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

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 created with hydromassage jets and more.

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

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

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 well-being. If you like the thought of getting into a routine of using the swim spa in summer and wish you could do the same in winter, the good news is you can adjust settings so a balance you enjoy can be achieved at any time of the year.

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?

Swim spa dimensions vary between brands and this includes depth 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.

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.

-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.

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.

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.

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. 

If you have a particular use that you want a swim spa for, ensure the length, current strength, are best suited to your preferred type of swimming and abilities.

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.

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.

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

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

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