Pool Alternatives
So you've always dreamed of owning your own swimming pool but - either your backyard is too small or the price tag of a traditional swimming pool is a bit much.
Don't give up on that dream just yet!
There are plenty of great swimming pool alternatives on the market, and swim spas are an excellent choice if you have a smaller space.
Our review will inform you of the best options available. Continue reading to learn more.
Not sure which hot tub to get? Let us help you!
Swimming Pool Alternatives For Small Yards
One of the main reasons people seek alternatives to a traditional in-ground pool is the lack of space and cost. If you have a smaller backyard is will be difficult to fit in a pool and still have space to enjoy your outside area.
There are plenty of options for smaller spaces if you are looking to keep costs down, such as inflatables, splash pads, or water gardens. Today we will focus on one of the most versatile and more popular alternatives to the traditional backyard pool, the swim spa.
Swim Spas
A swim spa is a combination of a hot tub and a pool but is much smaller in size compared to regular swimming pools making them perfect choices for smaller yards and if you want additional patio space. Let's take a look at the benefits of choosing a swim spa as a backyard pool alternative.
Extremely Versatile
One end of a swim spa features therapy seating with massaging water jets so you can experience all the therapy benefits associated with hot tubs.
The other end of a swim spa hot tub combo has a pool area which can be used for water exercise.
There are powerful jets that create a swim current and natural resistance, making it possible to swim as you would in a standard inground pool or lap pool.

If you are into working out, and not just swimming laps, many swim spa models include a variety of aquatic exercise equipment such as rowing bars and resistance bands. It is not only possible to swim but swim spa users benefit from being about to undertake a variety of workouts not possible in a traditional pool.
Master Spas swim spas offer an excellent collection of swim spa models for exercising. Master Spas includes a good selection of exercise kits and a complete guide to aquatic exercises with their spas. Swim spa users can enjoy a gentle aqua walk or intense resistance session in any of the Master Spas models. Head over to our Best Swim Spas guide to browse through recommended brands.
A swim spa can also be used by the whole family and is the natural place for the kids to have a splash around, just as they would in a traditional family pool.
Easy To Install
Unlike a regular inground pool or fiberglass pool, a swim spa does not require loads of construction in your backyard, when it comes to installation.
Swim spas need a level surface that can take the weight once it is filled, usually a concrete pad on the ground in your backyard. The swim spa itself can then be installed in less than a day. The swim spa can be filled using the garden hose and once the water temperature is good, you are ready to go.
If you are after a pool with no installation costs then inflatable pools are a cheap pool option for a smaller backyard.
Year-Round Swim Season
Enjoy having an extended swim season with a swim spa. Swim spas can be used year-round so you can take advantage of the benefits of aquatic exercise and massage whenever you want.
Water temperature can be adjusted according to your activity and to suit the climate of your location. For hot locations and if you are exercising vigorously, select a lower temperature. If it's a cool winter or you want the enjoy the therapy benefits such as improved mobility, choose a warmer temperature.
It is possible to enjoy year-round swimming in regular in-ground pools however for cooler climates the pool would need heating which can get very expensive when it comes to your utility bills.
Lower Utility Bills
Compared to a traditional backyard pool a swim spa is much smaller so the good news is that choosing a swim spa as opposed to an in-ground pool will result in lower utility bills. The utility bills add up over time and the cost of running a pool can be staggering.
In comparison to a regular pool, a swim spa will use less water and less electricity for its pumps and heater. They also have an energy-efficient construction making a swim spa the perfect pool alternative if you are looking to keep the running costs to a minimum.
Less Maintenance
If you're leaning toward purchasing a swim spa vs pool, you'll be happy to know that swim spas need less time-consuming maintenance compared to a traditional pool. This makes them a great choice not only if you have a small yard but also if you don't want to spend loads of time cleaning or pay a pool company to do it for you.
They are much smaller so will be quicker to clean and maintain, and require smaller volumes of cleaning chemicals. This means the running cost of a swim spa will be much lower compared to a regular backyard pool.
Price Guide: How Much Does A Swim Spa Cost?

In general, the average cost of buying a swim spa will be much lower compared to a traditional in-ground pool.
The price tag on a swim spa will vary greatly depending on the model and brand you choose.
The overall cost grows if you choose lots of additional features for your spa.
A basic, lower price swim spa will set you back around $5,000 to $10,000 however cheaper spas usually have shorter warranties and may not have the highest quality parts and materials so may cost more in maintenance and repair further down the line.
The price tag for mid-range swim spas is around $20,000 to $25,000. High-end spas and the largest swim spas with lots of customizable features can start from about $35,000 and reach over $50,000. It is good to keep in mind that swim spa and hot tub financing is an option.
To get an in-ground pool, you can end up paying over $60,000 for just the pool, and then you have to factor in installation costs and landscaping which gets very expensive. For a swim spa, installation costs are very low, around $2,000 to $3,000 in total.
We can provide you with several price quotes in your area! Click the button below to compare swim spa quotes and get the best deal. Its free, and after filling out a simple questionnaire, you'll have several prices to choose from.
Takeaway
A popular alternative to a traditional pool is a swim spa. This alternative pool option has plenty of advantages compared to a regular pool. Not only does it offer the relaxation benefits of a hot tub, which a standard pool does not, but it also gives you a plethora of aquatic exercises to have a go at, as well as the option of just splashing around for family fun.
An ideal possibility for smaller backyards with limited space, other benefits of choosing a swim spa include generally lower purchase, installation, maintenance, and utility bill costs compared to the traditional pool options.
So, are swim spas worth it? Now that you've got all the facts, it is up to you to decide!
You want the best deal out there, and would rather not spend hours calling your local dealers to compare pricing. Luckily, we bring free swim spa price quotes to you! Click the button below to get started!
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.