There are many places around the country where the climate is ideal for in-ground spas or hot tubs. Spa systems come in many different shapes and sizes and with a variety of neat features, such as massaging jets, colorful lighting, hydrotherapy features, Bluetooth speakers, or even a TV inside! You can integrate your spa with your pool or other areas of your yard. No matter what style you choose, nothing can beat having a warm, relaxing soak at the end of a long day! To help you choose between a hot tub vs. spa, we have answered the most frequently asked questions.
Hot Tub Vs. Spa: Questions Answered:
Benefits of Hot Tubs and Spas
Installing an in-ground spa or hot tub can have copious benefits. Using either can be an excellent stress reliever, and improve your sleep quality, helping you become more relaxed in every aspect of life. They can assist with muscle relaxation and recovery after workouts. Using these heating systems has even been shown to improve cardiovascular health.
What is the Difference Between Hot Tubs and Spas?
The primary difference between in-ground spas and hot tubs is that hot tubs, or portable spas, are entirely self-contained. These units are pre-fabricated, meaning they are completely operational from the moment they are delivered. Just place it on your deck, patio, or yard, fill it up with water, connect it to a power source to heat it, and voila! Your hot tub experience awaits!
What are the Benefits of Hot Tubs Over In-Ground Spas?
Hot tubs are far easier to install than in-ground spas. As portable spas are manufactured, they do not require construction. In most cases, you don’t need to pull a permit for installation. You don’t have to deal with engineers, soil reports, or inspections. Each of these steps for in-ground spas is costly and time-consuming, potentially holding up your spa experience for months and months. Additionally, hot tubs are usually initially cheaper and less expensive to operate than their in-ground counterparts. Another benefit is that you can change its location at any point.
What are the Benefits of a Spa Over Hot Tubs?
Customization is one of the key deciding factors when considering whether to build an in-ground spa or hot tub. In-ground spas can be built alone or with a swimming pool, and instead of choosing a pre-made design, you can tailor your structure entirely to your needs. You can choose the size, seating, colors, configurations, jets, handles, decorative finishes, and materials – every aspect can completely match your ideas and aesthetic.
Are Hot Tubs or Spas Better for Southern California?
Southern California does not see temperature or weather fluctuations comparable to other parts of the country. This makes having an in-ground spa more manageable as it does not take as much energy to heat, and it is easier for the structure to go uncovered. However, often, building a permanent system is more costly in the expensive Southern California economy, making hot tubs a more attractive option when budgeting is a concern.
What is the Price Difference Between a Hot Tub vs. Spa?
Between hot tub vs. spa, hot tubs are the more budget-friendly option. Hot tubs have a lower upfront cost, varying from $3000 at the inexpensive end to upwards of $15,000 for models with all the bells and whistles. Comparatively, in-ground spas have a high initial cost, ranging from about $8,000 to over $30,000, depending on your designs. Additionally, in-ground spas are more expensive to operate. Frequently, in-ground spa controls and inner elements are hidden in less accessible places for aesthetic purposes. This means they are more costly to repair and maintain than hot tubs.
How Long Will It Take to Install Each?
Construction time varies significantly between a hot tub vs. spa. A hot tub can be installed on a deck, patio, or a slab in the yard, which takes minimal effort. Installation is as simple as getting it delivered and setting it up appropriately. In-ground spa construction can take weeks or months, depending on the intricacies of your design as well as the steps of pulling permits, checking soil and drainage, and inspections.
Which System is More Efficient?
You may be wondering – which is more efficient, a hot tub or a spa? Well, in-ground hot tubs are often built simultaneously with a pool and designed next to it to spill into the pool. This combo is ultimately designed to help heat the pool but can come at a high price tag. Additionally, in-ground spas sometimes don’t have a cover for aesthetic purposes, meaning they are constantly working harder to maintain a set temperature. The independent hot tub system is often more efficient than most in-ground spas, which means it will be less costly to run each month and have fewer temperature variations.
So Which Do You Choose?
Ultimately, the decision of whether to choose a hot tub vs. spa comes down to balancing your budget and your aesthetic. If you have a large budget, plenty of time, a particular design concept, and want to customize your system, then an in-ground spa is for you. However, if you desire easy installation, lower initial and operating costs, and less hassle, a hot tub is the best option. No matter which you choose, an in-ground spa or hot tub is a fantastic, relaxing addition to any home!
Design Scapes – Hot Tub, Spa, & Pool
Pool, spa, and hot tub projects can quickly become overly complicated when trying to self-manage. That is why Design Scapes provides all-in-one pool, spa, and hot tub packages to our clients. From the initial design to the last piece put in place, we take care of every step along the way, including permitting, material orders, scheduling, and more. Regardless of your plot size, we will deliver a pool, spa, or hot tub that is both beautiful and functional. To learn more about Design Scapes project process, please book a consultation through our contact form.
