How Much Space Do You Need For A Swim Spa?

You want a swim spa, and you’ve got just the spot for it. Or at least you think.

How much space do you need to leave around a swim spa? How much space do you need to get the swim spa delivered?

These are all questions that cross your mind as you look at the space you have available in your backyard. What will fit?

This is a question for many when talking to Hydropool retailers, which is why we wanted to write this article today.

The quick answer on how much space you need to install a swim spa is that you need to leave a three-foot gap around your entire swim spa, whatever size you choose. This is to ensure you have sufficient access to the spa should it require servicing down the road. You will also want space for anyone using the spa to be able to get in and out of it easily.

In this article, we’ll go through the following popular queries about swim spa installations:

• Space requirements: how much room do you need?
• What are popular swim spa sizes?
• How to decide what is the right size swim spa for you.
• Inground versus above ground: Which is easier to install?
• What are swim spa delivery methods?
• What does a swim spa sit on?

Hopefully by the end you’ll feel confident enough to figure out what size of swim spa you need!

 

 

How Much Room Do You Need to Install a Swim Spa?

As said above, you require a three-foot gap left around your swim spa, whether it is above or below ground. This is needed should your swim spa ever require servicing down the road. It’s also a good idea so that anyone using the swim spa can comfortably get out anywhere around the entire swim spa.

So if you’re measuring in your backyard, a swim spa that is 8 feet by 14 requires a space that is 14 feet by 20 feet.

In addition to calculating the space for your swim spa, think about your vision for the surrounding area as well. If you will be putting your swim spa in your backyard, you may also want an adjacent relaxation space where people can relax poolside or warm up and cool down. For many people, developing the area around the swim spa is as key as purchasing the swim spa itself.

What Are Popular Swim Spa Sizes?

The addition of the three-foot perimeter makes the size of your swim spa quite important.

• Swim spas are commonly about 7-9 feet wide.
• The most commonly come in lengths ranging from 12 feet to about 21. Anything longer than that is a more unusual model.
• The most popular models are around 14-feet long.
• Smaller models exist that are 10 feet long. Anything shorter than this isn’t practical for swimming.
• Larger models do exist, even up to 30 feet long in Europe. But these are not major sellers. If you’re under 6 feet, a swim spa that is 14 feet long is plenty of room to swim in. If you’re more than 6 feet tall, a 17-foot swim spa entirely will meet your needs. If you want to go larger than that, you’d be looking at your swim spa for recreational purposes and our best advice is to make your decision on size based on how many people will use the spa at any one time.

How Do I Choose the Right Size of Swim Spa?

If you are very tight on space, you may be able to install one of the smaller swim spa models. As mentioned above, these typically are about 10 feet long, up to 7 feet wide and can be 4 feet deep. Smaller swim spas are largely geared towards aquatic exercise workouts and recreational lounging due to their sizes as opposed to swimming machines.  

Once you have determined that you have at least enough space for the smallest size swim spa available, there are a few considerations you should ask yourself to find the right size for your needs.

• If you have a bit of wiggle room, will there be more than one person in your home interested in using the swim spa?
• Do you envision hanging out and relaxing together as a family in your swim spa? If so, you will want a model large enough to accommodate everyone.

Which is Easier to Install, In-Ground or Above-Ground?

There is no question that above ground swim spas are easier to install then in-ground. In-ground swim spa installations require the same space around that an above-ground swim spa does. That means digging a significantly larger hole around the swim spa, which adds to both the difficulty and the cost of any installation.

Also, that area needs to allow for electrical access and drainage to remove any water from rain or from spillage from the swim spa. It also must be built up to hold back the pressure from the surrounding ground. Essentially, it is like building a foundation around your swim spa.

Once completed, in-ground installations are among the most attractive. So we understand why people want to do them … and why in other cases they don’t.

How Are Swim Spas Delivered?

You can in some cases find situations where swim spas can be wheeled into place or dropped in place with a forklift, but in most cases they are crane-delivered (almost all of Hydropool’s swim spas are crane delivered).

What Does a Swim Spa Sit On?

A swim spa should sit on a concrete pad. At Hydropool, all swim spas must sit on a specific-sized concrete pad built for the appropriate swim spa. You will see some companies suggesting you can use other methods, but given the cost of a swim spa and the overall weight and size, we find that the risk of damage over the long-term to your swim spa isn’t worth it. A concrete pad delivers the appropriate strength underneath your swim spa. Whatever method you want to use underneath your swim spa, check your warranty first. Many swim spas have specific requirements that must be met or your warranty will be voided.   

What About Access to Power for Your Swim Spa?

Access to power is another key element of any swim spa installation. You need available power or the ability to run it to the area where you intend to have your swim spa. If you have any concerns about this, speak to your local dealer or talk to a qualified electrician.

How Much Space Do You Need for a Swim Spa?

A swim spa needs about three feet around its entire length and width. Most swim spas range from 7 to 8 feet wide to about 10 to 19 feet long.

Keeping that in mind, you should be able to calculate the amount of space you require in the backyard for any swim spa you want to buy. Or if you want to work the other way, determine the space you have and see if the swim spa would fit. You’re going to want at least 13 feet by 16 feet or so for the smallest swim spas, and go up from there.

We also covered all of the other elements, from delivery to electrical to the base underneath your swim spa.

We hope this guide has been helpful in spelling out the elements you require to figure out what size of swim spa makes sense for you. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our retailers by clicking here.