Can You Put a Swim Spa Indoors? Your COMPLETE Guide to Location Options

One of the earliest decisions you will face is whether to place your swim spa indoors or outdoors. Each choice comes with its own considerations, and making the right choice for you can significantly impact your overall experience and your wallet.

In our showrooms, our swim spas are generally housed inside and this is a common conversation with customers as a result – which is why we wanted to write about it here. There are advantages and disadvantages to each approach, and we wanted to go through them all here.

What will you learn? In this blog post, you will learn:

• The benefits and drawbacks of indoor swim spas
• The benefits and drawbacks of outdoor swim spa
• Key factors to consider when choosing between the two
• Practical tips to optimize your chosen installation

Hopefully by the end, you’ll have a firm grasp of which option suits you best!

The Pros and Cons of Indoor Swim Spa

Indoor swim spas offer a range of unique advantages that make them an appealing choice for many homeowners. Here are some reasons why you might consider placing your swim spa indoors:

• Climate Control: One of the most significant advantages of an indoor swim spa is the ability to control the climate. Regardless of the weather outside, you can enjoy a comfortable and consistent temperature year-round.
• Privacy: Indoor swim spas provide a private setting, allowing you to relax and exercise without worrying about neighbors or passersby.
• Protection from Elements: An indoor environment protects your swim spa from debris, rain, and extreme weather conditions, potentially reducing maintenance needs and prolonging the lifespan of your spa.
• Convenience: Having your swim spa indoors means you can use it at any time, without having to step outside. This is particularly beneficial during colder months or inclement weather. 

Indoor swim spas have a chic appeal, like this installed Hydropool 14-foot AquaSport.

Indoor swim spas also come with some drawbacks that are worth considering.

• Space Requirements: Installing a swim spa indoors requires sufficient space, which might be challenging for some homes. You will need proper structural support.
• Higher Installation Costs: Indoor installations are typically more complex and costly due to the need for structural modifications, HVAC considerations, and potentially reinforcing floors. There’s also the issue of building around the swim spa or having enough space to ensure the swim spa can fit where it is intended to go.
• Humidity: Indoor installations need fans to ensure humid air is exchanged, but introducing that much water to your home requires ongoing monitoring to ensure excessive humidity doesn’t become an issue. 

Why Consider an Outdoor Swim Spa?

Here are some reasons why you might prefer to place your swim spa outdoors:

• Scenic Views: An outdoor swim spa allows you to enjoy the beauty of your garden, yard, or surrounding landscape while you relax or exercise.
• More Space: Outdoor installations generally provide more room, allowing for larger swim spas and additional outdoor amenities like seating areas, decks, or patios.
• Natural Ventilation: Outdoor settings naturally ventilate steam and humidity, reducing the need for additional ventilation systems.
• Cost-Effective: Installing a swim spa outdoors is usually less expensive than an indoor installation, as it typically involves fewer structural modifications. However, the sky is the limit – you can install a swim spa in-ground or add significant landscaping around it. So the cost is up to you: You can pay a little for your backyard swim spa or you can pay more if you have a vision you wish to execute. 

There are also some disadvantages to consider with an outdoor swim spa:

• Exposure to Elements: Outdoor swim spas are exposed to weather conditions, which can affect the water temperature, increase debris, and require more cleaning and maintenance.
• Seasonal Use: Depending on your climate, using an outdoor swim spa might be limited during certain seasons, unless you invest in additional heating solutions.
• Privacy Concerns: Outdoor swim spas might lack the privacy you desire, especially if your yard is visible to neighbors or passersby.

Outdoor swim spas are glamourous and can have landscape around them rivalling the finest pools, such as what you see here with this Hydropool 19-foot Executive Sport.

What Are the Key Factors To Guide Where You Should Put Your Swim Spa?

When deciding between an indoor or outdoor swim spa, there are several key factors to take into account:

• Climate: Consider the climate in your region. If you experience extreme temperatures or weather conditions, an indoor swim spa might offer more consistent usability.
• Space and Layout: Evaluate the available space in your home or yard. Ensure you have enough room for the swim spa and any additional amenities you want to include.
• Budget: Determine your budget for the installation, including any potential structural modifications, HVAC system enhancements, and additional features like decking or privacy screens.
• Maintenance: Think about the maintenance requirements for each option. Indoor swim spas might need better ventilation, while outdoor swim spas could require more frequent cleaning.
• Personal Preferences: Consider your lifestyle and preferences. Do you enjoy being outdoors? Do you prioritize privacy? Your personal preferences will play a significant role in your decision.

What Are the Key Factors To Guide Where You Should Put Your Swim Spa?

When deciding between an indoor or outdoor swim spa, there are several key factors to take into account:

• Climate: Consider the climate in your region. If you experience extreme temperatures or weather conditions, an indoor swim spa might offer more consistent usability.
• Space and Layout: Evaluate the available space in your home or yard. Ensure you have enough room for the swim spa and any additional amenities you want to include.
• Budget: Determine your budget for the installation, including any potential structural modifications, HVAC system enhancements, and additional features like decking or privacy screens.
• Maintenance: Think about the maintenance requirements for each option. Indoor swim spas might need better ventilation, while outdoor swim spas could require more frequent cleaning.
• Personal Preferences: Consider your lifestyle and preferences. Do you enjoy being outdoors? Do you prioritize privacy? Your personal preferences will play a significant role in your decision.

How to Decide Where to Place Your Swim Spa

• List Your Priorities: Determine what features and benefits are most important to you.
• Assess Your Space: Measure the available space and evaluate the feasibility of both indoor and outdoor installations.
• Set a Budget: Outline your budget, considering both the initial installation and ongoing maintenance costs.
• Consult Professionals: Seek advice from swim spa experts or installation professionals to get a clearer picture of what each option entails.
• Consider Long-Term Use: Think about how you plan to use the swim spa over the years and which location will best support your needs.

Which is Best: Indoor or Outdoor Swim Spas?

Deciding between an indoor or outdoor swim spa requires careful consideration of many factors, including climate, space, budget, maintenance, and personal preferences.

The best choice will depend on your specific circumstances and needs. At Hydropool Hot Tubs and Swim Spas, we are here to support you in making the best decision for you! We have installed many of both types since we began making swim spas in the 1990s. We like both kinds.

Have more questions about where to put your swim spa? Let us know by reaching out to a local retailer, who can help you out.