What’s the Difference Between Swim Spas and Hot Tubs?
Being able to swim during the fall, winter, and spring has several benefits, but in Pennsylvania, it’s not safe to swim in pools during the colder seasons. So how do you get your swimming in? With swim spas and hot tubs, you can soak, swim, and relax in water all year round. Where pools have a hard time staying warm during the colder seasons, swim spas and hot tubs do not. In fact, both are great for relieving muscle tension and stiffness in the winter with their warm water jets.
Additionally, swimming provides a great aerobic workout when you’re exposed to cold temperatures outside or dealing with the added strain that comes with exercising outdoors during cooler months. If you want to swim through the cold months of the year, consider getting a swim spa or a hot tub. If you’re unsure of which one you should get, contact the experts at Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas.
What Are Swim Spas?
A swim spa is a type of jacuzzi, or spa, that combines the features of both a swimming pool and a hot tub. It is typically large and rectangular, measuring 8 feet wide and being anywhere from 15-20 feet long. They are typically up to 4-5 feet deep.
With their powerful jets, swim spas can create smooth currents for you to swim against. This makes for an effective aquatic workout experience while still retaining all the relaxation qualities of a hot tub for later. Swim spas are also energy efficient compared to traditional pools, often costing much less money to install and maintain.
What Are Hot Tubs?
A hot tub is a type of jacuzzi, or spa, that is used for relaxation and hydrotherapy purposes. It is typically filled with warm water and jets, allowing users to enjoy a spa-like experience without having to leave the comfort of their own homes.
Hot tubs come in many sizes, ranging from small single-person units to large models capable of seating up to eight people. They are typically equipped with various settings so that users can adjust the temperature and pressure of the water.
Additionally, many hot tubs feature bubbling jets and massage options. These features can add an increased level of relaxation.
Hot tubs can also improve upon the numerous health benefits that already come with swimming. The higher temperature and more condensed location enable a hot tub to improve:
- Body circulation
- Muscle tension relief
- Joint pain relief
- Stress relief
- Sleep quality
What Are the Differences Between Swim Spas and Hot Tubs?
The main differences between swim spas and hot tubs are size, purpose, and functionality. Swim spas are typically larger and more rectangular while hot tubs often come in smaller square-shape sizes. This is because hot tubs rarely, if ever, are made for aquatic exercise.
Also, the jets in hot tubs are different from those in swim spas. Most hot tubs cannot create the resistive currents that people swim against in swim spas. Instead, hot tubs focus more on providing a spa-like experience with warm water and bubbling jets for added relaxation.
What Are the Pros of Swim Spas?
The primary advantage of swim spas over hot tubs is getting a full-body workout in an aquatic setting. Aquatic workouts relieve a lot of the physical stress that non-aquatic workouts put on the body.
The powerful jets in swim spas specifically allow people to target specific muscle groups and increase their range of motion. They may not have been able to do this if they couldn’t exercise in the water during the cold seasons.
This low-impact exercise is suitable for all fitness levels and ages, making it an ideal way to stay active without putting strain on your joints and muscles.
Another benefit of swim spas is that they are great for relieving muscle tension and stiffness, just like hot tubs. The warmth of the water helps loosen tight muscles, perfect for relaxing after a workout or a long day at work.
What Are the Pros of Hot Tubs?
Hot tubs provide a more intimate and cozy experience than swim spas due to their smaller size. Hot tubs also use significantly less energy to power than swim spas and are generally cheaper to install and maintain, being that they’re usually smaller. This isn’t the case for many hot tubs that are on the larger side.
Hot tubs can also be equipped with various features such as bubbles, jets, and massage settings that allow users to customize their experience for optimal comfort and relaxation.
Not Sure Which One is Best For You? Contact Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas
Swim spas and hot tubs are great for people looking to enjoy the water even during the colder months of the year. But they have different uses that will make one better for you than the other. If you’re not sure which one is for you, consider the size of your property and what kind of activities you want to use it for, and contact the experts at Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas. We can help you narrow down your choices.
Posted by Aqua Leisure Pools & Spas in Pools