You might be wondering what the difference is between a swim spa and a lap pool. Is one better suited for you than the other?
Whether you’re a competitive athlete or enjoy working out, either one of these options would be great for you. But here are some things to keep in mind when deciding which one could be your perfect fit.
Because swim spas combine the benefits of a hot tub and a pool, they’re often called “the best of both worlds.” They can give you many exercise options to choose from, and for many, it will be like having a little home gym.
When it comes to swimming, you might expect a lap pool to be a much better option. However, many people actually prefer swimming in swim spas because they can customize their workouts to their comfort level. With all that said, let’s look at what it includes to own either a swim spa or a lap pool.
The Installation
Lap Pool: When installing a lap pool, its size will determine the overall cost and time it takes to install. When planning for a lap pool to be installed, you have to consider its size and ensure there is enough clearance on each side. A lot of planning, digging and eventually landscaping will need to be done for a lap pool. The price will vary depending on your location and other specifics.
Swim Spa: Installing a swim spa requires less planning than a lap pool because of its more compact design and weight. When figuring out where to put your swim spa, you have to ensure it’s at least three feet away from all other objects. This is so people can access all parts of the spa for any future maintenance that might be needed. This is also done for safety reasons, like electrical or plumbing aspects. Overall, installing a swim spa will be much less time-consuming, and the cost will also reflect this.
The Cost
Lap Pool: The price of a lap pool will be much more than a swim spa since there is a lot more involved with installing and maintaining one. An inground lap pool will typically run you around 50,000 -100,000 dollars on the highest end. This depends on different factors like the size of your pool, the materials used, etc. Because there is such a range, there are many options to choose from within each price point.
Swim Spa: The price of a swim spa depends on the make, model, size and any custom additions you require. They generally cost between 10,000 to 40,000 dollars. This is around half of what you’d need to spend on a pool of the same level.
Year-Round Use
Lap Pool: Lap pools are a great addition in the warmer months but aren’t always quite practical in winter. However, if you live in a very warm climate all year round, this won’t be an issue for you!
Swim Spa: Swim spas can be used year-round, regardless of your climate. Since these compact units are similar to hot tubs because they’re self-contained, the water temperatures can stay ideal at any point of the year. In addition, because of their design, you can easily alter a swim spa’s temperature and enjoy it at any point.
Swimming
Lap Pool: When swimming in a lap pool, you attach a tether to your ankle to keep yourself in place. This tether system is excellent for resistance and maintaining a steady pace but isn’t always ideal for every person. How you feel about this type of swimming depends on your preferences!
Swim Spa: Although swim spas are more compact, they still provide great swimming opportunities. Many people enjoy this type of swimming because they can stay in one place without any accessories needed. As a result of the current created by jets and the momentum of your body, you don’t need a tether to stay in one place.
With these jet systems, you can also control the current you’re swimming against. So whether you’d like to have a more leisurely swim or an intense workout, a swim spa provides the opportunity for both with nothing more than a current to swim against. And when you’re finished swimming, you can use those same jets to get all of the hydrotherapeutic benefits you would with a hot tub.
There are advantages to each of these options. If you’re looking to swim, exercise, play and relax all in one compact unit, then we believe a swim spa could be your perfect fit!
If you’re interested in finding the best swim spa for you and your home, download our free buyer’s guide, or visit us at our pool store.