A swim spa is a large spa pool with swim-in-place technology, so it can be used for relaxation, swimming, workouts, and family play.

Swim spas are rapidly gaining popularity across Australia as an alternative to a swimming pool, providing year-round enjoyment with lower installation and maintenance costs.

You might be considering forking out over $100k for a swimming pool in Sydney when a premium swim spa likely provides exactly what you need - and more - for under $55,000?

Keep reading to understand what a swim spa is, or browse our range of premium swim spas to find the perfect match for your lifestyle and property.

Article summary:

• A swim spa is a spa and a pool combined, offering year-round swimming, hydrotherapy, and exercise at a fraction of the cost and space of a traditional pool.
• More Australians are choosing swim spas over a traditional pool because of their lower installation and maintenance costs, easier council approvals, space efficiency, and the ability to use more of their budget for a premium product and landscaping with mySpa Sydney.

Keep scrolling or skip ahead to find what you’re looking for…

• How do swim spas work?
  
  • Single-zone swim spas
  • Dual-zone swim spas
• Why choose a swim spa over a pool
  
  • Save thousands while swimming all year round
  • Installation is less of a financial deep end
  • Less council approval headaches
  • Perfect for more compact properties
  • Multiple forms of exercise in one space
  • Cheaper to run and maintain
• Swim spa models from mySpa Sydney
  
  • Compact swim spas (4.0m)
  • Mid-size swim spas (4.5m - 5.0m)
  • Large swim spas (6.0m)
• Installation requirements and process
• See our premium range of swim spas at the showroom
• Answering your questions about swim spas
  
  • Do I need council approval for a swim spa in NSW?
  • Can a swim spa be installed on a deck?
  • How much does it cost to run a swim spa?
  • What maintenance is required for a swim spa?
  • What size swim spa do I need?
  • Can you use a swim spa year-round in Sydney?

Please note that pricing estimates are correct as of March 2025 – get in touch for the latest information.

How do swim spas work?

Swim spas use counter-current technology to create a continuous flow of water, allowing you to swim in place and enjoy a relaxing hydrotherapy experience.

At one end, high-powered swim jets generate adjustable currents, ranging from gentle resistance for light workouts to powerful streams that challenge strong swimmers.

At the other end of the swim spa, hydrotherapy seats and powerful jets provide a relaxing massage that soothes tired muscles.

Most swim spas fall into two categories:

 Single-zone swim spas

One space where you can enjoy a calming soak at one end or an invigorating workout at the other end.

Featured: mySwimgym

Dual-zone swim spas

Relax in the recliner seats while your loved ones enjoy a swimming workout against the jets. Adjustable temperature in each zone.

Featured: myDualzone

But not all swim spas will have the same innovative features or quality of components.

At mySpa Sydney, we’re proud to provide the very best in the market. Our Australian-made swim spas include:

• Advanced SpaNET control systems with integrated heat pump technology that adapts to your usage patterns, reducing energy costs by up to 75% compared to conventional systems while maintaining optimal water temperature.
• External heat pumps and PureZone sanitation systems that significantly reduce ongoing chemical and energy costs – features typically offered as expensive add-ons by competitors.
• Full 3-year warranty with local technical support, ensuring quick resolution of any issues without the long wait times often associated with imported spa parts.
• End-to-end support from our Sydney team, who handle everything from council compliance to site preparation and swim spa decking to create your dream wellness space at home.

But what does it feel like to swim in a swim spa? Denis explains:

"Swimming in a swim spa is a lot like open water swimming with current resistance, rather than just treading water. You get a more effective workout with less space required."
– Denis Linehan, mySpa Sydney

If you’re considering a swim spa instead of a pool, book a consultation and try it yourself at our showroom in Castle Hill.

Why choose a swim spa over a pool

Swim spas are far cheaper than traditional pools while offering more capabilities. If we were to compare average costs, you’re looking at spending at least $75,000 on a swimming pool and an average cost of $40,000 for a swim spa – excluding landscaping.

Here's why more Australians are making the switch:

Save thousands while swimming all year round

Swimming pools often sit unused during Sydney's cooler months (May through September), but swim spas like the myWorkout series maintain comfortable water temperatures efficiently year-round.

With mySpa Sydney’s superior insulation and smart heating systems, you'll get maximum value from your investment across all seasons.

Installation is less of a financial deep end

Installing a premium swim spa typically costs significantly less than a comparable in-ground pool.

The myIndulge 5.0m model provides excellent swimming capacity and relaxation features without requiring extensive excavation, complex structural work, or permanent modifications to your property.

Less council approval headaches

Swim spa installation often faces fewer regulatory obstacles compared to permanent pool structures.

While standard pools typically require a full Development Application (DA), which can be time-consuming and costly, swim spas with a capacity over 2,000 litres may qualify for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), streamlining the approval process.

However, it's essential to consult with local authorities to ensure all specific requirements are met for your property.

The mySpa Sydney team are experts in swim spa regulations and provide total end-to-end support for your project. We pride ourselves on taking the hassle of navigating compliance off your plate:

“After looking at every spa place we could get to 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.” - Dane Stephens, mySpa Sydney Swim Spa customer 

Perfect for more compact properties

The average Sydney residential block continues to shrink, making traditional pools increasingly impractical.

Our swim spa sizes range from 4m to 6m long. The mySwimgym 4.0m provides a complete swimming and hydrotherapy experience in just 9m² of space – roughly half the footprint of the average pool (18m²).

Multiple forms of exercise in one space

Swim spas offer better exercise value than conventional pools. As well as endless swimming (no tumble turns!), swim spas combine the low-impact exercise benefits of swimming with the hydrotherapy benefits of warm water and massage jets:

• Resistance swimming: Adjustable jets provide everything from gentle resistance for rehabilitation to challenging currents for elite training
• Aquatic jogging: The perfect low-impact cardio workout, particularly valuable for Sydney's growing population of active seniors and injury-prone runners
• Hydrotherapy stretching: Ideal for pre and post-workout recovery, with targeted jets that help release muscle tension
• Water aerobics: Full-body workouts that leverage water resistance without requiring additional equipment

Cheaper to run and maintain

2024 research showed that traditional pools cost Australians up to $2000 annually to maintain and increase your power bill by 30%.

Long-term cost savings ultimately depend on the quality of your swim spa components.

Sapphire Spas models from mySpa Sydney deliver impressive efficiency benefits:

• 70% less water consumption than traditional pools
• Reduced spa chemical requirements for maintenance
• Substantially lower heating expenses with advanced technology

The game-changer for Sydney homeowners is mySpa Sydney’s heat pump technology. The Sapphire Spas’ SpaNET system extracts heat from the surrounding air rather than generating it directly, achieving up to five times more heat output than electricity consumed.

For a typical Sydney property maintaining spa temperature at 38°C year-round, this translates to approximately $800-1,000 in annual savings – particularly valuable during those chilly Sydney winter mornings.

Swim spa models from mySpa Sydney

Our swim spa models are available in 4.0m, 4.5m, 5.0m, and 6.0m in length (they're all roughly 2.3m wide).

Compact swim spas (4.0m)

Perfect for urban Sydney properties with limited space:

• mySwimgym (3960 × 2290 × 1340mm): Ideal for small families or couples with limited space
• myWatersedge4.0m (3990 × 2290 × 1320mm): Optimised for entertaining with extensive seating

Mid-size swim spas (4.5m - 5.0m)

 The most popular range for Sydney suburban properties:

• myLapswim4.5m (4450 × 2290 × 1420mm): Perfect for serious swimmers
• myWorkout4.5m (4450 × 2290 × 1310mm): Designed for fitness enthusiasts
• myIndulge5.0m (4965 × 2290 × 1320mm): Balances swimming and relaxation areas

Large swim spas (6.0m)

Ideal for larger properties or those prioritising maximum functionality:

• myDualzone6.0m (5980 × 2290 × 1320mm): Features separate swimming and spa sections
• myWorkout6.0m (5980 × 2290 × 1320mm): Provides the most extensive workout space
• myIndulge6.0m (5980 × 2290 × 1320mm): Maximises seating capacity for entertaining

All mySpa Sydney swim spas can be customised to suit your outdoor style.

Choose your shell colour:

Silverwhite

Midnight

Ocean

Gypsum

 Then choose from our two fade and stain-resistant cabinetry options:

Australian Red Cedar

Duratek

Installation requirements and process

Most swim spa installations require a reinforced concrete slab (150mm minimum thickness), proper electrical connection, and compliance with NSW regulations.

Installing a swim spa in your Sydney property is a straightforward process when you work with our experienced team. Our full-service installation package handles everything from council approvals to landscaping and decking.

Our expert swim spa landscaping team love working with clients to achieve exceptional outdoor spaces like this:

Our team manages the entire process:

• Site assessment and preparation
• Council compliance and CDC documentation
• Concrete foundation work
• Electrical installation
• Delivery and positioning
• Spa setup and testing
• Decking construction
• Surrounding landscaping and finishing touches

For a comprehensive breakdown of the installation process and to see examples of our completed projects, visit our swim spa installation guide.

See our premium range of swim spas at the showroom

Book an appointment and experience our range of premium Australian-made swim spas at our Castle Hill showroom.

Our expert team can provide personalised advice on the best swim spa for your needs and budget, with comprehensive installation solutions for Sydney properties.

Answering your questions about swim spas

Do I need council approval for a swim spa in NSW?

Yes, swim spas over 2000L require a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or Development Application (DA) in NSW, and must be registered on the NSW Swimming Pool Register. mySpa Sydney handles all compliance requirements as part of our installation service.

Can a swim spa be installed on a deck?

Yes, but the deck must be specifically engineered to support the weight (typically 6,000-10,000kg when filled). A structural engineer should certify the design, and we often recommend building a deck around a ground-level swim spa instead.

How much does it cost to run a swim spa?

With quality insulation and a heat pump, expect running costs of $9 per day in Sydney's climate. Australian-made Sapphire Spas with PowerSmart technology and optional Eco Cube heat pumps can reduce costs by up to 75% compared to standard heating systems.

What maintenance is required for a swim spa?

• Weekly: Basic water testing and chemical balancing (15 minutes)
• Monthly: Filter cleaning and water treatment (30 minutes)
• Quarterly: Deep clean and partial water change (2 hours)
• Annual: Professional service inspection and filter replacement (performed by our team)

What size swim spa do I need?

• For swimming and exercise: Minimum 4.5m length for average adults
• For family use: 5m+ with seating areas
• For serious swimmers: 5-6m with professional-grade swim jets
• For dual-purpose use: 6m dual-zone models with separate temperature zones

Can you use a swim spa year-round in Sydney?

Absolutely. Sydney's mild climate makes year-round use practical and enjoyable. Quality Australian-made swim spas maintain temperature efficiently even in winter, with running costs typically only increasing during the cooler months.