Comparison - Swim Living

So, you decided to purchase an inflatable hot tub but you aren’t sure if to go for a square inflatable hot tub or a round inflatable hot tub? Don’t worry about it. This post is going to compare both types of inflatable hot tubs to make your decision easier. So let’s get to it. First, let’s check out the round inflatable hot tub. Round Inflatable Hot Tub Round inflatable hot tubs are to an extent the most common type of inflatable hot tub. These hot tubs often have less advanced technological features than other hot tub types. The frame of the hot tub is round and is made from laminated PVC material or Fiber-Tech material that makes the frame of the hot tub puncture-resistant. The distinctive feature of the round inflatable hot tub is the round shape of the hot tub frame. Now let’s check out square inflatable hot tubs. Square Inflatable Hot Tub Square inflatable hot tubs are gradually becoming the new favorite when it comes to choosing an inflatable hot tub. The square inflatable hot tub often has more technological features than the round inflatable hot tub which is one of the reasons many hot tub owners choose it. Square inflatable hot tubs are also made from thick Fiber-Tech materials that make the frame of the hot tub resistant to punctures and damages. The distinctive feature of the square inflatable hot tub is the square or rectangular shape of the hot tub frame. Now let’s compare both types of inflatable hot tubs and see which comes out on top. Related Read: Inflatable vs Regular Hot Tubs? Round vs Square Inflatable Hot Tub (Head to Head) The difference between both mainly comes in terms of the shape of the hot tub and the feeling you get in the hot tub. Let’s compare both hot tubs in detail using their features. The Cost When comparing different types of hot tubs, the price tag is usually a good place to start. In terms of cost, square hot tubs usually have a higher price tag than round hot tubs. This is because square inflatable hot tubs are usually designed with more advanced technological features than round inflatable hot tubs. With a square inflatable hot tub, you will notice additional features like lights, music, advanced control panels, and the likes. Square inflatable hot tubs also have more jets than round inflatable hot tubs and most square hot tubs are bigger than round inflatable hot tubs. The extra number of jets and advanced technological features makes the square inflatable hot tub costlier than the round inflatable hot tub. On average, a round inflatable hot tub will cost you about $600 while a square inflatable hot tub will cost you at least $50 more. Winner: Round Inflatable Hot Tub Hydrotherapy Inflatable hot tubs are known to give a soothing massage, increase blood circulation, and relieve the muscles through hydrotherapy. But the level of hydrotherapy that you get depends on the type of inflatable hot tub that you have. Round inflatable hot tubs generally give gentler hydrotherapy than square hot tubs. This is because round inflatable hot tubs usually have fewer jets than square inflatable hot tubs. The jets of the round inflatable hot tub blow air and push water gently into the hot tub. This causes the water to give a whirlpool effect because of the round shape of the hot tub. The lower number of the jets also creates a more gentle massage and relief in the hot tub. Square inflatable hot tubs on the other hand generally give more advanced hydrotherapy. This is because square inflatable hot tubs have more jets than round inflatable hot tubs and they also have a rectangular or square shape which causes a more turbulent water flow. The increased number of jets and square shape means that you will get a more intense massage, muscle relief, and improved hydrotherapy in a square inflatable hot tub. Winner: Square Inflatable Hot Tubs Related Read: Salt Water vs Chlorine Hot Tubs? Space Inflatable hot tubs usually don’t require much space to run them. However, when it comes to the space required, round inflatable hot tubs require more space than square inflatable hot tubs. This is because the shape and flat frame of the square inflatable hot tub make it possible to position the inflatable hot tub against a wall like the wall of your home or the fence. You can also set the square hot tub in a corner. This allows you to maximize space. Round inflatable hot tubs on the other hand have a round frame which means the hot tub can’t sit against a wall or fence. It also means round inflatable hot tubs can’t be positioned in a corner. So you would usually need more space to install a round inflatable hot tub than a square inflatable hot tub. These two hot tubs also have different heights. Round inflatable hot tubs are higher than square hot tubs. Winner: Square Inflatable Hot Tubs Modern Features Square inflatable hot tubs have more modern features than round inflatable hot tubs. All the technological features that have been designed with hot tubs over the years are often designed with a square hot tub. This is because square inflatable hot tubs give more room and are in constant demand by hot tub owners. Round inflatable hot tubs on the other hand often have a limited number of features. So if you are looking for a colorful and modern inflatable hot tub, square is the shape to go for. But, this doesn't mean that round inflatable hot tubs don't have modern features. Most of the round hot tubs come with multi-colored lights and other features. Winner: Square Inflatable Hot Tubs Electricity Cost Inflatable hot tubs are known to use more electricity because they are not as well insulated as hard-sided hot tubs. In terms of electricity cost, round hot tubs often use a little more electricity than square hot tubs. This is because the shape of the square hot tub makes it possible to put it beside the side of a house or against the fence. This helps the square hot tub retain heat better because it is better insulated by the wall of the house or the fence. Round inflatable hot tubs on the other hand can’t fit beside the house or the fence because of the shape. This means that round inflatable hot tubs will struggle to keep the water at the needed temperature because the hot tub will be easily affected by the cooler outer temperature. This usually results in more work for the heater and the jets which means more electricity used. So, potential electricity bill costs are higher for round inflatable hot tubs than square hot tubs. Related Read: Jacuzzi vs Hot Tubs Winner: Square Inflatable Hot Tubs Comfort Inflatable hot tubs usually don’t have any seats. The floor of the hot tub is cushioned to make it comfortable to sit on. This feature of Inflatable hot tubs means that the round hot tub is usually more comfortable than square inflatable hot tubs. The walls of the round inflatable hot tub feel more comfortable since the walls are curved in a way that encircles you while sitting. This gives you increased comfort than the walls of a square inflatable hot tub that is just flat. Winner: Round Inflatable Hot Tubs Design The design of a round inflatable hot tub offers a more traditional hot tub feel. Hot tubs were generally made to be round so getting a round inflatable hot tub will give your hot tub space a more classic appearance. Square inflatable hot tubs on the other hand have a more modern design. The square shape and advanced features don’t give your hot tub space a classic appearance. This doesn’t mean square hot tubs don’t have a good design. It just means that the design of a square inflatable hot tub is more modern than traditional. It's more about personal taste. Winner: Square Inflatable Hot Tubs Should I Buy a Round or Square Inflatable Hot Tub? Both the round and square inflatable hot tubs are great investments. But your choice will be influenced by a few factors. Let’s check out some of them. The Look You Are Going For Your choice of an inflatable hot tub will depend on the look you are going for. If you want a traditional hot tub look, then you should go for a round inflatable hot tub but if you want a modern design and look, then you should go for a square inflatable hot tub. Hydrotherapy The level of hydrotherapy needed from the hot tub also determines which one you go for. If you need an inflatable hot tub for a light massage, then you can go for a round inflatable hot tub. Round inflatable hot tubs usually have fewer jets which means gentler hydrotherapy, massage, and muscle relief. Square hot tubs usually have more jets than round inflatable hot tubs. The increased number of jets means square hot tubs give improved hydrotherapy, increased blood circulation, and a stronger massage. So if you are an athlete or a rigorous worker, you should go for a square inflatable hot tub. The square inflatable hot tub will give you a stronger massage and relief that will help your muscles heal faster. Your Budget The amount of money you are willing to spend on an inflatable hot tub is a big determinant of which type you go for. Though there isn’t much difference in terms of cost, square inflatable hot tubs are usually costlier than round inflatable hot tubs. If you want a pocket-friendly option, you will find cheaper inflatable hot tubs in the round section than in the square section. Available Space Square inflatable hot tubs can fit into tighter corners than round inflatable hot tubs. This is because the square shape of the square inflatable hot tub allows it to sit beside the walls while you will need a larger room for a round inflatable hot tub. Though not a major determinant of which inflatable hot tub you purchase, you might want to consider your available space if you don’t have much room to accommodate a large inflatable hot tub. Final Words Overall, both the square and round inflatable hot tubs are amazing spas. You can enjoy a warm relaxing soak in the inflatable hot tub regardless of the one you pick. But the choice ultimately depends on you. So there you have it. I hope this post helped to make your decision easier. If so, be sure to check out other posts like this one on this website for more hot tub tips. Have a nice day.