After learning more about the many benefits and fitness options of a swim spa, you may be wondering if you’re ready to turn your home into a four-season, 24/7 health and wellness retreat. So, just how much does a swim spa cost? And, do swim spa prices differ depending on which one you want? Both are excellent questions! Below, we break it all down into bite-sized chunks to help you better understand which swim spa fits your lifestyle and budget best.
Swim spas are versatile products, and there are so many options to choose from. Which means there’s not one set “average swim spa cost.” The cost depends on what types of options you are looking for.
Before we walk through all the variables that can impact your swim spa cost, let’s quickly cover the most obvious one: size.
Feel free to check out our detailed swim spa dimensions guide for specific measurement ranges, but we’ll cover the top line point here. Swim spas differ on their dimensions (overall and swim area), weight, and water capacity. As a general rule of thumb, if you are looking for a bigger swim spa model (which costs more to manufacture) with more functionality, you will be looking at a higher price point to best meet your needs.
Other Variables That Impact Swim Spa Prices
Speaking of functionality, you likely have a specific “wish list” of features for your swim spa. It’s your list that will be the biggest driver of price, so let’s give you the ultimate reference guide, our Swim Spa “Matchmaker” Checklist to get your wheels turning on what you’re actually looking for in a swim spa.
Swim Spa “Matchmaker” Checklist:
Swimming current
The swim current varies depending on the three distinct categories within the swim spa family:
Entry-level Systems: As the most affordable options that are easiest on the budget, these systems offer a basic and smooth swim-in-place exercise. Some models and brands even offer a turbulence-free experience through airless jets as opposed to the jets that rely on air pressure to generate resistance. If you are looking for more from the swim-in-place experience, continue onto the next two swim spa categories.
Mid-level Systems:These systems utilize the currents found in entry-level systems but usually employ a greater number of jets geared towards delivering more resistance with a superior feel. These systems are for people that want more versatility in the types of exercises they can do and more space to do it. In general, you will have access to more options with the mid-level systems compared to the entry-level systems, including a more customizable swim-in-place experience. If you still want even more, the next swim spa category has it all.
Premier/Premium Systems: These systems are designed to deliver the best swimming and exercise experience. This category offers more unique options when it comes to the generation of swim currents and resistance that go beyond jets for the best swim-in-place experience. Some brands utilize propellers or paddlewheels to deliver non-turbulent currents, while others offer swim machines to produce a swimming lane with laminar flow that is deeper and wider than your swimming stroke. If you want the best swim experience that most mimics swimming in open water with zero turbulence, you’ll want to explore premium/premier systems more with your local swim spa dealer.
Seating with hydromassage jets
Hydromassage therapy options will range across different swim spa makes and models, but as a general rule of thumb, you’ll get much more hydromassage functionality from the upper tiers of swim spas. Talk to your local swim spa dealer about what you are looking for.
“A swim spa with a hot tub”
This is an exciting system with separate swim and spa areas with individual temperature controls, allowing you to work out in a comfortable 82-85 degrees and then go to the spa area for a 104-degrees hydromassage soak. Talk to your local swim spa dealer about the select mid-level and premium/premier systems that have this dynamic functionality.
Hydraulically run underwater treadmill
An underwater treadmill (that can be combined with the swim current for increased resistance against core, leg, and upper body muscle groups) is a great workout without the harsh land-based impact to the body. This aquatic treadmill is exclusive to select premium/premier systems, and you can discuss specifics with your local swim spa dealer.
Other fitness accessories
All these accessories can be used in any swim spa model:
Aquabike for underwater cycling
Row bar kit with resistance gear for strength training
Swim tether (all swim spa models come equipped with an anchor for attaching an optional swim tether) for beginner swimmers and anyone looking to improve form with additional support
Underwater mirror for a monitoring form that stays in place on the swim spa floor
Bluetooth® Sound System
Compatible with all models. This can pair with Bluetooth-enabled devices to stream audio and play music for an enhanced swim spa experience.
Wifi modules & mobile apps
These have optional plug and play functionality to pair up with Wi-Fi-enabled devices to control swim spa settings like temperature, lights, jets, etc. (Please note, if you are looking for things like fitness app pairings or pace displays, you’ll want to discuss premium/premier systems with your local swim spa dealer).
How Much Are Swim Spas: Ballpark Edition
With a better understanding of available swim spa options, you may have an initial idea of what way you are leaning. So, what numbers should you prepare for?
We will give you very general ballpark ranges here, but here are a few important things to note:
The actual price will be totally dependent on your swim spa selection of make, model, and accessories.
The ballpark prices shown below are MSRP and do not include shipping, installation or any taxes that may be applicable.
There are great financing options to help you with this investment, so be sure to talk to your local swim spa dealer about available options.
To Give You the Most Accurate Idea of Price Range, We Will Do It by Product Category:
Entry-level Systems (Price range: ~$17,000-$22,400*)
As the most affordable options that are easiest on the budget, entry-level systems provide a basic and enjoyable “swim-in-place” experience (some models and brands even offer a turbulence-free experience through airless jets as opposed to the jets that rely on air pressure to generate resistance), space to engage in physical activities like aerobics and rowing, as well as hydromassage benefits similar to those found in a hot tub.
Mid-level Systems (Price range: ~$20,000-$36,200*)
These powerful systems are geared towards people that want more versatility in the types of exercises (like rowing and resistance workouts) they can do and deliver this extra space for more movement. These systems utilize the currents found in entry-level systems but usually employ a greater number of jets geared towards delivering more resistance with a superior feel. These units also deliver a higher degree of hydromassage benefits thanks to more functionality. Compared to entry-level systems, you will have access to more dynamic options with the exercise systems. As one example (in certain brands and models), you can enjoy a dual temperature swim spa with separate swim and spa areas, where each section enables individual temperature control. This means that you can work out at a comfortable temperature level at 82-85 degrees and then go into the spa area for a 104-degree hydromassage soak.
Premier/Premium Systems (Price range: ~$28,300-$52,800*)
These systems are the top-of-the-line for the ultimate swim, fitness, and relaxation experience and they give you a 24/7 complete fitness/wellness retreat right at your home.
These systems are usually deeper, wider and longer units that allow for the maximum amount of space to accommodate the biggest range of workouts as well as space for others to join and relax. They also administer the highest level of hydromassage through more targeted jets and better ergonomics. This category offers more unique options when it comes to the generation of swim currents and resistance that go beyond jets for the best swim-in- place experience. Some brands utilize propellers or paddlewheels to deliver non-turbulent currents, while others offer swim machines to produce a swimming lane with laminar flow that is deeper and wider than your swimming stroke. And, if you want a swim spa that has a treadmill, this is your category. If you want both the treadmill and the hot tub in one swim spa, it’s also possible here.
What Do Swim Spas Cost After the Initial Purchase?
This is a smart question to ask since you’ll need to keep your swim spa well-maintained and running once you are a swim spa owner.
This will be specific to your swim spa make and model, as well as your usage. As a general rule of thumb, you’ll need to pay for ongoing water care maintenance and minimal energy costs. Our swim spa maintenance pagewill help you to get a better understanding costs if you’d like to check it out.
Does It Matter Where I Buy My Swim Spa?
Absolutely. A swim spa is a wonderful (and big) investment, and you’ll want to feel solid in this purchase decision. Find a reputable swim spa dealer that meets these criteria:
They have been in a business a long time.
They have solid customer reviews.
The company offers different makes and models of swim spas to best meet your needs and budget.
Their technicians are up-to-date and trained on current spa technology.
They provide hands-on training on how swim spas operate.
They are happy to provide continued customer support after the purchase.
At Mainely Tubs, we pride ourselves on being experts in the swim spa industry, and we are so much more than salespeople. Whether or not you are in the consideration phase or ready to buy, let us know how we can best help you. When you are ready, give us a call, email us, or pop by our showrooms in Scarborough, Maine or Rye, New Hampshire. We’re always here to help you find the right swim spa that meets your needs and budget!
About Mainely Tubs in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts
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