{"id":404,"date":"2026-01-05T09:45:42","date_gmt":"2026-01-05T09:45:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/info.piscinasyspas.com\/guides\/spas\/types-of-spas\/"},"modified":"2026-04-08T15:01:21","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T15:01:21","slug":"types-of-spas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/info.piscinasyspas.com\/en\/guides\/spas\/types-of-spas\/","title":{"rendered":"Types of Spas"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><div class=\"fusion-bg-parallax\" data-bg-align=\"center center\" data-direction=\"up\" data-mute=\"false\" data-opacity=\"100\" data-velocity=\"-0.3\" data-mobile-enabled=\"true\" data-break_parents=\"0\" data-bg-image=\"https:\/\/info.piscinasyspas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/tipos-de-spas-hero-image.jpg\" data-bg-repeat=\"false\" ><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background fusion-parallax-up hundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-min-height:40vh;--awb-background-image:url(&quot;https:\/\/info.piscinasyspas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/tipos-de-spas-hero-image.jpg&quot;);--awb-background-size:cover;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"width:104% !important;max-width:104% !important;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column fusion-flex-align-self-center\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\" data-scroll-devices=\"small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-center fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-1 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-center fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-one\" style=\"--awb-text-color:var(--awb-color1);--awb-margin-top-small:10px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:10px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;--awb-font-size:60px;\"><h1 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-center\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Montserrat&quot;;font-style:normal;font-weight:700;margin:0;font-size:1em;text-shadow:3px 3px 2px var(--awb-color8);\">Types of Spas<\/h1><\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"--awb-flex-grow:0;--awb-flex-grow-medium:0;--awb-flex-grow-small:0;--awb-flex-shrink:0;--awb-flex-shrink-medium:0;--awb-flex-shrink-small:0;width:104% !important;max-width:104% !important;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-0 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-color:rgba(160,160,160,0.54);--awb-bg-color-hover:rgba(160,160,160,0.54);--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\" data-scroll-devices=\"small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-2 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-center fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-three\" style=\"--awb-text-color:#ffffff;--awb-margin-top-small:10px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:10px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;--awb-font-size:40px;\"><h3 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-center\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Montserrat&quot;;font-style:normal;font-weight:500;margin:0;font-size:1em;\"><p style=\"text-align: center;\">use and features<\/p><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1248px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-1 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><p>A <strong>spa<\/strong> is a hot-water <strong>hydromassage<\/strong> installation that operates with recirculation, <strong>filtration<\/strong>, and <strong>sanitary control<\/strong>. From a technical standpoint, spas are mainly divided into <strong>residential<\/strong> (domestic) and <strong>commercial<\/strong> (public-use) spas, and this distinction affects design, equipment, and hygiene requirements. Both types can be <strong>inground<\/strong> or <strong>above ground\/portable<\/strong> and can be installed <strong>indoors<\/strong> or <strong>outdoors<\/strong>. In contrast, <strong>hydromassage bathtubs<\/strong> (with water changed after each use) are considered a different solution and are primarily intended for <strong>indoor<\/strong> use.   <\/p>\n<p>Our <i><a href=\"https:\/\/info.piscinasyspas.com\/guis\/spas\/\" title=\"Clear information about spas\">spa guides<\/a><\/i> section contains all the information you need to understand the different aspects of this type of installation.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-3 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"--awb-margin-top-small:10px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:10px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;\">Spas for domestic use<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\"><p>A <strong>domestic spa<\/strong> is designed for homes and private use, with a low bather load and operating cycles adapted to that use. It typically uses continuous <strong>recirculation<\/strong> and <strong>filtration<\/strong>, and its design prioritizes comfort, energy efficiency, and simpler installation than in collective environments. Even so, it is still important to properly size the <strong>filtration<\/strong>, <strong>heating<\/strong>, and <strong>water treatment<\/strong> to maintain sanitary quality with reasonable maintenance.  <\/p>\n<h3>In-ground or above-ground<\/h3>\n<p>A domestic spa can be <strong>in-ground<\/strong> (integrated into a structure) or above-ground (installed on the ground with its own structure). The embedded type usually offers a more integrated and comfortable access, but requires providing a <strong>technical access panel<\/strong> and ventilation for the equipment. The surface-mounted type is quicker to install and facilitates access to pumps and components, but it has more impact on the aesthetics and space around it.  <\/p>\n<h3>Indoor or outdoor<\/h3>\n<p>It can also be placed <strong>indoors<\/strong> or <strong>outdoors<\/strong>. Indoors, <strong>humidity<\/strong> and <strong>ventilation<\/strong> must be especially controlled to avoid condensation and damage to finishes. Outdoors, in addition to protection against the elements, <strong>insulation<\/strong> and a good <strong>thermal cover<\/strong> are very important to reduce consumption and maintain temperature with stability.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-4 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"--awb-margin-top-small:10px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:10px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;\">Spas for collective use<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\"><p>Among the <b><a title=\"Different types of spas for different types of usage\" href=\"https:\/\/info.piscinasyspas.com\/en\/guides\/spas\/types-of-spas\/\">different types of spas<\/a><\/b>, <strong>commercial (public-use)<\/strong> spas are those intended for facilities with multiple users, such as <strong>hotels<\/strong>, <strong>thermal resorts<\/strong>, <strong>wellness centers<\/strong>, <strong>sports facilities<\/strong>, and also <strong>shared areas in residential communities<\/strong>. In all these cases, shared use entails stricter requirements in terms of <strong>hygiene<\/strong>, <strong>safety<\/strong>, and <strong>sanitary control<\/strong>, regardless of whether access is limited to residents or clients. <\/p>\n<h3>Perimeter overflow and water control<\/h3>\n<p>Collective spas incorporate a <strong>perimeter overflow with a grate<\/strong>, similar to that of public swimming pools. In addition, it is mandatory to have <strong>continuous control of pH and disinfectant<\/strong>, usually through automatic measurement and dosing systems. This permanent control allows maintaining the sanitary quality of the water within the values required by regulations, even with a high turnover of users. This is a fundamental technical difference compared to domestic spas, which usually operate with manual control and adjustment systems.   <\/p>\n<h3>In-ground or above-ground<\/h3>\n<p>A collective spa can be <a title=\"The difference between in-ground and portable spas\" href=\"https:\/\/info.piscinasyspas.com\/en\/comparisons\/in-ground-spa-vs-surface-mounted-spa\/\">in-ground<\/a> or <strong>surface-mounted<\/strong>, although in practice the embedded ones predominate for reasons of <strong>accessibility<\/strong>, <strong>safety<\/strong>, and <strong>capacity<\/strong>. In both cases, it is essential to provide <strong>technical rooms<\/strong>, maintenance access, and systems sized for intensive use. <\/p>\n<h3>Indoor or outdoor installation<\/h3>\n<p>Collective spas can be installed <a title=\"How and where to install a spa\" href=\"https:\/\/info.piscinasyspas.com\/en\/guides\/spas\/spa-installation\/\">indoors<\/a> or <strong>outdoors<\/strong>. Indoors, the control of <strong>ventilation<\/strong>, <strong>dehumidification<\/strong>, and <strong>corrosion<\/strong> is critical. Outdoors, in addition to environmental exposure, aspects such as <strong>safety<\/strong>, <strong>drainage<\/strong>, and compliance with <strong>applicable regulations<\/strong> for shared-use facilities must be considered.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-5 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"--awb-margin-top-small:10px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:10px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;\">Whirlpool bathtubs<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4\"><p><strong>Whirlpool bathtubs<\/strong> are a different solution from spas, although they are often confused. Unlike a spa, <strong>they do not operate with continuous recirculation<\/strong>: the water is <strong>emptied and renewed with each use<\/strong>. For this reason, they do not require permanent <strong>filtration<\/strong> or <strong>chemical treatment<\/strong> systems, and their technical approach is much simpler.  <\/p>\n<h3>Key differences compared to a spa<\/h3>\n<p>The main difference is the <strong>water management method<\/strong>. While a spa keeps the water hot and treated continuously, the whirlpool bathtub is filled for bathing and emptied afterwards. This implies lower sanitary requirements, but also limits its use to occasional sessions and a small number of people.  <\/p>\n<h3>Exclusively for indoor use<\/h3>\n<p>Whirlpool bathtubs are considered a solution <strong>specifically for indoor use<\/strong>. They are not designed to withstand permanent exposure to the elements or for intensive or shared use. Therefore, they are usually installed in <strong>bathrooms<\/strong> or conditioned private spaces, where the control of <strong>humidity<\/strong> and <strong>ventilation<\/strong> is still important.  <\/p>\n<h3>When does it make sense to choose a whirlpool bathtub?<\/h3>\n<p>A whirlpool bathtub may be suitable when looking for <strong>occasional use<\/strong>, without continuous water maintenance, and with an installation integrated into the bathroom. If the goal is frequent, shared, or prolonged use over time, the correct solution is a <strong>spa<\/strong>, not a whirlpool bathtub.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-6 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-three\" style=\"--awb-margin-top-small:10px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:10px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;\"><h3 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;\">Choosing the right type of spa<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5\"><p>Once you understand the different types of spas and their purpose, the next step is to see how these options translate into real solutions, with different configurations and uses.<br \/>\n\u279c <a href=\"https:\/\/info.piscinasyspas.com\/en\/guides\/spas\/consumption-and-costs-of-a-spa\/\" title=\"Consumption and costs of a spa\">Continue reading about spa energy consumption and costs<\/a><br \/>\nIf you\u2019re looking for examples of residential and professional spas, you can explore the Aqaspas catalogue.<br \/>\n\u279c <a title=\"See spas on the Aqaspas website\" href=\"https:\/\/aqaspas.com\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">Discover Aqaspas<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":89,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"100-width.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-404","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/info.piscinasyspas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/404","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/info.piscinasyspas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/info.piscinasyspas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/info.piscinasyspas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/info.piscinasyspas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=404"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/info.piscinasyspas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/404\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1588,"href":"https:\/\/info.piscinasyspas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/404\/revisions\/1588"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/info.piscinasyspas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/89"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/info.piscinasyspas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=404"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}