Can Swim Spas Be Used With Cold Water?

Swim spas are often associated with warm, relaxing water that soothes muscles and provides a perfect setting for both exercise and leisure.

But what if you want to use your swim spa during the hotter months? What if you just like a chilly swim? Can swim spas be used cold?

We get asked by this at Hydropool retail outlets, in particular in warm-weather areas where we sell swim spas (as opposed to in Canada, where we make them).

The answer to that question is yes, but with some caveats. There’s no problem in using a swim spa when the water is cold, such as when you’ve just filled it up: the swim spa will operate. Most swim spas have adjustable temperature settings and you can turn yours down to whatever temperature you like.

But there are two tricky issues when it comes to using a swim spa with cold water:

• One is that it will be difficult for your swim spa to remain cold. In general, while temperatures are adjustable, there’s no “chill” function on swim spas. Swim spa water will not become colder than the air around it. There are heaters in swim spas, so the water can become hotter, which is what we and other manufacturers have found most people want. But the cost involved in adding a chiller hasn’t made sense because the market for such a product hasn’t quite developed yet.  
• The second issue with cold water swim spas is that most chemicals are designed to be used and be effective in warmer water. Most chemicals are designed to be used around 85F. So to keep your swim spa operating and sanitized, you’d want to keep the water around that temperature in the longer term.

In this article, we’ll have a deeper look into cold water swim spas. We will cover:

• Can a swim spa be used with cold water?
• Aftermarket options for chilled swim spas
• Why you’d want to use a swim spa with cold water
• Can a swim spa be hot and cold?
• Tips on swim spa temperature settings
• Cold water benefits

By the end, we hope that you’ll have a solid understanding of what a swim spa can and can’t do when it comes to colder water.

Can Swim Spas Be Used with Cold Water?

Yes, swim spas can be used with cold water. While they are typically marketed for their warm water capabilities, many models can also be adjusted to lower temperatures.

The catch is that most swim spas cannot easily go below the ambient temperature as they generally do not have a chiller or refrigeration component as part of their hardware.

There are a couple of swim spa companies that we have seen offer this feature at an additional cost (Hydropool isn’t one of these – we don’t see that many people asking for it. When people do want them, generally we provide a connection to add an after-market chiller, which is a less expensive approach). We don’t know the actual cost, because we haven’t seen it published anywhere – many companies hide how much their products cost so you have to reach out of their sales teams - but we understand that is in the thousands of dollars.

You can add new water to your swim spa or add a large amount of ice – anything you like to try and get the temperature down.

Are There Aftermarket Options to Cool Your Swim Spa?

Yes, you can buy after-market pool chillers and have them installed in your swim spa. This is best done by consulting your local dealer to see what is most common locally and what the costs are.

A rough estimate in Canada would be a total cost of $7,000 or so: $5,000 (Cdn) for a heat pump/chiller, then about $1000 for a small concrete pad to put it on and about the same for installation. 

Why Would You Use a Swim Spa with Cold Water?

There are several reasons why you might want to use your swim spa with cold water. Aside from providing a refreshing break during hot weather, cold water can offer various health benefits.

• Enhanced Recovery: Cold water immersion can help reduce muscle soreness and inflammation, making it an excellent option for post-workout recovery.
• Improved Circulation: Cold water can stimulate blood flow.  
• Increased Alertness: A dip in cold water can invigorate and energize you.  

(Note: we aren’t medical practitioners here at Hydropool, and we sell our swim spas as wellness products. If you have any medical questions or concerns about swim spas, we encourage you to speak with your family doctor.) 

Can a Swim Spa Be Hot and Cold?

Yes, you can start with your swim spa at a colder setting and move it to a warmer one. Almost every swim spa has adjustable temperatures today. It will take some time for the temperatures to change – again this will depend greatly on your ambient temperature around the swim spa.

Check the Manufacturer’s Guidelines

• Verify the temperature settings allowed by your swim spa.
• Confirm that the pump and filtration systems are designed to operate efficiently with cold water (if you bought from a local dealer, you may want to give the store a quick call here to get their insight on how others have had success locally in keeping their water cooler).

Adjust the Temperature Settings

Most swim spas come with a control panel that allows you to adjust the water temperature.

• Set the temperature to your desired level. We’d say to try between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit for cold use.

Maintain Proper Water Chemistry

Cold water can affect the chemical balance of your swim spa. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the water remains clean and safe.

• Remember to test the water chemistry weekly, as lower temperatures can impact pH levels and sanitizer effectiveness.
• Adjust the chemical levels as needed to maintain a safe and balanced water environment.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Swim Spa with Cold Water?

Using your swim spa with cooler water offers numerous benefits beyond just cooling off on a hot day.

• Athletes often use cold water immersion to promote muscle recovery and reduce fatigue. And people often visit spa resorts to take advantage of cold water plunge pools and showers. 
• Possibly the greatest value is that you’re able to use your swim spa year-round. 

Safety Considerations

While using a swim spa with cold water offers many benefits, it is essential to consider some safety precautions.

• Gradual Adjustment: If you are new to cold water therapy, start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the duration as your body acclimates.
• Consult a Doctor: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, consult with a healthcare professional before using cold water therapy. No one at Hydropool is a medical expert and swim spas are wellness products, not medical ones. When in doubt, speak to a doctor. 

Cooling off in Your Swim Spa

Swim spas can indeed be used with cold water, offering a range of benefits from enhanced recovery to increased versatility. By following the necessary steps to set up and maintain your swim spa, you can enjoy a refreshing and beneficial experience year-round. Whether you are looking to cool off during the summer months or enjoy the health benefits of cold water immersion, a swim spa provides the flexibility to meet your needs.

Have a question about our swim spas? Reach out to a local Hydropool dealer by clicking here.