Is a swim spa worth it? (Pros, cons and more)

October 27, 2022

Estimated read time - 7.5 minutes

Author - Annabella Garwood – Content Manager UK, Jacuzzi Group

Shopping around for a swim spa? Wondering what features and benefits a swim spa will give you over a swimming pool or hot tub? 



It’s likely that you have a lot of questions and considerations. We understand and we’re here to help you ease any decision-making challenges you may have!

In this article you will learn about the main swim spa features, what to look for, the pros and cons of owning a swim spa and more. This will help you work out if a swim spa is the right option for you, and is worth the investment.

In this article, we’ve used brand names not affiliated with Jacuzzi Group. You can see the list of the brand owners at the bottom of this article. All information, including pricing and product details, was accurate at the time of writing (October 27, 2022) and may change without notice.

What is a swim spa?

As the name suggests, you can swim in a swim spa. You can also heat or cool the water, enjoy the relieving sensation from the hydromassage jets and more.



A swim spa also brings together many popular and renowned features you will find in a hot tub and swimming pool.



You can read this article to learn about the differences between a hot tub and swim spa, size, running costs and more.

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. 

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.

If you want more clarity on this while you're shopping around, ask the salesperson about the build quality of the swim spa model/models you're looking at.

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.

Swim spa size and depth

Swims spas range in length from approximately 12 feet to 19 feet. 

Before making a purchasing decision, it’s worth checking whether the space you have in your garden 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, 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 browsing our collections. 

Experience in swim spa

Some swim spas are equipped with certain swim jets to provide smooth, unaided swimming against a current. Other swim spas create a vortex of water that can be better suited for entertaining, play and splashing around in.

With this variation, it's important to understand if the swim spas you're looking at are more steered towards swimming, play or a combination of both.

We recommend you ask the salesperson which brand and models will tick the boxes for you. Even better, arrange a time to try a swim spa out in the showroom.

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.

What are the health benefits of a swim spa?  

Getting into a regular routine of using a swim spa can lead to a number of benefits that impact both your physical and mental health. These include:

Increased strength

Swimming and other forms of aqua fitness will release endorphins (feel-good hormones) as well as work your joints and muscles for a full-body workout. 

Relieving muscles and joints

The power of water and air targeted to certain areas of your body can provide a relaxing or powerful massage, depending on the jet type and intensity you set the current to. 

Whether you're swimming or sitting back and enjoying a hydromassage, a swim spa can help ease joint or muscle discomfort, as well as provide a calming place to relax.

Versatility for wellbeing

Quality swim spas will generally provide you with a swimming and or play area, as well as a hydrotherapy seating area.

The ability to choose and change-up your swim spa sessions means you always have options. A great benefit to your physical and mental wellbeing!

Will a swim spa add value to my home? 

Yes, a swim spa can add value to your home.

Swim spas are an appealing investment to people of all ages, lower maintenance than a swimming pool and good value for money because they can be used in summer or winter.



If the swim spa has been well looked after and is a quality make and model, the greater the value the swim spa is likely to add to your home.

What are the pros and cons of swim spas? 

Pros of a swim spa

-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!

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

-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. 

Cons of owning a swim spa

-Swim length. You may need to buy additional accessories so you can track your swimming speed, duration and distance.



-Installation cost. Installation costs will vary depending on how the swim spa is installed, above or below ground and where you are located.

-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.

Have you been weighing up the pros and cons of investing in a swimming pool versus a swim spa? Asking yourself questions such as 'How is a swimming pool better than a swim spa?' or 'Can you do the same things in a swim spa and swimming pool?'

For the answers to these questions and more, we recommend you read this article. 

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.

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. 

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. 



If you want a pool to work for your area, rather than adapting to the set shape, size and colour of a swim spa, a swimming pool may be a more ideal alternative.



Planning a visit to a showroom and want to make sure you receive the best buying or browsing experience?

Read this article to learn what handy points you should keep in mind before you set off.

Do you have more questions about our Jacuzzi® Swim Spas? Check out our Swim Spa brochure for more details on the three collections.

If you want to pick up the phone or get on the road, find your nearest Jacuzzi® showroom and speak to the team who will be more than happy to help you and answer your questions.