Upgrading your backyard and wondering whether to go with a hot tub or a swim spa? Both options can transform your outdoor space, but they’re built for different lifestyles, different yard sizes, and different goals. Here’s how to think through it.
The Benefits Of a Hot Tub vs. Swim Spa
A hot tub is built for hydrotherapy, relaxation, and social soaking. It’s a ritual for after a ski day, a long week, or putting the kids to bed.
A swim spa is built to do more than one job. It’s part fitness equipment, part family water feature, part hot tub.
If your primary goal is relaxation and massage, a hot tub is probably your answer. If you want a backyard that supports exercise, family use, and wellness in one footprint, a swim spa is worth the conversation.
Hot Tub vs. Swim Spa: Size and Installation Requirements
The size difference between these two products is significant, and in Northern Utah backyards, it often becomes the deciding factor.
| Hot Tub | Swim Spa | |
| Typical Length | 68 to 94 inches | 12.5 to 17 feet |
| Water Capacity | 350-400 gallons | 1,000-1,500+ gallons |
| Footprint | Fits most decks and patios | Requires a larger, dedicated space |
| Installation | 1 day | 1 day, and may require special equipment to lift it into place |
Hot Tub vs. Swim Spa: Cost
Bullfrog hot tubs generally start around $8,500 and go up from there depending on model and features. Bullfrog Swim Series spas start closer to $35,000.
That’s a meaningful gap, but it’s worth framing against the alternative. A traditional in-ground pool in Utah can run $75,000 to $200,000 or more once you factor in excavation, permits, fencing, and landscaping. A swim spa delivers much of the versatility of a pool at a fraction of the cost, in a fraction of the space, and with zero seasonal shutdown.
Which Is Better for Utah Families?
A hot tub is better for couples and smaller families who want an intimate, relaxation-first experience. It fits naturally into evening routines, and it’s easier for kids once they’re old enough to use it safely.
A swim spa is better for active families who want a summer water feature for kids, a workout option for adults, and a year-round therapy space all in one. The Bullfrog Swim Series includes splash areas and open activity zones that a hot tub simply can’t offer. If you have kids who would swim in it during warmer months, the swim spa delivers significantly more value per square foot.
Which Is Better for Health and Wellness?
Hot tub wins for: Stress relief, muscle recovery, sleep improvement, joint pain, and targeted massage therapy. Bullfrog’s JetPak system is the standout here — you can choose different massage types, move them between seats, and upgrade them over time. No other hot tub brand offers that.
Swim spa wins for: Low-impact cardiovascular fitness, resistance training, aquatic therapy, and post-workout recovery. If you’re rehabbing an injury, training for a race, or looking for a pool alternative that works 12 months a year in Utah, a swim spa is genuinely compelling.
The Bullfrog Difference Applies to Both
One reason this decision is easier when you’re buying Bullfrog is that the brand’s core technology carries across both products.
The JetPak Therapy System is available in both hot tubs and the Swim Series. That means whether you go with an A Series hot tub or an S150 swim spa, you’re getting the same customizable, interchangeable massage experience. Bullfrog also builds with less plumbing than traditional spas, which means fewer potential leak points, lower maintenance, and better long-term reliability — something that matters in a Utah climate where temperature swings stress materials over time.
Quick Decision Guide
Choose a hot tub if:
- Your backyard space is limited
- Relaxation, recovery, and massage are your main goals
- You want lower operating costs
- Your budget is closer to the $8,500 to $18,000 range
- You picture quiet evenings more than active use
Choose a swim spa if:
- You want exercise capability at home
- You have kids who would use it as a pool
- You have the yard space and want to anchor it with a larger feature
- You’re looking for a pool alternative without the in-ground cost and maintenance
- Your budget and space can support it
See Both In Person Before You Decide
Visit us to compare both options side by side. Our team can help you figure out whether a hot tub or swim spa actually fits your yard, your life, and your goals. SCHEDULE A SHOWROOM VISIT →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a swim spa worth it if I’m not a serious swimmer?
It can be. Swim spas also function as family activity pools in warmer months and heated therapy spas in colder ones. And you don’t need to be swimming laps to benefit: water’s buoyancy takes pressure off your joints, so even treading water, walking against the current, or gentle stretching becomes an effective, low-impact workout. That makes swim spas especially appealing if you’re managing joint pain, recovering from an injury, or just want a gentler way to stay active as you age. If exercise is even a secondary goal, the swim spa delivers more versatility than a hot tub.
How much more does a swim spa cost to operate than a hot tub?
Generally 30 to 50% more per month in energy costs due to the larger water volume. Exact costs vary based on model, insulation, local energy rates, and what temperature you keep your spa.
Do I need a permit to install a hot tub or swim spa in Utah?
Generally permits are not required for a hot tub or swim spa since they are classified as portable units and have locking covers. It’s recommended to check applicable codes or if you live in an HOA—any design criteria for the installation location.
Can I use a swim spa or hot tub year-round in Utah?
Yes. Bullfrog Spas swim spas are designed for year-round use and perform well in cold climates. Utah winters actually make warm-water soaking especially appealing, and many Northern Utah owners use theirs most heavily in fall and winter.