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Can Swim Spas Be Used as Hot Tubs? Understanding the Differences

Back to the Learning Centre By Jon Filson Hydropool Hot Tubs and Swim Spas If you’re torn between a hot tub and a swim spa, you’re not the only one. Many shoppers ask us at Hydropool: Can a swim spa be used as a hot tub too? The short answer is yes, it can. In short, a swim spa can do anything a hot tub can, plus you can work out in it, swim in it and use it as a small pool. A swim spa is heated year-round and you can sit in it and get a massage, just like you can with a hot tub. There are differences with each product and in this article, we’ll go over what they are. We’ve been building hot tubs at Hydropool for 45 years and swim spas for more than 30, so we know a little bit about each! In this article, we’ll help you decide what’s right for your garden by answering the following questions: Can you sit and soak in a swim spa like a hot tub? Do swim spas have massage jets like hot tubs? What’s the difference in water temperature between a swim spa and a hot tub? Are there dual-zone swim spas with hot tub sections? Is it better to buy a hot tub, a swim spa, or both? Can a swim spa truly replace a hot tub? Hopefully by the end you’ll have a strong sense of which is right for you. Can You Sit and Soak in a Swim Spa Like a Hot Tub? Yes. Most swim spas have built-in seating areas at one or both ends, allowing you to relax just as you would in a hot tub. These seats are typically moulded for comfort, and the spa water can be heated to the same temperature as a hot tub (up to around 40°C or 104°F). Does it feel the same? Not quite. A swim spa has more space than a hot tub, so you’re sitting further apart in many cases, although this depends on the style of the swim spa. So a hot tub offers a more intimate experience, while a swim spa offers a more spacious one. But both provide a chance to soak and get a hydrotherapy massage. Do Swim Spas Have Massage Jets Like Hot Tubs? They do. Swim spas often include hydrotherapy jets in the seated areas, which can target the back, shoulders, and legs. High-end models offer very similar jet power and variety to premium hot tubs. No company selling you a swim spa wants you to feel like skimped or are missing out. Can You Actually Swim in a Swim Spa? What’s the Difference in Water Temperature Between a Swim Spa and a Hot Tub? Both can be heated to hot tub temperatures, but they’re often used at different settings: Hot tubs are commonly kept around 37°C to 40°C (98°F to 104°F) year-round. We encourage people to start at 100F, and move up or down from there. Swim spas are often set lower, around 26°C to 30°C (78°F to 86°F), especially when used for swimming or working out or playing. Otherwise, the workouts become too warm. Of course, you can set the temperature to whatever you wish. Many UK owners adjust the temperature seasonally, warming it up for winter soaking or lowering it for summertime, when it comes to both hot tubs and swim spas. Are There Dual-Zone Swim Spas With Hot Tub Sections? Dual temperature models such as this Hydropool Aquatic Sport 19DTAX are elegant options with great flexibility. Yes. Dual-zone swim spas feature two separate compartments: One side features a large tank for swimming, workouts or simply hanging out, as you might in a pool. This is often with a lower temperature. One side that functions just like a traditional hot tub. This one has a higher temperature and more jets for relaxing. Each section can be heated and controlled independently. For UK buyers who want the best of both worlds, this can be a brilliant compromise though it typically comes at a higher price point and takes up more space. To some buyers, it’s still not enough! For those we suggest you buy a large swim spa and a large hot tub separately. How Big Is a Swim Spa? Is It Better to Buy a Hot Tub, a Swim Spa or Both? That depends entirely on how you plan to use your spa: Go for a hot tub if your main goal is relaxation, hydrotherapy, and year-round warmth in a compact space. Choose a swim spa if you want exercise, family fun and flexibility with seating and temperature. Consider both (or a dual-zone model) if you’ve got the garden space and budget, and want to cover all bases. Many UK homes don’t have room for two separate units, which is why swim spas are becoming such a popular all-rounder. Can Swim Spas Be Used as Hot Tubs? Understanding the Differences Yes, swim spas can function a lot like hot tubs, offering heated water, massage jets, and a place to relax. But they’re not identical. Hot tubs focus entirely on comfort and hydrotherapy, while swim spas also prioritise versatility and space for movement. You can do more in a swim spa than you can in a hot tub, but a swim spa can still do everything a hot tub can do. Here’s a quick summary: Swim spas do include seating and jets, but fewer than a dedicated hot tub. You can heat a swim spa to hot tub temperatures — or keep it cooler for exercise. Dual-zone swim spas give you the best of both worlds. Whether one can replace the other depends on your space, budget, and goals. Still weighing up your options? Chat to your local Hydropool retailer about which spa suits your lifestyle and space. Jon Filson is the Senior Content Manager at Hydropool Hot Tubs and Swim Spas.