Many homeowners upgrade their homes by incorporating a spa or a hot tub. These two options are great and improve your quality of life and the value of your property.
Generally, spas and hot tubs are both large basins filled with hot water and are used for pleasure, hydrotherapy, and relaxation. Entering a spa or hot tub after a long workday can help relieve stress and muscle tension.
If you’re looking to install a home spa or hot tub, you may be unsure of their difference and which one suits you. Fortunately, this informative post will help you know what a spa and a hot tub are and how they differ.
Spa
A spa is a permanent recreational structure created to hold hot water. It’s usually built in-ground like a regular pool. Many spas are often connected to an in-ground pool but are separated by a wall or a barrier. Users can move back and forth between the two by simply jumping or sliding over the barrier.
Spas have bench seats and jets that massage your body while immersed in the water. This is why they’re more common in gyms and health clubs. They can be constructed from scratch in your backyard; hence they might require more space.
Since they’re built from scratch, they give you the freedom and flexibility to customize the design to your specifications. However, if you don’t have enough space in your backyard, you can check out the best spas for sale in Brisbane that will fit in your space.
Hot Tub
A hot tub is an independent structure designed to hold water. It has plumbing and electrical systems, meaning it can function separately from a pool.
A hot tub is usually above the ground and has a heating system. For this reason, it can be enjoyed in different locations as it’s portable. If you move to a new home, you can drain it and bring it along.
Hot tubs are easy and cheap to install and maintain because they’re smaller compared to spas. This makes them ideal for homeowners who aren’t ready to build an in-ground structure or don’t have enough space for a spa pool. However, the low-cost sacrifices durability and room to enjoy with friends and family.
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Differences Between Spas and Hot Tubs
You’ve probably spent time in spas and hot tubs but never noted the difference. If you’re yet to notice the difference between the two, here are some of the major ones:
1. Design
The main difference between a spa and a hot tub is their design and components. A spa is a permanent in-ground built structure, often attached to an in-ground pool.
A spa is installed permanently and can’t be moved to another location. A hot tub is a self-contained standalone structure that functions independently from a pool. Because of this feature, it can easily be moved from one place to another.
2. Power
Another difference manifests in the way hot tubs and spas are powered. Spas usually use electric heaters, or heat pumps to heat the water, while hot tubs use fire, gas, or electricity to heat the water.
3. Heating System
Secondly, a spa has plumbing and heating systems attached to the main pool. Standalone spas also exist but are more expensive than a spa connected to the main pool.
Spas connected to the main pool consume a lot of energy and take more time to maintain the temperature.
On the other hand, hot tubs have plumbing and heating systems that enable them to set and maintain a specific temperature instantly. In other words, hot tubs can be ready for use anytime with less energy.
4. Portability
Since spas are permanent structures, they’re more durable and can last many years. However, they can be more expensive to repair if damaged.
Conversely, hot tubs are portable, meaning the frequent movement can lead to damage or get worn out rapidly. Additionally, hot tubs tend to become old and out of fashion quickly, meaning you’ll have to replace them more often than spas.
5. Filtration
Most hot tubs lack a filtration system, meaning they need to be emptied and cleaned after a few days. On the other hand, spas have a filtration system, and the water can be drained every two months, depending on how you maintain the water.
Conclusion
Despite their differences, spas and hot tubs offer relaxation and enjoyment while enhancing your property’s appearance and increasing its value.
Therefore, the right one will depend on the size of your property, lifestyle, and ability to keep up with maintenance. If you’re torn between investing in both, consider their differences above and assess your needs.
