It isn’t just the times that are changing, but our urban backyards and free time are both shrinking. Making your traditional swimming pool less accessible and swim spas more practical. A common concern when people begin considering a swim spa is how much noise will be produced from the motorized current? In the following article, we discuss how your swim spa will operate and what kind of noise you can expect.
Swim Spa Current
Each swim spa comes with equipment that produces a current. This current keeps swimmers in one place as they swim against the jet stream. This allows swimmers to continue without stopping or turning around, this is essential for a smaller pool. Swim spas are great for those who want a low impact and challenging work out, but only have a limited amount of space. With swim spas, users can adjust the intensity level by the amount of resistance pushed out of the jet stream. It is also not uncommon for people to use their swim spa as a treadmill to walk, jog, or aquacise.
Swim Spa Noise Level
If you have ever enjoyed a soak in a hot tub, know that the noise from a swim spa will be similar. It is also useful to know that most swim spas are self-contained. It is common for these to be created as portable units equipped with wraparound insulation and cabinet panels. This will help muffle the majority of the noise expelled from the motor. The noise will be further muffled by the current.
If the noise coming from your swim spa is still a big concern, know there are high-quality models that can be very quiet. This is because most high-quality units have full foam insulation which can mask the sounds that are made as the swim spa runs.
Consider Your Installation
Insulation and quality are not the only things you should consider when thinking about the noise your swim spa may expel. The material you install your swim spa can influence the noise levels as well. Let’s say you have a swim spa installed over an outdoor wooden deck. The wood can give off a drum low-frequency noise that can sound like a constant droning. If you are looking to avoid this, here are a few options.
One option is to cut out the deck so the spa fits snug within the area. Then pour a 4” concrete pad below the swim spa. A second option would be to line the floor with thick rubber mats below the spa and above the wood deck. This creates a barrier that can both level swim spa, prevent damaging your swim spa, and limit the amount of noise produced.
Paying Attention to Noise
It is important for prospective swim spa owners to know that many owners quickly stop noticing any of the noises produced from their spa. Typically, the noise is not noticed again until a different or strange noised is produced. In which case, it means there is most likely a problem.
Clicking – If you notice a clicking noise, you may not think it is that serious. However, combined with a pump that cannot reach high speeds, this means there could be an internal issue occurring. Most likely with your relays or contractors.
Squealing – A squealing noise can indicate there is a pump issue and likely needs to be replaced. If left untreated, this noise will most likely grow louder and louder over time, eventually leading to motor failure.
Buzzing or Humming – This can be the result of a few things. A buzzing or humming noise could indicate a circuit breaker has popped or there is an issue with starting the motor or pump.
If you notice any of these noises coming from your swim spa, check the console for error codes.
If you are someone who is sensitive to noises, consider a whisper quiet swim spa. Most swim spas are not very noisy, but there can be differences based on the manufacturer and model.
You now know what to expect when it comes to the noise level produced by swim spas. Continue learning more about swim spas features and benefits by downloading a swim spa buyer’s guide below, or by visiting us at our London swim spa store.