Hot Tub or Spa Pool? Which one is right for me?

A common query for people looking to invest in their relaxation is whether they’re better suited to a hot tub or a spa pool. There are a plethora of differences between the two, so in this article, we will explore both of their benefits and factors that tend to swing customers one way or the other.

Hot Tubs

For the sake of clarity, when we talk about Hot Tubs, we are referring to a product very different from spa pools. Our range of hot tubs feature wooden exteriors and are heated by a wood burner.

Our hot tubs’ natural look and feel are a big draw for customers, with the wooden exterior really complimenting modern outdoor areas. They are a massive draw for holiday homeowners. However, there are several selling points unique to our hot tubs that customers should consider. Chemical-free water is a big one. Simply, fill your hot tub with some tap or hose water, pop some firewood in the burner and wait for your tub to get bubbling – a process that normally takes about two, to three hours. Typically, once users have enjoyed a session in their hot tub, they will drain the water, which is still clean enough to be used for irrigation. Users also have the option of leaving water in the hot tub if they plan to bathe again the following day, however, we recommend the water be drained after a maximum of three sessions of soaking. This is to accommodate the natural soaking experience our hot tubs were designed around. In order to use the same water for more than three days, users would need to introduce chemicals, which hot tubs do not have the ability to circulate.

Our hot tubs also offer a deep, immersive soaking experience with the seats being lower in the tub than our spa pools. This means people enjoying a soak don’t need to stretch out to have their whole torso submerged. On top of that, if you’re one of those people who enjoy a particularly hot soak, you can let your hot tub rise to temperatures akin to what you would expect in a natural hot spring – somewhere in the mid-40s. This is not an option with spa pools, as they are capped at 41°C. Last, but most certainly not least, the only ongoing cost associated with running a hot tub is firewood – your power bill will not be affected. A great choice for people who do not want to worry about ongoing water care or anyone who doesn’t plan to use the tub all year round. 

In Summary:

A hot tub is the right choice for you if

• You love the natural, rustic look of wood and want a product that complements outdoor spaces.

• You prefer a traditional, chemical-free soaking experience using simple tap or hose water.

• You want a low-maintenance option with no need for ongoing filtration or water care.

• You like the idea of eco-friendly water use, with drained water suitable for garden irrigation.

• You enjoy deep, immersive soaking with full-body coverage in comfortably low seating.

• You want the flexibility to heat your tub naturally with firewood, without increasing power bills.

• You like soaking in hotter water, reaching natural hot spring-like temperatures around the mid-40s.

• You own a holiday home or plan to use your tub seasonally rather than year-round.

Spa Pools

Spa Pools offer much more variety in terms of layout as well as functionality. There are plenty of spas fit with only three or four seats to provide a lovely, snug area to catch up with a couple of mates or reconnect with that special person in your life. On the other hand, some of our Spa Pool range can fit up to seven people – offering an excellent social area that can add a great new element to mates’ get-togethers. Having automatic sanitisation and filtration systems means you can leave the same water in your spa for up to three months, depending on how often it’s being used. Simply add a dose of chlorine after your soak and the internal componentry will finish the job to provide you clean, inviting, and crystal clear for your next session. Spa pools also come with a range of bells and whistles that get a lot of customers excited. These include lighting systems and water features to provide that authentic retreat feeling, transporting bathers to an environment of total tranquillity from their own backyard.

That being said, the main function spa pool users are sold on is hydrotherapy. Owning a spa pool is truly like having your own personal masseuse. Carefully placed hydrotherapy jets offer users a rejuvenating deep-tissue massage while they look up into the night sky. These jets are placed to target areas known to hold stress, such as your feet, neck, and shoulders. The control panel functionality that comes with spa pools is another big selling point. Users can simply set their desired temperature and return when the job is done, or even switch the spa on from work via a mobile phone app.

As you will now understand, your intended use will really dictate whether you are more suited to a spa or a hot tub. Get in touch with our friendly sales team if you have any queries or would like to learn more about a particular model.

In Summary:
A spa pool is the right choice for you if:

• You want a wide range of seating options, from compact 3–4 seat models to large 7-seater designs.

• You enjoy socialising with friends or sharing relaxing soaks with family and loved ones.

• You prefer low-maintenance water care with automatic sanitisation and filtration systems.

• You like the convenience of leaving the same clean water for up to three months with minimal upkeep.

• You want luxurious features such as lighting, waterfalls, and temperature control for a retreat-like experience.

• You value hydrotherapy benefits, with targeted massage jets that relieve muscle tension and stress.

• You appreciate smart control options that let you adjust settings or preheat your spa remotely.

You’re seeking year-round relaxation with consistent water temperature and hassle-free operation.

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