What Is a Swim Spa?

If you’ve been toying with the idea of getting a hot tub or swimming pool but can’t quite commit to either, a swim spa might be the way to go. But what is a swim spa, exactly? It offers heat and hydromassage for relaxation and the option to swim against a current, and it doesn’t take up a lot of space. Our guide explores the pros and cons to help you decide if a swim spa is right for you.

What Is a Swim Spa?

A swim spa is a small pool with the hydromassage and heated features of a hot tub. It offers the therapeutic, spa-like benefits of a hot tub and also has enough room for swimming using the built-in current. In other words, a swim spa is a one-stop shop for relaxation and exercise.

Pros and Cons of Swim Spas

Now that you know what a swim spa is, here’s a quick look at the key pros and cons.

Pros

• Easy to fit in smaller yards

• Improves wellbeing through relaxation and fitness

• Quick installation process

Cons

• High running costs for heat and electricity

• Not as aesthetically pleasing as a regular swimming pool

• Not ideal for social swimming due to its size

How Does a Swim Spa Work?

With all the perks rolled into a swim spa, you’re probably wondering how it functions. Water flows into the swim spa via filtration and suction inlets, the same way water flows into a hot tub. Additionally, it has jets to power the current system that allows people to swim on the spot.

Different Types of Swim Spas

Much like there are different types of pools, there are different types of swim spas. Here’s a quick look at some of the options; a hot tub installer near you can help you narrow down your choices:

• Jetted Swim Spa. This type of swim spa makes a current using a motor and pump that pumps water through jets. It’s designed to mimic the experience of swimming in open water but accounts for the smaller space.

• Propulsion Swim Spa. Propulsion swim spas are also designed to mimic the experience of swimming freely, but instead of using jets, they use a propeller design.

• Dual Zone Swim Spa. This type of swim spa offers space for both relaxing and swimming—hence the dual zones. This type is ideal if people want to host larger groups and take advantage of both swim spa features at once.

• Fitness Swim Spa. Fitness swim spas are intentionally designed to be used for fitness.They are typically smaller than average swim spas and offer features such as rowing machines and underwater treadmills.

How Does a Swim Spa Compare to Its Alternatives?

Swim spas share some of the features of hot tubs and pools, but there are some key differences, too.

Hot Tubs

When comparing a swim spa vs. a hot tub, it is clear that a swim spa can do everything a hot tub can do—plus more. The main difference beyond swim spas’ added swimming and fitness features are cost and size. When it comes to installation and maintenance, swim spas cost more than hot tubs. 

Swimming Pools

Looking at swim spas vs. pools, the most obvious difference is their size. Swim spas are smaller than traditional pools, typically ranging in size from 12 to 19 feet long. While you can swim in a swim spa, it is a different experience because that ability is powered by the current system. Swimming pools are larger, meaning you can host more people, but they also take up a good portion of your yard and cost more to maintain.

What Should I Budget for a Swim Spa?

The average cost for a swim spa is $22,500. But, you can find them for $7,000 on the lower end or even up to $50,000 on the higher end. Overall, it depends on the size, quality, and features you want. Basic maintenance and repairs cost between $110 to $350.

How Long Does a Swim Spa Last?

On average, swim spas last five to 20 years—which is a broad range. Ultimately, how long your swim spa lasts depends on how well you manage its upkeep.

Maintenance Requirements of a Swim Spa

Swim spa maintenance requirements are similar to those of an inground swimming pool. Typically these are things you can do yourself, including:

• Change the water regularly. 

• Keep a cover on it when not in use.

• Check the water level.

• Clean the filters.

• Ensure the temperature is correct.

• Test the chlorine and pH levels.

• Treat the water with chemicals.