Choosing between a swim spa and a plunge pool? Here’s how they’re different:

• Swim spas are large spas with powerful jets for continuous swimming, full-body workouts, and sports recovery.
• Plunge pools are compact pools with basic heating and jets, perfect for cooling off in the summer and for contrast therapy. 

mySpa Sydney provides premium Australian-made swim spas and plunge pools in 4.0m, 4.5m, 5.0m, and 6.0m models. They’re compact, easy to install, and very cost-effective compared to a traditional swimming pool.

Keep scrolling for more details to help you choose the perfect hydrotherapy experience for your home and lifestyle:

• Compare 5.0m swim spa vs. 5.0m plunge pool
• What are swim spas?
  • Are swim spas high maintenance?
• What are plunge pools?
  • How do plunge pools work?
• Explore our swim spa and plunge pool range – you can even book a test dip!
• Answering your questions about comparing swim spas vs. plunge pools
  • What's more energy-efficient: a swim spa or plunge pool?
  • Do I need council approval for a swim spa or plunge pool in Sydney?
  • What's the minimum space needed for installation?

Compare 5.0m swim spa vs. 5.0m plunge pool

To show you how swim spas and plunge pools differ, let’s compare the myWorkout 5.0m model in its swim spa and plunge pool form.

If your main goal is fitness and regular hydrotherapy, the swim spa is perfect for you. But if you’re after a lower-maintenance backyard escape that keeps you cool in summer, the plunge pool could be your sweet spot.

What are swim spas?

A swim spa combines the best elements of a pool and a spa. With powerful, adjustable swim jets at one end, you can swim in place or walk against the current — perfect for exercise, sports rehab, and family fun. The hydrotherapy end of the spa (a separate zone in our Dualzone models) features spa seating with SQR massage jets for relaxing after your workout.

Our customers love their swim spa because it’s: 

• Great for all seasons 
• Compact, efficient use of space 
• Ideal for sports training, hydrotherapy, and family play

There’s a broad range of swim spa sizes and configurations to choose from. All our swim spas and plunge pools have the same width (2.3m) but the lengths start from 4.0m, 4.5m, 5.0m, and 6.0m.

Read more about swim spas or check out our exceptional range at the mySpa Sydney showroom on Hudson Avenue Castle Hill, Sydney.

Are swim spas high maintenance?

Not at all. Compared to a full-size pool, a swim spa is far easier to maintain — and up to 75% cheaper to run. Our Australian-made Sapphire Spas models are designed to hold heat efficiently, with smart filtration systems, heat pumps, and powerful SQR jets. 

Read our full spa maintenance guide if you want to dig into the details of looking after your swim spa.

What are plunge pools?

Plunge pools are compact, cool water pools. They’re deeper than a spa and shallower than a pool — perfect for cooling dips or light aquacise. mySpa Sydney’s plunge pools include basic swim jets and massage jets for light resistance and massage.

They’re a top pick if:

• You want a cool dip during hot Aussie summers
• You don’t need advanced swim spa features
• You have limited space and budget for a swimming pool

The mySpa Sydney team provides an end-to-end installation and landscaping service, helping you with compliance and construction to create your dream backyard hydrotherapy experience.

Our myWorkout and myWatersedge models are available as plunge pools, in 4.0m through to 6.0m options:

myWorkout 4.5m PLUNGE 4 person plunge pool

myWorkout 5.0m PLUNGE 4 person plunge pool

myWorkout 6.0m PLUNGE 4 person plunge pool

myWatersedge 4.0m PLUNGE 8 person plunge pool

myWatersedge 5.0m PLUNGE 8 person plunge pool

myWatersedge 6.0m PLUNGE 8 person plunge pool

If you do want the option of heating your plunge pool, you can ask for a heat/cool pump to be included. Talk to our showroom team for guidance around the best options.

How do plunge pools work?

Plunge pools work similarly to a swim spa or spa pool, but without the extensive massage jets or continuous swimming capability. 

Water is circulated and filtered to maintain cleanliness, and heating systems can be installed to regulate temperature, allowing for year-round use. 

Due to their reduced size, plunge pools are space-efficient and require less maintenance, making them an attractive option for homeowners seeking a simple hydrotherapy experience.

Plunge pools use cool or temperature-controlled water for immersion therapy, where alternating between hot and cold water boosts blood circulation, eases muscle soreness, reduces inflammation, and promotes well-being. 

Read details about the benefits of versatile plunge pools here: 5 Benefits of an Above-Ground Plunge Pool

Explore our swim spa and plunge pool range – you can even book a test dip! 

If you’re seriously considering a premium swim spa or plunge pool, come and try out the range at mySpa Sydney.

Visit our showroom at Unit 4/10 Hudson Ave, Castle Hill or book a dip online, and we’ll help to find the best option to match your needs!

Answering your questions about comparing swim spas vs. plunge pools

What's more energy-efficient: a swim spa or plunge pool?

If you plan to use a plunge pool unheated during summer and only heat occasionally, it may use less energy overall compared to a swim spa. For maximum efficiency, we recommend adding a POWERsmart heat pump to your plunge pool, which can reduce heating costs by up to 75% compared to standard electric heaters.

Do I need council approval for a swim spa or plunge pool in Sydney?

Swim spas and plunge pools require a Complying Development Certificate (CDC). At mySpa Sydney, we handle all permits and compliance requirements as part of our comprehensive installation service, ensuring your installation meets NSW safety regulations.

What's the minimum space needed for installation?

We recommend allowing at least 1m clearance around your swim spa or plunge pool for access and maintenance. Our installation team can advise on the best model for your specific property constraints during a site assessment.