The Complete Guide to Swim Spas: Pros & Cons
Published 26 April, 2025
By now, you’ve probably heard about swim spas. Maybe your cousin’s uncle’s sister has one and absolutely loves it. Or your teenage daughter mentioned how much fun she had trying one out at a party across town. Maybe you spotted one at a home show and thought it looked interesting, something to check out when you had the time.
Enter the mysterious swim spa!
“What is a swim spa?” is easily one of the most common questions we hear at Hydropool showrooms. Sometimes it’s just a simple point and a curious, “What’s that?”
That’s exactly why we wrote this article. We sell both hot tubs and swim spas, but while hot tubs are a familiar sight, swim spas are still a bit of a mystery. After all, there’s no "Swim Spa Time Machine" movie, and James Bond hasn’t dramatically emerged from one to chase villains yet. Their big cultural moment is still on the way!
So if you’re not quite sure what a swim spa is, don’t worry — you’re not alone. Simply put: a swim spa combines the best features of a hot tub and a swimming pool, but at about half the cost of a traditional pool. Picture a longer, wider hot tub that generates a current strong enough to swim against. Like a hot tub, it stays warm year-round and offers hydrotherapy massage seats. Plus, it’s large enough to swim, work out, or throw a family get-together — it’s a super versatile addition to your backyard.
Pretty cool, right?
In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know, including:
- What is a swim spa?
- How much does a swim spa cost?
- Pros and cons of swim spas
- How a swim spa works
- What to look for in a great swim spa
What is a Swim Spa?
A swim spa combines the best features of a swimming pool and a hot tub into one, making it a versatile, year-round aquatic retreat. It’s designed for everyone — from kids just learning to swim to elite triathletes training for competition — and it also offers comfortable seating and heated water for relaxation all year long.
What Does a Swim Spa Cost?
At Hydropool, most customers invest between $30,000 and $70,000 CAD for a fully installed swim spa. This price typically includes everything you need to get started: the swim spa itself, a concrete base, electrical setup, and delivery (which may vary depending on your location).
For comparison, installing an in-ground pool usually starts around $60,000 — and costs can climb quickly from there.
(For a deeper dive into swim spa pricing, check out this article.)
Average Swim Spa Sizes:
- Length: Between 13 and 21 feet
- Width: About 8 feet
- Depth: Between 3 and 4 feet
When it comes to installation, swim spas are usually placed on a concrete pad and are often set into position with the help of a crane.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Swim Spas?
Swim spas offer a great way to stay fit, healthy, relaxed, and happy. Whether it’s cold or hot outside, you’ll always have a comfortable place to enjoy the water. When you want an aquatic workout or a relaxing soak to soothe tired muscles, a swim spa gives you both options.
Swim spas also function very well as pools. They’re a fantastic place for kids to play, a fun spot for family gatherings, and a safe environment to teach children how to swim.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of swim spas:
Pros:
Combines the features of a hot tub with the ability to swim and exercise.
Costs significantly less than an in-ground pool.
Can be enjoyed year-round at a reasonable operating cost.
Easier and quicker to install compared to an in-ground pool, often with fewer or no permits required.
Cons:
While cheaper than a pool, it’s more expensive to buy, run, and install than a hot tub.
Requires installation on a concrete pad and needs hardwired electrical connections.
Needs regular maintenance, just like a pool or hot tub.
One last thing:
Be prepared — friends and neighbors might start showing up more often! Whether that's a pro or a con depends on how social you are.
How Does a Swim Spa Work?
A swim spa operates similarly to a treadmill. Just as a treadmill’s conveyor belt lets you run in place, a swim spa uses jets (or in some cases, a propeller) to generate a current, allowing you to swim in place without reaching the other side.
The swim current quality can vary depending on the model. Some swim spas offer a single jet setting, while others let you adjust the intensity from 1-10, increasing the swim power. Some models also have jets to help keep you in place as you swim against the current, while others come with a tether to hold you steady as you swim.
Hot Tub or Swim Spa: Which is Best for Me?
The best advice is to think about what you’ll use it for most. If your primary goal is relaxation and massage, a hot tub is likely your best option. However, if you want the flexibility to work out while still having a space to relax and enjoy a massage, a swim spa would be a better choice.
Hot tubs are ideal for intimate, wellness-focused experiences, while swim spas offer more versatility, especially for those seeking athletic benefits.
What Should I Look for in a Good Swim Spa?
With many swim spas on the market, the key is understanding your needs and how you plan to use the spa. Whether you're looking for one for aquatic fitness, for the kids to play in, or a combination of both, knowing your priorities upfront will guide your choice.
Here are four important factors to consider when choosing a swim spa:
The Swim System:
A good swim spa should produce a high-quality, versatile swim current. You should be able to adjust the current to suit various skill levels, from beginner to athletic swimmer, so everyone can enjoy it.In-Water Fitness Features:
Many good swim spas come with additional tools, like fitness kits, that allow for in-pool exercises. These features add value if you're interested in aquatic workouts.Small Pool Functionality:
The spa should also function as a small pool, providing enough space for swimming or kids to play in. Be mindful of too many seats, as they can reduce usable space.Hot Tub Features:
At least two to four seats with sufficient jets for massage will give you the hot tub experience, offering a relaxing option alongside your aquatic activities.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve written an article outlining more details.
If you're ready to explore what's available, check out these articles: Swim Spas for the U.S. and Swim Spas for Canadians.
A swim spa can be put in-ground or above ground, blending in with your backyard or standing out. This is part of Hydropool's Aquatic collection.
Why a Swim Spa Might Be Right for You
A swim spa is essentially a stretched hot tub that generates a strong current, allowing you to swim in place without reaching the other side. While still a relatively new concept in the market, swim spas have quickly gained attention for their versatility and functionality.
Here are some reasons why a swim spa might be the perfect addition to your backyard:
If you’ve always wanted a pool but prefer less hassle.
If you enjoy the idea of a hot tub but wish you could do more with it.
If you’re looking for an aquatic workout facility right at home.
If you want to swim year-round, regardless of the weather.
If you're looking for a space where your kids or grandchildren can have fun.
Swim spas can be installed either in-ground or above-ground, blending seamlessly with your backyard or making a bold statement. They are part of Hydropool's Aquatic collection, offering both relaxation and fitness benefits.
Have more questions? We’d be happy to help. Find the nearest retailer to you here.
