Blogs

How Much Does a Hot Tub REALLY Cost You in Canada in 2025? (A Complete, Honest Analysis)

How Much for an 8-Person Hot Tub?

Best Small Swim Spas for Compact Spaces

When you're looking to add a swim spa to your property but don’t have much space to work with, it can feel like a challenge to find a model that fits both your available area and your fitness or relaxation needs. Fortunately, there are several great options available that combine compact design with the high-performance features you’d expect from larger swim spas.

At Hydropool, we understand how important it is to find a solution that works for your lifestyle. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of the best small swim spas for compact spaces, so you can enjoy all the benefits of a swim spa without sacrificing valuable space.

On average, small swim spas range in length from around 12 feet (3.7 m) to 15 feet (4.6 m), with various designs available to suit different needs. However, the space you have available, as well as the specific features you're looking for, can greatly influence your decision.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:

Best Swim Spas for Aquatic Therapy

If you’re in the market for a swim spa to enhance your aquatic therapy routine, you’re probably thinking about the key factors that will make or break your experience. After considering the initial cost and size of the spa, you’re likely asking, “Which swim spa will best suit my therapeutic needs?”

At Hydropool, we’re here to guide you through your decision-making process, which is why we wrote this article—to break down the most important features to look for in a swim spa for aquatic therapy.

In general, a good swim spa for therapy should offer adjustable water currents, a comfortable seating arrangement, and easy access for exercise. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the specifics of what makes a swim spa ideal for therapy, and we’ll highlight some of our best models, along with a few alternatives to give you a complete picture.

It’s important to note: The right swim spa for you will depend on your specific therapy goals. In this article, we’ll help you figure out what you need from a swim spa so you can make the best choice for your health and fitness.

In this article, we will consider:

How Much Is a 7-Person Hot Tub?

Discover how much a 7-person hot tub costs, with real-world pricing, feature comparisons, and models from Hydropool and other top brands.

What Is the Best 17-Foot to 19-Foot Swim Spa?

Explore the best 17-19 foot swim spas, from Hydropool to Bullfrog and Sundance, and learn which features make them ideal for large, versatile swim and therapy experiences.

What’s the Best 15–17 Foot Swim Spa?

Searching for the best 15-17 foot swim spa? Learn about the top options, from Hydropool to Master Spas and Bullfrog, to find the swim spa that suits your needs.

Best Energy Efficient Hot Tubs in 2025

When you’re considering buying a hot tub, one of the key factors on your mind is likely energy efficiency. After all, with regular use, hot tubs can consume a significant amount of energy, adding to your monthly utility bills. Fortunately, advances in technology mean that today’s hot tubs are more energy-efficient than ever before. Whether you’re using it to relax or entertain guests, it’s possible to enjoy the benefits of a hot tub without worrying too much about energy consumption.

At Hydropool, we believe that enjoying a hot tub should not come with high energy costs. We’ve designed our models with the latest energy-saving features to help keep your costs down. In this article, we’ll explore the best energy-efficient hot tubs available in 2025, including some of our own models, so you can make an informed decision.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:

Cloudy Water in a Hot Tub: Causes and Solutions

Have you ever opened your hot tub cover to find cloudy water instead of the crystal-clear water you expect? It can be frustrating to see your hot tub water looking murky, especially when you want to relax or entertain. The good news is that cloudy water in a hot tub is usually a sign that something needs attention, but it’s a problem you can easily fix.

At Hydropool, we’ve helped many hot tub owners understand what causes cloudy water and how to clear it up. Whether it’s an issue with the chemicals, filters, or water balance, we’ll guide you through the common culprits and the steps you can take to resolve it.

In this article, we’ll cover:

How Long Can You Stay in a Hot Tub?

When you’re relaxing in a hot tub, it’s easy to lose track of time as the warm water soothes your muscles and calms your mind. But how long should you stay in a hot tub for the best experience? Whether you’re a first-time user or a seasoned pro, understanding how long to stay in a hot tub is important for your safety and enjoyment. The answer can vary based on factors like water temperature, personal health, and comfort level.

In this article, we’ll explore:

How Often Should You Change Hot Tub Water?

One of the most common questions for new hot tub owners is how often to change the water.

Here’s our guide: Generally, you should change your hot tub water every three to four months or about four times a year.

Now, does everyone do this? We know they don’t. Hot tubs don’t explode or anything if you don’t change the water. We have just found this is the optimal amount of time that both keeps your water fresh and is easiest on your hot tub as well.

We have been in business for more than 45 years so we’ve learned a thing or two about working with water.

In this article, we’ll dive into best practices for hot tub water maintenance and help you learn how often to change your water. Here’s what we’ll cover:

How to Choose the Best Hot Tub for Your Home

If you’ve ever asked yourself “What is the best hot tub?” or “How do I choose the right one?” then let’s talk.

Here’s a quick answer: The only real way to answer this question is to ask: “What do you want to use the hot tub for?” Because the “best” will vary depending on your priority. 

The best hot tub for you depends on:

How to Install a Hot Tub at Home: What You Need to Know

How do I install a hot tub properly? Installation is one of the most common concerns for first-time hot tub buyers. And the answer has a couple of parts along with the understanding that you’re going to need a little bit of help. 

Here’s a quick overview: To install a hot tub at home, you’ll need a level base (like a concrete pad, reinforced patio or paving stones over compressed gravel), a nearby water source to fill it and safe electrical connections installed by a licensed electrician.

Most hot tubs arrive only requiring final placement, filling, and electrical hookup before use. Some even use a standard plug-in, which can make things even easier. 

At Hydropool, we have been in the hot tub business for more than 45 years. So here’s our take on what you need to do and be ready for:

How to Maintain a Hot Tub

There is no-such thing as a maintenance-free hot tub (even Hydropool’s self-cleaning hot tubs require a little work). But by following a few simple steps, you can ensure that your hot tub stays clean, safe and enjoyable year-round.

Looking after a hot tub shouldn’t take more than half an hour a week and if you buy a model focused on reducing maintenance, it will take much less. For most people, this is work easily figured out and as you fall into a routine using your hot tub, the maintenance will turn into a routine as well.

In this article, we’ll cover the essential aspects of hot tub maintenance, including:

How Do You Turn a Hot Tub On and Off?

You’ve just bought a hot tub—or maybe you’re getting ready to. One of the most common questions we hear at Hydropool is: How exactly do you turn a hot tub on or off? Whether it’s your first spa or you just need a refresher, this guide will help you understand the basics of hot tub operation.

Here’s the quick answer:
To turn on a hot tub, you’ll need to fill it with water, power it up at the breaker or GFCI, and use the topside control panel to start heating and jets. To turn it off, use the panel to shut down functions, then cut the power at the breaker or GFCI. Some spas also have energy-saving modes rather than full shutdowns.

In this Hydropool blog, we’ll walk you through:

What to Wear in a Hot Tub: What’s Comfortable, Safe, and Spa-Friendly?

If you're preparing for your first soak, you might be wondering: What exactly should I wear in a hot tub? It’s a good question—and one that has more to it than you might think. You want something that’s comfortable, hygienic, and won’t damage either your swimwear or your hot tub.

Let’s start with a quick answer:
Most people wear a well-rinsed swimsuit in a hot tub—ideally one that’s free of detergents, lotions, or fabric softeners. Some choose to wear older swimwear or dedicated “hot tub” clothing, while others may choose to soak nude in a private setting. Whatever you choose, comfort and cleanliness are key.

In this Hydropool blog, we’ll answer:

Can You Put a Swim Spa Inground?

Swim spas are an excellent addition to your backyard or garden, offering both the benefits of a hot tub and a pool in one. But as you consider your swim spa setup, you might be wondering: Can you put a swim spa inground? At Hydropool, this is one of the most common questions our retailers hear. This option can create a sleek, modern look and offer the convenience of a permanent installation, but there are some key considerations to keep in mind before you start digging.

In this article, we’ll cover:

How to Move a Swim Spa

How Much Does it Really Cost Each Month to Run a Hot Tub in Canada?

If you’re in the market for a hot tub, there’s a good chance you’re considering all the factors that will determine what owning one will actually cost you on a regular basis. After you figure out the initial spend on the tub, you’re likely asking, “how much will a hot tub actually cost me each month?”

At Hydropool, we want our customers to know everything they need to before they buy, which is why we wrote this article: to break down the ongoing operating costs of our hot tubs. 

Are Hot Tubs Expensive to Maintain Long Term?

If you’ve recently purchased or are considering purchasing a hot tub, one of the first things you might wonder is: “How much will it cost to maintain my hot tub in the long run?” While owning a hot tub can be a wonderful and relaxing experience, it does come with ongoing maintenance and associated costs. The good news is that with proper care and attention, the long-term costs of maintaining a hot tub can be manageable.

At Hydropool, we believe that our customers should have all the information they need to make informed decisions, not only when purchasing but also when it comes to the upkeep of their hot tubs. In this article, we’ll break down the various costs associated with maintaining a hot tub over the years, as well as some tips to help you keep those costs down.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this article: