Buying a Swim Spa - What you need to know in 2024
In this guide you’ll learn the basics of a swim spa, how they function, the types of swim spas available and how to decide what is the best swim spa for you.
If you’re completely new to this type of equipment, or if you’re in the market to purchase, we hope that this guide will provide you with useful information on your journey.
Once you have an idea of what swim spa suits you the best, click here to read our our other useful article on the buying process and pre-delivery requirements.
What Is A Swim Spa?
The swim spa is not a new concept but is something that has gained significant popularity over the recent years, due to an increasing number of people wanting to have a setup at home that doesn’t rely on a business or location to fulfil their home-training needs.
A swim spa looks similar to a hot tub but is typically rectangular in shape, deeper and wider to accommodate for an individual to swim.
It has similar functions to a hot tub, with the main difference being its ability to propel a stream of water down the length of the tub.
How Does a Swim Spa Work?
Swim spas work by producing a channel of water that is directed down the length of the tub which causes resistance against you.
In the UK market, you will find that the main swimming current is generated through two common methods, a pump system or propeller system.
Pump System:
This is the most common form of propulsion system that draws water from the tub through a filter and then pumps it through the jet nozzles that are embedded in one end of the swim spa. Typically, there are options to increase or reduce the pump intensity to vary the strength of the current.
Propeller System:
This propulsion system works in a similar way to a pump system, but uses a fan to push the stream of water down the swim spa. Generally, propeller propulsion produces a smoother current that is wider than what is produced through jets. However, swim spas with this propulsion system do tend to come at a higher price tag.
Types Of Swim Spa
Single Zone Swim Spa
Also can be referred to as 'single section' or 'single chamber'. As the name suggests, this type of swim spa layout has one main section which would be primarily used for swimming.
Pros
- More compact and space efficient with one swim/spa area
- Ideal if you’re just looking for a tool to train in
- Better on costs due to less energy required to power and as less filtration systems are needed
- Some models have seating at the end opposite to the swim jets
- Typically cheaper than dual section swim spas
Cons
- Less of a social feature with reduced seating
- You will only be able to have one heat seating active at once. For swimming you will want the temperature at around 25-29°C and for leisure around 36-39°C. This could take a few hours to adjust depending on your swim spa.
- In certain models, the hydrotherapy jets will operate at reduced power when the swim jets are in use
Dual Zone Swim Spa
Also can be referred to as 'dual section' or 'dual chamber'. This swim spa layout has two sections, including the main swimming area and a connected hot tub section.
Pros
- Much more of a feature and social tool for your home
- Most dual-section swim spas have separate heating controls for the swimming area and hot tub section.
- Increased power supply means the hot tubs jets can run at full capacity whilst the swimming jets are in operation
Cons
- The starting price of a dual-section swim spa is typically more expensive at £25,000+
- Higher costs to run due to increased energy requirements and additional components (filters, electronics etc.)
- Some dual-section swim spa covers do not allow you to open the swim spa section whilst keeping the hot tub closed.
Deciding On The Best Swim Spa For You
Swim Spa Budget
Depending on the scale of your swim spa project, typically the most expensive factor will be the type of swim spa you will purchase.
A higher budget means you have more choice in terms of propulsion system, added features, as well as the size of swim spa to purchase (be that single-zone or dual-zone).
Project Budget
There are other costs to consider as part of the overall swim spa installation.
We go into a lot more depth on pre-delivery/installation requirements in this article.
Budget planning should be done prior to purchase for all of the necessary logistical requirements, including outsourced architectural design, groundworks, drainage works, electrical setup, as well as special delivery requirements (i.e. crane higher if required).
Next Steps and Useful Links
Hopefully this guide has given you some food-for-thought on what swim spa will suit your requirements the best.
We'd love to hear about your swim spa project so do feel free to reach us on the contact details below.
Thanks for reading.
Click here to check out our swim spa range
Click here to check out our swim spa pre-delivery/installation requirements
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