Hot Tub & Swimming Pools Home >> Hot Tub Articles

Portable Spas -- What's the Difference?

Portable spas, hot tubs, spas, the words seem to be used interchangeably. Prospective hot tub owners (or is that portable spa owners?) may be wondering what the difference is.

Back in the old days (you know, the 70s), the words "spa" and "hot tub" meant different things. Spas were heated tubs with jets made from acrylic or another kind of thermoplastic. These eventually evolved into "portable spas" (more on what that means exactly below). Hot tubs referred to those tanks of water made out of wood like redwood or cedar, also heated with hydrotherapy jets. Thanks in part to their appearances in television and the movies, the wooden hot tubs were quite popular for a while. Eventually, the acrylic spas became the preferred models because of the contour-designing and superior maintenance features. You can't buy those round wooden tanks anymore. The word "hot tub" is still in use, however, but it now can be used interchangeably with spa.

That's all well and good, you may say, but what's the difference between a spa and portable spa? Basically, if you go to a dealer's showroom, you're going to be looking at portable spas. The only spas that aren't technically portable are the in ground variety. These are usually specially designed based on the owner's wishes. Because they are dug into the ground, and the plumbing is usually fixed in the ground, they are definitely not portable. Very few people consider in-ground spas anymore, though. For one thing, portable spas have become so luxurious, there is little reason to deal with the maintenance issues (plumbing is harder to get to and replace) and extra cost of in-ground spas.

But are portable spas really portable?

The answer to that is yes and no. Portable spas still weigh a few hundred pounds (empty) and are large enough that it requires a special truck to move. Technically though, all you need to do is hook up the electricity to one, so they do not necessarily become permanent fixtures in your yard. However, many people choose to build decks or gazebos around their portable spas, thus making it difficult to eventually remove them. So, while these spas are portable, moving them is enough of an ordeal that most people consider them permanent fixtures. Usually, even when people move to new houses, they will leave their spas behind. The positive thing about that is a well-cared for and maintained spa can increase the value of a house.

Also visit: Hot Tub Reviews.

References:

The Ultimate Pool Maintenance Manual
Preparing for Your Portable Spa
Spas and Hot Tubs from Specialty Pool Products

Back to Hot Tubs & Swimming Pool Information