Pool vs. Hot Tub

25Apr

A Guide To Help You Decide Your Next Move

The use of backyard swimming pools and hot tubs in Canada is rapidly rising— CBC revealed that 38,000 new pool permit applications were filed in the past two years alone!

Many homeowners struggle with the decision between installing a hot tub or a pool on their property. Both hot tubs and pools offer endless hours of fun for you and your family, so you can’t go wrong with whichever you choose.

Read on to determine whether you should invest in a hot tub or a pool.

Hot Tub vs. Pool: What Is the Difference?

The first step to deciding between a hot tub or a swimming pool is understanding the difference between the two options.

Traditional swimming pools are generally large in diameter and well-suited for active people or families with children. Hot tubs offer more of a relaxing vibe and are a popular choice for couples or older customers.

Factors to Consider When Deciding

Many facts and figures determine which option—swimming pool or hot tub—would best suit your needs. Everything from cost to install time to how large of a family you have needs to be considered before choosing which unit to add to your yard.

What Is Your Lifestyle Like?

When choosing between a pool or a hot tub, your lifestyle is the first thing to consider. If you are active and love to swim in general, a swimming pool might be the best option. On the other hand, if you are more sedentary or dealing with long-term injuries, then a hot tub may benefit you.

How Big Is Your Family?

You want to choose the best option to accommodate your whole family. If you have a large family, especially one with kids, you may want to go with a swimming pool. Pools offer more space for you to spread out.

If you have small children, the pool will entertain you and your family for years as your children grow and find new ways to use it. If you are concerned about safety, you can cover up the pool with one of our easy-to-use covers.

If you are single or have a small family, you all should be able to fit in a hot tub comfortably with no problem. Families with adult children will sometimes choose a hot tub for their kids to use when they visit home.

What Is the Size of Your Backyard?

It is essential to consider the size of your yard.

Home Stratosphere states that the average swimming pool is about 10 feet by 20 feet.  Of course, these measurements can vary based on the size and shape you are looking for, but they are generally on the bigger end. Most people who want a pool want a larger pool with more room for activities.

The average hot tub is much smaller, coming in at an average width of around half the size or less of a typical swimming pool. Again, this can be adjusted.

What Is Your Budget?

Your budget is a huge consideration when deciding between getting a pool or getting a hot tub.

The average cost of a swimming pool in Ottawa can be tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars. This price varies depending on the size and material. Materials such as concrete are more expensive than materials like vinyl.

According to Better Homes & Gardens, the average price of a hot tub in Ottawa can range anywhere from $500 to $43,000. So, even the most expensive hot tub does not come close to the cheapest pool.

Materials and price play a big part in the cost. This price can also change whether you want an above-ground hot tub or an in-ground spa.

So, swimming pools generally cost more money, but it makes sense as more digging and construction are involved in the project. On the other hand, hot tubs take less time and effort to install and take up less space. Therefore, they are a more cost-effective option.

How Much Time Do You Have for Maintenance?

In general, swimming pools require more maintenance than a hot tub. Swimming pools need to be cleaned regularly to avoid a buildup of dirt and debris that can harm your health and pool filters.

It is also essential to maintain balanced water chemistry. This involves weekly checks where you may need to add chemicals to the water. Due to their wide area, pool cleaning can be time-consuming.

Depending on where your hot tub is located and how often you use it, you may need to clean it out once every one or two weeks. Because a hot tub takes up a smaller area, the cleaning time is significantly less than a swimming pool.

Swimming Pools: Some Pros

This is why investing in a pool is a great idea:

Swimming Pools: Some Cons

On the flip side, this is why a pool may not be ideal for you:

Hot Tubs: Some Pros

Check out these benefits if you are leaning more toward a hot tub:

Hot Tubs: Some Cons

If these points are dealbreakers, then a hot tub may not be for you:

The Takeaway

All in all, the choice between a hot tub vs. a pool is up to you. Both options are guaranteed to make a great addition to your home, but, depending on various factors, one may be a better fit than the other.

If you have a large family and love to exercise, a swimming pool could be better. On the other hand, if you want to relax and unwind by yourself or with a loved one, a hot tub may be the way to go.

If you have any questions about hot tub or pool installation, get in touch with one of our specialists.