetPaks, as well as a splash pad for the little ones to enjoy.

 

Should I get a hot tub or a swim spa?

 

 

Only you can decide what is right for you. The most important thing to consider is the intended purpose of the spa you’re considering. If you will mostly be using it for hydrotherapy, a hot tub is probably your best option. If you intend to do more workouts and family play, a swim spa might be better.

 

If you’d like to look at both options in-person, the best way to do that is to visit your local authorized Bullfrog Spas dealer showroom.