ARE SWIM SPAS WORTH IT- SEE PROS, CONS AND MORE

SWIM SPA PROS

-Year-round, multifunctional use. Can heat or cool the swim spa water so you can use it in summer or winter. You can also use the swim spa to swim, play, relax or all of the above.

-Massage seats. Contoured seating and relaxing jet massage provide a perfect place to unwind.

-Continuous swim. Adjustable current increases efficiency of your swim if you’re training. The current eliminates the need to stop or tumble turn to keep swimming.

-Integrated Bluetooth speakers. Enjoy music or podcasts while relaxing or exercising, creating a personalized environment that enhances your swim spa experience.

-Greatly reduces installation time and cost. You can be up and swimming in a day

-Portable. Relocating to another property? Depending on your swim spa install, you can remove the swim spa from position and have it re-installed in a new location.

-Compact size. A swim spa can take up less space than a swimming pool.

SWIM SPA CONS



-Swim performance tracking. You can't use number of laps to track your training. You may want to buy additional accessories to track swimming speed, duration and distance (some models include these options).

-Restricted shape and design. Swim spas are only available in a rectangular shape and do not offer the same creative design options you have when planning the installation of a swimming pool.

-No diving. Swim spas are not large or deep enough to safely dive into the water.

COST AND MAINTENANCE OF SWIM SPAS

When considering a swim spa, it’s important to factor in both the initial investment and ongoing maintenance. Swim spas typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, making them a more budget-friendly alternative to an in ground pool, which can cost anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000. This price difference makes swim spas an attractive option for those looking to enjoy the benefits of a pool and spa without the hefty price tag.

Maintenance is another area where swim spas shine. Daily heating costs are generally between $1 and $3, significantly less than the $5 or more per day often required for an in ground pool. Routine tasks like cleaning filters and balancing water chemicals are straightforward and help keep your swim spa running efficiently. With proper care, your swim spa can provide years of relaxation, exercise, and fun, making it a smart investment for your home and well-being.

INSTALLATION AND SETUP OF SWIM SPAS

Setting up a swim spa in your own backyard or indoor space is a straightforward process with the right planning. Start by selecting a location that offers enough space, good sunlight, and easy access to electrical and plumbing connections. A level, stable foundation is essential to support the weight of the filled spa and ensure safe operation.

Professional installation is highly recommended, as it ensures your swim spa is properly connected and all safety features are in place. Once installed, your swim spa creates a unique space for refreshing private workouts, family fun, and well-deserved relaxation. One of the great advantages of swim spas is their flexibility—they can be installed either indoors or outdoors, allowing you to design your perfect retreat no matter the season or weather. With the right setup, you’ll be ready to enjoy swimming, exercise, and relaxation in your own home.

YEAR ROUND USE OF SWIM SPAS

One of the standout features of swim spas is their ability to provide year-round enjoyment, unlike traditional pools that may be limited to warmer months. Thanks to advanced temperature control, swim spas can be heated to your preferred comfort level, allowing for uninterrupted swims, fitness routines, and relaxation even in the middle of winter.

This makes swim spas especially appealing to athletes and fitness enthusiasts who want to maintain their training schedule regardless of the weather. The ability to adjust water temperature also means you can use your swim spa for both hot and cold therapy, helping to relieve muscle tension and promote whole body wellness. Whether you’re looking to enjoy swimming, unwind after a long day, or simply relax with family, a swim spa offers the perfect solution for year-round recreation and well-being.

IS IT WORTH GETTING A SWIM SPA?

Yes, a swim spa is a multi-purpose product that can allow you to enhance your swimming fitness skills, play and relax, in the same space. Swim spas offer activities and enjoyment for the entire family, from children to adults.

Swim spas also help families create memories together through fun, relaxation, and shared experiences.

Of course, swim spas are also a financial investment. It’s important you select the right brand and model that best suits what you want to get from the product, as well as your budget.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A SWIM SPA?

A swim spa comes with a set of features that we recommend you prioritise if you want to get the best use out of a swim spa. These points are also important if you're looking for a quality swim spa that will hold its value and can be used for many years.

SWIM SPA BRAND REPUTATION

First and foremost, it’s key to look for a swim spa brand that has a great reputation. One that includes a good track record with customer service, response times and replacement of parts, if and when necessary. Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs are known for their premium quality and trusted brand reputation—consider downloading their free buyer’s guide for more information.

SWIM SPA BUILD QUALITY

If you're wanting to invest in a hot tub that will last for many years, ensuring the following components are made with quality materials will play a big part in the longevity of the swim spa. Components include the base pan, frame, plumbing, control system, cabinet, and shell.

To gain further clarity while you're shopping around, you will learn a lot by asking the dealer or salesperson questions about the build quality of the swim spa models you're considering.

INSULATION IN A SWIM SPA

Like hot tubs, the type and placement of insulation is key to retaining heat in the water. The better the insulation, the more money you are likely to save. This is because less energy is required to keep the water at your desired temperature. Like dressing for winter, layers of insulation can be a powerful way to efficiently retain heat.

SWIM SPA SIZE AND DEPTH

Swims spas range in length from approximately 12 feet to 19 feet. If you are not focused on swimming and are more interested in aquatic low impact exercise or even just a large hot tub experience then a shorter 12 foot spa may be the best option. If you want to swim and are under 6 feet tall then 14-16 foot spas are a good fit. People over 6 feet tall should consider spas 17 feet and longer. Strong swimmers should also look for units with stronger water current.

Before making a purchasing decision, it's worth checking whether the space you have in your backyard or indoor area can fit the swim spa, along with how many people you think will use the swim spa at any one time.

When it comes to the depth, there's variation here, too.

You will typically find swim spa depths range between 3.5 feet and 5 feet. Some brands and models will offer a standard or extra deep option. This is an important feature to keep in mind if you are short, tall or prefer a greater depth for swimming and entertaining. As an example, the Jacuzzi® Swim Spas have a depth of 4 feet and a maximum length of 19 feet. You can learn more about their size and dimensions by clicking the button below.

Browse Jacuzzi® Swim Spa Collections



EXPERIENCE IN SWIM SPA

Swim spas may look similar at face value, but features will vary depending on the brand and model. Some swim spas are equipped to provide unaided swimming against a current, while others are better suited for entertaining and splashing around in. Swim spas are also ideal for the athlete seeking to improve performance and recovery.

If you have a particular use that you want a swim spa for, ensure the length and current strength are best suited to your preferred type of swimming and abilities. Swim spas can help users achieve personal bests in swimming and fitness. Features like adjustable currents and performance tracking are perfect for setting personal bests and monitoring progress.

HEATER TYPE IN SWIM SPA

Heaters for swim spas can vary when it comes to kWh output.

Depending on your climate and location, if you plan to use your swim spa year-round, we recommend you invest in a heater with a greater kWh. This means the heater will do a better job of heating the water to your desired temperature, even in colder weather.

How you intend to use the swim spa is also important. If your swim/soak sessions are less than an hour long you may not need as powerful a heater. Swim spas hold much more water than hot tubs, so they cool off more slowly.

Another consideration is how much you intend to vary the temperature. If you only swim in the spa, you'll usually keep temperature very stable. But if you want to swim and then later have a warmer hot tub style soak, a more powerful heater may be needed to heat quickly enough.

FREE RESOURCES FOR SWIM SPA BUYERS

If you’re considering adding a swim spa to your home, there are plenty of free resources available to help you make the right choice. Jacuzzi, for example, offers a free brochure that details the specific features, benefits, and maintenance tips for their swim spas. Many manufacturers also provide comprehensive online resources, including product videos, customer testimonials, and comparison guides to help you understand the full range of options.

For those who want to experience a swim spa firsthand, free wet tests are often available, allowing you to try out the swim, exercise, and relaxation features before making a decision. By taking advantage of these resources, you can ensure you find the right fit for your needs and enjoy all the benefits of swim spas—family fun, exercise, and relaxation—in one beautifully designed package. Shop Jacuzzi and discover how a swim spa can transform your lifestyle and well-being.

SUMMARY

After reading this article you should have a greater understanding of what a swim spa is, what to look for when weighing up your buying options and some of the top pros and cons of owning one.

If you plan to do swimming training or other forms of aquatic fitness regularly, at any time of the year and like the thought of switching from exercise to hydromassage without leaving the water, a swim spa could be an ideal option for you.

However, if you picture yourself enjoying the hydrotherapy seating more than the open tank area, not likely to activate the swim jets and only plan to hop in the water occasionally, then a hydrotherapy hot tub could be a better option.

Still have questions about swim spas? View our swim spa range to learn more.

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