CYCLONE Spas vs. Traditional Hot Tubs: Which Is Better for You?

If you’re trying to decide which spa is right for you, you’re in the right place. There’s a massive range of spa brands and types out there, each with different features, frills, extras and bonuses. 

At Just Spas, our main offering is the Australian-made range of Cyclone Spas. In this article, we’ll look at what makes Cyclone Spas great, and how they stack up to more traditional hot tub and spa designs.

What Are Cyclone Spas?

Cyclone Spas are Australia’s premier spas, offering a luxurious experience with all the bells and whistles. From relaxation and massage jets to hydrotherapy, and even entertainment, Cyclone spas have everything you could ever need in a spa. 

With high-performance stainless-steel jets, multiple therapy seat configurations, and energy-efficient EcoSpa™ filtration, Cyclone Spas offer a luxurious and therapeutic soaking experience. Not to mention they’re made right here in Australia from durable materials, making them long-lasting and easy to maintain.

What Are Traditional Hot Tubs?

Traditional hot tubs (known as spas or spa pools in Australia) are just your typical spas. You’ve probably seen them at resorts or hotels, public pools, or even at a friend’s place. These tubs provide warm water relaxation, often featuring a selection of jets for hydrotherapy. 

They range from budget-friendly inflatable models to high-end hard-shell tubs, with features to match. Unlike Cyclone Spas, most traditional hot tubs do not feature smart connectivity or specialised jet configurations tailored for therapeutic benefits. That said, there are a few premium models of spas that do feature these things.

CYCLONE Spa vs Traditional Spa

Both Cyclone spas and Traditional spas are great for different purposes. But how do they really compare? Here are the things you need to consider when choosing between a more typical spa and a Cyclone spa, as well as some of our notes to help you make a decision.

Space Requirements

• Cyclone Spas: Available in a variety of sizes, from compact three-seaters to large eight-seater models, making them versatile for different outdoor spaces. They all come with a range of advanced features, with the larger models mainly boasting a higher number of more powerful jets.
• Traditional Hot Tubs: Also available in multiple sizes, but larger models often require significant deck or patio space. Small ones are often missing the more important features, as lower price points don’t allow for fitting in advanced technology. 

Cost Considerations

• Cyclone Spas: Premium pricing due to advanced features, energy efficiency, and Australian-made durability. They’re a luxury option, packed with technology and features that enhance your experience beyond that of traditional spas, and they come with the price tag to match.
• Traditional Hot Tubs: Prices for traditional hot tubs and spas vary widely, with more affordable entry-level models available as well as expensive premium models. The more expensive spas and hot tubs compare more closely to Cyclone spas, minus patented features such as TuffFrame™ and AquaSound™

Maintenance

• Cyclone Spas: Equipped with EcoSpa™ Filtration, Microban® filters, and an easy-care maintenance system that requires minimal upkeep. The TuffBase™ and TuffFrame™ are 100% timber-free as well, making maintenance easy. The only thing you have to worry about is refilling the water treatment chemicals every so often.
  
• Traditional Hot Tubs: Maintenance needs vary based on the model and filtration system, often requiring more frequent water treatment. If you’re comparing between different brands, you’ll need to check each to see what maintenance is required. 

Year-Round Usability

• Cyclone Spas: Designed for Australian conditions with Arctic insulation protecting against outside cold and energy-efficient heating, making them suitable for year-round use.
• Traditional Hot Tubs: Usability depends on insulation quality; lower-end models may struggle in cold temperatures. Will usually perform fine throughout the year but may struggle maintaining temperatures in the colder months, or cost more to do so.

Fitness and Health Benefits

• Cyclone Spas: Feature specialised therapy seats, including back, leg, and neck massage options, offering targeted hydrotherapy for pain relief and relaxation. The high-powered jets allow for deep, targeted, and soothing massages.
• Traditional Hot Tubs: Provide general hydrotherapy benefits but may lack the advanced jet configurations of Cyclone Spas. 

Energy Efficiency

• Cyclone Spas: Feature a 10-Star Energy Rating, utilising EcoSpa™ Filtration technology to optimise water circulation and reduce energy consumption. Advanced insulation, efficient heating elements, and intelligent circulation systems help minimise running costs while maintaining optimal temperature. Additionally, the Arctic Insulation maintains the heat of the spa more effectively than other types of insulation, allowing for lower running costs.
• Traditional Hot Tubs: Energy efficiency varies widely depending on insulation, heating system, and overall design. Lower-end models may require more energy to maintain heat, leading to higher electricity bills. 

If you’re looking to compare spa energy usage, this handy spa energy usage calculator may help.

Advantages of Cyclone Spas

• Smart technology integration for remote control and automation.
• Advanced filtration and energy-efficient operation.
• Durable, Australian-made design with a lifetime structural warranty.
• Multiple therapy seats for customised hydrotherapy.
• Premium features like AquaGlow™ lighting and AquaSound™ music system.

Advantages of Traditional Hot Tubs

• Wide range of price points, making them accessible to more consumers.
• Available in various materials and styles to match different aesthetics.
• Simpler, classic relaxation experience without the need for high-tech integration.

Disadvantages of Cyclone Spas

• Higher upfront cost compared to some traditional spas.
• Advanced features may require occasional software updates or troubleshooting.

Disadvantages of Traditional Hot Tubs

• Energy efficiency varies greatly, with some models consuming significantly more power.
• Standard jet configurations may not offer the same level of hydrotherapy as Cyclone Spas.
• Maintenance requirements can be higher, depending on the filtration and water treatment systems used.
• Some models may lack modern technology features like speakers and automation.

Things to Keep in Mind When Spa Shopping: Doing Your Own Research

When shopping around for a new spa, there are a lot of good reasons to choose both traditional spas and Cyclone Spas. Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind as you’re comparing different spas. 

1. Does the spa have an automated sanitising system?
   
   An automated sanitising system can make all the difference for spa maintenance and save you hundreds of hours over the lifespan of the spa. Instead of having to manually clean your spa regularly, all you need to do is add a small amount of chemical sanitiser each week. An automated sanitising system turns a tedious job into a simple, 3 minute task!
2. Is there sufficient insulation
   
   Without proper insulation your spa needs a lot more energy to stay warm. And more energy means higher running costs as well. Where a spa with good insulation can cost you less than a dollar a day to run, spas with bad insulation can cost upwards of $5  a day. That’s a 500% increase in costs, and a massive hit to your energy bill!
3. Do you need hydrotherapy jets?
   
   Hydrotherapy jets are the latest in spa tech, offering a professional spa massage experience in the comfort of your own home. Currently, good hydrotherapy jets are only available on high-end spas, as they’re difficult to design and require specialised technology. Deciding whether you need them or not for your spa can play a major factor in deciding which spa is right for you.
   
   Remember! More jets doesn’t necessarily equal better! Specialised hydrotherapy jets will always perform better than a whole bunch of little jets shoved into a spa.
4. Does the spa have a circulation pump?
   
   Another cost saving measure, circulation pumps are great at keeping running costs down. While a good spa with a circulation pump will set you back a bit more, they’re well worth it in the long run. After all, if you’re going to have your spa for 10-20 years, wouldn’t you want a spa that’s cleaner, runs more reliably, quieter, and more energy efficient.
5. Does it come with decent warranties and after-sales service?Most spa retailers offer warranties and after-sales service, but some don’t, and the terms for every retailer is different. In fact, the warranties often vary by part, meaning each part of your spa could have a different warranty covering it. Before committing to a purchase, make sure to ask about warranties and after-sales support. Buy from a retailer with a solid reputation, check reviews, and make sure you know exactly what you’re buying.

Final Thoughts

When choosing between a Cyclone Spa and a traditional hot tub, consider your budget, space availability, and desired features. If you value high-end technology, superior hydrotherapy, and energy efficiency, a Cyclone Spa is an excellent investment. 

However, if you’re looking for a more basic and cost-effective option, a traditional hot tub may suit your needs better. Ultimately, both options provide excellent ways to relax and unwind, but it’s up to you to decide which one first meets your needs better. 

If you’re not sure where to start, get in touch with the team at Just Spas. We’ll be able to answer any questions you have and point you in the right direction!