Nowadays, a swimming pool isn’t the only thing you can add to your home to turn it into an oasis. The options have certainly increased over the years, and swim spas have become one of the most popular alternatives to swimming pools. One of the main reasons for such popularity is that they combine the advantages of swimming in a traditional pool with the benefits of relaxing in a hot tub. It’s not surprising then that more and more people are finding themselves torn between getting a swim spa or a swimming pool. Here’s what you need to know about choosing between the two.
The Growing Popularity of Swim Spas
What is a swim spa anyway? Imagine a structure that’s a cross between a hot tub and a swimming pool. Aside from the fact that a swim spa is bigger than a hot tub and smaller than a pool, what sets it apart from both is that it has jets as the main feature that allow you to swim in place against a water current. A swim spa can also function as a hot tub, where you can enjoy a relaxing massage experience.
Swim spas have been growing in popularity as they provide the ideal space for swimming, soaking, playing, and more. Plus, thanks to the current created by the jets, you can also use a swim spa for rehabilitation and resistance training. The versatility that swim spas offer has made them a serious contender against swimming pools for backyard additions.
Swim Spa Vs. Swimming Pool: Top Questions to Ask
To make your decision easier, it’s a good idea to think about factors related to your needs, preferences, and current living conditions. Here are the best questions to ask to help you decide:
1. How much space do you have?
The size of your yard can play a significant role in the decision between a swim spa and swimming pool. If you don’t have ample space for a swimming pool, a swim spa would be an excellent option.
2. How much are you willing to spend on running costs?
Swim spa prices range from $10,000 to upwards of $50,000. On the other hand, Swimming pools are around a few thousand dollars to as high as $55,000. The succeeding expenses that come with running a swim spa will be less than that of a pool because the pumps and heater can function at a lower cost. However, since swimming pools are bigger, the electricity consumption and heating requirements tend to be higher, thus costing more in the long run.
3. Do you value extra features oversize?
Traditional pools are absolutely great for lap swimming. But if you’re looking for more features, a swim spa would be the way to go. The jets of a swim spa will allow you to enjoy exercises and rehabilitation activities that wouldn’t be possible in a swimming pool. In fact, swim spas from Hydropool even provide seamless, intuitive swimming experiences for individuals at any level.
4. Will regular cleaning be a hassle for you?
Since swimming pools are bigger, they’re harder to keep clean and require more chemicals for maintenance. While swim spas still require cleaning, with Hydropool’s self-cleaning feature, you can worry about this less often than with other spas on the market.
5. Do you want an extended swimming season?
You can only swim in most swimming pools for about 3-4 months. On the other hand, Swim spas can be used during any season because of their built-in heaters and excellent insulation. Hydropool swim spas can even withstand Canadian winters. To view our range of swim spas, click here.
Choosing between a swim spa and a swimming pool can be tricky, especially because they both offer great benefits. Ultimately, the decision comes down to the functions and features you value most and which one works best for your space. To learn more about choosing the perfect swim spa for you and your home, download our free buyer’s guide.