What is the Best Small Swim Spa?

If you’re looking for a small swim spa in the 12-13 foot range, the best options combine functionality, space efficiency and features for a variety of activities — whether that’s swimming, fitness or relaxation.

 These swim spas aren’t usually the best at any one thing. They are typically entry-level swim spas that can do a little bit of everything. In most cases, they are essentially large hot tubs.

A swim spa of this size typically offers the ability to swim against a current at a basic level, massage capabilities for water therapy and the space to enjoy with friends and family without taking up the space of a larger pool.

But what should you be looking for in a smaller swim spa? In this article, we’ll go over:

• What to look for in a smaller swim spa
• Some of our favourite small swim spas
• Our best advice on shopping for small swim spas

Let's dive into some of the best 12-13 foot swim spas that excel in these areas.

What to look for in a smaller swim spa?

Every swim spa sold has the following four capabilities:

1. It should act like a giant hot tub, providing hydrotherapy.
2. It should feature swimming in some fashion.
3. It should be a small pool for recreation and family.
4. It should allow room for people to work out and enjoy fitness regimes.

Let’s talk about No. 2 for a second though. Our advice is that if you’re looking at swimming as a priority, you should consider a 14-foot or larger swim spa. This is because you’ll want the space for swimming. It’s possible to swim in a shorter model, but the chances are good you’re going to wind up bumping into the front or back walls of the swim spa.

What size is a small swim spa?

• Swim spas range from about 13-21 feet long. They are generally about 8 feet wide and about 3-4 feet deep.
• It’s the length that is the main variable when determining size. A small swim spa is considered to be below 14-feet long. Hydropool’s smallest swim spa is the 13-foot FFP.

Our favourite small swim spas

Hydropool AquaPlay 13FFP

• Dimensions: 156” long x 93” wide x 52.75 inches high (381 cm x 236 cm x 134 cm)
• Capacity: Up to 9 adults
• Jets: 32 hydrotherapy jets, with one swim jet
• Swim Area: Spacious, useable swim area of 88 inches (223 cm)
• Water Capacity: 1,340 US gallons (5,092 L)
• Swim and Splash Zone: Designed for both fitness and family fun, the open-concept layout makes it great for swimming, playing, or working out.
• No-Nonsense Simplicity: With easy-to-use controls and a straightforward design, it’s made for first-time swim spa owners who want performance without complexity.
• Compact, All-Season Solution: Fits comfortably into smaller spaces while offering year-round usability thanks to solid insulation and Canadian-weather-ready engineering.

While small swim spas don't have the visual magnitude that larger models do, they can still make quite elegant presentations in your backyard.

Master Spas/H2X Trainer 12 Swim Spa

• Dimensions: 144" x 94" x 51"
• Seating: Includes a variety of seating positions with 54 hydrotherapy jets
• Water Capacity: 1,245 gallons (4,713 L)
• Air-Injected Swim Current: Features a robust propulsion system with air-injected jets that provide strong, adjustable resistance for swimming, jogging, and aqua fitness activities.
• Therapy and Recovery Seating: Includes contoured seats with strategically placed hydrotherapy jets designed to relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation after workouts.

• Eco-Friendly and Energy Efficient: Engineered with full foam insulation and an EcoPur® Charge filtration system for enhanced water quality, reduced energy use, and lower maintenance needs.

Jacuzzi J-13 Power Play

• Size: Height (in): 50.0, Length (in): 148.25, Width (in): 92.0
• Seating: Seats for up to nine.
• Pumps: 2 4Hp 2-speed pumps and a 4Hp single speed pump produce a consistent velocity of water.
• Volume: 1345.0 gallons

• Compact Yet Versatile: At 13 feet long, the J-13 PowerPlay™ is ideal for smaller backyards or limited spaces, offering both aquatic fitness and relaxation in one unit.
• Dual Swim Jets: Features two PowerPlay™ swim jets that create a smooth, consistent current suitable for beginners, recreational swimmers, and resistance training.
• Multi-Seat Hydrotherapy: Includes multiple ergonomically designed seating areas with powerful massage jets, delivering full-body hydrotherapy for post-workout recovery or everyday stress relief.
• Efficient & User-Friendly Design: Offers easy-to-use digital controls, energy-efficient insulation, and low-maintenance filtration for hassle-free operation year-round.

Bullfrog S150

• Size: 12’8″ (3.86m) x 7’10” (2.38m) x 4’4″ (1.32m)
• Seating: Includes seating for 13, with four with customizable JetPaks
• Water Capacity: 1,190 gallons
• The Bullfrog S150 offers versatile seating and adjustable swim currents using their patented JetPak Technology. The JetPacks are interchangeable so you can adjust them to the type of massage you’d like.
• All-in-One Backyard Experience: Combines swimming, fitness, play, and relaxation in a single, thoughtfully designed unit with a spacious splash pad area and multilevel seating.
• Custom Fitness Options: Offers both preset and customizable water-based workout programs, allowing you to build strength and endurance with low-impact resistance training.
• Built for Year-Round Use: Engineered with Bullfrog’s quality and reliability, the S150 delivers consistent performance and comfort 12 months a year.

What Is the best 12-13 foot swim spa for ou?

There are several great options when it comes to 12-13 foot swim spas. Each brand brings its own unique features and benefits and even within the smallest class, you’ll have a lot of choice.

Ultimately, the best swim spa will depend on what you’re looking for—whether it’s a powerful swim current, energy-efficient design, or therapeutic jets for muscle relaxation. Be sure to explore options, visit your local Hydropool dealer, and consider the space you have available to determine the best model for you.

Still have questions or need guidance on which swim spa is right for you? Reach out to your local Hydropool retailer here: Find a Retailer.