A hot tub is a great way to relax after a long day at work, but some types of hot tubs offer you the ability to exercise in the hot tub, so along with relaxing, you can achieve additional health benefits from owning one. Getting the right hot tub for your home is not difficult, but you will need to determine what you want to use it for. 

Standard Hot Tubs

Hot tubs come in many shapes and sizes, so it is not to difficult to find one that will fit in your home. The hot tubs are often portable or free-standing, which allows you more freedom with the location of the tub, but there are some things to consider.  

A hot tub filled with water is heavy, so it is essential that you put it somewhere that can support that weight. If you do not have enough support under the hot tub, the weight could damage the structure of the house over time. Also, keep in mind that the hot water in the tub is going to add humidity to the air, so you want to have your hot tub in and area that you can vent and allow that moisture to escape.

Many people like to have their hot tub outside because it is easier to install, there is no concern about the weight, and the humidity is not an issue outside. Because the water is so hot, you can use a hot tub outside all year long, and sometimes it can be fun to sit in the hot tub while there is snow on the ground around you.  

Swim Spas

Like a hot tub, the swim spa has heated water, jets to move that water around and can be very relaxing and therapeutic. The most significant difference is that a swim spa is larger and allows the user to swim in place against a generated current in the spa or tub. 

If you like swimming, but don't have room for a large pool, a swim spa allows you to get the benefits of swimming, and you have the benefits of the hot tub as well. Since the spa is larger than a standard hot tub, you can fit more people in it, making it a good option for a family that wants to have a hot tub that everyone can use at the same time. 

If you are interested in a swim spa, talk to a representative at your local spa or hot tub store about what options you have and how to determine which spa or hot tub is right for you.