4 MIN READ
As more people are embracing the idea of home wellness, swim spas have become an increasingly popular choice, offering the benefits of both a swimming pool and a hot tub. But can you really swim in a swim spa? Let's go into a little more detail for those unfamiliar with the concept.
A swim spa is essentially a compact swimming pool designed for exercise and relaxation. Unlike traditional swimming pools that need a substantial area for installation, a swim spa requires less space and offers the benefit of year-round use, irrespective of the weather conditions. But how effectively can one truly swim in it?
The simple answer is yes, you can swim in a swim spa. But it's not akin to swimming in a traditional pool where you move freely from one end to another. Swim spas use water jets or propulsion systems to create a current against which you can swim. This technique, often referred to as "endless swimming," allows you to swim in place without touching the walls or needing to do flip turns. It's comparable to running on a treadmill.
Swim spas are designed with an adjustable current strength, allowing users of all fitness levels to swim at their own pace. For beginners, the water current can be set to a lower speed to let you swim comfortably. As your swimming skills progress, you can adjust the current for more resistance, thus providing a more rigorous workout.
During the first Covid lock down, when swimming pools had to close, Jacuzzi supported more than a dozen Team GB swimmers by giving them swim spas to use in their own homes. So impressed was Adam Peaty, that he became an ambassador for Jacuzzi swim spas and still has one in his garden today.
While the swimming experience in a swim spa may differ from a traditional pool, it certainly does not compromise the health benefits. It offers a great cardiovascular workout that strengthens your heart, improves lung capacity, and tones muscles. Also, the buoyancy of water reduces stress on your joints, making it an excellent option for low-impact exercises.
On the relaxation front, swim spas offer hydrotherapy benefits similar to a hot tub. Many models feature seats with massage jets that help in reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation after a good swim or a long day. This dual-functionality makes swim spas an attractive option for many households.
Despite the many advantages, it's important to understand some of the potential limitations of swim spas. First, the size. While compactness is an advantage for many, it might be a constraint for those looking to swim long laps. The space might feel limited, especially for taller individuals or those looking to practice specific swim strokes. When looking to purchase a swim spa it is important that you go along to your local swim spa showroom and trial the different models available. Not all swim spas are the same and the quality of the swim varies hugely across different models and manufacturers.
In addition, some might find swimming against a constant current a bit monotonous over time, unlike swimming in a full-size pool where you can change direction. To counter this, some swim spa models, like Jacuzzi, offer variety in their workout modes, including wave modes and interval training. Jacuzzi swim expert models also include Form Goggles, which sync with your swim spa and give you a heads up display show information like how far you have swum and you heart rate.
Swimming against a current in a swim spa might take some getting used to, particularly for novice swimmers. The experience differs from traditional swimming and needs a bit of practice to maintain the right position in the current. However, once mastered, it can provide a comprehensive, full-body workout.
For all of these reasons, swim spas are becoming more and more popular as a cost-effective, year-round alternative to a swimming pool. Jacuzzi pride themselves on manufacturing swim spas that deliver an excellent swimming experience and if its good enough for Adam Peaty...
