IDOL SPAS · selection guide
Hot Tub or Swim Spa Pool?
We manufacture both, so we have no reason to push you towards one or the other. However, every day we see what drives customers’ decisions in the showroom — and where they have made the wrong choice because they failed to answer one simple question before buying: Do you want to relax or swim?
Comparison at a Glance
hot tub
Main purpose: relaxation, massage, recovery
Typical length: 2–2,5 m
Capacity: 2–6 people
Temperature: 36–38 °C
Price: according to model and equipment
Operating costs: the lowest of the three: hot tub–swim spa–pool
Swim spa
Main purpose: swimming + relaxation
Typical length: 4,4–6 m
Capacity: 4–12 people
Temperature: 26–30 °C for swimming, higher in the spa section
Price: from 18 950 € excluding VAT
Operating costs: higher, significantly lower with a heat pump
The difference is clear at first glance
A hot tub is a compact relaxation tub with an ergonomic massage design. A swim spa pool is a longer, insulated pool with a counter-current system where you can actually swim.
Hot tub: warm water, massage, recovery and lower space requirements.
Swim spa pool: counter-current swimming, family use and year-round operation.
When a Hot Tub Is the Right Choice
An acrylic hot tub is the right choice if what you primarily want from a garden water retreat is recovery: hydromassage after sport or work, warm water even in December, an evening for two or a weekend with the children.
Fits Almost Anywhere
For a terrace, next to the house or on a reinforced area of around 2,5 × 2,5 m.
Lower Running Costs
You heat the smallest volume of water. You can find details in the article how much it costs to run a hot tub per month.
Massage ergonomics
Seats, loungers and jets target specific areas of the body. A standard pool does not offer that.
The limitation is clear: you cannot swim in a hot tub. You cannot even take a few strokes in it, as it is designed for a different purpose.
When a swim spa pool is the right choice
A swim spa pool is a year-round swimming pool condensed into 4.4–6 metres. You swim in place against an adjustable counter-current and switch to relaxation after your workout.
You want to swim regularly
For fitness and rehabilitation, without turns and all year round.
You Don't Want to Build a Pool
A swim spa pool is installed on a reinforced surface or terrace, without conventional pool construction.
One Solution for the Whole Family
The children splash around, you swim, then enjoy a massage in the evening. The Combi model also supports separate temperatures.
Expect a higher purchase price starting at 18 950 € excluding VAT and a larger volume of water. That is why we normally recommend a heat pump for a swim spa pool, priced at approximately 19 000–2 690 €.
What about a conventional pool with a counter-current system?
A traditional pool makes sense if you want a large expanse of water, are prepared for construction work and do not mind seasonal operation. But if you want to swim year-round, both cost-efficiency and practicality favor a swim spa pool: its insulated shell and thermal cover retain the temperature at a fraction of the cost of a heated pool.
You can compare our pools and swim spa pools with counter-current systems side by side.
Quick Decision Guide
- I want massage and warm water, but do not need to swim: hot tub.
- I want to swim year-round without construction work: swim spa pool.
- I want the full benefits of both and have the space and budget: Combi swim spa pool, or a hot tub + pool.
- I want a large expanse of water for the summer and do not mind construction work: traditional pool.
Frequently asked questions
Can you really train in a swim spa?
Yes. A counter-current system with an output of 2–3 × 3 kW has adjustable intensity ranging from fitness swimming to demanding training. You swim in place, without turns.
Do I need planning permission 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 reinforced surface, so it also requires no permission. We will be happy to discuss the specific placement with you.
How long does delivery take?
We manufacture in Jílové near Prague and usually deliver within 7–20 days, including custom modifications. You do not have to wait months for a ship from Asia.
Can I try both?
Yes, and we recommend it. We have both 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 spa pools and swimming pools. We offer a warranty of up to 15 years on the acrylic and nationwide servicing throughout the Czech Republic.