Benefits of Hot Tub vs Sauna

If you’ve been looking for the benefits of hot tub vs sauna, then you should be able to find your answers here. Each of the two as its own merits, but a hot tub has a certain appeal that most people are more interested in experiencing.

Choosing between which of these two is better is usually based on preferences. Do you like soaking in the water? Do you prefer sitting in a room? Do you want your whole family to join you?

In this article, we will be highlighting which of these 2 are the best for a specific type of remedy or experience. We will also be discussing the cons of owning one, and provide a tip on how to deal with the disadvantages.

Benefits of Hot Tub vs Sauna

The most obvious similarity between a hot tub and a sauna is that they both generate heat to help us relax. Regardless if it’s a 4-season portable spa or Jacuzzi, both the hot water and the steam work together to soothe your mind and body. A sauna, on the other hand, only makes use of hot steam.

The table below shows a quick overview which of them is best for a specific result you’re trying to achieve.

While one can be better than the other, that doesn’t mean that the latter is ineffective. As a matter of fact, they can both help in achieving the results. It’s just that the one with the most stars is the most optimal and enjoyable way.

In the next sections, we will go deeper as to how they can help in reaching specific outcomes.

Hot Tub or Sauna for Sore Muscles

When it comes to relief for sore muscles, a hot tub wins by a mile. The combination of massage jets, buoyancy and heat effectively relaxes the muscles and improves blood circulation.

The heat from the warm waters enhances the flow of blood by dilating the blood vessels and relaxing these muscles.

With a hot tub, you can also get to experience a massage at the same time. Depending on the features installed, you can have a light bubble massage or some targeted deep-tissue massage.

Another thing that sets a hot tub apart from a sauna is that the water also provides buoyancy. Even before your body completely relaxes, you can immediately feel the soothing effects.

Hot Tub vs Sauna: Arthritis

The heat helps to loosen the joints, which is very important for arthritis relief. Both hot tub and sauna generate heat, which is very effective in increasing mobility, easing the pain, and promoting physical well-being.

However, a hot tub is the best choice for this because of the water buoyancy. It helps to significantly reduce the force of gravity which is responsible for compressing the joints. Inflammation and pain are greatly decreased, while blood circulation is improved.

The practice of soaking in a hot tub is even encouraged by Arthritis.org. In one of their articles here, they even provide tips on how to make the most out of using a hot tub.

Sauna vs Hot Tub for Weight Loss

Fats won’t melt away just sitting in a sauna or soaking in a hot tub. You will also need a proper diet and exercise. However, since we’re concerned which of the two is more effective, sauna is the winner. In fact, almost everyone I know associates sauna with losing weight.

Sauna actually helps in losing water weight, so you do get lighter. Unfortunately, water weight is easy to gain once you drink a lot of water again. The heat helps to increase blood circulation and gives you the same feeling of doing an aerobic exercise, but actually doing it provides better results than just sitting.

The Cons of a Hot Tub and Sauna

A hot tub and a sauna share the same disadvantage too, which is more apparent when you’re going to have it set up in your home.

If you’re planning to have either of them installed in your own home, you will need to shell out a lot of money. The installation itself will require a room for your sauna or a large space on your backyard for your hot tub.

The good thing about having one at home is privacy. In terms of money saved, you will end up spending more if you regularly visit the gym or spa salon. Plus being able to use them anytime when you get home after work or a long vacation is priceless.

The cost is the primary disadvantage of owning one, but it can be easily overcome by buying the portable versions instead. There are portable saunas like the Rejuvenator Portable Sauna which are both cheap and easy to set up; no need for a separate room.

If you’re planning to get a hot tub instead, the SaluSpa Palm Springs is way cheaper than a regular hot tub. You don’t need to have your backyard dug to install it or to spend a lot of money outright.

Wrapping It Up

There are a lot of benefits of hot tub vs sauna especially if your plan is to have a good time with family and friends. If faced with the dilemma of choosing the best one to experience, I recommend going for the one that you will enjoy the most. And in case you’re siding more with a hot tub, don’t forget to read our comprehensive guide.