Artesian spas and natural hot springs both offer incredible hydrotherapy experiences, but they have some key differences you should consider when choosing between the two.
This comprehensive guide will compare and contrast artesian spas and hot springs so you can determine which is the better fit for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Factor | Artesian Spas | Hot Springs |
| Location | Backyard | Natural setting |
| Water Source | Tap water | Mineral-rich geothermal |
| Temperature Control | Consistent | Variable based on source |
| Hydrotherapy Power | Customizable | Subtle |
| Maintenance | Weekly sanitizing | Monitored by staff |
| Ambiance | Private personalized | Natural social |
| Convenience | High | Requires travel |
| Cost | Moderate, ongoing | Resort fees, treatments |
Overview of Artesian Spas
Artesian Spas is one of the most popular and reputable manufacturers of luxury hot tubs and spas. Founded in 1983, they have over 35 years of industry experience and continually innovate to create exceptional hydrotherapy products.
Some key things to know about Artesian Spas:
- Customizable – They offer a high degree of customizability, with numerous jets, lighting, and entertainment options to create your ideal spa environment. You can tailor the layout, materials, massage options, and more to your personal preferences.
- State-of-the-Art Features – Artesian spas come equipped with the latest technology like Bluetooth sound systems, high-performance pumps, energy efficiency settings, and perimeter mood lighting.
- Handcrafted Construction – Each Artesian spa is hand-made to order using the highest quality components and materials. This results in durable, long-lasting spas built to stand the test of time.
- Therapeutic Benefits – With powerful hydromassage jets, ergonomic seating, and options like deep tissue massage, Artesian spas provide therapeutic relief for sore muscles, arthritis, and more.
- Luxurious Look and Feel – From multicolored LED lighting to laminar waterfall features, Artesian spas deliver a luxurious sensory experience in addition to therapeutic benefits.
So in summary, Artesian offers feature-packed, customizable spas built for performance, comfort, and longevity. They come at a premium price point but provide an unparalleled hydrotherapy experience.
Overview of Natural Hot Springs
Natural hot springs have long been prized for their mineral-rich waters and therapeutic benefits. Here are some key characteristics of hot springs:
- Geothermal Origins – Hot springs form when groundwater comes into contact with geothermally-heated rocks and minerals deep below the earth’s surface. This infuses the water with beneficial minerals.
- Natural Heat – Hot springs maintain warm temperatures year-round, usually between 70-110°F, heated directly by geothermal energy rather than electrical systems.
- Mineral-Rich Waters – As water passes through mineral deposits in the earth, it absorbs things like calcium, magnesium, potassium, silica, and more. These minerals have therapeutic properties.
- Outdoor Settings – Most hot springs are located outdoors amidst scenic natural settings for a peaceful, relaxing experience.
- Hydrotherapy Benefits – Between heat, buoyancy, and mineral content, hot springs can improve circulation, ease pain and stiffness, promote relaxation, and more.
So in essence, hot springs provide naturally heated, mineral-rich waters in soothing outdoor settings. The benefits are derived from the unique geothermal and geological properties.
Artesian Spas Pros and Cons
Now that we’ve provided an overview, let’s dive into the specifics pros and cons of Artesian spas:
Pros
- Total Customization – You can fully customize jets, lighting, seating arrangements, materials, entertainment systems, and more during the ordering process.
- Innovative Features – Artesian offers high-end features most competitors don’t, like hydraulic roller massagers, dual-zone insulation, lighting displays synced to music, and silencing waterfalls.
- Reputable Brand – With over 35 years in business and outstanding reviews, Artesian Spas are known for quality manufacturing and durability.
- Warranty – Structural components have a lifetime warranty, the acrylic has a 10-year warranty, and other parts are covered for 1-5 years.
- Resale Value – Artesian spas maintain their value very well if you ever wish to sell. Quality construction ensures they last.
Cons
- High Costs – Artesian spas range from $7,000 on the very low end to $20,000+ for larger, more customized models. The premium features come at a price.
- Installation Requirements – You need professional installation and a solid foundation, which adds $3,000 – $6,000+ to the overall cost.
- Ongoing Maintenance – These are high-performance spas with regular maintenance requirements like draining, cleaning, filter changes, water chemistry, and care for jets, covers, and lighting.
- Limited Locations – While Artesian has dealers across the U.S., there may not be a dealer near you, limiting service options.
- No Natural Minerals – You won’t get the natural mineral content found in hot springs. The water comes from your tap.
Hot Springs Pros and Cons
Now let’s examine the pros and cons of natural hot springs:
Pros
- Natural Settings – Most hot springs are nestled amidst beautiful natural scenery outdoors, which enhances relaxation.
- Mineral-Rich Waters – The mineral content and geothermal heating provide therapeutic health benefits you can’t get from tap water in man-made spas.
- No Installation or Maintenance – Hot springs are naturally occurring so you can visit any time without installation headaches or maintenance.
- Lower Cost – Visiting hot springs resorts or baths costs far less than purchasing a luxury spa. Some hot springs on public lands are even free.
- Environmentally Friendly – Hot springs are heated geothermally rather than using electricity or gas, so they have environmental benefits.
Cons
- Limited Control – You can’t control the temperature, mineral content, size, depth or seating in natural hot springs. It varies by location.
- Public Settings – Most hot springs are shared public spaces, which reduces privacy and ambiance. Exceptions are resorts and baths.
- Limited Locations – You can only visit hot springs where they naturally occur. This may require extensive travel depending on where you live.
- Weather Dependence – With hot springs located outdoors, weather conditions affect the experience. Rain, cold, wind, and snow deter some visitors.
- No Customization – What you see is what you get when it comes to the setting. You can’t customize jets, lighting, or entertainment.
Direct Comparison of Key Factors
Now let’s directly compare some of the key factors between Artesian spas and hot springs:
Customization
- Artesian Spas: Fully customizable layouts, hydrotherapy jets, lighting, entertainment systems, materials, sizes, and more
- Hot Springs: No customization since the setting is natural, but some facilities offer private baths
Ambiance
- Artesian Spas: Tailor ambiance with lighting, waterfalls, music, and entertainment systems
- Hot Springs: Natural sights and sounds immerse you but also less privacy
Maintenance and Installation
- Artesian Spas: Professional installation required, weekly and quarterly maintenance
- Hot Springs: None needed since they are natural occurrences
Hydrotherapy Intensity
- Artesian Spas: Adjustable pumps let you control the massage intensity
- Hot Springs: Generally less intense than a jetted spa due to no pumps
Heat
- Artesian Spas: Fully adjustable with typical range of 80°F to 104°F
- Hot Springs: Vary based on geothermal source, typically from 70°F to 110°F
Costs
- Artesian Spas: $7,000 – $20,000+ for the spa, plus installation and maintenance
- Hot Springs: Free to $50 per visit at public springs, more for resorts and baths
Convenience of Access
- Artesian Spas: Use anytime in the comfort of your home
- Hot Springs: Need to travel to locations, which may be very distant
Health Benefits
- Artesian Spas: Therapeutic relief from hydromassage jets
- Hot Springs: Natural minerals, heat, and buoyancy provide healing benefits
So in summary, Artesian spas provide total customization and convenience but require maintenance. Hot springs offer natural settings and mineral waters but limited control and accessibility.
Ideal User Profiles: Who Are Artesian Spas Best For?
Based on the pros, cons, and comparison, Artesian Spas are ideal for:
- Those wanting a tailored and luxurious backyard oasis for relaxation and parties
- People with limited access to natural hot springs who want daily home access
- Anyone wanting convenient hydrotherapy and pain relief
- Those who enjoy technology features like lighting displays and entertainment systems
- People seeking a customizable at-home retreat for personal renewal
- Individuals wanting consistent water temperature and predictable settings
- Users who prefer deeper water immersion or more intense hydromassage
- Homeowners who can accommodate installation and ongoing maintenance
- Spa enthusiasts interested in the latest innovations and features
- Those desiring reputable quality backed by great warranties
Artesian delivers a premier, no-compromises spa experience with therapeutic benefits right at home. For those less concerned with natural mineral waters and seeking more customization and convenience, Artesian is likely the better choice over visiting hot springs.
Ideal User Profiles: Who Are Hot Springs Best For?
Here are the types of users hot springs are most ideal for:
- Outdoor enthusiasts who love natural scenery and relaxing in beautiful settings
- Individuals seeking the healing benefits of mineral-rich geothermal waters
- Those focused on sustainability and environmental benefits
- People located near hot springs wanting occasional therapeutic getaways
- Visitors hoping for serenity and seclusion from public settings
- Budget-focused consumers unable to afford expensive home installations
- Travelers looking for unique destinations and experiences while vacationing
- Anyone unable to accommodate a permanent spa in their home/yard
- Those with unpredictable schedules who can’t commit to spa maintenance
- People who prefer variance in their soaking experiences
- Individuals interested in the cultural and historical aspects of ancient baths
For those focused on natural therapeutic waters, beautiful settings, and environmental benefits, hot springs will likely provide a more satisfying and rejuvenating experience than a home spa. Proximity also improves access and makes hot springs the practical choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Artesian is widely considered one of the best hot tub brands available. They have over 35 years of expertise crafting high-end customized spas featuring innovative hydrotherapy options. Their focus is on performance, comfort, and durability. With great warranties and solid resale value, Artesian spas are a premium investment.
While subjective, many experts and consumers agree Artesian Spas is among the elite. Their LEVEL line stands out for luxury features and total customization. Other top brands include Jacuzzi, Caldera, Marquis, and Bullfrog. It depends on your budget and feature preferences.
The best hot tub brands based on quality, performance, and reliability include Artesian Spas, Jacuzzi, Caldera, Marquis, Bullfrog, Nordic, Coast Spas, and Hot Spring Spas. Do your research to find the brand offering the right mix of features, hydrotherapy, and customization options for your needs.
Both Sundance and Artesian are premium hot tub brands. Key differences are:
Customization – Artesian has more customizable jet placements, lighting, sizes, etc. Sundance offers fewer layouts.
Materials – Artesian uses thicker acrylic while Sundance uses some rotationally molded polyethylene.
Features – Artesian highlights amenities like rollers, foot blasters, and aromatherapy. Sundance focuses on energy efficiency.
Reputation – Artesian is regarded as having better build quality and reliability.
Cost – Fully loaded, Artesian spas can be $5,000+ more than comparable Sundance models.
While both offer quality hot tubs, Artesian edges out Sundance for luxury amenities and customization. But Sundance spas cost a little less.
Summary
In summary, when choosing between artesian spas and hot springs, you should carefully consider your priorities in terms of customization, convenience, natural settings, hydrotherapy options, costs, maintenance, and usage benefits.
For a tailored luxury experience at home, Artesian Spas allow you to design your ideal spa but require installation and maintenance. Hot springs provide beautiful natural settings and therapeutic mineral waters, but offer less convenience and control.
Think about which features will maximize enjoyment, relaxation, and health benefits for you personally. This will lead you to the best decision between an Artesian spa built for your needs or the healing waters of a scenic natural hot spring.
Either one provides an amazing and therapeutic aquatic experience through different means.