IDOL SPAS selection guide
Hot tub or swim spa?
We make both, so we have no reason to push one or the other on you. But we see every day what customers in the showroom are making decisions based on — and where they made the wrong decisions because they didn't clarify one single question before making a purchase: Do you want to relax or swim?
Comparison in a nutshell
hot tub
Main purpose: relaxation, massage, regeneration
Typical length: 2–2.5m
Capacity: 2–6 people
Temperature: 36–38°C
Price: depending on model and equipment
Operation: the lowest of the three: hot tub–swim spa–pool
Swim spa
Main purpose: swimming + relaxation
Typical length: 4.4–6m
Capacity: 4–12 people
Temperature: 26–30 °C for swimming, spa section more
Price: from 19 010 € excl. VAT
Operation: higher, significantly lower with a heat pump
The difference is visible at first glance
A hot tub is a compact relaxation tub with massage ergonomics. A swim spa is a longer, insulated pool with counter-current where you can actually swim.
Jacuzzi: warm water, massage, regeneration and smaller space requirements.
Swim spa: swimming against the current, family use and year-round operation.
When is a hot tub right?
Acrylic hot tub is the right choice if you mainly want a water world in your garden regeneration: hydromassage after sports or work, warm water even in December, an evening for two or a weekend with the children.
Fits almost anywhere
On the terrace, by the house or on a paved area of around 2.5 × 2.5 m.
Lower operating costs
You are heating the smallest volume of water. For details, see the article How much does it cost to operate a hot tub per month?.
Massage ergonomics
Seats, loungers and jets target specific areas, something a regular pool won't offer.
The limit is clear: You can't swim in the hot tub. You can't do a few laps in it, it's built differently for that.
When is a swim spa right?
Swim spa is a year-round swimming pool condensed to 4.4–6 meters. You swim in place against an adjustable countercurrent and after training, switch to relaxation.
Do you want to swim regularly?
Fitness, rehabilitation, without interruptions and all year round.
You don't want to build a swimming pool.
The swim spa is built on a paved area or terrace, without a classic pool structure.
One device for the family
The kids splash around, you swim, a massage in the evening. The combi model can also set separate temperatures.
Expect a higher purchase price of CZK 459,000 excluding VAT and a larger water volume. Therefore, we recommend a heat pump in the range of approximately CZK 19,000–65,000 for a swim spa as standard.
What about a classic pool with counter-current?
A classic pool makes sense if you want a large water surface, you are willing to pay for construction and you don't mind seasonal operation. But as soon as you want swim all year round, economy and practicality speak for the swim spa: the insulated body and thermal cover maintain the temperature for a fraction of the cost of a heated pool.
Our swimming pools and swim spas with counter-current you can compare side by side.
Decision shortcut
- I want a massage and warm water, I don't need to swim: Jacuzzi.
- I want to swim all year round, without construction: swim spa.
- I want both to the fullest and I have the space and budget: Combi swim spa, or hot tub + swimming pool.
- I want a large body of water for the summer and I don't mind construction: classic swimming pool.
Frequently asked questions
Can you really train in a swim spa?
Yes. The countercurrent with a power of 2–3 × 3 kW has an adjustable intensity from fitness swimming to demanding training. You swim in place, without turning.
Do I need a building permit for a hot tub or swim spa?
Not for a hot tub. In the vast majority of cases, a swim spa is installed as a product on a paved surface, i.e. without a permit. We will be happy to discuss the specific location with you.
How long does delivery take?
We manufacture in Jílové near Prague, and we deliver in 10-30 days, including individual adjustments. You don't have to wait months for a ship from Asia.
Can I try both?
Yes, and we recommend it. We have hot tubs and swim spas on display in our showroom in Modletice near Prague.
Choose a model based on how you will actually use it
IDOL SPAS is a Czech manufacturer of hot tubs, swim spas and swimming pools. We offer up to 15 years warranty on acrylic and service throughout the Czech Republic.