How Much Does a Swim Spa Cost? [2026 Data]

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Cost Insights:
  • Your swim spa price starts around $22,500, and rises with aboveground versus in-ground installation and added features.

  • Quality level drives cost, as larger shells, energy-saving insulation, and hydrotherapy jets add more materials and equipment.

  • Your budget should include permits, which run $200 to $1,000, plus any yard leveling or concrete work.

  • Hiring a local electrical professional ensures your swim spa wiring meets code and protects your household from electrical hazards.

In 2026, the national average cost of a swim spa is $22,500, though your total will vary based on model size, installation type, and added features. Most homeowners spend between $20,000 and $40,000. This luxury product combines the best of a lap pool and a hot tub, giving you a current to swim against and warm water to unwind in afterward.

Swim Spa Costs by Quality: What Each Level Includes

Most swim spa prices fall between $20,000 and $40,000, though the full range runs from $7,000 for a basic model to $70,000 for a high-end unit loaded with premium features. Mid-range models, which most homeowners choose, offer a strong balance of quality and value. Here’s how the quality of your swim spa affects the price:

Swim Spa QualityFeatures Average Cost in 2026
StandardBasic features, lacks energy efficiency $7,000–$15,000
MidrangeHigh-quality jets, pumps, and current diverters$15,000–$25,000
High-endLarger than basic models, top-of-the-line features like hydrotherapy $25,000–$50,000+

How Much Does a Swim Spa Cost by Size?

Swim spa versus pool visual comparison
pepmiba / E+ / Getty Images, Thomas Barwick / DigitalVision / Getty Images

Most swim spas are at least 8 feet wide and range from 10 to 21 feet in length, making them larger than a hot tub but more compact than a traditional pool. Larger models cost more and accommodate more users, while compact models carry a lower price tag but limit capacity.

Swim Spa Pro Costs: What Installation Labor Includes

A pool contractor charges $50 to $150 per hour for swim spa installation, which covers electrical wiring for the heating and jets, plumbing work, and potentially a concrete pad and decking. Aboveground installations are the more affordable option, starting at $300, while in-ground models can reach $7,000 depending on the scope of work. Choosing an in-ground versus an aboveground model is the single biggest driver of your total installation cost.

Swim Spa Additional Costs: What to Budget For

Once you choose a swim spa model, additional features, site prep, and landscaping can significantly increase your total budget beyond the unit price.

Additional Features

Most swim spas include jets that generate a current for in-place swimming, but upgrading beyond that base level incurs additional cost. High-end features can push your total swim spa price into the $30,000 to $50,000 range. Here are some available features that might be available for your swim spa:

  • Hydrotherapy jets

  • Saltwater system

  • Wi-Fi or remote phone control

  • Infinity edge

  • Lighting

  • Dual temperature options

Site Prep

Aboveground swim spas need a solid, level surface, while in-ground models require excavation, which runs $100 per hour for a small job and rises for hard-to-reach spaces or challenging terrain. Costs for leveling, pouring a concrete base, and excavating vary by site conditions, as the breakdown below shows:

Site Prep for a Swim SpaAverage Cost in 2026
Leveling your yard$3–$6 per square foot
Pouring a concrete base$2–$6 per square foot
Excavating$100 per hour for a small job (increases for hard-to-reach or challenging spaces)

Delivery

If your backyard is difficult to access, you may need a crane for delivery, which costs $800 to $1,500 or more, depending on the complexity of the lift.

Permits

Most local regulations require a permit to install a swim spa, particularly for in-ground models, and permit fees run $200 to $1,000 depending on your municipality.

Landscaping and Hardscaping

Many homeowners add hardscaping around their swim spa for safety, such as a non-slip deck for aboveground units or concrete and pavers for in-ground installations, and excavated areas will also need to be re-landscaped. Costs vary by material and scope, as the breakdown below shows:

Landscaping and Hardscaping for a Swim SpaAverage Cost in 2026
Concrete slab installation costs$2–$6 per square foot
Pool decking costs$3,000–$12,000
Landscaping costs$4–$10 per square foot

Ongoing Expenses 

Luxurious hot tub on the backyard terrace
Finmiki / Adobe Stock Photography

Beyond the upfront purchase and installation, your swim spa budget should account for ongoing maintenance, utilities, and other long-term costs that add to your total investment.

Electricity Use

Whether you want to heat your swim spa like a hot tub or use features like a current generator or hydrotherapy jets, you'll need to budget for electricity use. On the low end, expect to spend $20 to $50 per month for a small swim spa (akin to the cost of running a hot tub).

Water Use

When you install a swim spa, you'll also notice a slight increase in your water bill. The cost to fill your pool depends on the price of water in your local area, but it's typically around $0.004 per gallon if you use municipal water. Water delivery is more expensive. Most swim spas hold 1,500 to 2,500 gallons, and you'll need to refill them around four times per year.

Saltwater

If you want to use saltwater in your swim spa, you'll need to install a saltwater system. This includes a specific type of filter that can handle salt. On average, the extra equipment costs $200 to $700, but it can reach $1,500. Saltwater spas also cost more to maintain than chlorine spas.

Maintenance and Repairs

On average, prices range from $110 to $350 for simple maintenance and repairs for a swim spa. Pool services charge anywhere from $25 to $100 per hour, so the quicker the job, the less you'll pay (as long as it's not below the minimum charge for a service).

You can save money by maintaining your pool yourself, but you'll need to regularly test the water chemistry, change the filters, and keep it clean with a spa vacuum.

Cost to Install a Swim Spa Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro 

Some aboveground swim spas are similar to hot tubs and have simple installation. In this case, you may be able to do the job yourself and pay for little more than the swim spa and delivery, but there are a lot of conditions. To install a swim spa, your home needs to be able to accommodate a 220V/240V appliance. You’ll also need a solid, level surface large enough to fit the spa. A mistake could lead to costly repairs or an actual hazard. 

At the very least, hire a local electrician to make sure your swim spa is wired correctly—and if you’re going with an in-ground model, skip the DIY altogether. You’ll need a permit, and you typically can’t get a permit unless a licensed contractor is on board.

Pro installation will cost $300 to $7,000, but you’ll avoid costly repairs, hazards, and potentially voiding your warranty. In most cases, it’s best to leave it to a local swimming pool installation company or hot tub installer near you. DIYs start to get risky when you involve electrical wiring, water, or significant renovations like excavation or deck-building. 

Ways to Save Money on Installing a Swim Spa

Though swim spas aren’t exactly the most budget-friendly home renovation, there are ways to tighten your budget. The best way to save is by choosing an aboveground option. These often cost thousands of dollars less than in-ground swim spas—and you’ll save on everything from labor to excavation and landscaping costs.

Here are some other money-saving tips:

  • Pick the smallest size suitable for your needs.

  • Skip add-on features and go with a basic model.

  • Save on future repairs by not skimping on quality. You can avoid high-end models but still choose the highest-quality model in an affordable price range.

Does Swim Spa Installation Increase Home Value?

If you install a swim spa, it’s unlikely that you’ll get your full investment back, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad upgrade. According to a 2023 report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), pools have some of the lowest ROIs of outdoor remodels but some of the highest levels of satisfaction. A basic swim spa can be a much smaller investment than a fiberglass or concrete pool and carries many of the same benefits. 

To get the highest return, incorporate your swim spa into your landscape design. Per the report, landscape upgrades typically have a 100% ROI.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on your priorities. Many homeowners enjoy the health benefits of a swim spa. The heated water boasts the benefits of a hot tub, which some people find helps relieve pain, increase circulation, and aid in stress relief. You’ll also be able to use it for exercise like you would a lap pool. It’s a two-in-one product.

Similar to a hot tub, swim spas last anywhere from five to 20 years, depending on quality and your attention to maintenance. The best way to increase the lifespan of your swim spa is to carefully maintain it—including draining it around every six months to deep clean the parts.

How often you change the water in your swim spa depends on how often you use it. Most manufacturers recommend changing the water every three to six months. If you use your swim spa throughout the seasons, it’s a good idea to set up a quarterly deep cleaning schedule. The ideal instructions should be in the owner’s manual.

Swim spas are like hybrid hot tubs and pools. They have the heating and jets of a hot tub, but they’re slightly longer because they’re made for swimming and exercise. A jet provides a continuous current that acts like a water treadmill. You can swim the length of a full-size pool without going anywhere.

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