How Is A Swim Spa Heated?

How Is a Swim Spa Heated?

If you’re shopping around for some sort of home-based recreational water activities, you might think you’d have to choose between a swimming pool or a hot tub. But there is another option available and that’s the swim spa. To understand the differences between swim spas, swimming pools and hot tubs we’ve come up with an article dedicated to the nuances of swim spas. We’ll answer questions such as “What is a swim spa?” “How is a swim spa heated?” and more. 

What Is A Swim Spa?

A swim spa might be considered the middle ground between a swimming pool and a hot tub. Swim spas are much smaller than full-sized swimming pools but are larger than the average-sized hot tub. Swim spas contain powerful current generators that allow one to swim in place, similar to being on a treadmill. This means you never reach the end of the tank or have to turn around to continue swimming. This feature also allows the water tank to be much smaller than a full-sized swimming pool, while still allowing a full swimming workout to take place. Swim spas can also boast many of the features that are found in hot tubs, such as powerful massaging water jets and customized seating areas.

How Is A Swim Spa Heated?

Unlike a full-sized swimming pool, because the water tank of a swim spa is relatively small, it’s quite easy to keep a swim spa heated year-round - even throughout a cold winter. In this way it’s similar to a hot tub. That said, if you’re planning on using your swim spa for practicing your swimming strokes, you’ll likely want the temperature of the water to be in the high 20s. This will allow you to fully exert yourself without overheating. If you’d rather use your swim spa for soaking and relaxing, similar to a hot tub, you would want the water temperature to be as high as 40 degrees Celsius. A swim spa allows for a wide range of water temperatures depending on how you plan to use it.

Is A Swim Spa Energy Efficient?

There are several factors which determine how energy efficient a swim spa can be. Similar to hot tubs and swimming pools, swim spas can be installed above ground or inground. Inground models will be more energy efficient since the ground will act as an insulator. That said, above-ground models can also be considered energy efficient with extra insulation installed around the interior shell and the inner cabinet. This insulation also allows heat generated by the motor to be captured and reused. For both above ground and inground models, a good fitting, insulative cover will play the largest role in retaining heat and reducing the amount of energy needed to keep the water temperature stable. Pressurized filtration systems can also reduce the amount of energy used by filtering the water much more quickly and efficiently. This allows you to program the filtration system to run less often while still keeping your water fresh and clean. Some models of swim spas also feature thermal vents that are used to help regulate water temperatures. These vents will retain heat in cold weather or allow heat to escape in hot weather.

Do You Need to Keep the Water Constantly Heated?

How you heat your swim spa really depends on how you use it. If you’re using it on a regular basis, it’s more energy efficient to keep the water at a constant temperature. Using the cover when the water tank isn’t in use will help maintain the temperature and reduce the dependence on the water heater. If you only use the swim spa on an occasional basis, it may be better to heat the water before you plan to use it. Just remember it may take some time for the water to get up to the right temperature, so planning ahead is necessary.

If you want to learn more about swim spa heating and energy efficiency, download a free buyer’s guide today.