October 29, 2025
Category: Hot Tub
Planning a spa for your home? Start with the practicals: the space for the shell and cover, a level base with service access, a safe power supply, and realistic running costs. Below, we cover footprint, delivery, base, power and costs in order, and a two-minute chooser clarifies hot tub vs swim spa.
What is the difference between a hot tub and a swim spa?
A spa focuses on hydromassage, warm water, and relaxation in a compact footprint. A swim spa adds a counter‑current for continuous swimming and exercise in a larger shell. Both need a level base and a safe electrical supply. A swim spa also needs more space and a higher‑capacity power plan.
When a tub fits best
Choose a tub if you want weeknight recovery and stress relief. It suits terraces, courtyards, and compact gardens, and it runs on lower power with quick installs.
When a swim spa fits best
Pick a swim spa for year-round swimming and aqua fitness. Give it room for the larger shell and service access and treat it as a compact home swimming pool.
Explore the ranges: Hot tubs and Swim spas.
How much space do you need for a hot tub vs a swim spa?
Measure the footprint and the delivery path first, then allow for a cover lifter, steps, and service access on at least one side.
What are typical hot tub footprints?
Most home hot tubs measure ~1.8–2.4 m across, depending on the model. Allow space for a cover lifter and service access on one edge.
Compact 2–3 seater: ~1.6–2.0 × 1.5–1.6 m; family 4–6 seater: ~2.0–2.2 × 2.0–2.2 m; entertainer 7+ seater: ~2.3–2.4 × 2.3–2.4 m.
For compact footprints around ~2.0 × 2.0 m, browse the Serenity range. If you need a precise size or tiled finish, explore Bespoke builds.
What size is a swim spa?
Common lengths run ~3.5–6.0 m by ~2.2–2.5 m. Plan a straight delivery route and check crane/Hiab needs.
Compact trainer: ~3.5–4.0 × 2.2–2.4 m; family trainer: ~4.5–5.0 × 2.2–2.4 m; performance or long trainer: ~5.5–6.0 × 2.2–2.5 m.
Can a swim spa replace a home swimming pool?
Yes. Many households use a swim spa as a compact pool with a controlled current. You gain a counter‑current for training and family play with far less space and groundwork than a traditional pool.
If access is tight, plan for Hiab or crane lifts. Keep the delivery route straight and level where possible. Why it matters: simple delivery and access reduce install costs and make weeknight use easier. Check the side return; if it is narrower than the shell width, a Hiab lift is usually the simplest route.
How long does delivery and installation take?
Once the base and power are ready, positioning and commissioning typically complete the same day; commissioning alone often takes 1–2 hours after the spa is in place. Swim spas can take longer due to crane scheduling and setup. Your site assessment confirms the schedule.
With footprint and delivery sorted, set the base and power so installation runs smoothly.
What groundworks and power does each option need in the UK?
Both products need a level, load‑bearing base, and a qualified electrician should install the power supply. In England and Wales, new circuits fall under Building Regulations Part P.
What base and power does a hot tub require?
Set a reinforced deck or a concrete pad that supports the filled weight when the spa is full. Choose 13A “plug and play” or 32A hard‑wired, with RCD protection and a local isolator. Plan a short, protected cable route and leave maintenance access.
Installer note: We’ll confirm earthing, RCD, and the isolation switch position on the visit.
Do I need 13A or 32A for a hot tub?
Most compact models can run on 13A (“plug and play”). Larger, high‑performance tubs typically use 32A for better heat hold and jet performance. Your installer will confirm the correct supply for your model. On 13A models the heater may pause when jets run at full power, while 32A supplies allow more functions to run at once.
What base and power a swim spa need?
Use an engineered slab with drainage away from the shell and anti‑slip paths. Specify a dedicated supply sized to the model, with RCD protection, a local isolator, and clear access to the control panel. Confirm any crane or Hiab needs, turning circles, and set‑down space.
Get a tailored site plan. We’ll confirm base spec, power route, and site access, then leave you with a costed plan. Attach two photos of the delivery path (gate and side return) so we can flag any Hiab needs early.
With the site plan in place, you can estimate purchase and running costs with more confidence.
How much does a hot tub cost to buy and run vs a swim spa?
Upfront prices track size, insulation quality, jet count, and shell build. Running costs depend on tariff, set temperature, insulation, and how often you use it.
Illustrative running‑cost examples at £0.30/kWh
- Spa: 2 kW for 60 minutes ≈ £0.60 (light heat hold)
- Swim spa: 6 kW for 60 minutes ≈ £1.80 (heating or active use)
Actual costs depend on cover use, ambient temperature, and maintenance. For entry-price benchmarks and published dimensions, see our Affordable Luxury range. Prefer lower-upkeep filtration? Explore the Hydropool Self-Cleaning range. See current sales offers and finance options.
Which fits your routine: quick evenings, training, or family time?
If you want evening recovery, compact siting, and lower power draw, a tub fits well. If your week includes swim sets or family pool time, a swim spa’s current gives you training lanes and a bigger splash zone.
The right choice makes weeknight sessions easy to keep, and that is how the habit sticks.
You can compare both in person at our showrooms, or request a site assessment to confirm sizing, base, and power.
Small‑garden wellness: can a compact layout fit a spa and an outdoor sauna?
Yes, if you plan the base, privacy, and a sensible route for power and steps.
Layout A: 2 × 3 m deck (terrace)
Place a family model lengthways with side steps and a privacy screen. Keep a short, protected cable run back to the house and use non‑slip path lighting. If you have a second flat area, add a small outdoor sauna nearby.
Layout B: 3 × 3 m corner (courtyard)
Position the tub in the corner and leave a cover lifter gap on the fence side. Set a barrel sauna on a separate small base and keep a clear step route between them. Keep equipment and vents accessible and plan drainage away from both bases.
If you want heat therapy indoors, compare our electric sauna and wood fired saunas guides, then decide where the cabin fits in your routine.
What maintenance and water care do spas and swim spas need?
Set a simple weekly routine and book periodic servicing to keep water clear and costs predictable. Test and balance water chemistry, rinse or clean filters and replace them on schedule, keep the cover in good order and clear debris from intakes, and book a service visit before winter or heavy‑use periods. Clean filters help the heater hold temperature with less power.
See our Owners hub for care guides and support.
Which hot tub and swim spa models are good starting points?
Use these quick pointers to choose a starting point, then check current stock and bundles.
Spas
A 13A compact suits terraces and plug‑in convenience for two to three people. A 32A family model delivers full hydrotherapy with better heat hold for four to six people.
Swim spas
A compact trainer has a shorter shell with a steady current and suits fitness and small plots. A family trainer offers a longer pool section with a wider lane and suits mixed swimming and play.
You can also explore the Serenity range for compact family seating, the Hydropool Self-Cleaning range for lower upkeep, the Affordable Luxury line for value, and Bespoke builds for custom sizes or tiled finishes.
Browse Hot tubs and Swim spas for current models and bundles.
What are your next steps to plan the right setup?
Start with sizing and access for your home hot tub or swim spa. We’ll handle the rest. Book a site assessment and we’ll confirm base spec, power route, and delivery. You can then review finance options, check sales offers, and visit our showrooms in Sidcup (Ruxley Manor) or Gillingham (Dobbies) for a wet test.
