How Much Does a Swim Spa Cost?

The average Swim Spa is around $30,000 however the costs can vary. Swim Spas can range from $10,000 up to $60,000 depending on a multitude of options. Swim Spas fluctuate in price due to Massage Options, Size, and Swim Experience. Like everything else in this world, you get what you pay for. It is important for you to find out exactly what your needs are, and what features will help accommodate them. Below you will find important information about how to select the right product for you.

Here is a list of questions you need to ask yourself before shopping:

• Who is going to be using it?

• How many people are going to be using at one time?

• What will be the main uses of the Swim Spa? (Exercise, Hydrotherapy, Swim Training, or Entertaining)

• Where will your Swim Spa be located in your home?

The Most Important Swim Spa Features

The Swimming Function

• How to measure your Swim Spa for your Height

  • Your height is an important factor that matters when selecting the size of the spa you will need. When you’re shopping, it's best to multiply your height by two for the length of the Spa. For example, a 6ft tall individual would want a minimum of a 12ft Swim Lane for their Swim Spa. For most swimmers, however, the ideal length for the entire Swim Spa is 16ft. This length is ideal when swimming in place and gives you room as your swim pattern changes. Think about this as a treadmill: If you slow down for a second, you'll still have room to run and can catch back into place. If your Swim Spa isn't the correct length, your feet will hit the back wall during your exercise if/when you slow your tempo.  When investing in a Swim Spa it's imperative to "Wet Test" the Spa in order to accurately assess the experience. All serious Swim Spa Dealers will have a Wet Test model available on their floor for trials.
    

• Jetting Types

  • The two most common types of jet systems used in Swim Spas in order to generate water current are the Jet Propulsion System and the Propeller System.
    
    • The most common type is Jet Propulsion. This system uses one or more pumps to drive the water current through a pressure system, which then is directed into a current stream, this allows the swimmer to push against the current and swim in place.
    • The Propeller System is designed for Professional Athletes and is found typically in commercial settings.
    • Most consumers will want to focus on the type of Jetting System that appeals to their needs. When shopping for Swim Spas you will find Round, Oval, and Oblong swim jets. If your experience level is on the higher end, you will also want to find a Swim Spa that offers a Buoyancy jet. This jet, located below the swim jets, will help your body stay in the "sweet spot" of the Swim Lane. 

Check out this video on Hot Tub Jetting, which is related to Swim Spas that have true hydrotherapy systems.

• Swim Lane

  • The Swim Lane is the area located 2ft past the Swim Jets, this is where you can actually feel the water current pushing against you. A wider and deeper Swim Lane makes it easier to stay in the water current and makes for a more enjoyable swim experience.  Unstable/Turbulent water can ruin your swim experience. The difference between an Entry Level Swim Spa and all the Rest is the design of the swim jets and the water flow. As seen in the photos below, notice the difference in the path the water takes as it reduces turbulence in the swim lane, creating an exceptional swim experience. 

Hydrotherapy and Massage

Hydrotherapy has proven useful in the treatment in the following areas:

• Pain Management
• Arthritis
• Pre /Post-Joint Replacement Surgery Rehabilitation 
• Improve muscle flexibility and range of motion
• Improve strength via resistance training
• Weight loss
• Hot tubs may reduce muscle spasm
• Fight fatigue
• Aid in relaxation and lower stress levels

The Hydromassage Seats are ergonomically designed for comfort and lumbar support while also providing high-power jets to give you a strong but relaxing massage.

Cost to Maintain a Swim Spa

The maintenance costs of a Swim Spa aren't much different than with a traditional Hot Tub or Pool. You’ll need to maintain your spa filters, spa chemicals, as well as either UV Bulbs (found in some higher-end Swim Spas that will keep your Swim Spa clean and clear longer.) The cost of electricity will vary by State/Community as outdoor temperature creates the biggest variants in operating costs. Depending on where you live, expect to spend $50-$100/month on electricity, higher-end models will be better insulated and have reduced energy costs.

Buyers Beware!

Remember like with anything else you get what you pay for. We strongly recommend if you are making a purchase that you have physically seen, and tested the specific model that you are going to buy. We have come across hundreds of customers who blindly purchased a Swim Spa through the internet to only experience damaged parts, disappointing performance, and only a national 800 number for service resulting in extremely long wait times for service appointments.

These days it's almost more important to know WHO you are buying from rather than WHAT you are buying. Knowing that a company will take care of you no matter the issue, creates peace of mind and reduces stress, which is the point of the Swim Spa anyway!

Other important information when buying a Swim Spa

Swim Spa Water Purification Systems

When shopping for a Swim Spa finding one with a purification system built into the unit can be extremely important. Purification Systems make it easier to maintain your Swim Spa’s Cleanliness, Water Clarity and can reduce the cost of chemicals. More importantly, when these systems are present in a Swim Spa, they can reduce maintenance time significantly. The reality is you want to spend your time enjoying the Swim Spa, not maintaining it.

Ozone

Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent that helps clear contaminants from the water. This feature is available on most Swim Spas and is a bare minimum solution.

UV

Ultraviolet Light (UV) is an advanced Water Purification System that is designed to kill 99% of waterborne pathogens. This advanced system will help your water stay clearer and cleaner longer (You will use fewer chemicals with a UV system). There is minimal maintenance of a UV system, as typically it requires replacing the UV Bulb once a year (which is easy to do). 

Salt

Salt systems are branded as "All Natural" Water Purification Systems. These systems simply convert Salt into Chlorine or Bromine through the use of a generator. Using a Salt System has a higher cost initially, but will allow you to use fewer chemicals in your Swim Spa in the long run. Keep in mind, you are paying for a system that is producing Chlorine or Bromine versus adding those chemicals directly week to week. Maintenance costs are higher on Salt Systems as you need to replace the Salt Cell every 2-5 years depending on use (Salt Cells range from $300-$900).

Energy Efficiency of Swim Spas

Energy Efficiency from your spa is achieved when you insulate (many types) it, along with a good fitting cover. The goal is to reduce electrical expenses month to month. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, energy-efficient appliances can save you anywhere between 5% to 30% a month on your utility bill.

• Good Efficiency: A Swim Spa system that has insulation on the backside/underneath of the shell.

• Better Efficiency: Insulation on the backside/underneath as well as the backside of the Cabinet.

• Best Efficiency: Full Foam or Full Insulation fills all air gaps inside the Cabinet to ensure the highest efficiency level.

Swim Spa Insulation Types

Any insulation at all is a huge benefit, below you will find descriptions of the different types of insulation types available. If you live in a cold-weather climate all year round or even part of the year, it’ll be important to have insulation in your Swim Spa.

Shell Backed/Partial Foam Insulation

This type of insulation is made of Foam and helps insulate specific parts of the Swim Spa to create a higher level of energy efficiency. This is the most affordable insulation type upfront but could be costly in the long run if in a cold-weather climate.

Wrap Insulation

Wrap Insulation typically refers to a type of insulation used on the backside of the cabinet. You will find some Swim Spas ONLY have this type of insulation but is an optional add-on on most Mid to High-End Swim Spas.

Ergonomics

Every manufacturer out there builds their Swim Spa differently when it comes to ergonomics. When shopping for a Swim Spa it is extremely important to get inside the Swim Spa and test out the seating and Swim Lane. I know what you’re thinking, and no, the Swim Spa does not need to be filled for a seating test. If you’re not comfortable sitting in the Spa when it’s dry, you won’t be comfortable when it’s filled with water. When shopping for a Swim Spa, it’s important to check out multiple retailers to experience the comfortability of different manufacturers. The last thing you want to do is spend your hard-earned money on something that isn’t comfortable when all is said and done.

From Swim Lanes to Jet Propulsion, there are a lot of things to consider when purchasing a Swim Spa.