Swim Spa Dimensions
When you want a pool and a hot tub but don't have the space or the budget for both, then a swim spa is a great solution. Swim Spas are becoming increasingly popular in today's society and they are perfect for those of us who don't have a huge property but still want to exercise and relax.
But what size swim spa should you buy? How much space will you require?
To find out, follow along as we walk you through the different swim spa sizes and options!
Not sure which hot tub to get? Let us help you!
How Much Room Will You Need?
So, how much room will you need for that swim spa you want?
One of the big reasons people opt for a swim spa is due to its compact size in comparison to a pool and hot tub combined. If space is your primary concern, then you should know that the smallest swim spa models measure roughly about 7 feet wide by 10 feet long and 4 feet high.
While swim spa models are not huge, you also need to account for enough room to get in and around it, and more importantly, you'll need to make sure that it is deliverable to your location. Corners, pathways, and obstacles can make all the difference. Before your purchase, be sure to confirm that whatever it's size, the small swim spa you choose is small enough to get from the street into the location you choose.
Maintenance is also an important thing to consider. Even if your swim spa is only 7 feet wide, you will want a couple of extra feet around the swim spa so that anyone that does maintenance on it will have easy access.
What Size Swim Spa Should You Buy?
Once you have figured out how much space you have to work with, you then need to consider the different swim spa sizes and what will works best for what you are going to use it for.
For example, are you the only person who will be using the swim spa, or will it be featured during social events? Is it something that your family or friends will use? How many people may want to use it at the same time?
These are all important questions to consider. Generally, if you have the space and budget, is it wiser to buy a larger swim spa. It is better to have too much room in your spa than not enough, and even if you don't fill it with people, sometimes it's just nice to have a little extra space. The largest swim spa out there can hold well over 10 people, perfect for family fun!
Our recommended size for most people would be at least something that is 15-16 feet long. Anything smaller than this still works fine but can start to feel slightly cramped. You also need to remember that your style of swimming may require different sizes of swim spas so it is always a safer bet to go with the bigger swim spa dimensions.
Lastly, everyone is different. The swim spa that would be comfortable for someone who is 4ft tall is not the same case for someone who is 7ft tall. You need to take into account your body size and height as well as those of anyone who may be using this swim spa.
The Available Swim Spa Sizes
To help you choose the best-sized swim spa for you, we have broken down the usual sizes into categories so you get a better idea of what each size is like, and what would work best for your purposes.
The Smallest-Sized Swim Spas
As previously mentioned, the smallest swim spa will be between 10-12 feet long. A small swim spa generally doesn't provide as much room for swimming exercises, but it can still be great for other water-based activities such as weightlifting and cardio as well. Plus, you can still throw in some additional exercise equipment if you please!
These are the ideal choice for people that don't have much space to work with. But be aware that these
are not designed for entire families to hang out in, or for large social events. Often these smaller swim spas come with one hydrotherapy seat, making them perfect for individual use.
The Average-Sized Swim Spas
The next size category is from 13-16 feet long. These are designed to be used for all forms of swimming, and you won't struggle to have enough room to perform all the basic exercises.
This is the most popular size for most people wanting a swim spa. It is a reasonable size without being too restrictive or cramped. Often these models come with additional accessories such as underwater bikes, treadmills, and other
exercise equipment. These are typically a step up in luxury as well, often including LED lighting, sound systems, fountains, and more.
The average-sized swim spas are suitable for families and friends, though you generally don't want more than 3 people using it at a time, as they often only include 2 hydrotherapy chairs. This swim spa hot tub combo allows 2 people to relax in the spa area while one person swims against the current.
The Large-Sized Swim Spas
If you want a bit more space or are looking for more than a casual swim, then you might want to try the next tier up. Larger swim spas are usually about 17-18 feet long and provide a great deal more exercise space. The largest swim spa is 25 feet.
And of course the larger the dimensions typically raise the swim spa cost.
These are recommendable for athletes and serious swimmers who want a stronger current than the usual swim spa offers. With paddlewheels or propellers, the water flow is often much more consistent and provides a much smoother swim.
The larger you go the more features and luxurious items they are bound to include. So if you are looking for specific additions then you are much more likely to find what you need in these larger sizes.
The Giant-Sized Swim Spas
Then, we have extra-large swim spas.
These are the top-tier elite swim spas that come with all the best features and additions that you could ever dream of.
Want TVs or massive waterproof sound systems as part of your swim spa? This is where you are likely to find it. These sizes do vary, but they
generally range from 19-24ft long. One swim spa measures 25ft long, and it is absolutely delightful.
The giant-sized swim spas are not for people with tight space restrictions. They're for people who want all the bells and whistles that a swim spa can offer along with luxury and plenty of space for all their friends.
For seating, there is usually plenty of room for 4-6 people in the swim spa hot tub area. However, the capacity depends also on if you are using the swimming area at the same time or not. Often these gigantic beauties will divide the swimming area and hot tub area separately so you can go for a lovely swim and then go right in the tub afterward. How nice does that sound?
These are extravagant and more expensive, but absolutely fantastic swim spas.
Choosing The Best Swim Spa For You
Each buyer will gravitate towards a slightly different set up depending on their unique preferences. Whichever the perfect swim spa happens to be for you, we recommend taking your time, doing your research, and examining all the options.
Buying a swim spa is not like buying a meal. This is a significant investment that warrants thorough thought and discussion. This is a purchase that will positively affect your life for years to come and can hugely benefit your home as well as your health.
In addition to choosing the best swim spa for your needs, it is also crucial to consider its location in your yard, how accessible it will be, and whether or not you may want to add additional privacy in the form of a structure or tall plants.
If you have any doubts about the swim spa that you would like to buy, it is recommended that you consult with your family, check the specifications, and ask your swim spa dealer anything that you are unsure of or that seems unclear. When all is said and done, we hope you utilize your luxury swim spa to the fullest so that you'll regularly get exercise at home as well as take the time to sit back, unwind, and enjoy the relaxation experience in your own backyard! Head over to our Best Swim Spas article to browse by brand.
If you'd like to see what our free time and money saving resource has to offer, click the button below. We provide prices for the swim spa brands that carry exactly what you're looking for. You don't have to hunt down price quotes, the lowest ones are brought to you!
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.
