Endless Pool Alternative
Into swimming but don't have the space for a traditional pool? You might be considering an endless pool, but there are additional options which may work out to be cheaper in the long run.
Carry on reading to learn everything you need to know about endless pools and some of the great alternatives available in today's market.
Our Top Choices For Endless Pool
1. Master Spas MP Momentum Deep
- Separate hot tub section with 45 jets plus 2 Master Blasters
- Dual-temperature controls & Master Spas Wave Propulsion Pro™ Technology
- H2Xercise ™ Fitness System, Xtreme Therapy™ seat, Biomagnetic Therapy System
- Best features
2. Swim Ex 480S
- Pool with optional 12 hydrotherapy jets
- Paddlewheel technology & deep swim current
- 99 different speed settings for water flow, non-slip flooring, ozone water care
- Best value option
Not sure which hot tub to get? Let us help you!
What Is An Endless Pool?
An endless pool is a convenient alternative to a swimming pool if you don't have enough room for one in your backyard, or if you don't want to pay astronomical prices to build a traditional pool.
It is basically a small-sized swimming pool with a pump that creates a water current to swim against. Think of it as a treadmill but for swimming rather than running. This smooth current is usually adjustable so that endless pools can be used by novice swimmers as well as competitive athletes.
Not only can you swim laps, but you can undertake a number of additional aquatic exercises as well. Many endless pools come with a variety of exercise equipment such as rowing kits, aquatic bikes, and resistance bands.
There is also a famous company called Endless Pools. Endless Pools offers a huge variety of swim spas, pools, and endless pools with a plethora of customizable options and workout equipment.
What Are The Endless Pool Alternatives?
Well, there are a few, but it really depends on your requirements. Let's take a look at some of the options.
Lap Pool
If space and budget are no issue then a lap pool is something to consider.
Lap pools are long narrow swimming pools of uniform depth. Lap pools don't have wide steps, maximizing the swim area.
Like a traditional swimming pool, they can be built above or in-ground and it is for this reason that they have high installation costs. If you looking for something easy to move or with minimal costs, a lap pool is not suitable.
Like a regular pool, lap swimming pools are usually customized for the individual customer, but the average cost can be lower if you go for fiberglass pools.
Standard jetted lap pools are also a suitable endless pool alternative which means you
can go for a smaller pool size but still have the water flow and swim currents. Endless Pools swim machine can also be fitted to a regular lap pool to create current.
Swim Spas
If you have limited room, a smaller budget, want something more portable, or are interested in a hot tub as well, then a swim spa may what you're after.
Swim spas are cheap to install when compared to lap pools and traditional pools.
Swim spas are a hybrid of a pool and a hot tub. The water flow in the swim area is ideal for lap swimming or aquatic workouts. Swim spas also feature jetted hydrotherapy seats so you can enjoy deep massages during your relaxation session.
Often the two areas of a swim spa are separated by a divider and the water temperature can be controlled for each section, allowing for a cooler water current for exercise and a warm temperature for the hydrotherapy area. This is what we call a swim spa hot tub combo.
Price Guide: How Much Does An Endless Pool Alternative Cost?
When it comes to lap pools, in-ground pools can cost upwards of $40,000 as they have significant installation requirements. Above-ground designs are cheaper usually falling in the $6,000 to $10,000 bracket.
Typical swim spa pricing is somewhere in between these two options, at about $20,000 to $40,000. Installation requirements are also much more straightforward as all they need is an electrical connection and a level concrete pad which cost around $2,000 to 3,000 in total.
Endless pools have a lower purchase price but when you factor in the price of installing it, the final price can range from $20,000 to $40,000. If you go for the Endless Pool brand, then expect to pay more, as their basic original model starts from about $28,000 and increases to $45,000 +.
There is no need to go searching for your local dealer. To save you loads of time and effort, get pricing quotes all from one place. Click the button below to see several quotes from pool and spa dealers in your local area.
Most Popular Models
The pool and spa industry is huge, there are plenty of swim spa manufacturers out there. Let's take look at some of the most popular spa models and the perfect alternatives to an endless pool.
Master Spas MP Momentum Deep - Best For Features
Master Spas is an industry leader when it comes to swim spas and hot tubs. They have a range of swim spas endorsed by the famous Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps.
With several models in the Michael Phelps Signature Series, the MP Momentum Deep is deeper than most. It is also the largest and most feature-rich swim spa option of the series.
This Michael Phelps swim spa measures 231” x 94” x 60" and is a two-zone swim spa.
You can set different temperatures for the swimming pool section and the therapy seating area.
The smooth flow of the water current from the powerful propulsion system creates the perfect area in the swim zone for lap swimming. This area is also spacious and deep so you have plenty of room to exercise. It uses Master Spas Wave Propulsion Pro™ Technology which has a one-of-a-kind propeller design for a swimming experience that is very realistic.
If you like to exercise, this swim spa comes with the H2Xercise ™ Fitness System package which has resistance tubing and rowing bars, allowing you to engage in a variety of workouts.
The hot tub zone has ergonomic seating and features forty-five jets plus two Master Blasters® for soothing foot hydrotherapy. This Michael Phelps swim spa has an Xtreme Therapy™ seat and an Xtreme Therapy™ Cove for the ultimate targeted massage.
It also has the unique Biomagnetic Therapy System for easing inflammation and helping circulation, as well as water features that create the soothing sound of running water.
SwimEx 480S - Best Value Option
SwimEx specializes in swim spas, plunge pools, and hydrotherapy pools which are popular in physical therapy centers.
The 400s Series of swim spas by SwimEx have paddlewheel technology which creates a wide channel of water flow and a smooth current for swimming or aquatic exercise.
This spa series has two models, the 400 OS and the 480 S, the latter has the deeper swim current at 28″.
The 480 S measures 7’7″ x 17’6″ x 5’10” and has ninety-nine different speed settings for the water flow, perfect for the advanced swimmer as well as beginners. It is also suitable for different types of aquatic training and is even great for entertaining.
This SwimEx model has lots of great features such as stainless steel grab rails and a non-slip floor to make exercise safer, a durable fiberglass shell, and an Ozonator and filtration system to keep the water clean.
The 480 S has various optional extras including the EDGE touchscreen which displays your workout and will monitor your progress, underwater lighting, gas or electric heater, and twelve hydrotherapy jets. You can even get up to three 2′ extensions to boost the length of your pool.
This is a great choice of pool if you are just into exercising. It does not have any hot tub-style seating like the Michael Phelps spa we looked at previously.
Dimensions | 231” x 94” x 60" | 7’7″ x 17’6″ x 5’10” |
Water Capacity | 2,325 gallons | 3,200 gallons |
Top Features | 45 jets & 2 Master Blasters® H2Xercise ™ Fitness System | Paddlewheel Water Current Technology Durable Fiberglass Build |
Level of Workout | Beginner to Advanced | Beginner to Advanced |
Seating Area | Yes | No |
Best For | Best For Features | Best Value Option |
The Final Verdict
When shopping for endless pool alternatives, with so many pool and swim spa competitors out there, most consumers find it difficult to decide which option to go for. Both the SwimEx and Master Spas models are great alternatives to endless pools.
Of course, you'll have to decide what you want out of your pool in order to choose the best setup. Consider the room available in your house or backyard, your budget, and how you plan to use your pool before making any decisions.
See our Best Swim Spa Reviews page for more brand options!
Don't worry about shopping around to find the best deal on endless pool alternatives, fill out the questionnaire below to get free price quotes based on exactly what you're looking for.
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.
