Swim spas come in four different lengths. It is important to have a clear understanding of what you want to use a spa for in order to choose the best swim spa size for your needs. Some models are available in standard and “deep” versions that add anywhere from 9 inches to a foot of depth.
Here’s a rundown on each length so you can choose the best swim spa size for your needs.
10 to 11 Feet
These swim spas are often swim spas in name only, as they don’t typically have enough room to allow for swimming. They are similar to a hot tub for their hydrotherapy benefits and are ideal for muscle relaxation and targeting specific groups of muscles. They are perfect for those with chronic or short term pain.
These models feature:
- Widths from 7 to 8 feet and depths from 4 to 5 feet
- A jet seat designed for hydrotherapy
- Optional resistance, though not enough for swimming
12 to 16 Feet
This length of swim spa is sometimes referred to as a trainer or fitness model. These swim spas allow for continuous swimming, the current being generated by jet propulsion, rotating paddlewheels or a propeller.
If you are looking for a combination of fitness and fun, this is a popular choice. Many models offer hydrotherapy jets and some can be customized with additional exercise equipment that can include an underwater treadmill, a rowing machine or other resistance apparatus.
They can also be upgraded with fountains, special lighting and waterproof sound systems, making them great for leisure activities.
These models feature:
- Widths from 7 to 8 feet and depths from 4 to 5 feet
- Up to two jet seats
- A swim current
17 to 18 Feet
This model adds extra length for improved comfort while swimming and exercising, as well as a choice of water flow, such as paddlewheels and propellers. These swim spas are designed for more serious users and the enhanced water flow provides a smoother, more consistent current that spans the width of the pool. This type of water flow mimics the feel of a larger pool.
Optional upgrades include sound systems, Wi-Fi and built-in underwater cameras.
These models feature:
- Widths from 7 to 8 feet and depths from 4 to 5 feet
- Two jet seats and two standard seats/steps
- Paddlewheel and propeller water flows designed for a more realistic swimming experience
19 Feet and Up
This model provides the longest length of any other swim spa and typically has a dedicated hydrotherapy pool or hot tub separate from the swimming area. They feature all of the functions available on smaller models but this swim spa size may also come with deluxe LED lighting, massage functions and enhanced tiling.
The hot tub end has up to 60 hydrotherapy jets, seating for four to six people and added elements such as a sound system and a spillover waterfall.
These models feature:
- Widths from 7 to 8 feet and depths from 4 to 5 feet
- Four to five jet seats in the spa section
- A current that provides directional resistance, with paddlewheel and propeller types enabling swim speeds up to 8 mph
No matter what swim spa size you ultimately decide is right for you, you’ll need a cover to go on it. For most people this starts out as an after thought but this will be a key to whether you continue to use it or not.
Typical foam filled swim spa covers are just more sections of the same old tired hot tub covers. A saturated hot tub cover is bad enough but saturated swim spa covers can be downright dangerous because of the added height of a swim spa.
Plus many owners try to play “musical chairs” with the sections that become too heavy to lift, opening only the sections they can still manage. This is a recipe for disaster to say the least.
At SpaCap.com they have been building lightweight, easy to use swim spa covers for years. Many female owners report that they are able to open their SpaCap Swim Spa Covers with one hand!
The secret to long term benefit from your swim spa investment is easy access. If you have to go out and struggle with a saturated foam cover you are going to use the spa less and less.
Don’t let this happen to you. Get the most out of your swim spa for years to come. Visit SpaCap.com today and get a swim spa cover you’ll be able to handle for years to come.