Are Swim Spas Worth It?
Some people want a pool. Others want a hot tub. But what if you could get both in one tidy package?
Swim spas provide the best of both worlds. Whether you want relaxation or exercise they can meet your needs. But, are they actually as good as a pool or a hot tub? Does the cost of owning a swim spa match its practical value? Are swim spas worth it?
In this article we will examine the reality of owning a swim spa and conclude whether or not swim spas are really as good as their manufacturers claim.
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Can you really swim in a swim spa?
You would think that with the name "swim spa" the answer to this question would be obvious.
But since most people see swim spas as oversized hot tubs it does beg the question of whether or not you can comfortably swim in one.
Swim spas are not designed for swimming laps.

Instead, the swim jets in these pool alternatives provide a comfortable flow rate with different settings so you can swim on the spot against the current. This 100% works and is a great way to get regular exercise and have a more active lifestyle.
It must be noted though, that utilizing a swim spa is very different from swimming in a pool. Though swim spa models accomplish their purpose, you do not have the space that you would in a large public pool. The smaller swim spa dimensions allow you to build endurance, cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength right in your own back yard.
A swim spa is a nice compact alternative to a swimming pool and can provide exercise benefits and year-round use.
Does a swim spa get as hot as a hot tub?
Another reason for owning a swim spa is to use it for hydrotherapy and relaxing family time like you would have in hot tubs. But is it as good? Can it get as hot?
Generally, you will not want to keep a swim spa hot tub combo at its maximum heat level. There are several reasons for this. Though swim spas heat up like hot tubs, it would be expensive to maintain this temperature for long periods of time. Extreme heat is also not recommended if you are planning to do any kind of swim spa water exercise as you could overheat yourself and nullify the health benefits.
Most swim spas are as good as hot tubs but due to their dual functionality, you would not want to keep them at hot tub temperature all the time. These swim spas are designed for relaxation, to have fun, and also for the entire family to get regular exercise.
Overall, a swim spa can function very well as a hot tub and shows no signs of inferiority.
What is the average cost of a swim spa?
Whenever planning to purchase any large item like a swim spa, the first thing most people check is the price tag. Its long-term value is often compared against its price and running costs. Therefore to determine whether a swim spa is a good investment we will be reviewing its purchase price and ongoing costs.
Purchase Price
Swim spa cost can vary depending on the make/model you select and the place you buy it from. Prices can change drastically based on swim spa manufacturers The general estimated cost of buying an entry-level swim spa is between $7,000 - $12,000. You will see price tags around $15,000 - $30,000 for mid-range models, and the fanciest and largest swim spa versions can go for well over $40,000.
At first glance, the cost of a swim spa seems like a lot. However, when you compare swim spa models with the costs of a pool and a tub, you are saving yourself a ton of money. A standard inground pool usually costs around $40,000 and if you add a hot tub, the total can be around $55,000. When you weigh up the contrast between $55,000 with a swim spa, the value of the swim spa brands becomes clear.
So if you are considering a swim spa fitness pool instead of a traditional swimming pool, then when it comes to pricing, it is definitely worth it. But what about a swim spa vs a hot tub? If you only want the hot tub's functionality then you can get one for as low as $3,000. Therefore unless you are specifically looking forward to swimming as a form of exercise, then you would be better off just getting a hot tub.
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Installation Costs & Swim Spa Maintenance

The cost to deliver and install a swim spa will depend on your area, who you hire, and also the space where you plan to place it. These costs vary greatly and there is no general estimation for how much this might be because of the numerous types of installs that can exist.
However, to give you a general idea, if you were to install the swim spa on a concrete base next to your house, it would likely be between $3000-4000 to install it. This is only slightly more than
what it costs to install a hot tub but still much less than installing a pool.
Ongoing costs and maintenance can be even more important than the main price tag. If you choose your swim spa solely based on its price, it could cost you a lot of money down the line. Therefore, whether the swim spa is worth it, in the long run, can depend on the features of your selected swim spa.
Here are some things to look for which can help lower your long-term costs:
Conclusion
Many swim spa owners couldn't live without their swim spas.
In simple terms, a swim spa is a little more expensive than a hot tub but much cheaper than a pool. However, when you look at the fact that most swim spas offer incredible features like lap swimming, hot tub seats, swim jets, swim current settings, and year-round use, a home swim spa model is a wonderful alternative to a small pool.
If you fancy a place you can maintain an exercise routine, then the price is worth it. It gives you somewhere to swim without paying the extortionate amounts that it costs to install a swimming pool. A swim spa is a wonderful cost-effective alternative.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a hot tub to help you relax and to get some hydrotherapy then a swim spa would work but it would be slightly more costly than a standard hot tub. If you only need the equivalent of a hot tub then there would be no reason to spend the extra cash.
Thirdly if you want all the benefits of swimming in public pools while getting warm water therapy within the same package, then a swim spa is not only worth it, but it is the optimum solution.
When it comes to swim spa vs pool, a swim spa is the middle ground between a large pool and a small spa and you and your family can use it all year round. If this is something that sounds good to you, then it is 100% worth it.
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About The Author
Bobby Gifford // Staff Writer
Bobby Gifford has over 17 years of experience with hot tubs and swimming pools. He has owned one pool and several hot tub brands over the years and has a wide scope of knowledge including buying information, maintenance and industry trends.