Hot tub or spa?

Hot tub…spa…same thing, right? Kind of yes, kind of no-not really.   The words hot tub and spa are commonly used as synonyms, but that shouldn’t be the case.  While both are cumbersome “tubs” full of jetted hot water that is used for relaxation, entertainment and therapy, they are not technically the same outdoor living feature.

Hot Tub

By definition, a hot tub is “a wooden tub, usually large enough to accommodate several persons, that is filled with hot aerated water and often equipped with a thermostat and whirlpool: used for recreation or physical therapy and often placed out of doors, as on a porch.”

Typically an above-ground and portable self-contained vessel, all of the plumbing and electrical components are tucked in the shell and hidden away from view.  Requiring no plumbing to the tub itself, hot tubs can be filled with a garden hose, drained at will and be set in place with the help of a few strong friendly neighbors.  Advancements in technology have benefitted the hot tub industry, helping to heat the already warm the water to set temperature quicker and hold the heat longer.

Hot tubs range in design and size, so it is important to decide how this outdoor feature will be used.  Entertaining larger groups may require a larger tub and added features like televisions and speakers.  For more intimate settings, a smaller tub will certainly do the job and take up less room on the patio.  The key benefit of purchasing a hot tub is portability.  While hot tubs are prefabricated with a shell made of a form of plastic, it can be relocated on your property if your landscape design changes, or with careful planning, it can be relocated to a different property altogether.  Your hot tub is not stuck in place for eternity, there is flexibility within the life of the tub.

Spa

With a little bit more vague description, a spa is defined as a ”warm-water hydromassage facility, usually for more than one person.”  Eerily similar, but a spa has one major difference…it is a built-in feature.  Spas are associated with swimming pools in the regard that they are normally attached or adjacent to the pool, further away from the home than a hot tub.  This is a popular option with homeowners, because they see the value in not having to be out of the water for long when changing from spa to swimming pool.

Unlike hot tubs, spas are custom built and constructed out of the same material of the swimming pool.  More durable than a fiberglass hot tub, custom spas are usually constructed out of concrete or gunite and sunken into the ground making them fixed in location.  Being incorporated into a swimming pool setting, the equipment for the spa is not self-contained like a hot tub, but the equipment is still hidden from sight, usually in the same location as the swimming pool equipment for close connection and ease of use.

So which is right for you?  Here is a quick pro/con list of both, so you may choose the option right for you!

Hot Tub: Pro

• Hot tubs are more price effective than in-ground spas and can be located closer to the home.
• Hot tubs are powered 24/7, so the water is always warm.  This allows the water to heat up to set temperature quicker than a spa.
• Hot tub covers are integral to keeping the heat in.  Automatic spa cover lifters can be installed to make lifting the cover an easy process.
• Hot tubs seats are form-fitting and are found to be very comfortable and relaxing.
• Hot tubs are more beneficial for hydrotherapy.  While both spas and hot tubs have jets, hot tubs have many more jets and are strategically placed to offer relief to sore muscles.
• Hot tubs can be moved or relocated to another property.

Hot Tub: Con

• Without an automatic lifter, the cover may be too heavy for some to handle.
• Some homeowners may find that maneuvering in and out of the hot tub is challenging, especially if there are no steps on the outside of the tub for assistance.
• Not as attractive as in-ground spas.  Some homeowners may find that a hot tub is larger and bulkier than they had hoped and hiding the hot tub is not within original budget.
• Because hot tubs are prefabricated, you may find limitations on shapes and styles.

Spa: Pro

• Spas are attractive and are seen as a sign of luxury within the landscape.
• Easily blends in with the outdoor living space, not unsightly or bulky like a hot tub.
• Fully customizable and built on site.
• Spas have the ability to incorporate embellishments like water falls and other fun custom features.
• The longevity of an in-ground spa is exponentially longer than the life of a hot tub.

Spa: Con

• An in-ground spa requires more of an investment than a hot tub.
• Spas typically have bench seating, which most don’t find as comfortable as hot tub seating.
• The water jets in a spa are usually at the bottom and the top of the feature, not providing much hydrotherapy.
• Not as energy-efficient as hot tubs, which will be reflected in the operating costs.

With the pros and cons laid out, here are a few questions you may want to consider before jumping to a decision.   What is my budget?  Do I care to have the feature hidden from sight?  How often will I use it?  Is it a possibility I will want to relocate it in the future?  How much maintenance can I commit to?  Will I always want the feature to be warm and ready to go or am I ok with waiting for it to warm up?  Will this feature be used more for relaxation or entertainment?

For some, this is not a clear-cut choice and a little help and guidance will go a long way.  Talking to a professional to weigh out each side and to discuss your options is never a bad choice.  Once the information has its chance to soak in, you will feel better making informed decisions for your property, your budget and your family!

For homeowners in the Poconos, Lehigh Valley, Main Line of Philadelphia and western New Jersey who are looking to transform their own backyard, MasterPLAN Landscape Design is eager to hear about your outdoor aspirations!  We would love to partner with you to discover the hidden potential of your property.  By partnering with our clients, we can make sure that all options are explored and your backyard will be custom tailored to perfectly fit your budget, family and lifestyle!  So when you are ready to start a conversation about your own outdoor living dreams, reach out to MasterPLAN!  We are ready to transform your dreams into your reality.