What Is The Actual Difference Between A Hot Tub And A Spa? Four Major Differences
Many people are unaware of the difference between a hot tub and a spa and this is usually because they are used interchangeably between one another when, in fact, there are a few major differences. Here are the four major ones:
- Hot Tubs are Portable: First off, hot tubs are generally portable, meaning that they can be moved, so if you move houses, for example, you can take the hot tub with you. On the other hand, a spa is typically built inground attached to the swimming pool, which means that it cannot be moved.
- Spas are Made With Concrete: While a spa is made of the same material as a swimming pool, which is concrete, a hot tub is made with acrylic or another synthetic material that makes it more slippery and, quite possibly, a bit more comfortable and well shaped since this material can be shaped into the right seating positions and such.
- Hot Tubs Have a Beautiful Appearance: While a spa is simply attached to the swimming pool, a hot tub can be placed separately from the pool even if you don't have a pool in your backyard and even placed in a more secluded space for privacy and relaxation. Since hot tubs are made with a wooden material, this also adds to it's beauty and natural appearance that is a great addition to any yard. However, a spa can still be made to have an enhancing appearance with the addition of tiles and other spa features that can help it stand out from the pool.
- Spas are Easier to Care For: Since a spa is attached and made of the same material as the swimming pool, it's generally easier to care for because you simply combine the care with the swimming pool maintenance. This makes it easy to put the costs all into one place for maintenance rather than having to separate it from the cost of maintaining a hot tub.
- Hot Tubs Heat Up Quickly: Since hot tubs are heavily insulated to trap in the heat and use equipment that is separate from the swimming pool, they heat up quickly and can stay heated. The same cannot be said of a spa, which usually takes a long time to heat up because it's left open with the swimming pool. The benefit is that it doesn't use as much energy as a hot tub, which can save you quite a bit of money.
When you know the difference between the two, it's easier to determine which feature is which when trying to add water features and appliances to your home. Contact a company, like Anchor Pools & Spas, for more help.