Hydropool vs Sunrise: Which is the Best Hot Tub for You?

If you’ve shopped hot tubs, you’ve seen Sunrise Spas and you’ve seen Hydropool as you’ve browsed. And now you’re trying to decide: Which is the best for you?  

This is common, especially if you’re shopping in Canada, where both hot tubs are made.

But like every hot tub brand, each company takes its own approach in building the ultimate collection. And as you’ll see here, Sunrise and Hydropool have taken a very different method to selling hot tubs in Canada and around the world. 

The two hot tub manufacturers merged in 2023. 

But in this article we’re going to compare the two brands in the most honest way possible. We have always understood there will be competition in the industry, and while we hope everyone might buy a Hydropool hot tub after this review, we understand there will be times when another choice might make sense. That’s why we wrote this, so you could see which one makes the most sense for you.  

We will compare: 

• The model lineup of each brand, so you can see which hot tubs compare.   
• Which looks better? 
• Which is easier to maintain?  
• Which has the best massage?  
• Which is less expensive?  

Let’s see how these two brands stack up.  

Hydropool vs Sunrise: Model Comparison 

Sunrise Spas has a different approach to its models than most (so does Hydropool). Most companies offer a good/better/best lineup, often ranging from plug and play hot tubs to luxury hot tubs.  

Hydropool starts with the mid-range Serenity line and top-of-the-line Signature, so better and best. 

Sunrise has one line, its Classic collection. 

So in terms of comparing the two brands: 

• Hydropool doesn’t have any hot tubs designed to go into a 110V outlet, while Sunrise offers it as an option on some of its lower models. 
• Hydropool’s Serenity line for the most part is comparably to Sunrise.
• Hydropool’s Signature doesn't have a direct comparison to Sunrise. 

This should tell you the first thing you need to know about the brands. 

Hydropool vs Sunrise Spas: Which Looks Best?  

The Hydropool Serenity is the closest competitor to the Sunrise Spas models. 

Throughout their lineups, both companies make hot tubs designed to blend into the background of traditional backyards.  

• The outer cabinets from each company are classic, with each company offering an array of neutrals in greys, blacks and browns. 
• Both Sunrise and Hydropool feature up to six acrylic colors.

Differences on looks are subjective with models this comparable. If this aspect is important to you, we’d encourage you to see each in person to decide which you like better.  

Hydropool vs Sunrise: Which is Easier to Maintain?  

Both Hydropool’s Serenity and Sunrise systems are similar and conform to what is roughly the industry standard of hot tub sanitization. Both have AOP and ozone as options, which are systems designed to decrease the need for chemicals in ongoing hot tub maintenance.  

Hydropool’s Signature self-cleaning system is unique, not just in this comparison but in the larger marketplace. It is based on the same principles as a commercial or public pool, which is because Hydropool began as a commercial pool company. When it began building hot tubs, the company used the same standards that commercial pools are governed by, even though these are more rigorous than any measures that govern hot tubs.  

In a Hydropool self-cleaning hot tub that approach today still includes a top skimmer, a floor vacuum and a pressurized filter, which working together cleans all of your hot tub’s water every 15 minutes. The system is patented and unique in the market as a result.    

Hydropool vs Sunrise: Which Hot Tub Costs Less?  

With Sunrise Spas, what we saw is that you have to fill out a form on the company website to get a quote for each hot tub. Hydropool does publish its pricing for all of its hot tubs, as you can check any model’s page and it will tell you what they start at. Hydropool’s Serenity and Sunrise’s cost are roughly the same. We’d attribute that difference to the self-cleaning system standard on Hydropool when it comes to Signature, which Sunrise has no comparison for.  

Hydropool vs Sunrise: Which Hot Tub has Better Massage?  

Hydropool’s massage features Zone Therapy across its hot tubs, which is a massage system designed so that you can move around the hot tub according to prescribed times, and in doing so guarantee a proper full-body massage. Hydropool partnered with a local doctor to develop the unique system.  

The company overall promises “optimal hydrotherapy." What they are selling is a good basic hot tub that looks as good as any other hot tub there with jets powerful enough to give you a good massage.  

Hydropool vs Sunrise: Which is More Efficient?  

When it comes to construction, Hydropool uses a steel frame on the Serenity and on the Signature collection, while Sunrise goes with a galvanized streel frame throughout as well. Both companies use an ABS bottom, to prevent animals from entering or rot happening at the ground level.  

The companies take a completely different approach to insulation, in a bid for energy efficiency: 

• In a system that’s unique, a Sunrise spa uses a rockwool insulation, around the perimeter of the hot tub. Rockwool is a kind of insulation which has a feel of wool, but is actually made from molten rock which is then spun to create fibre. As an insulation, it’s flame-retardant and is used to grow cannabis (legally in Canada) among many other things. This style of insulation similar to how your house is insulated, and designed to keep heat inside.     
• Hydropool uses a thermal-blanket-style insulation, which wraps the entire unit and also traps heat into the cabinet of the hot tub (in this case more like how a triple-paned window works). Hydropool also provides a wrap around all of the plumbing to hold it in place.  

Different approaches with the same intent is the order of the day here.  

Hydropool vs Sunrise: Which is Best for You?  

Both of these Canadian hot tub builders have been around for decades. But their approach to making them is quite different, as they really aim at different parts of the overall marketplace with their hot tub models.  

Summing up the major differences between the brands: 

• Hydropool features its unique self-cleaning system as well as its full-body Zone Therapy massage. It has a mid-range line in Serenity and a higher-end line in Signature, which has the extra standard features.  
• Sunrise packs a lot of value into its lower line S, as the core elements of each hot tub are consistent throughout the entire lineup and each hot tub is built with a steel frame and ABS base. 

Which hot tub is right for you? It all depends on what you’re looking for. If you’d like to know more about Hydropool, we’d encourage you to download a brochure or check out our hot tub builder.