One of the best swimming pool alternatives around is the swim spa.
With the ability to swim, exercise, and socialize with large groups, there are plenty of reasons to choose a swim spa over a traditional pool. And it surely doesn't hurt that swim spas cost a fraction than that of traditional pools.
Of course, if you don't yet know much about swim spas, you might not be so sure if their features will fit your needs.
Luckily, you've come to the right place.
Come dive in with us as we explore one of the best inground pool alternatives on the market — the swim spa.
Alternatives To A Pool
The best alternative to a regular swimming pool is a swim spa.
Let's go through some of the reasons why you might consider getting a swim spa instead of building a traditional pool.
Easy Installation
One of the main reasons swim spa users get so excited about purchasing their swim spa units is that the installation process is much easier than that of a regular in-ground pool.
When you install a pool, a local building permit from the city is typically required, a contractor must be hired, (which can cost a pretty penny), and the construction process is often very time-consuming.
Depending on the size of the desired pool and and any included features, the process can take many months.
Beyond that, the excavation process required to install the pool, simply isn't possible for every yard.
When you install a swim spa, on the other hand, there isn't much prep work you need to worry about. Simply lay down a concrete pad or a sturdy deck and rest your swim spa unit on top of it.
Typically, you can order your unit from a distributor or manufacturer, and they will deliver it to your home so you can get started using it the same day! Getting it ready for use is as simple as filling it up with water from your garden hose and adding chemicals!
Great for Smaller Spaces
If you have a small yard, installing an in-ground pool might be next to impossible. Most pools are twice the size of swim spas, average out at around 10 x 20 feet. Plus, you often have to leave clearance around the outside for maintenance and a walkway or room for patio furniture and lounge chairs.
The point is that you might simply not have enough space.
One of the leading pool alternatives for small yards is the swim spa. Your average swim spa ranges from around 9-15 feet long. You can choose from the wide range of size options to find one that fits your backyard. Plus, you'll likely still be able to find one to enjoy family fun or parties with friends while maintaining additional patio space for relaxing.
Versatile
Swim spas deliver all of the best benefits of a pool and a hot tub.
Like a pool, you can use your swim spa for swimming "laps." Thanks to the unique jet propulsion designs that these units have, you can swim in place against a current. These currents are often adjustable as well, allowing you to cater the workout to your fitness level.
It's almost like swimming in the ocean without the fear of sharks!
Beyond regular swimming, you can also use it for other forms of exercise.
Swim spa users will often equip their units with rowing bars, resistance bands, aqua walk units, and other waterproof exercise equipment to supplement swimming laps. These kinds of fitness tools can provide improved mobility while increasing strength, thanks to water resistance.
Once you've finished your workout, you can enjoy the hot tub portion of your unit. Most swim spa models come with the same features as hot tubs, including therapy seating, hydrotherapy jets, and water temperature adjustments, so you can enjoy all of the therapy benefits of a hot tub.
Nothing beats finishing a hard workout and hopping in the hot tub portion of your swim spa to relax.
Year-Round Use
If you live in a place that has inclement weather throughout certain times of the year, you might consider getting a swim spa instead of a pool.
What's the point of owning a pool if you can only use it during the summer because it snows throughout the rest of the year?
The worst part is that you'll still have to keep up with your pool maintenance during these times, even if you're not able to go swimming.
One of the major yet often overlooked benefits of swim spas is that they can be used year-round. These units are similar to hot tubs in that they come with water temperature controls. Whenever you're starting your exercise or going swimming, you can adjust the temperature so that it's nice and cool.
However, when you want to use your spa for relaxation, and you don't have the warmth of summer to keep you comfortable, you can turn the heat up.
No matter what time of year you choose to use your swim spa, you'll get to enjoy energy-efficient construction, meaning lower utility bills overall!
Running Costs
You'll also want to consider the cost of running your new pool. Because pools are much larger than swim spa units, they often require much larger pumps to move water. These large pumps often equate to increased energy bills.
On average, people pay between $2 to $3 in electricity each day for in-ground or above-ground pools. If you're using your pool during the winter and you need to heat it up, you can easily end up paying hundreds of dollars each month. Often, people pay around $5 per day to keep things heated.
With built-in installation and a small swim tank, you can run your heater and pumps from around $1 to $3 per day depending on what time of year you're using it. So, on average, you'll pay around half of what it costs to run a swim spa.
What About Inflatable Pools?
If you don't want to go for a full-on in-ground pool, you might consider getting an inflatable pool.
An inflatable pool is an excellent alternative to you regular pool.
They take up less room in the backyard, use less water, and often come at a much lower price than your typical swim spa models.
Of course, with an inflatable model, you won't get all of the same exercise and relaxation features. Most of these models have simple, inflatable designs without many bells and whistles.
Swim Spa Price vs. Swimming Pool Price
The price of a traditional pool can cost well over $100,000, depending on the features you choose to get. Beyond the initial price, you'll also have to consider maintenance costs throughout the years, such as chemicals, vinyl liner replacement, cleaning, and so much more.
Those who choose to go with vinyl liner replacements often end up having to get it replaced entirely every five years or so, which can add up.
Swim spas, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 and don't require as much maintenance over the years compared to regular pools. Plus, they often don't increase your utility bills as much as regular pools, as they don't require as much electricity to keep warm during the non-summer seasons.
If you want more detailed pricing on swim spas from dealers near you, make sure to click the button below and utilize our free service. By filling out the form with your preferences, we can match you with the best quotes from swim spa dealers in your area.
The Bottom Line
With year-round usability, efficient sizing, and relatively low costs, swim spas are excellent for those who want to enjoy all of the best benefits of swimming pools and hot tubs combined into one.
Plus, there are hundreds of swim spa models on the market to choose from, allowing you to find the right one that fits your needs.
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If you're ready to see accurate swim spa prices, though you don't want to spend hours calling different dealers to see which one can offer you the best deal, click the button below. Our free service provides shoppers with price quotes from dealers nearby based on their specific preferences.
About The Author
Meredith Kiley
Full-time staff writer at wyllz.com and stay-at-home mom.