Which is Best: Hot Tubs vs. Swim Spas vs. Swimming Pools – Comparison Guide

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If you’re planning on revamping your backyard, you might have thought about adding a swimming pool, a hot tub, or a swim spa. These items are great for you to de-stress or to add value to your house.

Here’s a comprehensive list of the benefits, cost, maintenance, and requirements for owning a hot tub, swimming pool, or swim spa.

Owning a Hot Tub

family enjoying their hot tub - hot tub vs swim spas vs pools

Health and Lifestyle Benefits

Having a hot tub in your backyard can relieve stress, reduce aches and pain, and improve your sleep quality. You can also use it with friends and family.

Cost and pricing

Entry-level hot tubs can cost between $3,000 and $6,000, but you can spend up to $20,000 for luxury hot tubs. However, an entry-level hot tub might need more maintenance and use more energy than a more expensive one.

  • Entry level: $3,000 – $6,000
  • Standard: $7,000 – $10,000
  • Premium: $11,000 – $15,000
  • Luxury: $16,000 – $20,000+

Maintenance

To upkeep your hot tub, you have to take into consideration the chemicals used in the water, electricity and water bills, and add-ons to improve the longevity of your hot tub. If you install your hot tub in your backyard, you’ll also have to think about protecting your hot tub against the weather. A high-quality hot tub cover or gazebo may be able to help with that!

Requirements from their backyard space

There are mainly three different sizes of hot tubs: small (holding one to three people), medium (holding four to five people), and large (holding more than six people). The most common hot tubs are 6 feet and a half by length and width. You also need to make sure the infrastructure under the hot tub can support its weight.

Owning a Swimming Pool

kids jumping in an in-ground pool

Health and lifestyle benefits

Owning a swimming pool can benefit you and your family in many ways. You can use it for hydrotherapy, exercising, and socializing. It’s also convenient to have your pool and not go to public pools.

It’s a good way to learn how to swim and to practice a low-impact exercise. Boost the value of your home, spend more time with loved ones and create a backyard that you love, all with the installation of a swimming pool!

Cost and pricing

On average, a swimming pool costs between $28,000 and $55,000, with additional costs ranging between $2,500 and $5,000 annually.

Maintenance

Each pool comes with different costs and maintenance. Maintenance can range from $375 to upwards of $1,375. Overall, you’d need to think about minor repairs, electricity, water, and chemicals.

Requirements from their backyard space

You need to have a big backyard to own a swimming pool. The average swimming pool is 10 feet by 20 feet with a depth of fewer than six feet. Depending on where you reside, you may need to add a fence of a certain height or materials or obtain a permit.

Owning a Swim Spa

woman enjoying an outdoor swim spa in minnesota

Health and lifestyle benefits

You can use your swim spa to relax, reduce stress, ease aches and pains, exercise, or use it for hydrotherapy. A swim spa can also increase the quality of family time, or be a good place for you and your friends to relax and enjoy.

Cost and pricing

The price of installing a swim spa can vary depending on where you plan on installing it. An entry-level swim spa can cost between $7,000 and $8,000, but it can range up to $30,000 based on brand and model.

Maintenance

If you choose to own a swim spa, you’ll have to think about other maintenance points. Some things to keep in mind are the filtration system, water bill, and electricity bill. If you’re installing your spa outdoors, you’ll also have to take into consideration how the weather will affect your spa.

The addition of a swim spa cover and gazebo can allow you to use and enjoy your swim spa 365 days a year!

Requirements from their backyard space

Since a swim spa is bigger than a hot tub, you’d need a bigger backyard. Swim spas are usually 10 feet long, 7 feet wide, and can be 4 feet deep.

Midnight Sun Pools N’ Spas

At Midnight Sun Pools N’ Spas, we are committed to helping you to find the right hot tub, swimming pool, or swim spa for your house. We have a fully loaded owner resources section on our website and a page specially designed to answer some frequently asked questions.

Please come speak to our friendly sales team in our bright and clean showroom, or simply check out our blog to learn more!

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