Swim Spa Cost
How much does a swim spa cost?
Knowing how much you will pay for your average swim spa model is important when trying to create a budget for yourself. The last thing you want is to spend thousands of dollars on a unit that doesn't fit your needs.
Luckily, we've done all of the research for you.
Come dive in with us as we explore what your average swim spas cost.
Cost Of A Swim Spa
On average, swim spas cost a bit more than a hot tub upfront, though many of these swim spa models are built by high-end manufacturers that utilize serious workmanship.
Of course, there are plenty of budget swim spas out there, though the last thing you want is for your swim spa to be a product of unskilled labor and inferior materials.
The cost of a swim spa can be broken down into three components, including the upfront cost, the cost of installation, and the cost of ongoing maintenance.
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Upfront Costs
On average, people pay around $40,000 to install fiberglass pools in their homes. For a swim spa, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on the model that you want to get and how much you want to customize it. Yes, swim spas aren't cheap by any means, though the fact that you can get one for half the cost of your traditional swimming pool makes them a very enticing offer.
Plus, because you are able to use your swim spa throughout the year, you can take advantage of owning one.
Do note that you will have to have some sort of deck, concrete pad, or hard, flat surface to place your swim spa on. If you don't have any of those things, then you will need to factor that into your overall costs. Swim spas weigh quite a bit, especially when completely filled, meaning you can't just place them on any old platform and decide that they're good to go.
Within the upfront cost is the cost of delivery. Depending on your location, you can spend anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. Of course, if you have a large flatbed truck and a ton of people that can help you, you might be able to avoid delivery costs altogether.
Installation Costs
The installation cost is probably the biggest factor you need to consider beyond the initial price of the swim spa.
Your installation costs will completely depend on the scope of your swim spa and the job on hand. From electrical hot tub wiring work to landscaping, there are many things to consider. Depending on the layout of your home, you may even need the help of a crane to make sure your swim spa is positioned correctly.
Swim spas need a hard, level surface to sit on. When it comes to running, they also need a 220v outlet, the same as what you would use to run a traditional hot tub.
You must also decide whether you want an in-ground swim spa or an above-ground swim spa, as in-ground swim spa prices tend to be much more, especially considering that they require careful planning and installation.
Because they are much larger than hot tubs, however, the electricity and heating that they require are far greater.
We recommend going with electric heating during your installation process, as it will save you the cost of having to run a gas line or gas heater, which can save you a lot of 0f money on potential maintenance in the long run as well.
Overall, site preparation is extremely important. The cost of your site preparation can change drastically depending on if you need to install proper drainage, install gas lines, or get electrical work done.
Even so, preparing your site for a swim spa is much cheaper than preparing your site for a traditional in-ground pool. In-ground pools can cost many thousand dollars more due to the amount of careful landscaping that they require.
Make sure to ask your swim spa dealer about the costs of delivery and installation, as they should be able to provide you with a decent estimate on the installation cost and the delivery costs, even before you make your final purchase.
Maintenance Costs
The average cost swim spa ownership costs will vary based on the manufacturer and the model that you choose to buy, very similar to buying a car. Not all swim spas are made equal. There are many ongoing costs that you need to consider in addition to the purchase price, including electricity, chemicals, repairs, and maintenance.
Cheaper swim spas often have poor water purification systems, which means you'll have to spend more money on chemicals and filters. These long-term costs might end up costing you more than if you would have just spent more on the initial purchase price.
You also need to consider energy costs, as the cost of running a swim spa can grow every year. Having a swim spa model that makes use of an efficient pump system can actually save you a few hundred dollars over the course of a year.
In the end, a cheap swim spa will likely have cheap materials. These cheap materials range from the pumps to the cabinet to the propulsion system. Many low-end manufacturers try and find ways to reduce the final price by cutting costs during manufacturing. Not only does this have a negative impact on the swim spa experience, but it can also increase your necessary repair and maintenance costs as time goes on. Plus, ongoing maintenance can be incredibly time-consuming. The last thing you want to do is waste your time having to maintain your spa when you should be enjoying it.
As we said, the initial cost of swim spas can vary depending on what it is that you want. Of course, if you end up buying from manufacturers that purposefully cut costs so that they can save you a few thousand dollars upfront, then you may end up paying a lot in the future for costly repairs.
Size
The size and swim spa dimensions is of course a big pricing factor.
The largest swim spa sizes feel like swimming in a pool and some even have a hot tub attached to the swim spa where several people can fit called swim spa hot tub combo.
On the other hand, the lowest priced swim spas are the smallest in size and have the least amount of features but will still get the job done and have a great swim session.
Place of Purchase
The typical retailer you will find in your local city have normal pricing but there are some other purchase options like Costco swim spas where you can find deals that are below the typical retailer price. The only caveat to that route is that Costco has less inventory and options.
Final Thoughts
We hope that answered how much swim spas cost and the question of "are swim spas worth it." To truly figure out the total cost of swim spas, you need to look at the purchase price, the installation costs, and the maintenance costs over time.
Beyond that, there are additional energy costs that you will likely incur, which can change during the seasons. Of course, even so, a swim spa is a much better financial decision than a small pool or full-sized pool, especially when you consider that you can get more use with swimming spas year-round.
Get the right swim spa and we promise you'll have an excellent, year-round swimming experience that you'll want to brag about to your friends and family.
To see top brands, see our best swim spas guide.
And yes, we know that searching for price quotes from several manufacturers is a waste of time, which is why we urge you to click the button below to see several dealer quotes in your area!
Fill out the questionnaire below to see pricing on the swim spa specifications that you are 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.
