Swimming offers good exercise, relaxation, and fun for family and friends. When you’re looking to add a pool or swim spa to your home, it may seem like the options are endless. The wants and needs of every household are different, but there are a few factors that can help you determine if a swim spa or a pool is right for you.

Here, we’re exploring the similarities and differences between swim spas and pools to help you decide which one suits you best.

The swim

The biggest difference between a pool and a swim spa is the swim experience. Pools are more natural & less challenging to swim in. Swimming in a pool requires you to turn around at each end, sometimes having to turn multiple times before you ever reach your desired distance. On the other hand, the current in a swim spa allows you to swim in one place without ever reaching the end or having to turn around.

The size

The size of your backyard is a big factor in determining what kind of pool you should buy. With lots getting smaller and smaller there is simply no room for traditional pools in some backyards. In these yards, a swim spa might be the only kind of pool that can fit.

Price

One of the more attractive elements of a swim spa is the relatively low cost in comparison to a regular swimming pool. A top of the range above ground swim spa will cost you between $15,000 and $30,000.

Maintenance

Pools need a fair amount of weekly maintenance but if you own a swim spa, however, much of this maintenance is not needed. Since they have a much smaller surface area than a standard pool, the filtration system in a swim spa is easily able to filter out any floating debris that lands on the water.