If you’re in the market for a pool, you might be considering a spa pool or swim spa. Both are fantastic options for a home, as they take up less space and are easier to install than a typical in-ground swimming pool.

Both spa pools and swim spas each have unique benefits that might influence your decision. Here, we’ve outlined the differences between spa pools and swim spas to help you reach the right decision for your lifestyle.

What is a spa pool?

Spa pools are heated and jetted pools, usually placed on an outdoor patio or deck. They come in a myriad of different sizes depending on your preference. Spa pools generally have seating on all sides of the spa pool, facing into the centre. 

If you're looking for quality time with your family, or a relaxing soak with a significant other, a spa pool like the myPartner is the perfect choice. It's a cleverly designed, space-saving spa with all the bells and whistles that can seat three people comfortably.

On the other hand, if you want to enjoy the company of all your friends and family you can go with the myParty, which seats up to 10 people at a time! 

These spas can be used for relaxation, massaging your muscles, and spending time with loved ones. It can act as a social hub, improve your overall health and wellbeing, and even help you sleep.

What is a swim spa?

Swim spas are similar to spa pools but have one huge benefit: you can swim in them! 

They use fully adjustable swim jets at one end to create a current that you can swim or walk against. You can get a full body workout while staying in one spot. 

Swim spas are a bit larger and deeper than spa pools, but far smaller and less-expensive than a full-sized swimming pool. Swim spas are designed to offer the best parts of both swimming pools and spa pools.

How do swim spas work?

Swim spas have a seating area with standard spa jets at one side of the pool, with a larger space for swimming and fully adjustable swim jets at the other end. 

The swim jets provide currents in the water for you to swim against, and can provide you with a variation in the intensity of your workout. A swim spa gives you the opportunity to swim, water walk, or do pool-based resistance training, in the privacy of your own home. 

If you love swimming but don't have room for a pool, or don't want to deal with the maintenance and cost that comes with them, then a swim spa is the ideal choice. Swim spas are easier to set up than a full swimming pool and will cost you much less in both time and money.

Better still, the swim jets can be turned off, and separate massage jets can be used so the swim spa functions as a regular spa pool too.

Are swim spas good for swimming?

Yes - just as the name suggests, swim spas are designed for swimming. 

Swim spas are suitable for people of all ages: from young children learning to swim, to older folk looking to retain stamina and flexibility. Depending on the swim spa you choose, you can often have a good level of control over the current to match your fitness level.

So if you’re an olympic level swimmer, the right swim spa can still offer enough of a current to provide a significant challenge for maintaining your fitness and stroke.

Health benefits of swim spas

Achieve the health benefits of hydrotherapy and massage right at home. Swim spas seats have jets positioned along the thighs, calves, feet, and legs to help relieve tension in your major muscle groups. 

Exercising in water also improves your stamina in land based activities, and the pressure is fully adjustable for any training or fitness goals.

Interested in learning more? Read our blog post on the health benefits of swim spas.

How to choose a swim spa?

We offer varying Swim propulsion systems, allowing you to find a Swim Spa that suits your workout needs. Transform your workout from home, then move to the Spa for a curative hydrotherapy massage.

You can choose the size of the spa based on your family or lifestyle requirements, we offer a wide variety of swim spas to choose that will fit your requirements. We have a wide range of swim spas ranging from small swim spas to larger and deeper ones. Some examples below of our swim spa that could fit your family or lifestyle requirement.

mySwimgym

If you and your small family or partner are the only ones going to be using the swim spa then the mySwimgym is perfect. It can seat three people comfortably, and has a range of feature options available.

myLapswim

If you're looking for fun for the whole family and even more room to swim, then myLapswim is for you. Unlike the mySwimgym, myLapswim features 12 moulded seats around its perimeter, pointed into the centre to comfortably seat a whopping 12 people for a relaxed social affair.

Of course, myLapswim is also more than capable of accommodating your swim practice. The 6 seats at one end of the deep swim spa are more shallow than the others, ensuring there’s plenty of space to move about as you practice your stroke.

If you are looking to buy a swim spa, explore our swim spa range available in Sydney, Australia.

How much does swim spa cost?

If you are looking for a swim spa, our quality Australian Made swim spa will start around $30,000 and plunge pools from $22,000, and they are built for Australian climate. Australia's high standards demand quality, lasting materials, plus top-notch service, including advice on local laws & regulations, installation and warranty care.

However, a concrete or fibre-glass swimming pool may start between the price range of $25,000 to $35,000.

The swim spa combines a spa pool and a swimming pool, providing a cost-effective way to enjoy your own private oasis. Contact us to find out about swim spa pricing and our friendly staff will be able to answer your queries.

Swim spa vs plunge pool

Plunge pools are very similar to swim spas, and might be a good option if you’re working with limited space or need a cheap swim spa

Featuring fewer swim jets and less seating, a plunge pool is often slightly smaller than a swim spa. Don’t be put off though — a plunge pool is a fantastic option if you’re after a low-footprint pool to practice swimming in at home, at a fraction of a swim spa’s price.

The myWatersedge is a fantastic low-cost option for a swim spa with almost no jets - just 2 massage jets, and 2 swim jets. 

Read more: Plunge Pools 101: Everything you need to know about plunge pools

What is the difference between a swim spa and hot tub?

Swim spas and hot tubs have a lot in common, but swim spas offer greater versatility. Both hot tubs and swim spas can be used for relaxation, with massage jets, moulded seating and heat pumps.

The main point of difference is that swim spas can also be used for swimming practice. With powerful swim jets producing a current, you can swim or walk in place in your swim spa. Swim spas also have a greater range of heat options, allowing you to run the spa cooler for exercise, or warmer for relaxation.

Find your new spa pool or swim spa at mySpa Sydney

If you are looking to buy a swim spa in Sydney area then visit us to test out a spa or swim spa for yourself! At mySpa Sydney, we have a private area with a changing room and shower where you can come test out some of the spas for yourself. 

With over 15 years experience, we can do everything needed to get your chosen spa from our showroom to your installation location, whether you want it installed as an in-ground swim spa or an above ground spa pool.

Make an appointment with us today, or call us on 02 8850 6550.