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What is the Difference Between a Hot Tub and a Spa?

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari

A hot tub and a spa are essentially the same thing, but their origins differ slightly. A hot tub is traditionally a wooden tub that holds enough water for two or more bathers. The water is heated, though original models did not have jets that propelled water for a massaging feel. When manufacturers began making tubs from other materials, such as plastic and fiberglass, they began labeling the tubs spas to differentiate between their product and the older, wooden versions. The two now feature many of the same amenities, and the terms are generally considered interchangeable.

Originally, the difference between a hot tub and a spa was the choice of material, but the features of the two tubs quickly drew a clear line between them. The more modern spas featured seating, which older, wooden tubs did not have. They also featured jets that propelled water at users to create a massaging action. New fiberglass versions began featuring filters that could help keep the water of the tub cleaner for longer periods of time. Wooden hot tub makers quickly caught on, however, and these features became standard on both wooden hot tubs and fiberglass spas.

A spa tub is a whirlpool that can be installed in place of a regular tub.
A spa tub is a whirlpool that can be installed in place of a regular tub.

One difference that has generally remained consistent over the years is the shape of the two tubs. A wooden hot tub is usually a round structure, whereas fiberglass spas come in a variety of shapes but are often square. The fiberglass within the spa can be molded into ergonomic seats with strategically placed jets in them, and many spas feature a light fixture at the bottom of the tub for use at night. Fiberglass is easily molded, so limitless shapes are possible. Wooden hot tubs are less versatile; they are usually round or square and have simple bench seats submerged in the water. Wood is more difficult to cut and shape, so ergonomic seats are less likely in a wooden hot tub.

All hot tubs need to be cleaned and protected against bacteria and mold.
All hot tubs need to be cleaned and protected against bacteria and mold.

The line between a hot tub and a spa was further blurred by the aesthetics of fiberglass spas. While they were fiberglass on the inside, they were usually built with a wooden skirt around the fiberglass to provide a more traditional look. The wooden skirt also helps hide the internal pipes and insulation for the spa. Wooden hot tubs are usually made of cedar planks because of their ability to resist rot and mold, and some fiberglass spas also use cedar boards to provide aesthetics. Many fiberglass spas today use a composite material for a skirt rather than wood.

Discussion Comments

KoiwiGal

My dad bought us a spa when I was a kid, but never hooked it up to the hot water. We just used it as a place to cool off in the summer and had fun in the bubbles.

I think he just found it in a closing down sale or something and basically couldn't resist. I wish we had kept that house, it would have been nice to hook it up to the hot water when we got older and been able to have cool backyard parties as teenagers.

umbra21

@Iluviaporos - I guess I always thought that a spa was something you had outdoors (or maybe in a conservatory area) and a hot tub was something you had indoors, although I've never really thought that hard about it.

I only ever use them when they are available at my hotel as a guest amenity and even then it depends on what I'm at the hotel for.

My favorite experience with a hot tub was after I'd gone on a grueling day walk through the hills around the hotel. I was more than grateful to have a lot of hot water to soak in after I got back and I think that I saved myself a lot of sore muscles the next day as well. That was great, but it was the kind of thing I'd only need on a vacation.

So, even if hot tub prices completely bottomed out I don't think I be buying one any time soon.

lluviaporos

I feel like the distinction between the two isn't all that clear in the minds of most people and they use the terms interchangeably. I know I always thought it was basically two different words for the same thing.

It's good to know the differences though, since I'm hoping that I'll be able to install a spa at some point. They actually aren't that expensive, although I'm sure the heating bill makes up the difference.

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    • A spa tub is a whirlpool that can be installed in place of a regular tub.
      By: milkovasa
      A spa tub is a whirlpool that can be installed in place of a regular tub.
    • All hot tubs need to be cleaned and protected against bacteria and mold.
      By: EpicStockMedia
      All hot tubs need to be cleaned and protected against bacteria and mold.