Hot Tub vs. Swim Spa: Which One Should You Buy?

One of the questions I get most often is this: should I get a hot tub or a swim spa?

Most people who ask don't realize they're two completely different things. They think a swim spa is just a bigger hot tub. It's not. And understanding that difference could save you thousands of dollars and a lot of disappointment.

I've been selling hot tubs in Lexington for 50 years, and swim spas for the last 15. Let me walk you through what each one does, who it's for, and which one actually makes sense for your situation.

What a Hot Tub Does

A hot tub is designed for relaxation and therapy. You get in, the jets hit your sore muscles, the warm water loosens everything up, and you sit there for 15, 20, 30 minutes while life stops happening for a bit. That's the whole point.

We sell American Whirlpool and Vita Spa models. Our American Whirlpools come with jet systems specifically designed to target your back, your shoulders, your lower back, your feet. Some models have 40 jets. Some have 60. The jets are adjustable. You dial in exactly where you want the pressure.

The temperature stays around 102 degrees. The whole thing uses about as much electricity as a home water heater, and you can run it year-round in Kentucky.

What a Swim Spa Does

A swim spa is basically a short swimming pool with jets. It's long enough to actually swim in, usually 13 to 16 feet depending on the model. One end has massage jets like a hot tub. The other end has current jets that push you back so you can swim in place.

So you're getting dual functionality. You can sit in the warm water on the jet side and relax. You can swim on the other side and get a workout. Some people use them for physical therapy. Some use them for lap swimming. Some use them for both.

But here's the thing: you're not getting the full experience of either in a single unit. You're getting 70% of what a good hot tub does and maybe 50% of what a dedicated pool does.

Space Requirements

A standard 4-person hot tub is roughly 7 feet by 7 feet. You can fit that almost anywhere. Most people put it on a deck, a patio, or even in their garage with proper ventilation.

A swim spa is 13 to 16 feet long and 7 to 8 feet wide. That's almost twice the footprint. If you're thinking about your backyard, you need to visualize this thing as a small swimming pool. Because that's what it is.

If you've got the space, great. If you're trying to fit this into an average backyard in Lexington along with a deck and some landscaping, you're looking at a pretty tight situation.

Cost Comparison

This is where most people's eyes widen.

A good American Whirlpool 4-person hot tub runs about $5,400 to $6,800. A Vita Spa in that size range runs about $5,000 to $6,200. We include free delivery and installation.

A swim spa starts at about $14,000 for a basic model. A really good one, one with strong current jets and good massage capabilities, runs $20,000 to $28,000.

So we're talking almost 3 times the cost for a swim spa. More for installation. More for ongoing maintenance because you've got more equipment, more water to heat, and more chemicals to balance.

Running Costs

Here's the honest number: a swim spa costs significantly more to run than a hot tub.

A hot tub uses about $20 to $40 a month in electricity in Kentucky. Add another $15 to $20 a month for chemicals and filters, and you're at about $40 to $60 a month to operate.

A swim spa with a heater running to maintain water temperature is using more electricity because you've got more water to heat. Add in the current jets. You're looking at $80 to $150 a month in electricity alone, depending on how often you use it and how warm you keep the water.

The chemicals are more complex because you've got more water volume. You're looking at $30 to $50 a month on water care.

So annually, you're paying $1,300 to $2,400 a year to run a swim spa versus $480 to $720 to run a hot tub.

Who a Hot Tub Is For

You want to relax. You want to ease sore muscles. You want to unwind with your spouse or family. You don't have a massive backyard. You want something that's simple to use and doesn't cost a fortune to maintain.

Hot tub people are usually looking for quality downtime. They sit in the spa 3, 4, 5 nights a week. They use it year-round. They enjoy it.

Who a Swim Spa Is For

You actually swim. You do laps. You want a workout tool in your backyard. You have the space. You're willing to spend $15,000 to $25,000 upfront and another $1,500 to $2,000 a year to run it.

Or you're looking for physical therapy. Some swim spas are excellent for that. You can use the jets on one end and do water therapy on the other. But honestly, if you're only doing therapy, a hot tub does that job better and cheaper.

The Real Talk

I've sold both. Most people who buy a swim spa use the swim side twice a year and the hot tub side every week. They spend the money to swim in their backyard, and they end up using it as an expensive hot tub.

I'm not saying don't buy a swim spa. I'm saying make sure you actually plan to swim. Make sure you've got the space. Make sure you're realistic about what you'll actually use it for.

If you want to relax, want to handle sore muscles, want something that doesn't take up half your backyard and doesn't cost $2,000 a year to run, a hot tub is the answer.

You can sit in one before you decide. Come down to 1431 Leestown Road and get in an American Whirlpool or a Vita Spa. Feel the jets. Feel the water. Then ask yourself honestly: am I swimming in this thing?

Call (859) 255-7639 and let's talk about what actually fits your life. We're open Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM.