Blog
Hot tub or swimming pool?
When you start to think of improving your garden, you probably have a swimming pool or hot tub in mind. As both create a completely different experience, it begs the question: which one fits you best?
A different way of enjoying your garden
Swimming pools are often designed around movement, exercise, and entertainment. They work well for families with children or people who enjoy swimming and cooling off during warmer months.
A hot tub creates a much calmer atmosphere in your garden. Quiet evenings outside, those first moments when you get into the warm water after a long day, and spending time outdoors during colder seasons all become part of the experience.
Enjoying your garden throughout the year
One of the biggest differences between a swimming pool and a hot tub is how often they tend to be used. In many climates, swimming pools are mainly enjoyed during summer. Outdoor pools can be used during winter, but require a lot of work and energy to keep a consistent temperature. Since a cedar hot tub requires much less water, you’ll be able to enjoy it all year round.
During fall and winter, our customers are surprised by how often they use their tub. They have noticed that the colder it gets outside, the more inviting the warm water feels. There is simply something very unique about being outside during those seasons, when you normally spend more time indoors.
Space and integration into the garden
Swimming pools usually require a significant amount of space and often become the central feature of the garden. They often require more construction work and dedicated technical space for pumps, filtration systems, and heating equipment
For hot tubs, there are a lot of different design options for most types of gardens. You can place a freestanding tub, or integrate it into a patio or deck. This is a great option if you already plan to upgrade your garden space around your tub, it allows you to blend your tub naturally into the rest of your garden.
Relaxation and wellness
While swimming pools are great for recreation and exercise, hot tubs are often chosen for the way they help people unwind.
Warm water and hydrotherapy can help:
- ease your muscle tension
- relieve pain
- support recovery after exercise
- help your body relax after a long day
- create calmer evening routines
- encourage you to slow down
Installation and maintenance
Installing a swimming pool often involves excavation, larger construction work, and more extensive planning. A cedar hot tub is generally much simpler to install and requires significantly less space and water.
Maintenance is also much more manageable. With less water volume and simpler filtration systems, day-to-day upkeep tends to feel easier and less time-consuming compared to a traditional pool.
Which one feels right for you?
A swimming pool can be a great fit if you’re looking for a recreational garden focused on activity and swimming. A hot tub suits you better if you want a calmer and more relaxing way to spend time in your garden throughout the year. Unlike standard acrylic hot tubs, a cedar hot tub offers a more natural and timeless outdoor experience, blending beautifully into any garden style. Western Red Cedar also provides excellent natural insulation and durability, helping the water retain heat efficiently while creating a warm, authentic atmosphere that is impossible to replicate with synthetic materials.
If you are exploring different cedar hot tub options for your own garden, our Models & Sizes page offers a helpful overview of the different styles available, helping you discover which setup feels most natural for your space. Also take a look at our gallery, to see how other customers have incorporated their tub into their garden.
