Choosing The Best Swim Spa For Your Family

17 Mar, 2025

The best family swim spa combines adjustable swimming currents with relaxing hydrotherapy zones – all in one Australian-made unit you can enjoy year-round in a smaller footprint than a traditional pool.

At mySpa Sydney, we point families to the myWatersedge (perfect for 5+ users) or the myDualzone (with separate zones and temperature settings). These premium swim spas provide the perfect balance of fun, fitness, and relaxation in your backyard.

The mySpa Sydney team has installed hundreds of family swim spas across Sydney – from compact Northern Beaches backyards to spacious Hills District properties. We provide an end-to-end installation and maintenance service, taking care of compliance, landscaping, and a 3-year warranty covering parts and service.

This straightforward guide helps you select the ideal family swim spa based on your family size, available space, and how you'll use it throughout Sydney's seasonal changes.

Keep scrolling or skip ahead to find what you need…

Why swim spas are perfect for family time

Investing in a premium swim spa offers your family benefits that traditional pools simply can't match:

  • Year-round enjoyment: Unlike standard swimming pools that sit unused for months during Sydney's cooler seasons, swim spas can be enjoyed throughout the year thanks to precise temperature control.
  • Fun for the whole family: From grandparents seeking gentle hydrotherapy to children learning to swim, swim spas bring the family together.
  • Quality family time: Customers tell us their swim spa becomes the heart of family gatherings, where they can reconnect outside without screens or distractions.
  • Lower running costs: Advanced features like variable heaters and smart filtration in our swim spas can save families on energy costs compared to standard pool heating systems.

Denis Linehan, owner of mySpa Sydney, explains why Sydney families consistently choose premium swim spas:

"For families with young kids, I always highlight how versatile our swim spas are. Parents can relax in the recliner seats enjoying neck and shoulder massage with all the hydrotherapy benefits while the kids are racing each other against the currents. It's a multi-functional space that the whole family can enjoy together but in different ways." – Denis Linehan, mySpa Sydney

Look for these family-friendly swim spa features

Selecting one with the right family-friendly features makes all the difference between an occasionally used purchase and a beloved backyard centrepiece.

Swim spa safety features

Premium Sapphire swim spas incorporate multiple safety elements for Sydney families and compliance with NSW regulations:

  • Non-slip surfaces throughout all our swim spa models prevent the most common accidents, with additional grip sections in myWorkout and myWatersedge exercise areas maintaining traction even when wet.
  • Open layout designs ensure clear sightlines across the entire unit, allowing constant supervision of children from any position.
  • Australian Standard-compliant swim spa covers feature key-lockable ABS locks and UV-resistant materials designed for Sydney's harsh sun. According to NSW regulations, these compliant covers can sometimes eliminate separate fencing requirements (subject to council verification).

  • Swim spa safety accessories like booster seats, umbrellas, and smart rails help make your swim spa more secure and comfortable for the whole family.

 

Swim spa size considerations

Allow approximately 1 metre of length per regular user – a family of four typically requires at least a 4.5-metre model.

The myIndulge 5.0m comfortably accommodates 5+ adults in a footprint suitable for standard Sydney backyards.

For families who regularly entertain, consider our myWatersedge 6.0m, which comfortably fits 8+ adults.

Read our dedicated guide to swim spa sizes for more guidance, or visit our showroom in Castle Hill.

Swim spa temperature controls

Accurate temperature control helps you make the most of your swim spa all year round.
Here are the several standout features across the mySpa Sydney range:

The myDualzone 6.0m offers independently controlled temperature zones, allowing parents to enjoy therapeutic 38°C waters in the spa section while children play in more comfortable 30-32°C swimming temperatures.

All mySpa Sydney swim spa models feature:

  • SV Series programmable controls with intuitive interfaces and pre-set modes (Normal, Away, Week) that adapt to family routines2
  • Sleep timers to reduce energy consumption during school/work hours2
  • Smart filtration technology with SpaNET that intelligently manages your swim spa's efficiency. Sydney families can see a 10% reduction in energy consumption with this technology while also extending the life of their equipment through reduced pump wear.

For Sydney families with varied weekly schedules, mySpa Sydney swim spas can adapt to different usage patterns, which means more efficient operation whether you're using your swim spa daily after school or primarily on weekends.

Best swim spas for family fun

Small family swim spas (2-4 people)

The mySwimgym (3.96m x 2.29m) provides the perfect balance of swimming space and hydrotherapy features for smaller families.

Its compact design fits easily in urban Sydney backyards while offering four powerful swim jets for active kids and adults alike.

Medium family swim spas (4-6 people)

The myIndulge (4.97m x 2.29m) offers increased capacity with five dedicated hydrotherapy seats and a more spacious swimming area.

This mid-size option is ideal for growing families who want flexibility between relaxation and active play.

Large family options (6+ people)

The myWatersedge series (available in 4m, 5m, and 6m lengths) provides generous space for larger families and frequent entertainers.

With seating for 8+ people and spacious swimming areas, these models allow multiple activities simultaneously.

Dual-zone considerations

The myDualzone (5.98m x 2.29m) is our premier family-friendly swim spa, featuring separate swimming and spa sections with independent temperature controls.

This allows parents to enjoy therapeutic 38°C water while children splash in cooler 28°C water – perfect for families who want an all-in-one hangout zone to enjoy after school and work.

Creating your family swim spa space

Installing a swim spa for your family is more than just dropping a unit in your backyard. Transforming your backyard into a family-friendly swim spa haven requires thoughtful planning, and mySpa Sydney is here to help:

Safety planning for your family swim spa

Safety comes first when installing a swim spa, especially with children around:

  • NSW compliance requirements: Ensure your swim spa meets the Swimming Pools Regulation 2018, which requires either appropriate fencing (at least 1.2m high) or a lockable, child-resistant cover that can be operated by one person – mySpa Sydney provides lockable covers, and we can also help with fencing.
  • Clear sightlines: Design your space to allow unobstructed views of the swim spa from the common areas of your home.
  • CPR signage: NSW law requires a CPR sign to be displayed within 3 metres of your swim spa – we can help you with this.
  • Proper lighting: Install waterproof lighting for evening use, essential during Sydney's earlier winter sunsets – our installation team can show you options that work with your budget and style.

At mySpa Sydney, our swim spa installation team can handle all compliance aspects for you, including registration on the NSW Government's Swimming Pool Register and obtaining necessary Complying Development Certificates (CDC) for swim spas over 2000L.

Access considerations

Thoughtful access planning ensures your swim spa gets maximum use throughout Sydney's varied seasons:

  • Convenient pathways: Create direct routes from your home to the swim spa with weather-resistant materials like pavers or composite decking;
  • Changing areas: Consider a cedar privacy screen with hooks or a small cabana for towels and clothing
  • Weather protection: Install a pergola or pavilion for year-round use, particularly valuable during Sydney's intense summer sun or unexpected rain
  • Privacy solutions: Strategic screening using native Australian plants like lilly pilly or vertical timber slats provide privacy without sacrificing aesthetics

Entertainment setup

Transform your swim spa area into a complete entertainment zone:

  • Integrated audio: our premium swim spas come with the mySpaHiFi system delivering high-definition stereo sound through sophisticated transducer technology, using the spa shell to amplify sound waves for immersive underwater surround sound
  • Comfortable conversation areas: Create dedicated seating zones with weather-resistant furniture that complements your overall landscape design
  • Adaptive shade solutions: Install retractable awnings or shade sails protecting your family from Sydney's intense summer UV levels

  • Convenient refreshment stations: Incorporate a weather-resistant bar area for drinks and snacks to minimize disruptions

The mySpaHiFi system pairs with your smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing you to stream music directly to your spa while controlling volume, tracks, and balance from the spa's touchpad.

Practical amenities to consider

Talk to our landscaping team about these clever additions that make a big difference in day-to-day usability:

  • Outdoor shower: Install a simple fresh water shower for rinsing off before and after swim spa use

  • Dedicated storage: Weatherproof cabinetry integrated into decking keeps toys, maintenance supplies, and equipment organised
  • Convenience facilities: Consider proximity to existing bathroom facilities or adding an outdoor changing room
  • Low-maintenance landscaping: Choose native and low-maintenance Australian plants like kangaroo paw or coastal rosemary that thrive with minimal watering

Check out our gallery for swim spa landscaping.

Maintaining your swim spa

Maintaining your swim spa is surprisingly straightforward thanks to mySpa Sydney’s Australian engineering designed for our climate.

The premium filtration system dramatically reduces maintenance requirements while capturing more contaminants than imported alternatives.

The high-efficiency SQR jets and superior plumbing design minimise areas where bacteria can develop, requiring fewer harsh chemicals compared to hardware store alternatives.

Regular maintenance involved:

  • Weekly water chemistry checks
  • Clean the filters fortnightly
  • Drain and refill one-third of your swim spa every 3-4 months
  • Completely drain and refill your swim spa every 6 months

The quality cabinetry (Duratek or Australian cedar) requires only occasional wash-downs to the high-grade shell, and they’re resistant to UV damage.

For optimal performance, use our premium spa chemicals specifically formulated for swim spas rather than generic pool chemicals that can harden water and potentially damage equipment over time.

Interested in a swim spa for your family? Try it out

With over 16 years of experience installing swim spas across Sydney and regional NSW, our team handles everything from delivery logistics to creating beautiful, functional spaces that families love.

Creating a family-friendly swim spa doesn't have to be overwhelming. Our end-to-end service covers every aspect:

  • Initial consultation and space planning
  • Council approvals and compliance documentation
  • Site preparation and concrete slab installation
  • Swim spa delivery and crane placement if needed
  • Complete electrical, plumbing and landscaping
  • Custom decking, steps, and safety features
  • Comprehensive training on operation and maintenance

Visit our showroom in Castle Hill to discuss your family's swim spa project, or call us on 02 8850 6550 to arrange a site consultation.

Answering your questions about family swim spas

What size swim spa do we need for a family of four?

For a family of four, we typically recommend at least a 4m swim spa like mySpa Sydney’s myTeam or mySwimgym. This provides enough space for adults to exercise while children play, with sufficient hydrotherapy seating for relaxation.

How safe are swim spas for young children?

Swim spas can be very safe for supervised children. All our models include non-slip surfaces, clear visibility across the entire spa, and secure covers. We recommend maintaining a constant line of sight to children under 12 and teaching water safety from an early age.

Can multiple family members use the swim spa at once?

Absolutely! Our family swim spas are designed for simultaneous use. The myWatersedge comfortably accommodates 8+ people, while our dual-zone models specifically cater to different activities occurring simultaneously.

What's the best temperature for family use?

For general family use, 32-35°C provides a comfortable balance. For primarily swimming activities, cooler temperatures around 27-30°C are preferred. Dual-zone models allow you to maintain different temperatures in separate areas.

How much maintenance is required with regular family use?

With regular family use, expect to spend about 15-20 minutes weekly on basic maintenance, plus quarterly water changes. Our advanced filtration systems and sanitization options minimise maintenance requirements even with heavy family use.

Do swim spas add value to family homes?

Yes, professionally installed swim spas significantly enhance property value. Our CDC-compliant installations provide proper documentation that makes future property transactions smoother.

How long does family swim spa installation take?

It depends on how extensive your project is in terms of deck construction and landscaping. You’ll need to factor in timelines for compliance, site preparation, delivery, electrical and plumbing work, landscaping, and any necessary construction. Tell us more about your vision and the mySpa Sydney team can give a reliable estimate.

What's included in the family installation package?

Our standard installation includes site preparation, concrete slab, delivery, electrical connections, plumbing, and basic surrounds. Complete landscaping packages can include decking, fencing, lighting, and custom features tailored to your family's needs.

Can we heat different zones separately for adults and kids?

Yes, our dual-zone models feature separate temperature controls for different sections, allowing adults to enjoy warmer temperatures for hydrotherapy while children swim in cooler water.

How do I childproof my swim spa?

Childproofing options include NSW-compliant safety fencing, lockable hardcovers, and strict access controls. Our team can advise on the best safety solutions for your specific property and family situation, ensuring compliance with local regulations.