The Ultimate Swim Spa Buyers Guide - How To Choose Your All-Season Pool

Are you considering adding a swim spa to your backyard? You’re not alone! Swim spas are becoming increasingly popular for fitness, relaxation, and year-round family fun.

Swim spas are an exciting investment, with endless possibilities to make lifelong memories and enhance your health and wellness.

If you’re looking to buy a swim spa, you’ve come to the right place!

This comprehensive swim spa buyers guide will walk you through everything you need to know to choose the right swim spa for your home and lifestyle.

Why Choose a Swim Spa Over a Traditional Pool?

Before diving into the specifics of choosing your perfect swim spa, let’s discuss why you might opt for a swim spa over a traditional pool.

Swim spas offer a versatile, space-saving solution for homeowners who want the benefits of a pool without the size or high maintenance costs. Furthermore, they combine the advantages of swimming for fitness with the relaxing, therapeutic benefits of a hot tub.

Here are some of the most notable factors that have transformed swim spas into a backyard staple:

• Space Efficiency: Unlike traditional pools, swim spas give you all the benefits of swimming in a compact design, making them ideal for smaller backyards.
• All-Season Use: With their toasty water, swimming every day of the year in comfortable water becomes as easy as stepping into your backyard.
• Fitness and Relaxation Combo: With a swim spa, you get a two-in-one solution—a place for aquatic workouts and a hot tub-style space for unwinding after a long day.
• Cost-Effective: Swim spas are generally more affordable than inground pools, both in terms of installation and long-term maintenance.
• Energy Efficient: Swim Spas are designed to be exceptionally energy-efficient, helping you maintain comfortable water temperatures while minimizing energy costs.

Your Complete Swim Spa Buyers Guide - 6 Steps for Success

Now let’s jump into the real information you came here for; six steps to help you find the perfect swim spa for your backyard, and what to expect as you move through this process.

Step 1: Defining Your Swim Spa Needs

Choosing the right swim spa starts with understanding how you plan to use it.

Are you looking for a space to focus on fitness, or are you more interested in a relaxing spot to unwind? Maybe you’re looking for something that combines both, with room for the family to enjoy together.

Start by identifying your goals so you can find a swim spa that matches your lifestyle. Here are some tips based on how you envision enjoying your new spa:

• Fitness Goals: If you plan on using your swim spa for exercise, look for models with powerful swim currents that can be adjusted to accommodate different swimming levels.
• Recreational Use: If your swim spa will mainly be used for relaxation or family fun, opt for models that include ample seating, jets, and entertainment features.
• Hydrotherapy and Recovery: If you’re interested in the therapeutic benefits of water, consider the jet configurations available in each spa to ensure they align with your troublesome areas.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Size and Model

Once you know what you’re looking for in a swim spa, the next step is to choose the right size and model.

The ultimate deciding factor in what swim spa size is best will be the amount of available space in your backyard, with the usage considerations following closely behind.

Keep in mind that bigger isn’t always better—you want to find a balance between functionality and fit.

Here are some steps to help determine what size model may be your best option:

• Backyard Space: Measure the space available in your backyard. Make sure you have room for the swim spa, surrounding landscaping, and pathways for easy access.
• Size of the Swim Area: Each swim spa will have a specific area for swimming, with the hot tub seating often tucked into one end of the spa to maximize this open space. Consider how much room you’ll need to swim against the current without feeling cramped.
• Seating: If relaxation is a priority, look for swim spas that balance swimming space with comfortable seating. While many models offer seating for two, others were designed with socialization in mind, featuring seating for up to nine.

Step 3: Key Swim Spa Features to Consider

Swim spas come with a wide variety of features designed to enhance your experience, from high-tech swim jets to energy-efficient heaters.

Understanding these features will help you select a swim spa that fits your needs and your budget. Here are some features you’ll want to consider:

• SwimCurrent Technology: The swim jets create a strong, consistent current for swimming, however not all will be suitable for every skill level. Look for a model that provides a range of currents that can keep you challenged based on your current level and future goals.
• Energy Efficiency: Look for swim spas with energy-saving features, such as high-density insulation and efficient heating systems.
• Control Systems: Look for a swim spa that includes easy-to-use controls for your swim spa’s temperature, jets, and lighting.
• Filtration and Water Care: A high-quality filtration system is essential for keeping your swim spa clean and safe. Look for a model with advanced filtration systems to help reduce maintenance and keep your water crystal clear.

Step 4: Installation and Placement Tips

Where and how you install your swim spa can greatly affect its functionality and the overall enjoyment you get from it.

The installation process involves several important decisions, from choosing the best location to making sure the electrical and plumbing requirements are met.

Proper placement ensures your swim spa is easy to use and maintain, while also blending beautifully into your backyard design.

• Location: Choose a spot in your backyard that’s convenient and offers privacy. You’ll also want to ensure there’s easy access to utilities like electricity and water.
• Foundation Requirements: Swim spas are heavy, especially when filled with water. A stable, level foundation, such as a concrete pad, is necessary to support the swim spa’s weight.
• Electrical Needs: Swim spas require a dedicated electrical circuit. It’s important to work with a licensed electrician to ensure everything is set up safely and to code.
• Accessibility: Make sure there’s enough space around your swim spa for easy access to controls, servicing, and maintenance. You also want to ensure there’s a clear path from your home to the spa.

Step 5: Budgeting for Your Swim Spa

Budgeting for a swim spa involves more than just the initial purchase price. There are additional costs to consider, such as installation, maintenance, and ongoing energy consumption.

It’s important to understand the full scope of expenses to avoid surprises down the road. Here are some factors to consider as you creat you budget:

• Upfront Costs: Swim Spas vary in price depending on size, features, and customizations. While it may seem like a significant investment upfront, swim spas offer a lot of value in terms of versatility and longevity, with many lasting upwards of 20 years!
• Financing Options: Financing plans make purchasing a swim spa more affordable, and many dealerships will offer them. As you create your budget, talk to your local swim spa dealership to explore financing options.
• Ongoing Costs: Keep in mind that there are operational costs, including energy, water care, and routine maintenance. Factor these costs into your ongoing expenses while you create your budget.
• Long-Term Value: A swim spa not only enhances your lifestyle but also adds value to your home. In Southern California, where outdoor living spaces are highly valued, a swim spa is a great investment.

Step 6: Swim Spa Maintenance and Care

Taking care of your swim spa is essential to keep it functioning at its best. While swim spas are relatively low-maintenance compared to traditional pools, regular care is still needed to ensure clean, clear water and efficient operation.

Proper maintenance can also extend the life of your swim spa, giving you years of enjoyment. With a little effort, you can keep your swim spa in top condition year-round.

• Water Care: Regularly check and balance the water’s chemical levels to ensure it stays clean and safe for use.
• Filtration System: Clean the filters regularly to maintain proper water circulation and cleanliness.
• Seasonal Maintenance: Even though swim spas are designed for year-round use, certain seasonal adjustments might be necessary. For example, keep an eye on energy consumption during cooler months and ensure that your spa’s insulation is functioning optimally.
• Cleaning: Regularly clean the swim spa’s interior surfaces to prevent the buildup of grime or scale. Use a quality spa cover to protect it from debris and reduce water evaporation.

How Backyards in Style Can Help

At Backyards in Style, we’re here to make the process of buying, installing, and maintaining your swim spa as easy as possible.

Our team of experts will guide you through each step, ensuring you find the perfect swim spa to meet your needs and fit your backyard. Our showroom is stocked with SwimLife™️ Swim Spas, a leading brand in the industry known for their quality and efficiency.

Whether you're looking for fitness, relaxation, or a bit of both, we’re dedicated to helping you create the ultimate backyard experience.

Ready to start your swim spa journey? Contact us today to schedule a consultation or visit our Anaheim showroom to explore our SwimLife™️ Swim Spa models.