Swim Spas vs. Small Swimming Pools

Let's start by talking about how much space you might need. Swim spas are like the Goldilocks of swimming pools. They come in a range of sizes, from compact models suitable for small spaces to much larger options for big gardens. You’re pretty much guaranteed that there’s a swim spa out there to suit you! As well as this, all the plumbing and water treatment works are all contained in the unit meaning you don’t have to consider where your pump room might sit or how much of the garden you might have to rip up to fit pipe work! 

On the other hand, swimming pools can be designed to suit your garden. Coming in different shapes, as well as sizes, they can be tailored to your space. Typically they do require more room for installation, and you also have to consider additional pipework and pumprooms to make your swimming pool run seamlessly, which makes them less flexible in terms of placement.

Now, let's dive into the fitness and recreation aspect. Swim spas are designed with your wellbeing in mind. They offer adjustable water current, allowing you to swim in place, endlessly, giving you a fantastic cardiovascular workout without having to turn at the end of a pool. This is particularly beneficial for those who are serious about their fitness routines or have limited mobility. Additionally, many swim spas include hydrotherapy features, combining the benefits of a hot tub and a swimming pool in one. So, after a challenging swim, you can relax and soothe your muscles in the warm, bubbling waters. Talk about the best of both worlds!

On the other hand, small swimming pools primarily focus on providing a dedicated area for swimming and relaxation. If you are looking to be able to swim lengths to focus on your fitness, a small pool may not be suitable for this purpose.

One of the greatest advantages of swim spas is their versatility. They can be used for various activities beyond swimming, such as water aerobics, resistance training, and family fun. With adjustable water currents, you can customise the intensity of your workout or simply enjoy a leisurely swim. Moreover, swim spas are designed to be used year-round, regardless of the weather. So, whether it's a sunny summer day or a chilly winter evening, you can take a dip and reap the benefits.

Without the resistance of the swim jets, small swimming pools are limited to providing a relaxing spot on a sunny day or swimming limited lengths of the pool. They may also be limited to seasonal use, requiring additional maintenance and precautions during colder months.

Lastly, we’ll take a look at how much it costs to get a small pool installed compared to a swim spa. Small pools start at around £60,000, but the bigger you go, the more expensive it’s going to get, and this is usually increased per square metre. There is a lot of work that goes into a swimming pool… groundworks, plumbing, electrical supply, so this is something you will need to consider when buying a pool.

Swim spas start at around £17,000 and their installation is very similar to that of a hot tub - Just an electrical hook up with no plumbing required! only kind of groundworks you will need for a swim spa is a level concrete pad, however swim spas can also be fully sunken or partially sunken if you prefer. You may need some form of hi-ab or crane to get it in to your garden, however if you purchase your swim spa with Hydrolife, we can help you arrange things like a hi-ab as well as recommend electricians to help you get set up.