Can a Swim Spa Help with Muscle Recovery?

10 Jun, 2025

Yes! Swim spas are a great investment for muscle recovery and injury prevention because they combine the many benefits of warm water therapy, low-impact exercise, buoyancy, and massage jets in a single, space-efficient product.

The beauty of swim spas is that you can use them for a wide range of physical activities, from aqua therapy and light stretching to intense swimming and cardio.

At mySpa Sydney, we specialise in premium, Australian-made swim spas. We offer customers four standard swim spa lengths (4.0m, 4.5m, 5.0m, and 6.0m) and provide a full-service install, including registration, compliance certificates, and landscaping.

Explore our swim spas online or, even better, try them out in person by booking a dip at our Castle Hill showroom!

Keep reading to find out:

 

Best swim spas for muscle recovery from mySpa Sydney

Looking for the right swim spa to help with injury recovery, post-training fatigue, or everyday stress and pain? Here are four of our top picks — each one designed to support your body and help you stay active, mobile, and relaxed.

 

mySwimgym 4.0m — Best for compact recovery and solo training

A streamlined 3-seater swim spa that brings together resistance swim training and targeted hydrotherapy — all in a 4.0m footprint.

Great for solo sessions, active retirees, or busy parents squeezing recovery into a small backyard.

Specs at a glance:

  • Size: 3960 x 2290 x 1340 mm
  • Seats: 3+
  • Volume: 4250L
  • Resistance: 4 swim jets (no seats in swim zone)
  • Hot seat jet layout targets legs, glutes, calves
  • Ideal for: compact spaces, daily use, light rehab

View mySwimgym or book an appointment at our showroom to check it out.

 

myWorkout 5.0m — Best for full-body workouts and athletic recovery

Built for swimmers and active households, the myWorkout features a vertical jet panel for deep tissue massage and multiple hydrotherapy seats.

Use it for cardio, cool-downs, or to recover from injury without missing your training rhythm.

Specs at a glance:

  • Size: 4965 x 2290 x 1320 mm
  • Seats: 6+
  • Volume: 6250L
  • Resistance: 4 adjustable high-volume swim jets
  • Features: vertical body jet panel, hot seat with massage jets
  • Ideal for: athletes, gym-goers, active families

View myWorkout or book an appointment at our showroom to check it out.

 

myDualzone 6.0m — Best for contrast therapy and a complete wellness investment

Two fully separated zones let you keep the spa end hot for hydrotherapy while using the swim zone cool for active recovery or cold plunging.

This is your all-in-one solution for joint pain, DOMS, and recovery from high-impact exercise.

Specs at a glance:

  • Size: 5980 x 2290 x 1320 mm
  • Seats: 9
  • Volume: 8150L
  • Dual-zone: independent heating for spa + swim
  • Layout: 6 hydrotherapy seats + open swim area
  • Ideal for: contrast therapy, families, chronic pain recovery

View myDualzone or book an appointment at our showroom to check it out.

 

myWatersedge — Best for low-impact family recovery and play

This versatile, space-efficient swim spa offers plenty of room for aqua play and light exercise — ideal for stretching, walking laps, or soaking post-workout.

A great choice for families and anyone easing into hydrotherapy.

Specs at a glance:

  • Size: 3990 x 2290 x 1320 mm
  • Seats: 8+
  • Volume: 4250L
  • Layout: steps for easy entry, deep-end swim area
  • Great for: injury rehab, neurodiverse family members, year-round exercise

View myWatersedge or book an appointment at our showroom to check it out.

 

How swim spas support post-workout and injury recovery

Swim spas – a space-spacing combination of a pool and a spa – help you recover from tough workouts and nagging injuries, and manage chronic conditions. How, you ask?

Swim spas are effective for muscle recovery and injury rehab because:

 

Warm water hydrotherapy and exercise

Swim spas help dilate blood vessels, boost blood flow, and deliver oxygen and nutrients to muscles. This relieves joint pain, speeds up muscle repair, and flushes out lactic acid and metabolic waste.

Swim spas also help improve sleep quality, so you can get the rest you need to recover!

 

Controlled warm water temperatures

Soaking in warm water (32-38°C) can soothe soreness and promote both muscle and mental relaxation after an intense workout.

 

Reduced pressure on joints

Water’s natural buoyancy reduces pressure on joints, making it easier, safer, and less painful to start moving after injuries like tendonitis, rotator cuff injuries, shin splints, or a torn ACL. Swim spas are also ideal for physiotherapy and managing chronic conditions like arthritis.

 

Hydrotherapy jets for targeted massage

Swim spa hydromassage jets enable you to direct an oxygenated water flow to sore muscles and problem areas for deep tissue stimulation, stress and pain relief, and increased blood flow.

 

Contrast therapy benefits

Using dual-zone swim spas or alternating with an ice bath provides effective warm/cold hydrotherapy to enhance blood flow. This supports the removal of lactic acid and metabolic waste from muscles.

 

Water pressure

Swim spas provide water pressure which gently compresses the body as you stay submerged, helping to promote lymphatic drainage and musculoskeletal repair, reduce inflammation and swelling, and reduce soreness.

 

Oxygen-rich bubbles

Swim spa jets produce bubbles containing negative ions that open and cleanse pores, lift your mood, and help you relax and regenerate.

You experience these benefits when you commit to using your swim spa regularly, between 3-5 times per week.

That’s why having a swim spa in your backyard, on your deck, or indoors (why not?) is the best long-term choice. You’ll never skip a session again because of traffic or because it’s too packed at the gym!

 

Safety first: If you suffer from heart or vascular conditions, please reach out to your doctor for health advice before starting on your hydrotherapy journey.

 

The best recovery features to look for in a swim spa

When choosing a spa for muscle recovery and injury recovery, the right features make all the difference:

 

Quality spa jets

Look for models with directional swim jets and SQR (Simple, Quick, Reliable) jets. They are strong, reliable, and Australian-made.

 

Precise temperature control

Water between 32-38°C is ideal for recovering after training.

mySpa Sydney’s swim spas use industry-leading SpaNET™ systems with smart technology and cost-effective heat pumps to give you ultimate control from your smartphone.

 

Targeted massage zones

Make sure the hydrotherapy jets are properly placed to work your neck, back, thighs, calves, and feet. The gentle massaging action helps to reduce DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) after intense workouts.

 

Support for active and passive recovery

A well-designed swim spa offers two zones: one for active recovery (aquatic movement) and one for passive recovery (therapeutic soaking).

mySpa Sydney’s Dual-zone swim spas divide these zones entirely to allow for separate temperature controls and contrast hydrotherapy.

 

End-to-end support and comprehensive warranties

A swim spa may be cheaper up front, but the problems start when you need replacement parts or servicing.

mySpa Sydney stands out with our Rock Solid Warranty offering comprehensive protection including a 10-year spa shell warranty, 5-year acrylic surface warranty, and 3-year coverage on equipment, plumbing and jets – all serviced locally without waiting for overseas parts.

 

Swim spa muscle recovery routines to try at home

Not sure how to use a swim spa for injury recovery and regular exercise?

Try these targeted routines to make the most of a Sapphire swim spa:

 

A relaxing soak

This is the easiest way to get started. Set the temperature to 36-38°C and then simply relax for 20-30 minutes after a tough workout or day at work.

The warm water will increase circulation, ease muscle tension, and reduce muscle soreness and stiffness.

Use the built-in SQR jets to target sore or injured areas. Adjust the intensity and your position to suit your needs. It’s ideal for staving off DOMS after a tough workout or a long run.

 

Gentle aquatic stretching

Move your stretching routine to the pool! Water’s buoyancy reduces the strain on joints and tendons, making stretching easier and safer.

Try slow, controlled movements to target tight areas like your lower back, hamstrings, calves, and shoulders.

 

Low-impact movement

Add a low-impact cardio session in the water about 24-48 hours after a tough session.

Light swimming, aquajogging, or using resistance bands against the current to keep blood flowing and encourage healing, without putting extra pressure on your joints.

 

Contrast hydrotherapy

With a dual-zone swim spa (or a regular swim spa and an ice bath), alternate between hot and cold water to reduce inflammation and improve recovery.

Spend 3-5 minutes in the warm water (35-45°C) before dipping in the cold water (5-15°C) for a minute or two. Repeat these intervals 3 to 5 times.

 

Why Sydney homeowners are choosing swim spas for wellness

Here in Sydney, a swim spa isn’t a luxury… It’s a smart, space-savvy investment for your long-term wellness and property value.

That is, if you pick a high-quality, Australian-made spa.

They’re more expensive upfront than our cheaper foreign competitors, but they’re far more durable, energy-efficient, and suitable for our harsh Aussie conditions.

Plus, they come with local spare parts and unrivalled support.

“After looking at every spa place in Sydney and comparing things like place of manufacture, quality of materials, installation and landscaping, legal compliance, and peace of mind, there was no doubt that MySpa was the only option for us.

While Sapphire Spas may be more expensive than some overseas models, it’s great to know we are getting an Australian-made product, made with quality materials and a great local support network. Dan and the team walked us through every step of the way, and the end result is a space in our backyard that our whole family loves.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Google Review from Dane Stephens
myWorkout 5.0m (Extreme)

Beautiful myWorkout swim spa installation for our customer.

Swim spas also:

  • Elevate your property at a fraction of the cost and maintenance of a traditional in-ground swimming pool
  • Support an active lifestyle year-round thanks to adjustable heating settings
  • Save you time and money on gym memberships and commuting
  • Eliminate construction headaches thanks to above-ground installation and mySpa Sydney handling everything from the showroom to your finished deck
  • Maximise small urban places. Our compact models (4.0m, 4.5m) offer plenty of room for hydrotherapy, relaxation, and cardio without taking over your yard.

No wonder more and more homeowners are choosing swim spas to bring recovery, movement, and relaxation into their lifestyle.

 

Need inspiration for your backyard setup? Check out these swim spa landscaping ideas!

Come down to our Castle Hill showroom to see our Sapphire Spas for yourself or contact us for personalised advice!

 

Answering your questions about swim spas for muscle recovery

What is a swim spa, and how does it help with muscle recovery?

A swim spa is a compact pool usually between 4.0m and 6.0m long, with powerful jets that create a current for swimming, hydrotherapy, and low-impact exercise. It also doubles as a spa pool for relaxation and family play.

A swim spa’s controlled environment helps muscle recovery by combining warm water therapy, buoyancy, and massage jets to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, relieve muscle soreness, and speed up healing after injuries or surgeries.

 

Is a swim spa better than a hot tub for muscle recovery?

Yes, a swim spa is a better choice than a hot tub for muscle recovery because a swim spa offers both active and passive therapy.

You can swim, walk, or stretch against an adjustable current whilst in active recovery, and then trust the warm water and massage jets to take your passive therapy to a whole other level.

 

How often should you use a swim spa for muscle recovery?

For effective injury and muscle recovery, use your swim spa between 2-3 times a week and daily. Each session should last roughly 20-30 minutes, and you can combine light stretching, soaking in warm water, hydromassage, and gentle swimming/walking.

This frequency reduces soreness, enhances circulation, and promotes healing. Always listen to your body and adjust intensity and frequency to avoid overexertion.

 

Does a spa help muscle recovery, post-workout soreness, and inflammation?

Yes, absolutely! A swim spa is uniquely positioned to help with post-workout soreness and inflammation thanks to:

  • Warm water that increases blood flow
  • Buoyancy that reduces joint stress
  • Water compression that reduces inflammation and swelling
  • Hydromassage jets that target sore muscles

 

What features should I look for in a swim spa for injury recovery and exercise?

Look for a swim spa with:

  • Adjustable swim jets that enable you to modify the current intensity
  • SQR (Simple, Quick, Reliable) massage jets in key areas like the neck, back, and legs
  • Temperature control (ideally between 32-38°C) via an energy-efficient external heat pump
  • Ergonomic seating for comfort during soaking
  • A dual-zone – one side for swimming, one side for soaking – that gives you flexibility in both recovery and exercise

 

Do I need council approval to install a swim spa in Sydney?

Yes, you need council approval to install a swim spa for injury recovery in Sydney.

Pools over 2000L – and our swim spas start at 4250L – require a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or a Development Application (DA) in NSW, and must be registered on the NSW Swimming Pool Register.

The good news? We handle the entire process for you, including permits and compliance with NSW safety regulations, so your installation is fully covered, with zero hassle.

 

How much does it cost to run and maintain a swim spa in Sydney?

Expect to pay in the range of $2,160 and $3,240 per year on your swim spa if you pick one of our energy-efficient Sapphire Spas.

This translates to $180 to $270 monthly, or roughly $6 to $9 daily.

This is up to 75% cheaper than other swim spas with conventional element heating systems and basic sanitation. Sapphire Spas achieves these savings with:

  • High-quality insulation
  • An external heat pump (a SpaNET™ Eco Cube or SV Series) that extracts heat from the surrounding air
  • A Clearzone UV + Ozone sanitation system