What is the difference between a swim spa and a hot tub?

They are related, but they are built for different jobs. - **Purpose:** A swim spa produces a current for swimming, running, and resistance work. A hot tub produces targeted jet massage while you sit. - **Temperature:** Swim spas are usually kept between 80F and 90F so you can exercise without overheating. Hot tubs run 100-104F. - **Size and water volume:** Swim spas commonly hold 1,500-3,000 gallons versus roughly 300-500 for a hot tub, so heating, filtration, and chemical demand are all larger. - **Cost:** Swim spas typically start where premium hot tubs end. Some dual-zone swim spas split the cabinet into a cool swim area and a separate hot seating area with its own heater and controls. That is the only way to get both temperatures at once in a single unit.