Comparing Maple Spas vs. Viking Spas: Which Hot Tub Brand is Right for You?

If you’re shopping for a hot tub in Barrie, two brands stand out: Maple Spas and Viking Spas. Both are available at Barrie LeisureScapes and offer reliable performance, excellent cold-weather insulation, and long-term value. Here’s a simplified guide to help you compare these two standout hot tub brands.

Hot Tub Comparison at a Glance

Hot Tub Features Breakdown

Jet Performance

One of the first things people compare in hot tubs is the jet system and hydrotherapy performance. Both Viking Spas and Maple Hot Tubs deliver excellent relaxation and therapeutic benefits, but they approach jet design a bit differently:

• Maple Spas: 40+ jets standard; volcano foot jets and multi-pump options.
• Viking Spas: Fewer jets, but targeted and effective; more basic massage setup.

How do they compare? If you prefer a straightforward hydrotherapy experience without too many variables to adjust, you might lean towards Viking’s style of doing more with fewer jets. If you want maximum massage options and the ability to really fine-tune your hydrotherapy, a Maple Spa will give you that extra level of performance. Both approaches will soothe sore muscles and melt away stress, but Maple provides a more intensive therapy potential while Viking provides consistent comfort with simplicity.

Cold Weather Performance

Barrie homeowners know that a hot tub must handle cold Canadian winters efficiently. High insulation and energy efficiency are non-negotiable when temperatures plunge well below freezing. Fortunately, both Viking and Maple Spas excel in winter performance, keeping your water hot without sending your electric bill through the roof, thanks to smart insulation strategies. 

• Maple Spas: Fully insulated Canadian design with thermal layer wrap.
• Viking Spas: Arctic insulation and high R-value cover.
• Both perform well in Ontario winters.

If you’re curious about more winter-specific features to look for, check out our tips in Best Hot Tub Features for Cold Canadian Winters on our blog.

Hot Tub Water Care & Maintenance

Hot tubs are meant to be relaxing, so nobody wants a spa that’s a headache to maintain. A key consideration when comparing brands is how they handle water care, filtration, and general maintenance. You’ll be happy to know that both Viking and Maple Spas emphasize easy maintenance and trouble-free water care, albeit with different approaches and available features:

• Maple Hot Tubs:
  • Ozone + optional UV systems
  • Top-tier Gecko brand controls and components which are known for reliability
  • Easy filter access
  • Efficient filtration
  • Optional self-cleaning features
• Viking Hot Tubs:
  • Optional ozone systems
  • Simple & durable mechanics for less upkeep
  • Straightforward manual care

In terms of day-to-day upkeep, you can count on simple care routines for either spa. If you enjoy a bit of tech and automation, Maple might appeal to you with its high-tech water care options; if you prefer old-school simplicity with fewer gadgets, Viking will suit you perfectly. Either way, maintaining clean and healthy water in these hot tubs is very achievable without stress, even for first-time hot tub owners. And if you ever need advice on water care, you can always reach out to Barrie LeisureScapes for guidance – we’re here to help keep your spa experience as easy as possible.

Hot Tub Controls & Technology

Another important aspect is how easy (or complicated) it is to operate the hot tub’s controls and features on a daily basis. After all, you want to relax, not fiddle with confusing settings every time you soak. Viking Spas and Maple Spas both prioritize user-friendly operation, but again in slightly different ways reflecting their design philosophies.

• Maple:
  • Colour touchscreen (Gecko)
  • Optional Wi-Fi app control
• Viking:
  • Simple controls (push-button or digital)
  • Plug-and-play options on select models

If your priority is to have literally just an on/off kind of simplicity, Viking might win points. If you like the idea of having a bit more control at your fingertips (and maybe using an app or scheduling your tub’s functions), Maple will impress you. Either way, in day-to-day use, owners of both brands agree that they are easy to live with.

Hot Tub Design & Customization

Looks aren’t everything, but for something as large as a hot tub in your backyard, design and customization options do matter. You want a spa that fits your aesthetic and has the features you care about.

• Maple:
  • Sleek, luxury design 
  • More aesthetic choices for acrylic shells & modern cabinet finishes
  • Several additional features including LED lighting, integrated pillows, waterfall features, Bluetooth audio
• Viking:
  • Simple, clean design
  • Traditional square or round shapes & smooth lines
  • Open seating layouts
  • Fewer add-ons but built for longevity

Ultimately, both brands are well-designed and built to last, but Maple gives you more room to play with stylistic and feature customization, whereas Viking delivers a tried-and-true design that’s been refined for ease and durability. Consider also visiting our showroom to see these designs in person. 

Which Hot Tub Should You Choose?

At the end of the day, Viking Hot Tub Spas and Maple Hot Tub Spas are both excellent – you really can’t go wrong with either, which is why Barrie LeisureScapes has chosen to carry these brands exclusively. The best hot tub comes down to what fits your lifestyle, priorities, and budget. Here are a few final comparison tips to help you decide:

Choose Maple Spas if you want:

• A stylish spa with premium features
• Deeper massage and more jet control
• Advanced water care and tech

Choose Viking Spas if you want:

• Simplicity and cold-climate reliability
• Easy setup and use (including plug-in models)
• Long-term durability without unnecessary extras

See Them in Person

Both brands are available at Barrie LeisureScapes. Stop by our showroom to compare hot tub & spa models, feel the seat layouts, and get personalized advice. Not sure where to begin? Check out our Easy Guide to Choosing a Hot Tub in Barrie