Hot tubs and saunas are equally great for relaxing after a long hard day and soothing those tense muscles. You can use either of them to spend some quality time alone or with your family. But they’re also pretty different from each other. Knowing the key differences will not only ensure you pick the right one but also help you understand how to buy a hot tub or sauna for your home.

1. Installation
Saunas need an enclosed but well-ventilated room to prevent mold growth on the walls. However, hot tubs don’t need a separate enclosure. You can install them outdoors – in your lawn or garden. But they need a power outlet and water supply. If you would like an indoor hot tub, a well-ventilated room is also required, as in a sauna.

2. Massages
If you decide to buy a hot tub, you can adjust the speed of the spa jets and direct them to the troublesome areas in your body. A good hot tub jet massage can help alleviate stress, relax muscle pain, and ensure you sleep well. You might not be able to reap these benefits with a sauna.

3. Detox benefits
If you’re looking for a way to detox regularly and have glowing skin, a sauna might be the answer. Saunas make you sweat, especially on your face, and that’s a great way to eliminate toxins from your body. Even hot tubs can help purify your skin, but not in the same way as a sauna.

4. Social events
Hot tubs are great for a sleepover night with beer, family time with the kids, or that special night with your partner. They have different settings that you can adjust based on the occasion. However, not everyone might feel comfortable in a sauna due to the heat. This is especially true for little children or older people. Hence, unlike hot tubs, saunas aren’t suitable for every age group.

5. Utility and aesthetics
You can do much more with a hot tub – have cabinets attached, place them in a green outdoor spot, play music, etc. And yes, the sound of bubbling water in the tub can relax your mind and bring you peace. Unfortunately, no known soothing noise is emitted by saunas, and most of them are indoors.

6. Cost
The cost of saunas and hot tubs can vary depending on several factors. Saunas don’t cost much up front. But you’ll need to make proper ventilation arrangements in the room to prevent mold formation, which increases the cost of installation. When it comes to hot tubs, you need to factor in the long-term energy and water costs.

You might know how to buy a hot tub or sauna, but which one do you pick? Go over the above points, do your additional research, and make a well-informed choice!