In recent years, the allure of having a personal aquatic space for home exercise has surged. The high cost of gym membership, long commutes, and many more reasons all compile to make having an option much closer to home a real blessing.
But there is one question that is often pondered. Should you opt for a traditional swimming pool or choose to install the increasingly popular swim spa?
While both offer unique benefits, swim spas are gaining recognition as a more versatile, cost-effective, and convenient option.
Here at Hydropool Surrey, we supply leading swim spas that can transform your wellness and workout routine, and we’ve created this guide to run through five compelling reasons why choosing a swim spa might just be a better investment than a traditional swimming pool.
Let’s take a look.
Swim Spas vs. Swimming Pools
Before we delve into the benefits of a swim spa, let’s look into just what both these products really are.
While they are similar in some ways, there are several key differences that need to be understood.
We all know what a swimming pool is, so how does a swim spa differ?
Well, swim spas are a hybrid between swimming pools and treadmills, designed for in-place swimming with jets that propel you back, meaning you must maintain a swimming stroke to keep in place.
Swim spas are typically larger than hot tubs but smaller than swimming pools, and they represent a more cost-effective option than a swimming pool which requires much more upheaval and work to build and install.
5 Reasons to Choose a Swim Spa Over a Swimming Pool
Year-Round Use
Swim Spas: The standout advantage of swim spas is their year-round usability. Unlike traditional pools, swim spas come equipped with efficient heating systems for outdoor use in colder climates. This means you can enjoy an aquatic workout regardless of the season, providing unmatched accessibility and convenience.
Swimming Pools: In contrast, traditional swimming pools are largely weather-dependent. In many regions, pools are only usable during warmer months, requiring covering during the colder months of the year. This seasonal limitation can significantly reduce the value and enjoyment derived from the investment and can put a pause on any workout routine you are currently in. If you do plan to keep a swimming pool warm throughout winter, this is a big undertaking and will cost a lot more than a swim spa.
Space Efficiency and Versatility
Swim Spas: Swim spas are designed to maximise space and versatility. Their compact size allows for installation in smaller gardens or indoor areas where a traditional pool would not be feasible. If you want to swim long lengths without interruptions, then you need a very long swimming pool. A swim spa provides this with a much smaller size as you simply stay in place, making it much better for compact spaces.
Swimming Pools: Traditional pools, with their larger footprint, require significant space, limiting their suitability for many properties. They also lack the versatility of swim spas, primarily serving as a venue for swimming and leisure without the added benefits of adjustable currents or therapeutic features.
Installation and Maintenance Costs
Swim Spas: From an economic perspective, swim spas have a lower barrier to entry and ongoing costs. The installation of a swim spa is generally quicker and less invasive, translating to lower initial costs. Swim spas are also more energy-efficient and easier to maintain, making them always a great choice.
Swimming Pools: The installation of a swimming pool is a major project that can be costly and time-consuming. Additionally, pools require a higher level of maintenance. These tasks not only add to the expense but also to the time commitment of owning a pool.
Health and Wellness Benefits
Swim Spas: One of the most compelling reasons to opt for a swim spa is the extensive range of health and wellness benefits they offer. Swim spas provide a unique environment for low-impact exercise, suitable for all fitness levels thanks to adjustable currents. They are also equipped with features designed for hydrotherapy, offering therapeutic benefits to users looking for pain relief, muscle relaxation, and improved circulation.
Swimming Pools: While swimming pools do offer a great form of exercise, they lack the specialised features of swim spas. Without the ability to adjust currents for varied fitness routines or the hydrotherapy jets found in swim spas, pools offer a more limited scope of health benefits.
An Adjustable Option
Swim Spas: If you add a swim spa to your home, this can be seen as a long-term investment that can follow you if you ever move. Swim spas don’t have to be built into the ground, meaning if the time does come to move, you can simply bring the swim spa with you. You can also move it if needed, making it a great flexible option for someone who often finds themselves with itchy feet.
Swimming Pools: While some swimming pools aren’t built into the ground, this is rare to see, and with many installations, it is placed in a position in which it can’t be moved. This means that if the time to move ever does come, you have to leave the swimming pool behind and lose your big investment. If you are already stuck into a swimming workout routine at this point, you may have to invest in another way to do this, further increasing your cost.
Hydropool Surrey
When considering the addition of an aquatic feature to your home, it’s essential to weigh the benefits and limitations of both swim spas and traditional swimming pools.
Swim spas offer a compelling array of advantages, from their year-round usability and space efficiency to their lower maintenance costs, health benefits, and positive impact on property value.
These factors make swim spas a versatile and practical solution for homeowners looking to enhance their living space and lifestyle.
The best way to see what a swim spa can really do is to try one for yourself. If this sounds like something you may be interested in, then why not head down to the Hydropool Surrey showroom today?
Or, if you have a question you would love to discuss with our team, then get in touch.