What is a Swim Spa? A Guide to Swim Spa Pros & Cons

“What is a swim spa?” is one of the most common questions we get at J Palace Outdoors.

That’s why we’ve written this blog. We sell hot tubs and swim spas, but hot tubs have been around long enough for people to know what they are. There is no “Swim Spa Time Machine” movie, and James Bond has yet to use one before fighting international villains. Its cultural moment has yet to arrive.

So, anyone and everyone is forgiven for not quite knowing what a swim spa is. Here’s the scoop: a swim spa is a stretched hot tub long and wide enough for you to swim in like a year-round pool while having seats and heaters so that it can function just like a hot tub. It’s the best of a hot tub and a pool in one, but at (roughly) half the cost of a pool.

Neat, huh? If you want to learn more, in this blog, we will answer the following questions:

What is a swim spa?
What is the cost of a swim spa?
Pros and cons of swim spas
How does a swim spa work?
What to look for in a good swim spa?

What is a swim spa?

A swim spa combines the best features of a pool and a hot tub into one, year-round aquatic playpen. It’s capable of providing swimming opportunities for everyone from children to elite-level triathletes, with seating and a heater so it can be used year-round as a hot tub.

What is the Cost of a Swim Spa?

At J Palace Outdoors, most customers spend between $30,000 and $70,000. This price includes everything you need to get up and running: the swim spa, the concrete pad, the electrical work, plus delivery, which varies across the country. If you’re considering an in-ground pool, expect to start at $60,000, with prices increasing quickly from there.

Here are the average sizes of a swim spa:

Swim spas range from about 13-21 feet long, with stops at all points in-between
About 8 feet wide
3-4 feet deep

At J Palace Outdoors, we carry a one-of-a-kind Hydropool Aquatic 17AX Aquatrainer:

Ranging at nearly 18 feet long
About 8 feet wide
4 feet deep
Patented self-cleaning program

As for installation, swim spas need to sit on a pre-made concrete base and can be put in place most often with a crane.

What are the Pros and Cons of Swim Spas?

Swim spas make it easy for you to stay fit, healthy, relaxed, and happy. Whether it’s cold or hot outside, you always have a place where the water is comfortable. You can work out or swim, and also soothe tired muscles in a spa.

Pros

Combines the features of a hot tub and a pool.
Costs significantly less than an in-ground pool.
Usable year-round at a reasonable cost.
Easier and less expensive to install compared to an in-ground pool.
Typically requires fewer (or no) permits from your local municipality.

Cons

More expensive than a hot tub to buy, run, and install.
Requires installation on a concrete pad and hardwired electrical.
Needs regular maintenance, similar to a pool or hot tub.
Your friends and neighbors might frequently ask to use it.

How Does a Swim Spa Work?

A swim spa functions similarly to a treadmill. Instead of a conveyor belt, it uses jets or a propeller to generate a current that allows you to swim in place. The quality of the swim experience varies, with some swim spas offering adjustable settings from 1-10, and others providing jets or tethers to keep you in place as you swim.

What Should I Look for in a Good Swim Spa?

When looking for a swim spa, consider your needs and how you plan to use it. Here are four elements to consider:

The swim system: Ensure it produces a versatile swim current suitable for all levels from beginner to athlete.
In-water fitness features: Look for additional tools like a fitness kit for pool exercises.
Functionality as a small pool: Ensure it has enough space for kids to play and for swimming.
Hot tub features: At least two to four seats with sufficient jets for a good massage.

A swim spa is a versatile addition to any backyard, offering the benefits of both a pool and a hot tub without the high costs and maintenance. If interested in learning more or seeing our selection, visit our showroom to view our selection of hot tubs and swim spas!