Can you Put a Swim Spa in the Ground in the UK?

Swim spas are the perfect solution for those in the UK who wish to train or exercise using the resistance of water, but don’t have the space for a full swimming pool, or the time to visit the local public baths or lido.

The great thing about a swim spa is that you can swim as far as you like every day without actually travelling any real distance. This makes them ideal for training, stroke perfecting and fitness.

Swim spas work via a built-in current system that allows you to swim on the spot. What’s more, the fact you can efficiently heat swim spas means you can benefit from an outdoor swim throughout the year. Even better, the outdoor swim spa doubles as a home hot tub too, with hydro water jets providing a relaxing massage, ideal for a post-swim warm-down.

When you install a swim spa, you have various options for landscaping around it. Lots of people ask, can you put a swim spa in the ground? Can you put a swim spa on a deck? The answer to these is yes, you can, and you have more than one choice in that respect too. However, there are some things to think about.

What to consider when installing a swim spa in the ground?

Firstly, if you move home and you’ve installed your swim spa in the ground, it’s going to be quite an undertaking to excavate it to take it with you.

Secondly, you’re going to need to think carefully about how you will maintain and service the swim spa once it’s installed in the ground.

Next, you’ll need to install the spa on a firm, level base which is able to support its full weight once filled with water, and swimmers or bathers. This is going to need a floor loading of well over 500kg per metre squared. Concrete retaining walls will also be required, and these will have to be tanked with a suitable waterproofing material that doesn’t allow ground water to get into the workings of the swim spa.

You’ll also need a drainage channel fitted with float-switch operated pumps. These will need their own dedicated RCD supplies to prevent the home electrics being tripped should a problem occur.

The electrical connection point also needs a lot of consideration. It will need to be located as high above the floor of the recess as possible so that it is clear of potential flooding. Ventilation is another thing to think about, as the pump motors will need to be kept cool.

It is essential that a qualified electrician carries out all associated electrical work and signs it off as compliant with Part P of building regulations.

All said, installing your swim spa in the ground does have its benefits. Aside from the fact that the perimeter of the spa instantly becomes a seating area, it’s also a lot easier to get in and out of a swim spa when it’s set into the ground. And they look great too!

Now let’s look at the two main options for installing a swim spa inground.

Partially in-ground swim spas

By installing a deck around your swim spa, you can set it partially into the ground. A raised deck is a great compromise if you don’t want the hassle and expense of a full excavation, or if it’s just not possible to install the swim spa fully inground due to geographical factors.

It is possible to raise decking up to create the illusion of an inground swim spa. Do make sure that you choose a non-slip finish decking though, as the surrounding area will become slippery as people get in and out of the spa.

Fully in ground swim spas

Whilst it can be expensive to excavate for a fully in ground swim spa, the results are often worth it.

You’ll need a recess that’s a good 20-30cm wider than the footprint of your swim spa. This recess will also need to be a minimum of a metre from the top of the spa, and must allow for any edging that laps over.

Once it’s in place, the in ground swim spa can be blended in with your garden landscaping to your taste. This could be a lawn, natural stone or a rockery, for example. You may also wish to set up some privacy screening, or a canopy to keep the rain off whilst you’re swimming.

Looking to invest in an inground home swim spa? Pay a visit to Hydropool Surrey

So, now you know the answer to the question, can you put a swim spa in the ground in the UK, the next step is to choose your perfect swim spa model.

An outdoor swim spa makes the perfect alternative to a swimming pool. What’s more, Hydropool Surrey resistance swim spas all feature self-cleaning technology, so they are a breeze to maintain.

To learn more about Hydropool swim spas, swim spa installation and removal, please feel free to contact us, or make an appointment to try one out for yourself at our purpose-built showroom in Addlestone, Surrey.