Swim Spas: What They Are and How People Use Them

If you’re curious about swim spas and what they’re used for, keep reading this guide. Perhaps you’ve heard the term but you’re wondering “how do swim spas differ from a hot tub or standard swimming pool?”

Or maybe you’re wondering “how easy are swim spas to install?” and “how much do swim spas cost to heat?”

There can be various questions of people’s minds when it comes to buying a swim spa and knowing how it not only fits into your life, but also benefits it, is key.

In this guide we’ll be exploring:

• What is a swim spa
• Uses and benefits of a swim spa
• Swim spas vs hot tubs
• How much do swim spas cost
• Swim spa FAQs

At Better Living Outdoors, we supply a range of health and wellness products including hot tubs, chill tubs, saunas, and swim spas. All of our products are delivered and installed by our professional team, and all of our Swim Spas come with a comprehensive 10-year shell structure warranty, 5-year shell surface warranty, 2-year core component warranty and 1-year labour warranty for your peace of mind.

Let’s take a closer look.

What Is A Swim Spa?

A swim spa is a compact, self-contained unit that combines a swimming pool and a spa tub (i.e. a hot tub).

They combine the exercise benefits of a swimming pool with the relaxation and hydrotherapy benefits of a hot tub as you can control the temperature and jets.

When it comes to swimming, it works by generating a current through jets that mimics waves. These are usually high powered to push a constant flow of water into the swimming area, however the intensity can be adjusted depending on who is using the swim spa.
As you’re swimming against the jets, you stay in one place hence the frequently used term ‘swim-in-place’. As you continue to swim against the water current, you’re essentially doing the same amount of swimming when doing lengths in a full-sized pool.

However the advantage here is that you’re saving space, as you don’t need a full-sized pool to get the benefits of swimming and hydrotherapy in one compact unit.

What Are Swim Spas Used For?

Unlike hot tubs, swim spas have various use cases aside from hydrotherapy and relaxation. Below are some common ways swim spas are used:

Teaching kids how to swim

Swim spas can be great for teaching kids how to swim due to the constant flow of water. This is also a safe environment as your child will remain in one place, allowing you to closely supervise and guide them without worrying about drifting away. You can also adjust the water temperature and strength depending on the capabilities of your child, meaning you can gradually increase the challenge as they progress and become more confident.

Fitness and training

Swim spas are ideal for fitness and training, offering a low-impact setting that’s much gentler on your joints. The buoyancy of water supports your body weight, reducing impact and making it a great option for those recovering from injury or managing joint conditions such as arthritis.

At the same time, water creates natural resistance to movement. As it is denser than air, it provides around 12–14% more resistance according to Harvard Health Publishing, helping to build strength, improve endurance, and increase the effectiveness of exercise without heavy equipment. This makes swim spas suitable for a wide range of users, from beginners to more experienced fitness enthusiasts.

There are lots of exercises you can do in the water, including:

• Swimming against the current
• Water jogging
• Resistance training with aquatic dumbbells
• Flutter kicks
• Leg raises

Playing games

Whether you’re playing with kids or hosting a party, a swim spa is a great addition to your garden or outdoor space. It adds something different and doesn’t require as much space as a swimming pool, while still allowing more people in than a hot tub. You could play water volleyball or pool basketball, making it fun for all ages. When paired with al fresco dining, for example, cooking in a rustic BBQ hut, it creates a lively, inviting atmosphere. It also means the whole family can get involved.

Relaxation and mental wellbeing

Swim spas offer a therapeutic experience that combines the benefits of a pool and a hot tub. While they can be used for swimming, adjustable water currents and jets create a relaxing effect similar to a hot tub. Temperatures can be set lower for comfortable swimming (26-30 degrees) or warmer for soaking (37-40 degrees), giving you control over your experience. Features like easy-entry steps and gentle lighting improve comfort and safety, while modern circulation systems help maintain clean, warm water.

All year round

One of the biggest advantages of a swim spa is its year-round appeal. Thanks to controllable and adjustable temperature settings, you can enjoy swimming and relaxation even in cooler months, simply by turning the water temperature up. Unlike a traditional swimming pool, which is often abandoned during winter and used far less throughout the year, a swim spa means you get more use and enjoyment regardless of the season.

Swim Spa vs Hot Tubs

Swim spas are often confused with hot tubs, but there are multiple differences which we’re detailing below.

Swim Spas

Use cases: Exercise, swimming, relaxation
Size: Larger, longer design
Water Depth: Deeper, suitable for swimming
Capacity: Usually holds more people
Water Temperature: Adjustable (approx. 26-40°C)
Year-Round Use: Yes, due to temperature controls
Space Required: Requires more space than a hot tub but less space than a pool

Hot Tubs

Use cases: Relaxation and hydrotherapy
Size: Smaller, compact
Water Depth: Shallower, designed for relaxation
Capacity: Usually 2-8 people
Water Temperature: Warmer (approx. 37-40°C)
Year-Round Use: Yes due to warm temperate
Space Required: Requires less space

How Much Do Swim Spas Cost?

At Better Living Outdoors, our swim spas cost from 22-35k depending on the size, make, and model. However, we want to make affording a swim spa accessible, so we offer a range of finance options to suit different budgets.
On our swim spas, you can make a payment of £200.00 followed by monthly installments spread over 5 years at 12.9% APR. This makes the payments feel more manageable and allows you to enjoy your swim spa without the upfront financial investment.

Swim Spa FAQs

Can swim spas be used all year?

Yes, swim spas can be used all year round. Due to the adjustable control settings, you can make your swim spa cooler in the summer when you’re exercising and warmer in the winter (or if you’re just looking to relax).

How much does it cost to run a swim spa?

Hot tubs are made in many different ways using many different materials. The least expensive designs will cost about £5 a week to own, up to £30 for other designs.

How often do you change the water in a swim spa?

As a rule you should change your water every 3 to 4 months. Sometimes if the spa has had a lot of use it may be a good idea to change the water more often than this. The problem is TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), just like a cup of tea if you keep putting in sugar there will come a time that it just does not dissolve.

Do you need planning permission to install a hot tub?

Planning permission is not normally required for items of a relocatable/temporary nature like a Hot tub or Swim Spa, however, if you live in an area of outstanding natural beauty, or listed property or a conservation area you please seek advice from your local council and planners before installing your pool or spa.

Swim Spas: What They Are and How People Use Them

Swim spas are a great hybrid solution to swimming pools and hot tubs, bringing fitness and relaxation into your home without the need for a full-sized swimming pool.

Whether you’re looking to improve your health through low-impact exercise, create a fun space for family and friends when you’re socialising, or you just want to unwind on your own, a swim spa adapts to your lifestyle. With adjustable temperature controls and powerful jets, they provide year-round enjoyment while making good use of any outdoor space.

If you’re considering adding a swim spa to your home, Better Living Outdoors offers a wide range of high-quality wellness products, including swim spas, hot tubs, chill tubs, and saunas. With professional delivery and installation as standard, you can enjoy your new swim spa straight away with peace of mind.