Swimming is the second most popular form of exercise in the United States today, and for good reason. It’s a low-impact activity that burns lots of calories and builds overall muscle strength and endurance.
Because swimming is so popular, at-home pools and swim spas have become quite common all across America. In light of the recent global COVID-19 pandemic, even more swimmers are taking the plunge and investing in pools or swim spas for their own homes.
But which is best for you and your home, a swim spa vs pool? A traditional in-ground pool or a modern swim spa? With multiple advantages and disadvantages to both, the only way to figure out if a swim spa is right for you is to weigh out the pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look!
Comparing Swim Spa vs Pool
As the decision to purchase an inground pool or swim spa is no small investment, potential pool or spa owners should carefully consider all aspects of each. Follow along as we compare the benefits and challenges of both swim spas and pools!
Insurance
One of the biggest differences is the increase in homeowner’s insurance that comes with inground pools. Seen as an “attractive nuisance” to many homeowners’ insurance companies, pools are a liability and require strict code compliance in regards to safety barriers and other safety extras. In comparison, swim spas can be added to insurance policy for coverage, but it is not typically required and is usually less expensive.
Yard Space
The placement of an inground pool may be difficult depending on the design of your property and the space you have available. Swim spas, on the other hand, are a more flexible and convenient option as they take up less space. The smaller area needed for a swim spa allows swim spa owners more room to utilize the rest of their yard.
Multi-Use
Far more than a hole in the ground filled with water, swim spas offer their owners multiple benefits that inground pools could only dream of. Because swim spas can function as hot tubs as well, they provide even more opportunities for recreation and overall health and well-being.
Interior Space
Pools offer more space, so they may be more suitable for big pool parties and larger families. That being said, you may be surprised to learn that many swim spas can comfortably fit up to 10 people at a time!
Year-Round Use
Depending on where you live and your local climate, you may not be able to use your inground pool year-round. Even individuals that live in the Southern United States have times of the year where it is just too cold to be outside in the cool pool water. Swim spas combat this problem with heated jets and ergonomic seating that provides comfort in cooler weather. Yes, inground pools can be heated too, but they are far less energy-efficient and more expensive to keep warm than swim spas.
Maintenance
Less burdensome than their larger more expensive counterparts, swim spas use fewer chemicals and less water and require less time and effort to maintain. Although the costs to maintain each (personally or professionally) will differ depending on the size of your pool, your location, and the availability of your local service techs, the maintenance for swim spas will be less expensive and time-consuming on average.
Installation Costs
There is no doubt that the installation costs incurred from an inground pool will far outweigh the costs necessary for a swim spa. The swim spa installation process is much easier, and swim spa owners can use their backyard up until the day of installation. There’s no digging required, no damage to surrounding areas, and they don’t take 2-3 months to install like most inground pools. Swim spas typically need only a single afternoon for delivery and hookup!
ROI
Swim spas offer a great return on investment (ROI) because they can be taken with you if you move! They also won’t deter future homebuyers in the same way an inground pool could. New owners may be intimidated by the long-term commitment of caring for a used pool that will likely need to be upgraded in the future.
Swim Spa Uses
Of the many benefits that come with owning your own swim spa, the most sought-after features have to do with the opportunities to increase your overall personal health and wellbeing.
Fitness:
Even the most well-designed and luxurious pools don’t offer the average user the benefit of a long-distance swim. Current pool owners – forget about doing laps, if your pool is even big enough! Swim spas offer built-in current systems that allow users to swim against a consistent current for miles on end. Plus, swim spa settings can be adjusted to suit your individual capabilities. This advanced technology allows you to keep challenging yourself and build more and more endurance and strength over time.
Relaxation:
Since the pandemic, mental health and stress relief have been making their way towards the top of everyone’s priority list. The hot temperatures, pulsating jets, comfortable seating options, and relaxing ambiance of swim spas bring a sense of relaxation that inground pools simply cannot provide.
Health:
In addition to the immense relaxation benefits, swim spas offer a safe, comfortable place to receive all the benefits of hydrotherapy at home. Enhanced circulation, eased mobility, improved sleep, and full-body arthritis relief are only a few of the many health benefits that swim spas can provide.
Social:
Swim spas are perfect for entertaining and connecting with your loved ones. With comfortable seating, you can enjoy a swim spa for extended periods of time while you sip on a cup of coffee or glass of wine and have some great conversation. Pools just aren’t designed for this kind of social experience.
Swim Spa vs Pool Verdict
In the end, when comparing a swim spa vs pool, the best choice is what works best for your lifestyle and budget. Both home additions come with their own disadvantages, but the rise in the popularity of swim spas is no accident. The growing preference towards swim spas is justified by their overall costs and benefits, proving more advantageous to the average homeowner.
If you’re ready to purchase your very own swim spa, check out the many different swim spa options on our website or call us today to learn more!
