As backyards are getting smaller, gyms with pool memberships are expensive and daily schedules are hectic, having a way to get a workout in without leaving home is an incredibly appealing option. A swim spa is bigger than a hot tub, and has additional features that give your tub pool like qualities while using a smaller amount of space. The average swim spa is 14 feet long, 7 feet wide and 3.5 feet deep. In addition to having space for swimming and aqua exercise, swim spas also feature a hot tub environment. 

Swim Spa Sizes 

A swim spa is a swimming pool alternative that combines an open pool area with the hydrotherapy benefits of a hot tub; it’s basically a combination of a pool and a hot tub in one. Unlike traditional pools which are expensive and take up a lot of space, swim spas are compact options for swimming, relaxation, and fitness activities that can be installed indoors or outside and used year round. Swim spas fall into three categories: entry-level, mid-level and premium/premier. The most affordable, entry-level spas provide a basic “swim-in-place” experience, and enough space for activities like aerobics and rowing. 

Mid-levels systems offer space for more versatile workouts like resistance exercises and deliver a higher degree of hydromassage benefits like dual temperature settings. Top of the line systems are usually deeper, wider and longer units that allow for a bigger range of workouts and enough space for others to join. If you want a swim spa that has the best swim-in-place experience, the highest level of hydromassage and a treadmill, this is your category.

The depth of a swim spa varies depending on the manufacturer, model, and intended use. Swim spas are deeper than typical hot tubs but not as deep as most swimming pools. Most swim spas have a shallow end that is about 3 to 4 feet deep, which allows for relaxation and some types of exercise. The deep end is generally around 4 to 5 feet deep, perfect for a comfortable swimming experience but not deep enough for diving. Some swim spas designed more for athletic training can be as deep as 6 feet.

How Big of a Swim Spa Do You Need?

If you’re considering a swim spa as an alternative to a traditional swimming pool and are seeking a depth that is similar to a pool, there are models that are up to 6 feet deep. Perhaps  more important questions are how big is your space, who will be using the spa and for what purposes?  Depth perception will vary based on the height of the person using the swim spa, and what feels shallow for a tall person might feel quite deep for a shorter individual. If one or more people using the spa are tall (over 6′ 2″) you might want to consider buying a slightly larger swim spa.

The first step in your swim spa buying process is measuring the available space in your house or yard. When measuring, remember to account for entry steps and other accessories. If installing outdoors, consider whether you plan to install it below ground like a pool, or above ground. If you decide on above ground, you’ll also need to account for a poured concrete pad for your spa to sit on that should be at least 1’ longer and wider. 

The depth of your swim spa should be adequate for the type of exercise you intend to do. For instance, certain types of swim training and aqua exercise equipment like bikes and treadmills may require a deeper swim spa. If you’ll use your spa primarily as a pool for your kids, the focus should be a swim tank big enough to accommodate them and any friends they have over. If you’ll be using it for fitness and swimming against the current, make sure the swim tank is big enough. If you’re shorter than 6′, a 14′ swim spa will likely be fine, if you’re taller than 6′ you may want to consider a 16′ or 17′ model.

Once you have a good idea of where your spa is going, and what you intend to use it for, you’ll have a better idea of where to start shopping. If you’re looking for a spa that you can enjoy in any type of weather condition, that will fit beautifully inside or outside of your home, a swim spa might be just the thing. Give us a call at 970-879-4390 or click here to contact us for more info.