Is there such a thing as the best of both worlds when it comes to pools? Many homeowners dream of having both a pool and a hot tub, but when cost and lack of space come into the equation, it seems like an impossibility for some. This is where the swim spa comes in. But what is a swim spa, and how can it take your health and leisure time to the next level?
What Is a Swim Spa? The Basics
A swim spa is a hybrid between a swimming pool and a hot tub, boasting the benefits of both. While you might assume there’s no room to swim in something the size of a hot tub, swim spas overcome this by providing a consistent current for you to swim against.
After your swim, you can rest and relax with all the wonderful features that come with a hot tub, like therapeutic jets.
Why Choose a Swim Spa Over Other Options?
A swim spa offers you the chance to enjoy the benefits of both a pool and a hot tub in one. Here’s what you’d have to look forward to as a new swim spa owner.
Efficient Use of Space
Traditional pools require a significant amount of real estate, which isn’t always available for those with little yard to work with. Swim spas, however, are designed to fit in smaller areas, making them ideal for urban backyards or even indoor settings.
Year-Round Use
It’s always disappointing to shut down your pool for the year. But with a swim spa, cooler temps don’t have to mean the end of your swimming season. A swim spa allows you to swim or relax regardless of the season, with adjustable water temperatures and weather-resistant designs.
Versatile Exercise
Swim spas are an excellent way to stay active, regardless of your fitness level. You can get a full-body workout by swimming against the current and finish your session by resting in the spa.
Cost-Effectiveness
Many prospective pool owners shy away from purchasing their dream pool because the ticket price is simply too high. Swim spas, on the other hand, tend to be more cost-effective in the long run compared to traditional pools. They require less water, use less energy to heat, and often come with lower maintenance costs.
Ease of Installation
Because the covers that come with a swim spa conform to specific safety requirements right off the bat, you won’t have to get the same kinds of permits you’d need for an in-ground or above-ground pool or hot tub. It’s also typically much easier to get approval from an HOA for a swim spa.
The Health and Wellness Benefits of Swim Spas
As luxurious as they are, swim spas also make for a simple way to live a healthier lifestyle. Swimming has a long history as an effective cardiovascular exercise, and it’s easy on your muscles and joints. But swim spas take wellness further by allowing you to also unwind after a long day by taking advantage of your spa’s hot tub features.
The powerful jets swim spas come with often have a variety of settings you can adjust to your particular needs. Hydrotherapy has been known to support a healthy lifestyle in a range of ways, from easing sore muscles to promoting lower blood pressure.
Holistic wellness also includes mental health, and the swim spa helps you maintain this, too. You can combat high stress levels on a regular basis with your swim spa. It can be difficult to make time for self-care and other relaxation in a busy schedule. But with a swim spa, you can enjoy the convenience of readily available self-care right in your own backyard.
Features to Consider
As the discussion continues about “What is a swim spa,” You may wonder what you should look for as you search for the right swim spa for your needs. The size and depth should probably be your first consideration—you want your spa to fit seamlessly wherever you plan to place it.
Beyond the dimensions, you’ll also want to look into the different jet systems available. Jacuzzi swim spas come with several jet options designed to support both wellness and relaxation. Other elements, like temperature control and ease of maintenance, are also significant factors and may steer you in a specific direction while you shop.
Pro Tips for Enjoying Your Swim Spa in the Summer
So, how can you ensure you get the most out of your swim spa, even in the heat?
First, keep in mind that swim spas can lower their temperature below the ambient temperature, but they have difficulty maintaining it. So, it’s important to be realistic about what temperature your swim spa can feasibly reach.
To alleviate the burden of the hot summer air, umbrellas and pergolas are excellent ways to provide more shade and cool down ambient temperatures by as much as 15 degrees! The shade also makes for a much more pleasant soak in the spa.
You can also use a swim noodle to create a small air gap under your swim spa’s cover when you’re not using it. This allows built-up hot air to escape and makes it easier to control the water temperature.
Finally, remember that mold and mildew thrive in the heat, so take care to remove any buildup when you see it, paying special attention to areas above the water line. Wipe any mold you see with a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach, 10 parts water).
Find Quality Swim Spas at Jacuzzi Hot Tubs of the Triangle
A Jacuzzi swim spa can be the perfect year-round pool with all the bells and whistles of a hot tub. Get in touch with the friendly team at Jacuzzi Hot Tubs of the Triangle to find the best swim spa in North Carolina for your needs today.
