Best Swim Spas

Swimming is a full-body workout that improves posture and flexibility as well as increasing oxygen and blood circulation. The trouble is finding a place to swim. Not everyone has year-round beach access or space for a large home pool and traveling to a community pool can be inconvenient. Thankfully, there is a simple solution and it is called a swim spa.

Swim spas look similar to and function a lot like a home hot tub with the added benefit of powerful jets that allow you to swim in place. Swim spas are basically to swimmers what a treadmill is to a runner with the added benefit that you can use your swim spa to host hot tub parties. Like a good piece of workout equipment or a regular hot tub, swim spas are quite an investment, so it is very important to do your research before you buy. Lucky for you, we have done some of the research for you, so simply sit back, relax, and absorb the information. By the time you’re done with this article, you will know all about some of our favorite swim spas as well as everything you need to know to find the best swim spa for you.

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Reviews of the Top 5 Best Swim Spas of 2021

St. Lawrence 218 Swim Spa

Quick Look: Swim spa with separate hot tub seating area. Dual controls for swimming area and seating area. Bluetooth pop-up speakers, LED lighting, and waterfall. Powered by five 5HP pumps. Fully insulated high-quality shell. Seats 17 people. Compare Quotes

If you are looking for the best of both a swim spa and a hot tub, then look no further than St. Lawrence’s 218” dual swim spa. This model has both a wide swimming area and a separate hot tub area with comfortable seating. With dual controls, you can adjust each section individually to meet your needs. Both the jets and the temperature are adjustable in each section, so everyone can enjoy the experience.

The hot tub area is powered by two 5HP pumps while the swim area is powered by three 5HP pumps, giving this swim spa the power to provide the perfect hot tub massage and powerful swimming currents. The currents can be adjusted to accommodate even the most relaxed swimmer, so you won’t have to worry about being pushed around if you just want an easy swim.

The outer cabinet is made of durable synthetic material that will hold up and look great for years to come, even when exposed to the weather. The shell is fully insulated with high-density foam insulation to keep the heat in. This swim spa also includes Bluetooth pop-up speakers, multi-colored LED lights, and a waterfall for the ultimate relaxation experience. It also comes with an ozone water purification system and Microban filtration so you can know that your water will always be clean and crystal clear.

Carmel 12’ Swim Spa

Quick Look: Compact size, 30 stainless steel jets, and 3 Rushin River jets. Balboa heating system, six fountains, and LED lighting. Ozone system and three Viper pumps. Compare Quotes

Short on space, but still want a swim spa? Then this is the model for you. Carmel’s 12ft swim spa has everything you need for an enjoyable swimming and hot tub experience without taking up your entire backyard. It is also very budget-friendly which is always a plus.

With 30 stainless steel jets and 3 Rushin River jets, you are sure to have the best of both the hot tub and swim spa experience. You can adjust the current jets to meet your swimming needs and when your workout is over, you can relax in one of the two comfortable hot tub seats.

Do not think that you have to skip on the hot tub experience with this model just because it is more compact. It comes with LED lighting as well as six adjustable fountains. The two lounge seats offer the perfect place to relax with a friend and enjoy a water-powered massage.

St. Lawrence 181 Swim Spa

Quick Look: Fits 15 peoples. 3 resistance jets and 2 profile-aligning jets. Four 16.4 amp pumps and 72 jets. Includes seating, waterfall, and LED lighting. Compare Quotes

The St. Lawrence 181″ Swim Spa offers the perfect mixture of power and pleasure. It is 181” x 77” x 50”, making it the perfect size for a powerful workout or a large group of friends. The powerful resistance jets give you the current you need for a good swim while the comfortable seating gives you and your friends a great place to relax. It also has a built-in sound system and LED lighting for an even more relaxing experience.

The outer shell is made out of long-lasting, fade-resistant synthetic material that is built to last. The liner is made out of sturdy plastic, so you can be sure to enjoy your swim spa for years. The outer shell is filled with closed-cell, high-density insulation to keep the heat in and the energy bills low.

All of the main jets on this 72 jet swim spa are adjustable, so you can match the current to your swimming style. When you’re done with your workout you can relax and enjoy a massage from the adjustable jacuzzi jets. With four 16.4 amp pumps, you never have to worry about your swim spa losing power or letting you down. The temperature can go up to 104°, so you can enjoy a comfortable swim no matter the weather.

Canadian Spa 16ft Swim Spa

Quick Look: 15 person capacity. Unique Swim System with resistance jets and profile-aligning jets. LED lighting, digital sound system, and two waterfalls. Ozone generating system and built-in aromatherapy canister. Compare Quotes

This 16ft, 15-person swim spa from Canadian Spa is the perfect choice for strong swimmers who are looking for a real workout. Some swimmers struggle with swim spas because they find that the return currents push them too far to the side of the swim lane. The profile-aligning jets on this model solve that problem by keeping you perfectly aligned in the swim lane. Both the current jets and the aligning jets can be adjusted to accommodate every swimming style.

The 72 powerful jets on this swim spa provide the perfect hot tub experience, giving you the chance to relax after your workout. Feel like relaxing with friends? No problem, you can fit yourself and 14 guests in this hot tub. Use the built-in LED lighting to set the mood and the built-in digital music system with pop-up speakers to keep your guests entertained. You can even customize the atmosphere with aromatherapy canisters.

The features on the inside of this swim spa are nearly as exciting as the outer features. With an infrared-lined insulated cabinet which traps the heat from the pumps and high-density insulation throughout the shell, this swim spa is highly energy efficient. The Microban filtration and ozone purification system work together to ensure the cleanest swimming experience.

Monterey III 16ft Swim Spa

Quick Look: 16ft. With 3 Rushin River jets with three Viper pumps. Smart-touch digital display temperature and jet control. Ozone system and rotational light. Compare Quotes

If you want to skip the hot tub scene and focus solely on swimming, then take a look at the Monterey III 16ft Swim Spa. It is a no-frills 16ft model with three powerful resistance jets. With a wide flat floor, this model is also great for those who enjoy water aerobics.

The rectangular design is completely open except for the entry steps, leaving you with plenty of room to swim with ease. The smart-touch digital display makes it easy for you to adjust the temperature and jets as well as the timer.

Although this model is great for exercise enthusiasts, it isn’t all work and no play. With eight LED lighted fountains, it offers fun visual effects as well as a relaxing setting for swimming. The wide-open design also provides enough room for you to invite a friend.

How We Chose The Best Swim Spas

In our search for the best swim spas, we looked for a variety of models that had a few key qualities in common such as powerful currents, high energy efficiency, and simple operation.

Powerful Currents

Although the hot tub side of swim spas is fun for entertaining, the main purpose of a swim spa is to provide a comfortable swimming experience that provides enough resistance to pose a challenge. With that in mind, we looked for swim spas that offered powerful currents that were adjustable to meet the needs of any swimmer. With options like multiple resistance jets, profile-alignment jets, and powerful additional hot tub jets, there is sure to be a model that fits your swimming style.

Energy Efficiency

Everyone knows that buying a hot tub is a big investment, but few people take into consideration the cost of maintaining one. Upkeep and running costs can add up quickly which is why we looked for swim spas that were energy-efficient and easy to maintain. Features like extra insulation in the shell and insulated cabinets help to retain heat and lower energy costs. Features like ozone purification help to decrease bacteria and keep the water clean without the use of expensive chemicals.

Ease Of Use

The whole purpose of investing in a swim spa is convenience. Both the convenience of being able to swim at home as well as the convenience of having a completely customized swimming experience, something you could never have at the beach or in a public pool. With that in mind, we looked for models that provided that experience. Features like adjustable temperature settings, jet pressure, and timers provide you with the ability to customize your swimming experience to meet your individual needs. With easy to operate controls, you can change the settings as often as you like without any inconvenience.

What You Need To Know About Swim Spas

It should come as no surprise that the most important elements to investigate when it comes to finding the best swim spas are currents, pumps, and quality materials.

Currents

As we already mentioned, proper currents are the most important part of a quality swim spa. If the current is too weak you will not be able to get in a proper workout. If the current is too strong then you will not be able to swim comfortably or properly which could lead to injuries. Look for a swim spa that has powerful currents that can be adjusted to fit your style so that you can have a challenging workout without the danger of being overwhelmed.

Pumps

The most balanced currents won’t do you any good if the pumps behind them are not high quality and powerful. The best swim spas have multiple pumps that are measured either in horsepower (HP) or gallons per minute (GPM). Since HP measures the amount of power behind the motor and GPM tells you how much water it can move, knowing the GPM is more helpful than knowing the HP. In both cases the higher the number, the better the water pressure, so keep this in mind when comparing pumps.

Quality Materials

Quality materials play an important part in any purchase, but they are especially important when it comes to large investments like this. Swim spas can be used indoors, but more often they are placed outside, so having highly durable materials is a must. Strong, fade-resistant shells will keep your swim spa looking good for years to come. A durable plastic liner will allow you to use your swim spa as often as you like without fear of it wearing out. As already mentioned, proper insulation can have a big impact on the cost of running your swim spa, so always look for quality insulation around the shell and insulated cabinets for the pumps to ensure that you aren’t paying to heat the outdoors.

How to Choose The Swim Spa For You

Now that you know all about what to look for in a quality swim spa, let’s talk about the features you need to consider to ensure that you get the best model for you.

Currents

We know what you’re thinking, we have already talked about currents. We’ve talked about currents a lot. But seriously, this is very important. Not only do the currents need to be strong and adjustable, but they also have to be aligned correctly for your swimming style. The only way to really know what will work best for you is to try out a few swim spas and see how they feel. This is especially important if you’ve never used a swim spa before. Look for a seller that does wet trials so you can find the style that works best for you before you commit.

Size

Just like regular pools and hot tubs, swim spas come in lots of different sizes. When considering the right size don’t only think of the outer measurements, but the inner measurements as well. Obviously, you have to choose a model that will fit into the space you have, but you also have to consider how you will fit inside the swim spa. Pretty much all the models are long enough for the average person to swim comfortably, but the width can have a big impact on your comfort as well. This is another instance where doing a few swim tests will help you to find the right model for you.

Layout and Features

Choosing the layout and features is the best part of this process because it is all about what you enjoy. If you are only looking for a place to swim for exercise, then the choice is very easy because you can choose a no-frills model without any of the extras. If you want your swim spa to double as a party spot then look for fun features. Things like extra seating, LED lighting, and stereo systems can all add to the experience. Even if you do not plan on hosting a lot of parties, built-in speakers can be a great feature for personal use. The extra bells and whistles are all up to you, just remember to only pay for extras that you are actually going to use.

Bottom Line

Swim spas are a great way to bring your swimming workouts home to your own backyard. They offer the swimming challenge you need while also doubling as a relaxing hot tub. Just remember that when looking for the best swim spas you should always look for strong, adjustable currents, powerful pumps, and quality materials.

Once you have found a brand that you like, it is time to find the model that best fits your swimming style. Remember to look for these elements:

• Currents that are challenging, but not too difficult for you to swim against.
• Enough swimming space that you can swim comfortably. This will allow you to get the most out of your workout.
• Last, but not least, look for extra features that will enhance your swimming and hot tub experiences like lighted waterfalls and a good sound system.

Swim spas are the best kind of exercise equipment because they can double as a party spot or a relaxing spa. What’s not to love? We hope this information has encouraged you to take the plunge and find the best swim spa for you. Our team also did research on the best solar pool covers if you are looking for a pool cover for your new swim spa too.

Top 5 Best Swim Spas of 2021

• St. Lawrence 218” Swim Spa: Best Overall Swim Spa
• Carmel 12ft. Swim Spa: Best Budget Swim Spa
• St. Lawrence 181” Swim Spa: Best Multi-Use Swim Spa
• Canadian Spa 16ft Swim Spa: Best Swim Spa for Strong Swimmers
• Monterey III 16ft Swim Spa: Best Swim Spa for Exercise Enthusiasts

Want to Find the Best Deal on a Swim Spa? Compare Quotes and Save!