SWIMMING POOL VS. SWIM SPA: WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR ME?

5 Minute Read

Water-loving families can enjoy many years of swimming and socializing by installing either a swimming pool or swim spa at their home. Deciding between the two really comes down to space, budget, and what you envision your ideal swim and soak sessions to be. By considering the costs, maintenance requirements, and pros and cons of each option, you can decide whether swimming pools or swim spas are a better fit for your lifestyle.

See how swim spas and swimming pools compare before you decide which is the best choice for your family.

USABILITY

The length of your pool season is dependent on the weather conditions and climate in which you live. In some cases, you might be limited to using the pool just a few months of the year unless you have a pool heater.

Swim spas are built with energy efficiency standards and insulated covers, making it more affordable to maintain a comfortable water temperature any time of the year. Whether installed indoors or outdoors, swim spas can be enjoyed year-round.

VERSATILITY

Large swimming pools offer various shapes, sizes, and depths, and allow lap swimmers to do turns and dives. They also have ample space to accommodate multiple swimmers at once.

Swim spas offer a uniform depth and offer a continuous, in-place swim session without the need to turn. They can also be installed above ground, partially vaulted into the ground, or fully faulted, as well as with a deck surround. Models can also be installed indoors with sufficient ventilation. Using a powerful swim jet, swim spas offer in-place swimming, resistance fitness, and entertainment when equipment or flotation devices is anchored to built-in mount. Swim spas also offer a hydromassage experience in ergonomically designed jetted seats to loosen up muscles before a workout, or to just relax at the end of the day.

EXPLORE SWIM SPA

J-16 PowerPro™

The best high-performance swim experience, combining the best aquatic technology with the therapeutic power of Jacuzzi® PowerPro® jets.

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J-19 PowerActive™

Combines swim current technology with the therapeutic power of Jacuzzi® PowerPro™ jets.

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J-13 PowerPlay™

Spacious area for swimming, relaxing, and playing.

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INSTALLATION TIME AND COSTS

Typically, it takes between 7 and 14 days to install a pool with an average price tag of $38,300; a swim spa can usually be installed in 1-3 three days and costs an average of $24,800.

Another factor to consider is the cost of accessories that you will need, like a safety cover. For an inground pool, covers run an average of $2,500 to $3,500. With swim spa purchases, the safety cover is included with your purchase.

ROUTINE COSTS AND MAINTENANCE

Whether enjoying a swim in the summer or taking a dip in the winter, it is important to take heating costs into account. Keeping a swimming pool at 85 degrees costs an average of $200 per month during summer months and up to $400 per month in spring and fall. Due to a smaller overall footprint and construction, heating costs are lower: around $35 per month in summer, $50 per month in spring and fall, and $100 per month in winter.

In addition, pool chemicals, equipment, and other maintenance costs for pools will run an average of $1,000 per year; swim spa maintenance costs an average of about $500 per year.

Finally, it’s always good to think ahead to future expenses. With pools, you should expect to replace the pool liner and shell every 10 to 15 years or so, which can cost up to $5,000 dollars. A swim spa shell never needs to be replaced.

Both swimming pools and swim spas have unique advantages. Once you’ve compared installation, ongoing maintenance, and equipment expenses, as well as the versatility and usability of each one, you can decide which aquatic investment is best for you.

Learn more about the Jacuzzi® Swim Spa Collection.