How to Choose Between a Hot Tub and Swim Spa

Making the decision between a hot tub and a swim spa is less about which is “better” and more about which better serves your specific lifestyle, space, and wellness goals. At Fox Valley Pool & Spa, we proudly offer premium options in both categories because we understand that each provides unique benefits for different customer needs. This guide will help you navigate the key considerations to determine which option—or perhaps both—is the right investment for your home.

Space Considerations: Making the Most of Your Available Area

Hot Tubs: With their compact footprint, Sundance® Spas hot tubs are ideal for homes with limited outdoor space. Models range from intimate two-person options like the Dover™ (69″ x 82″) to larger family-sized spas like the Kingston™ (92″ x 100″), allowing you to select the perfect size for your available space. Their smaller dimensions make hot tubs versatile enough to fit on existing decks, patios, or even in sunrooms.

Swim Spas: SwimLife® Swim Spas require more space but offer extraordinary versatility within that footprint. Models like the PlayStream (150″ x 93″) to the DualStream (226″ x 93″) essentially combine a pool and hot tub in one installation. While they need more room than a hot tub, they require significantly less space than a traditional swimming pool—making them perfect for homeowners who want aquatic fitness options but don’t have room for a full-sized pool.

Key Takeaway: Measure your available space carefully. If you have limited room but want hydrotherapy benefits, a hot tub is likely your best choice. If you have more space and want both relaxation and exercise options, a swim spa offers tremendous value in a still-reasonable footprint.

Primary Usage: Relaxation vs. Active Lifestyle

Hot Tubs: Sundance® Spas excel at delivering therapeutic relaxation and social experiences. Their ergonomically designed seats and strategically placed jets target specific muscle groups for pain relief and stress reduction. Models like the Optima® with 47 jets or the Aspen® with 66 jets provide exceptional hydrotherapy experiences that can help with everything from muscle recovery to improved sleep quality. Hot tubs are ideal for those who primarily seek relaxation, stress relief, and therapeutic benefits.

Swim Spas: SwimLife® Swim Spas offer a perfect balance of fitness and relaxation in one system. The SwimExpert and SwimFit series provide adjustable current systems that allow for stationary swimming, aquatic exercises, and resistance training. The dedicated seating areas also include hydrotherapy jets similar to those found in high-quality hot tubs. If your lifestyle includes regular exercise alongside relaxation needs, a swim spa lets you enjoy lap swimming, water aerobics, and therapeutic soaking without compromising on either experience.

Key Takeaway: Consider your primary usage patterns. If relaxation and therapy are your main goals, a hot tub’s specialized design may serve you better. If maintaining an active lifestyle is equally important to relaxation, a swim spa’s versatility offers tremendous value.

Family Dynamics: Who Will Be Using It?

Hot Tubs: With seating for 2-8 people depending on the model, hot tubs provide an intimate social setting perfect for couples, small families, or entertaining small groups. The Kingston™ and Claremont™ models seat 6-7 people comfortably, while compact options like the Capri® offer cozy experiences for 1-2 people. Hot tubs are excellent for family bonding in a close setting, with everyone enjoying the same temperature and experience simultaneously.

Swim Spas: Swim spas offer distinct advantage for families with varied interests and age groups. Children can play in one section while adults exercise or relax in another. The generous dimensions accommodate more people simultaneously, and many models like the DualStream feature both swimming areas and dedicated therapy seating. This versatility makes swim spas ideal for larger families or those with children who want more active water recreation alongside relaxation options.

Key Takeaway: Consider who will be using the water feature and how they’ll use it. For couples or smaller families focused on relaxation, a hot tub might be perfect. For larger families or those with diverse usage needs—especially those with active children—a swim spa offers greater versatility.

Year-Round Use in Wisconsin’s Climate

Hot Tubs: Designed specifically for cold-weather performance, Sundance® Spas hot tubs feature premium insulation and energy-efficient heating systems that maintain comfortable temperatures even during Wisconsin’s harshest winter days. Their smaller water volume means quicker heating times and lower energy costs compared to larger water features. The insulated covers and efficient systems make daily winter use practical and affordable.

Swim Spas: While requiring more energy to heat than hot tubs, SwimLife® Swim Spas are engineered with Wisconsin winters in mind, featuring comprehensive insulation and powerful heating systems. Their larger water volume takes longer to heat initially but retains temperature well once heated. Many users maintain their swim spas at lower temperatures (80-85°F) for exercise and only occasionally raise temperatures for therapeutic soaking, creating an efficient balance for year-round enjoyment.

Key Takeaway: Both options offer year-round usability in Wisconsin, but hot tubs generally cost less to heat during winter months. If winter hydrotherapy is your primary goal, a hot tub might be more economical. If you’re committed to year-round aquatic exercise, a swim spa’s versatility justifies the additional heating costs.

Installation Considerations

Hot Tubs: With simpler installation requirements, hot tubs typically need only a level surface with proper electrical hookups. Many models can be installed on reinforced decks, concrete pads, or specialized spa pads. Installation is usually completed in a single day, allowing you to enjoy your new hot tub almost immediately after delivery.

Swim Spas: Installation is more involved, typically requiring a concrete pad foundation due to their weight when filled. Most installations include partial in-ground placement with decking built around the unit for aesthetic appeal and easier access. While more complex than hot tub installation, swim spa setup is still significantly simpler and less expensive than installing a traditional in-ground pool.

Key Takeaway: Consider your property and timeline. Hot tubs offer quicker, simpler installation with more placement options. Swim spas require more planning and preparation but still offer reasonably straightforward installation compared to traditional pools.

Investment and Long-Term Value

Hot Tubs: The initial investment for a quality hot tub is generally lower than for a swim spa, with entry-level models starting at more accessible price points. Operating costs are also typically lower due to smaller water volume. For many homeowners, a hot tub provides an excellent balance of therapeutic benefits and social enjoyment at a moderate investment level.

Swim Spas: While requiring a larger initial investment, swim spas offer exceptional value when considering their dual functionality. When viewed as an alternative to installing both a pool and a hot tub, a swim spa can actually represent significant savings while offering year-round usability that traditional pools in Wisconsin cannot match. For active families who would otherwise consider a pool installation, a swim spa often provides better long-term value with lower maintenance requirements.

Key Takeaway: Consider not just the initial cost but the value received. Hot tubs offer excellent therapy and relaxation value at a lower price point. Swim spas require larger investment but provide remarkable versatility and potentially greater long-term value for those who would otherwise want both a pool and spa.

Maintenance Requirements

Hot Tubs: With smaller water volume, hot tubs generally require less time-intensive maintenance. Water chemistry needs careful monitoring but requires smaller amounts of chemicals. Complete water changes are recommended every 3-4 months, which is manageable given the smaller volume. Weekly maintenance typically takes just 15-20 minutes.

Swim Spas: While containing more water than hot tubs, swim spas still require significantly less maintenance than traditional pools. Their integrated filtration systems and smaller volume (compared to pools) make chemical management straightforward. Water changes are typically needed only 1-2 times per year, though the larger volume makes this more involved than with a hot tub.

Key Takeaway: Both options offer reasonable maintenance requirements compared to traditional pools. If minimal maintenance is a priority, a hot tub offers the simplest care routine. If you’re comfortable with slightly more involved maintenance in exchange for greater functionality, a swim spa remains a low-maintenance option compared to other water features.

Making Your Decision

The best choice between a hot tub and swim spa depends entirely on your specific needs:

• Choose a hot tub if: You have limited space, prioritize hydrotherapy and relaxation, want lower initial and operating costs, or prefer simpler maintenance.
• Choose a swim spa if: You want both exercise options and relaxation benefits, have families with diverse needs, have adequate space, and value the versatility of a pool-spa combination.

At Fox Valley Pool & Spa, we’re proud to offer premium options in both categories because we understand that different customers have different needs. Whether you choose a Sundance® Spa hot tub or a SwimLife® Swim Spa, you’re investing in quality, durability, and years of wellness benefits.

We invite you to visit our showroom to experience both options firsthand. Our experts can help you evaluate your specific situation and guide you toward the perfect choice for your home, lifestyle, and wellness goals.