With the wide range of products available in the market, it is difficult to choose the hot tub to suffice your needs. We decided to discuss some of the common types, so you can find which is the best one for you. For your convenience, we’ve highlighted and found 6 types of hot tubs on the market.
1. In-Ground Hot Tub
This is often customized according to the owner’s specifications. It is built directly on-site using concrete in the same manner a swimming pool is built. The shape, configuration, steps, elevation, size, and tiles are determined by the owner.
It is usually built beside an in-ground pool where water from the hot tub may flow into. You may also choose to construct an in-ground pool alongside an in-ground hot tub and enjoy the aesthetics it brings to your home.
Various features come with an in-ground hot tub. They include a variety of hydrotherapy jets, decorative materials like tile and exterior stones, and additional features like fountains and colorful lights.
The cost of construction of an in-ground hot tub varies from place to place and is majorly dependent on the cost of building materials in a locality. If the hot tub is to be built together with a pool, it will share some construction costs with the pool. This may not be expensive when compared with building the hot tub alone.
2. Wooden Hot Tub
Wooden and cedar hot tubs have been around for the longest. Looking back to ancient times, these models were made with vats or barrels. Many people used these for personal meditation or relaxation. Nowadays, they have become the inspiration for a variety of spa manufacturers. Because manufacturers have gone through improvements in terms of shape and features, they are far more comfortable than they used to be. It should be noted that wooden hot tubs come in a few different heating configurations, each of which can change the soaking experience quite a bit. Some models use electric heaters, some use woodfire heaters, some use gas-powered heaters, and some use a combination of heating sources.
When it comes to wood bathtubs, people love how aesthetically pleasing they are, which is why most people take them on. They have a rustic charm that you can't get anywhere else. Plus, many models are made with cedar and redwood, providing users with unique aromatherapy benefits as well.
It should be noted that these hot tubs can be quite expensive and incredibly heavy. Typically, a wooden hot tub does not come with the same high-end features as new-age spas, and you'll need some help assembling them. Plus, there are limitations to the shapes and design choices that you have with wooden hot tubs.
3. Portable Hot Tub
The category of portable spas is broad and potentially confusing due to the large differences in size and actual portability of the units. However, portable hot tubs or portable spas generally include a range of spas anywhere from small inflatable units that can be packed up and put away when not in use, to large 8 to 10 person solid material hot tubs.
Most quality portable spas today are built with an acrylic shell mounted to a support structure of ABS, metal, or wood. In general, portable hot tubs are less expensive than equally sized custom spas and they are quick and easy to install. Portable spas have become extremely popular with home owners looking for great hydrotherapy without a construction project.
Another advantage of portable spas is that they are molded into ergonomic shapes with well-defined and comfortable seats. Many premium portable spas, especially Bullfrog Spas, offer an assortment of massaging jets. These jets are aligned within the spa to generate a specific massage sensation for each seat. Bullfrog's JetPak Therapy System allows you to completely customize and personalize these massages to suit your preferences.
In more simple terms, a portable hot tub is defined as a spa unit that is self-contained, meaning everything needed to operate the spa is contained within the spa itself.
These hot tubs are very new to the hot tub market and tend to be not only fairly inexpensive, but also easy to move to a new location. They are often made of laminated PVC material or polyester, and come in a variety of shapes and with many different features to choose from. Most inflatable hot tubs can get the water very warm, and they conveniently plug into a 110v outlet, which means that you don’t need to have any special electrical work completed at your home for your new hot tub. They are much less durable, as they can be punctured, and they tend to be less comfortable, as there are no molded seats. Finally, they cost more to heat and to run than traditional hot tubs.
5. Rotationally Molded Hot Tub
These hot tubs are a great option if you want hydrotherapy, but you can’t afford an incredibly expensive swim spa tub. They are not nearly as lightweight as inflatable hot tubs are, but they are much more affordable and durable. Because they generally weigh under 300 pounds and offer contoured seating, it is very easy to move your hot tub to the desired location and to get comfortable when you are sitting in them. Unfortunately, these hot tubs aren’t as efficient as other, traditional models, and they tend to be much less attractive due to their plastic appearance. However, because they are made of single piece of material that has been molded into shape, they are incredibly strong and less likely to be damaged.
6. Swim Hot Tubs
Swim spas are great for those who are looking to invest a bit more in both fitness and relaxation.
These unique models provide users with plenty of room to kick back and soak in hydrotherapy jets or practice full-on swimming exercise routines.
Of course, because of the sizes of these units, you will need a fair amount of surface area compared to a traditional hot tub.
You will also need a solid foundation to support these models even though they are self-contained.
These types of tubs are perfect for those who are looking to float, relax, swim, or exercise. There are plenty of benefits to working out in the water. You can tone your muscles before letting the jets bring them back to a healing state.
While there are many benefits to swim spas besides the ones above, including the fact that you can use them year-round and they are wonderful for large groups or families, the operating costs are quite high, and you will likely need to adjust your backyard landscape to accommodate one.
If you have any other questions about pool and spa products please do let us know - we are here to help!