Which is Better, Pool or Hot Tub?
If you have been trying to decide between installing a pool or hot tub in your backyard, you may be wondering which one is better. While it can be fantastic to have both, often space or budget will not allow for it. Really, it comes down to personal preference and how you would rather use your pool or spa that makes one better than the other for your lifestyle and needs.
In the article below we have listed the pros and cons to help you decide which is better, a pool or a hot tub.
Outdoor Pool Pros
Everyone loves the idea of being able to take a dip in refreshingly cool water on a hot summer day in their very own backyard. Really, taking a dip is the ultimate way to cool down at home and really beats trying to keep cool with fans, ice water or under an umbrella.
Kids also love pools. They can be a great tool in teaching your children water safety and how to swim. Plus, it keeps your children entertained all summer long and most likely a lot of the neighbours' kids as well.
Pools can also be a tremendous amount of fun. From floating around on an inflatable chair reading a book to playing a game of Marco Polo with friends, it can be a great way to maximize your summer enjoyment.
Finally, having an outdoor pool is a great way to get a workout in. Swimming laps is an excellent form of low impact exercise and are ideal for those wanting to lose weight, build strength and keep fit.
Outdoor Pool Cons
The size of outdoor pools is often a deal breaker for many homeowners. They can take up a lot, if not all of your yard space, leaving little to no room for other uses of your outdoor space.
Probably the biggest con to owning a pool is the cost. A well-made concrete pool and installation can easily start at the $20,000 mark and skyrocket once additional features like a diving board, waterfall or customized shape are factored in.
The other major downside to pool ownership is the maintenance that is involved. Keeping your pool clean and in good condition can be time-consuming and a fair amount of manual labour. If you do not want to do the maintenance yourself and hire a pool service, it can be costly.
Outdoor Hot Tub Pros
The benefits of owning an outdoor hot tub are hard to beat. Therapeutic hydrotherapy massages improve circulation, relieve pain and reduce joint pain. By soaking daily, hot tub owners often find they their quality of sleep significantly improves, and their aches and pains disappear.
Even if you are not seeking a form of pain relief, owning a hot tub for the relaxation benefits is fantastic. Nothing beats being able to take a soothing soak in warm bubbly water after a long day at work. The calming effect of the water does wonders for your physical and mental health.
With hot tubs, maintenance is a breeze. Provided that you purchase a quality model, like Hydropool, you can spend most of your time enjoying your hot tub and not maintaining it. Our self-cleaning models do almost all of the work, save for having to occasionally test the water, add chemicals to balance and clean the filter a few times a year.
Hot tubs cost way less than pools, which is another benefit. Even quality made, energy efficient models packed with features are extremely affordable. Plus, you certainly get your money worth. Outdoor hot tubs can be used in every season, 365 days per year. Enjoy a soak as snowflakes fall or the sun shines down, every day is a great day to take a soak.
No matter what the size of your lawn is, there is space for a hot tub. From 2-seater spas that are cozy and romantic to ones that can seat 6 or 7 people, the choice is yours.
Outdoor Hot Tub Cons
With all the therapeutic health and wellness benefits that hot tubs offer, it is difficult to think of a con. In fact, when many people purchase a hot tub the only con they can think of is regretting not buying one earlier!
Now that you know the pros and cons of a pool versus hot tub, you will have an easier time making your decision. For more information on hot tub features and benefits, download our hot tub buyer’s guide.