Many people are unsure whether or not to purchase a swim spa or traditional swimming pool. Although swim spas look somewhat similar to pools, there are major differences between the two. From overall versatility, features and maintenance requirements, there are many important considerations that you should be aware of so that you can make the right choice for your lifestyle and requirements. In the article below, we will discuss the main differences and explain what you need to know to make an informed decision.
Major Differences Between Swim Spas and Pools
Swim spas and pools have entirely different swimming experiences. If you are seeking a challenging workout and way to get in shape in the comfort of your own backyard, it is important to consider how you want to exercise in order to make the best decision. For example, in a traditional swimming pool, you need to swim laps to work out and depending on the length of the pool, you may have to turn around up to 130 times to swim a mile. On the other hand, a swim spa provides a continuous swimming experience so that you never have to turn around. Swim spas are designed so that you can remain stationary while swimming against a challenging current to achieve an efficient workout.
Usage
Backyard swimming pools can usually be used for 6 months per year, but not during months with cooler temperatures. A swim spa can be used 365 days per year, making it a great investment for those that wish to maximize their enjoyment and usage as well as exercise regularly.
Flexibility
Traditional swimming pools provide a great way to enjoy summer activities, from lounging on the pool deck, floating on an inflatable raft, diving or swimming laps for some exercise. Swim spas function as a complete aquatic center with a wave pool, hot tub, swim pool, and gym, making it something that everyone in the family can always enjoy. Adults can partake in a challenging workout or relax with the soothing massage jets in the hot tub area while children can have fun swimming or playing on the deck. While a swimming pool is a great choice for summer fun, a swim spa may be a better choice if you want plenty of variety that the whole family can enjoy.
Energy Efficiency and Insulation
Swim spas are more energy efficient than swimming pools due to their ability to trap and reuse heat. Because of the insulation found in swim spas, less energy is required and they cost much less than heating a pool. With swim spas, especially ones that have been certified by the CEC, which can economically be run year round. Swim spas also differ from pools because they trap the waste heat from the unit’s motor inside the cabinet and continue to generate it. The hardcover of a swim spa also works to traps heat, making it unnecessary to even have to heat during the hot summer months. If you are looking to save as much as possible on your utility bill a swim spa is the optimal choice.
Especially on colder days, pools can be costly to heat and keep at a warm temperature. Swimming pools lose their heat from the surface of the water and are less energy efficient than swim spas, even more so if being heated year round.
Maintenance
Swimming pools require vacuuming, skimming, and specialized cleaners which can be quite costly. They are also prone to mechanical breakdowns. Self-cleaning swim spas automatically clean the floor as well as the surface so that you never need to skim or vacuum your swim spa.
When making your decision, consider how much time you are willing to spend on cleaning and maintenance versus how much time you want to spend enjoying your pool or swim spa with friends and family.
In the end, the decision on whether to purchase a swim spa or pool is different for each individual and needs to be based on what your needs, goals, and requirements are. Now that you know the main differences between the two, you are better prepared to make the right choice for you.
About the Author
Scott Bland has been in the leisure industry for nearly 20 years. As a sales manager in the leisure industry he knows hot tubs inside and out. Right now he works sales while writing about consumer goods on the side. If you want to contact him, you can do so at his LinkedIn.
