What Is A Swim Spa
What is a swim spa? This is a question we receive frequently at the Great Backyard. Swim spas emerged on the outdoor recreation market in 1980. The first swim spa was manufactured by Catalina Spas. The industry has been strong ever since and there has been lots of innovation over the past 44 years.
A swim spa is not a swimming pool and not a hot tub, but something in between. You can heat a swim spa, just like a hot tub. Swim spas are even equipped with massaging jets. But you can also swim in a swim spa just as you would in a lap pool. Large jets positioned at the end of the spa are powerful enough to generate a current strong to swim against. Some consider a swim spa the perfect combination between a pool and hot tub. Let's look at how they compare.
Swimming Pool vs. Swim Spa
We all know what a swimming pool and how much fun they are for friends and family. But how does a swim spa compare to a swimming pool? You can swim in a swim spa. The adjustable current allows you to swim in a stationary position. This means you can do resistance and distance training is a swim spa. Unlike an outdoor pool, swim spas are perfect for training year round. And they much easier to maintain be cause they can be covered easily when not in use.
Typically, swim spas are smaller that swimming pools. This means the opportunities for group recreation is a bit limited compared to a swimming pool. A pool is much better suited for a sharks and minnows tournament that a swim spa! However, swim spas are great for a few people to enjoy at once. Because of their size and depth, swim spas are perfect for teaching kids to swim.
Even in cooler climates, swim spas can be use year round. In fact, you can easily adjust the temperature for relaxation or exercise. They are also much easier to clean than swimming pools. The water volume is less and so is the exposure to things like leaves and pollen.
Hot Tub vs. Swim Spa
We all love a deep hot soak in a hot tub. You can generate a very similar effect in a swim spa. It is easy to adjust and regulate the temperature in a swim spa. And, as mentioned above, swim spas are equipped with massaging jets. The even have perfect relaxing seats built in.
Although swim spas and hot tubs have many attributes in common, swim spas are also designed for swimming. This adds a fitness dimension that hot tubs lack. You can put your cardio to the test in a swim spa or enjoy a deep relaxing soak.
Because of their size, swim spas take longer to heat and will not retain heat as long as a hot tub. They also require more energy to hear and operate than a hot tub.
How Much Does A Swim Spa Cost
There are many variables to consider when planning a budget for a swim spa. It is important to remember that there are significant costs associated with the installation of a swim spa. Swim spas are heavy and may require the service of a crane to place the spa at you home. They are also heavy and will need to be placed on a concrete pad. You may also have to upgrade your homes electrical output to support your new spa. All of these are important pre-purchase considerations.
The actual swim spa will range from around $10,000 to $60,000. So why is the price range so vast? Country of origin is important. Today there are swim spas manufactured in China that are economical but will be inferior in terms of quality and longevity. The best swim spas are manufactured in the United States and Canada.
Mid-premium swim spas will range from $10,000 - $18,000 and premium swim spas from $20,000 - $60,000. The wide range in price above $20,000 reflects the range of customizations one could ad to a swim spa. Premium attributes include:
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Water features
- Hot tub swim spa split unit
- Lighting
- Advanced filtration
- Insulation and heating speed
- Swim jets power
Is a Swim Spa Worth the Price
The bottom line is yes, a swim spa is worth the price. It is a good investment and will increase the value of your home. However, the value to the owner of a swim spa will vary. The true value is determined by the home-owners. A family with three members training and recovering in the swim spa daily will have a greater appreciation for the spa than a family who uses the spa every once in a while.
You should think about your goals and how you and your family intend to use the swim spa. Swim spas are expensive but can be very valuable. A swim spa can certainly enhance the lifestyle and health of the owner which is worth every penny.
You May Also Enjoy
Top 6 Reasons to Get a Swim Spa