Cost, Installation and How to Use: Common Swim Spa Questions

Very few people have zero questions about swim spas. Some people start with “What is a swim spa?” This is a fair question and a great place to begin. We have a whole article on the subject here! 

But once past that, questions only continue. Where can it go, how is it installed, can I use it year-round – the swim spa questions keep coming. 

Hydropool is one of the world’s leading swim spa brands. As a result, we are frequently asked questions about them at our retail outlets and from people who call or email. 

That’s why we wanted to answer some of the most popular questions here. Some of the questions are simple to answer and some aren’t as easy, but all of them deserve to be answered. 

This is our best shot at answering some of the most common quick queries on swim spas out there! 

 

 

What Do Swim Spas Cost? 

At Hydropool, most customers spend between $30,000 and $70,000. That price includes everything you need to get up and running: the swim spa, the concrete pad, the electrical work, plus delivery (which can vary across the country). 

Check out this article for more. 

Can a Swim Spa Be Installed Inground? 

Yes it can. 

• Many people choose this option, especially in Europe. 
• Swim spas can also be installed with a deck around it, which we find is more common in North America.
• They are also frequently done as stand-alone swim spas, with steps leading up to them. 

Inground swim spas like this Hydropool Aquatic AX tend to seamlessly blend into their surroundings, but cost significantly more to install than above-ground options. 

How Are Swim Spas Installed? 

There are a couple of key components when it comes to installing any swim spa:

• Swim spas are usually put in place by crane. 
• They must go on a concrete pad. Unlike hot tubs, which can be placed on any stable, flat surface, swim spas must be placed on a concrete pad, due to their increased weight. 
• They also must be built to be accessible around the sides. So even if they are sunk into the ground, at least three feet need to be dug out around them. This is so repairs or servicing can occur down the road. 
• The cost of a below-ground swim spa varies considerably depending on where you are and what kind of design you’re intending to build around the unit. The cost will be in the thousands. But how many thousands will depend on how the hole is dug and what stone or design you intend to have around the swim spa. 
• Below-ground install costs will vary completely depending on your situation, so this is the kind of thing best done by a quote. You can find the Hydropool dealer closest to you here.

Can a Swim Spa Be Placed on Gravel? 

Well, let’s say nothing of Hydropool’s can be installed that way. We also wouldn’t recommend it with any brand of swim spa. All of our swim spas must be placed on a concrete pad, done to the specifications of the swim spa you’re intending to buy. 

There are good reasons for this. The weight of the swim spa is part of the issue. You can’t have one part taking more weight than another. Over time you will get too much pressure there. Another issue is that if the swim spa isn’t sitting flat, you’ll end up with warps and eventually leaks. Flat, square and strong concrete surfaces are what swim spas need. 

Can Swim Spas Be Cold? 

Yes, but not ice cold. You can’t let them freeze or get near that cold. If you’re hoping to turn it into a cool tub or have your own arctic dips, we don’t recommend that. 

Around 75F/24C is about as low as we’d suggest for anything made by Hydropool. As for how to get the spa that cold? People have been known to dump ice into swim spas to get them to a cooler temperature. There’s always a way!  

Are Swim Spas Heated? 

Yes. Your swim spa should come with at least two pumps. One should drive your jets and heater, and the other will drive the circulation in your spa, which helps keep it clean.  

Can a Swim Spa Be Used in Winter?

Yes! This is one of the greatest perks of a swim spa. Unlike most pools, it can be used year-round without breaking the bank. The heating costs do go up in the winter: We explain that in some detail here. 

Can Swim Spas Be Used as Hot Tubs?

Yes. Almost every swim spa you can buy has a dual function – a pool replacement and a hot tub replacement. It’s meant to be the best of both worlds. 

It’s not exactly the same: You do sit further apart in most swim spas, as they start at about eight feet wide and range from 12-21 feet long. But 95 percent of all swim spas come with seats and massage jets so that you can recover or relax after your workout. 

Or instead of your workout. Right?  

You can also buy what’s called a dual temp model. This is a combined swim spa and hot tub, which features the best of both worlds and allows people to use the hot tub area and the swimming area at the same time. 

Which Swim Spa is the Best? 

We have a lot to say about this issue. And it’s not bragging about our own. Check out an article on which ones we think are the best here. 

Are Swim Spas Worth it? 

Ok we’re completely in the tank on this one: We are a swim spa company after all. But yes, we think they are. 

A swim spa:

• Can do more than a hot tub and as much as a pool. 
• While taking up less space, costing less and being able to operate year-round.
• Swim spas are also right in-between the two price-wise, so they aren’t a rip-off.

Your Guide to Common Swim Spa Questions

Swim spas have been around since the 1980s. But we know they are still a new and exciting product to many people who come upon them. So we understand you have lots of questions about them. 

We get asked all sorts of things at our retail outlets, which is why we wanted to make this article. This is our attempt at answering some of the most common questions we get about swim spas at Hydropool. We hope you found it helpful. 

If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to a retailer here.