A Guide to Swim Spa vs Hot Tub

Cedar Works Team • January 23, 2026

Swim Spa vs Hot Tub: A Thoughtful Guide for Lane County Homeowners Focused on Wellness

For more than two decades, we’ve helped people across Eugene, Springfield, and Lane County choose the right spa purchases—always rooted in wellness, comfort, and longevity. Whether your motivation is stress relief, better sleep, low-impact exercise, or everyday family enjoyment, choosing the right water therapy product can transform the way you live at home.

If you’re asking yourself whether a swim spa or a hot tub is right for you, this guide is for you.

Hot Tubs: Warm Comfort That Nourishes the Body and Mind

A hot tub delivers warmth, buoyancy, and therapeutic jets designed to relax muscles, ease tension, and help your body recover from daily stresses. For many Eugene homeowners, it becomes a restorative part of the day—especially during cooler months.

Hot tubs vary in size and seating to fit different spaces and wellness goals, but they all focus on soothing hydrotherapy and year-round comfort.


Swim Spas: Fitness, Flexibility, and Year-Round Use


Swim spas combine the benefits of heated water with a continuous adjustable current that lets you swim in place, walk against resistance, or enjoy low-impact exercise—all in warm, therapeutic water. Many Eugene residents choose swim spas for their fitness versatility and year-round functionality.


Swim spas also include seating areas with massage jets for recovery after exercise, making them a hybrid between a fitness pool and a therapeutic spa.


If you're leaning towards a swim spa, we can help you to define what's most important>

Side by Side Comparison

Feature Hot Tub Swim Spa
Primary Use Relaxation & hydrotherapy Fitness, swim resistance, therapy
Typical Size 8' x 8' or less 8' x 12' or more
Best For Stress relief, soothing sore muscles, skin therapy (Microsilk) Low impact exercise, swimming, rehab
Year-Round Use Yes Yes
Family & Socail Excellent Excellent + exercise
Installation Complexity Low Medium to high
Space Needed Small to Medium Medium to large



How to Choose What’s Best for You


What feels most important today?

  • If relaxation, better sleep, and muscle comfort are your priorities, a hot tub is a beautiful choice.
  • If fitness, low-impact movement, and versatile water activity matter most, a swim spa delivers more without needing a pool.


How will you use it daily?

  • Hot tubs often become part of nightly wellness routines.
  • Swim spas serve as both workout venues and recovery spaces.


What space do you have available?

  • Hot tubs typically fit into smaller patios and decks.
  • Swim spas require more space but replace the need for a full pool.


There isn’t a “one size fits all” solution, but thinking through these questions helps you get closer to what fits your life, body, and goals.


Your Wellness Journey Begins Here

For many of our customers, owning a spa isn’t just about water—it’s about coming home to a routine that supports rest, recovery, connection, and everyday joy. Our team is here to help you explore, compare, and decide with patience and care, not pressure.


If you’d like personalized advice, exact measurements, or a walkthrough of how each model would fit your space, we’d love to help you in person at our Eugene showroom, over the phone, or over email. Reach out today!