Author Archives: Christina Mantoura-Gough

Swim spas are big investments, but they also reap huge rewards. From fitness to fun and relaxation, a swim spa can truly enhance your life. If you’re considering buying a swim spa, keep reading to find out what you should consider when choosing the perfect swim spa for your needs.

Water Circulation Rate

The first thing to look for in a swim spa is a high water circulation rate and even water distribution. The best swim spas also feature an adjustable flow and current.

Current speeds can vary across different swim spas and models from 2.5 to 8 mph. When you want a swim spa that will truly challenge you, select one with a faster current. This way, as you improve, you can increase the current to push yourself harder.

The swim spa’s circulation system is also important. One kind of system is the paddlewheel system that creates a deep and wide current via a wheel at the back of the unit that draws water toward it. Paddlewheel systems will circulate around 80% of the water in your swim spa.

If you have a swimming partner and want to have the ability to work out simultaneously but at different speeds, a propeller-powered swim spa with two propellers is the system for you. A propeller situated at the front of the swim spa pushes the current toward the back. With this system, the water at the edges stays calm.

Propulsion swim pump system are the least capable when it comes to wide, even water distribution. The best plan when choosing any swim spa is to try it out. Just ask the dealer and they will allow you to test it so you can select the perfect swim for you.

A Variety of Activities

Although many people imagine only swimming laps in a swim spa, the reality is that they provide a versatile array of activities including exercise, relaxation, and rehabilitation.

In terms of health and fitness, a swim spa gives you many options for cardiovascular workouts as well as strength building. Swim spas are ideal for arthritis sufferers who want to exercise without pain. Because using a swim spa can burn 400 to 500 calories per hour, swimming is also great for weight loss. In addition, you can add accessories like treadmills for water running, rowing options, water weights, and more.

Socialization and relaxation make swim spas extremely popular. If you want users to be able to perform a variety of activities at once, such as relaxing in the hot tub area while a guest swims, choosing a model that has separate areas for different activities. There are several models with temperature controls so you can keep the hot tub area hot and the exercise area cool. If you want to be able to relax or relieve muscle pain at any time, selecting a swim spa with a specific hot tub area is essential.

Installation Decisions

There are many installation options for your swim spa, including inground, partially inground, or above ground. As long as you have enough room in a specific location, a swim spa can be installed there. From playing outside in the waves to adding a swim spa to your indoor fitness area, the sky’s the limit.

If you think you might move in the future and would like to take your swim spa along, you should choose an above ground installation. If increasing the value of your home is a priority, an inground installation is a good idea.

No matter where you decide to install, choose a location that is sturdy enough to support a weight of 200 pounds per square foot.

Easy Maintenance

It’s likely that you’ll invest in a swim spa because you want more relaxation time, not less. When you want to simplify your maintenance schedule so you have more time to enjoy your swim spa, choose a self-cleaning option. You will simply add the chemicals while your swim spa vacuums, skims, and filters the water for you.

Costs of Added Features

Swim spas come in a range of prices, usually from $10,000 to $35,000. Size, features, and quality of the swim spa can all affect its price so it’s important to prioritize your needs to stay within your budget.

There are many features available that can enhance your swim spa experience. These include stereos, automatic controls, hydrotherapy jets, contoured seats, and fiber-optic lighting. Swim spas with dual heaters that allow different water temperatures in different locations are also available. While all of these features will create a better swim spa experience, make sure you are aware of how much they will add to the price.

If you’re an avid exerciser, you may want to invest in accessories that will allow you to cross-train. Rowing machines, aqua bikes, treadmills, and weight training and resistance features can all make your workout more versatile. If monitoring your progress is important, choose a model with a heart monitor or underwater cameras that can help you improve your stroke.

As you discuss additional features, make sure you clearly communicate with your dealer about your budget.

Now that you’ve learned about what you need to think about before purchasing a swim spa, download our free swim spa buyer’s guide to find the right one for you.

For many years, Hydropool swim spas have been known across the world for their ability to provide fun, relaxation, and fitness. From outstanding energy efficiency to easy maintenance, they provide you with the features you need for your lifestyle.

Below you’ll discover many reasons to invest in a Hydropool swim spa.

A Space Saving Option

If you’ve always wanted to install a swimming pool but don’t have sufficient space, a Hydropool swim spa can fit into most any space, large or small. You’ll also have the advantage of choosing from a wide range of installation options, including inground, above ground, or partially inground.

Fast Installation Time

While building a pool can take several weeks, a Hydropool swim spa can be up and running in less than a month. Installing a pool requires securing permits, doing paperwork, dealing with your homeowner’s association, and more. With a swim spa, you can avoid these issues and get an installation that is not only faster, but cheaper as well.

Save Water and Energy

When you want of the world’s most energy efficient swim spas, Hydropool is a terrific option. Hydropool swim spas are equipped with cutting-edge insulation and advanced technology that prevents heat waste by reusing heat from the pipes. Their eco-heat exchange system traps heat when the temperature dips and expels it when the temperature rises. Finally, Hydropool’s thermal covers reduce evaporation by 75%, saving you energy and money.

Minimize Maintenance

Because of their self-cleaning technology, Hydropool swim spas truly stand out from the competition. It takes only 15 minutes for a Hydropool swim spa to filter all of its water. They can also skim debris and oil from the surface, vacuum dirt from the bottom, and more. Because the self-cleaning models do so much maintenance for you, you can spend your time doing what you love!

A Variety of Activities

From exercise and training to fun and relaxation, a Hydropool swim spa has the accessories you need to create a versatile experience that fits your needs. You can do water exercises, swim laps, watch your kids play in the wave pool, or sit back and relax with a therapeutic massage.

A Great Reputation

When you choose a swim spa manufacturer, you want to choose one you can rely on. Hydropool is renowned worldwide for providing outstanding parts and labor warranties. They are also well known for creating the most innovative and high-quality swim spas available today.

Now that you know more about the reasons to choose a Hydropool swim spa, download our buyer’s guide and start your search for the right swim spa for you.

A lot of people who want a place to relax and exercise struggle with whether they should choose a swim spa or a pool. While this decision can be tough, knowing more about costs, installation, and considerations you’ll need to make can help you make the right choice.

Below you’ll discover everything you need to know to make the perfect choice for your lifestyle.

Space and Location

Space is one of the most important considerations when deciding whether to go with a swim spa or a swimming pool. Pools are fantastic choices for large backyards, while swim spas are often better for small spaces. If you like to use your outdoor area for a range of activities, a swim spa can help you reap the benefits of a swimming pool while saving you enough space so you can add a patio, garden, or deck.

Even if you have a very small yard or garden, a small swim spa can fit. You can fully customize your swim spa size to the size of your outdoor area, as swim spas range from 12 to 19 feet.

Make the Most of Your Swim Spa

If you own a swimming pool in Canada, you can usually only use it for four to six months. On the other hand, a swim spa can be used every day of the year. For those who want more than fun in the summer sun, a swim spa is a good choice. If you’re using it for fitness purposes, you’ll be able to stay on track and use it every day, no matter what the weather is like. If you want to gain the benefits of daily use, a swim spa is a superior choice.

Understanding Installation

There are huge differences between pools and swim spas when it comes to installation costs and timelines. Although a pool can be installed in around two weeks, it requires additional planning and preparation such as permit applications, excavation and grading, pouring concrete, and installing a liner prior to filling and using the pool.

Choosing a swim spa will help you reduce the amount of preparation required and start swimming right away. A swim spa can be fully installed and ready to use in three days and only requires a concrete pad for support. In-ground installations are also possible with some brands.

In terms of budgeting, swim spas tend to be quite a bit cheaper than swimming pools. For comparison, installing an in-ground pool costs around $38,000 while a swim spa can be installed for around $25,000.

Make Safety a Priority

Covers are essential for keeping your swim spa or swimming pool safe. While swim spas arrive with the cover included, a swimming pool safety cover can cost anywhere between $2500 and $5000. Swimming pool covers also require a lot of work to put them on and remove them.

Think About Filtering Efficiency

Swimming pools take much longer to filter their water than swim spas. A swimming pool can be filtered in 12 to 18 hours while a quality swim spa can fully filter its water in under an hour. Even if the time frame isn’t important to you, because a swimming pool uses a lot of energy to filter its water over a longer time period, a swim spa will save you huge amounts of energy and money.

Choose Efficient Heating

Heating is another area where swim spas are more efficient. Because swimming pools lose so much heat from the surface of their water, they cost more to heat. Swim spas conserve heat because they are built to reuse waste heat that emerges from their pumps. This requires the heater to do a lot less work and makes heating 75% less expensive than what it costs to heat a swimming pool.

Consider your Maintenance investment

Maintenance can be expensive as it requires chemicals, parts, and equipment, but swimming pools tend to cost more to maintain. Maintaining your pool over the course of a swim season costs approximately $1000 while maintaining a swim spa will only cost around $500 per year.

Good warranties can also help you reduce your maintenance and repair costs, but swimming pools usually lack warranties. Quality swim spas typically come with 10-year warranties.

Finally, don’t forget about the cost of liner replacement for a swimming pool. You will need to replace your liner every 10 to 15 years at a price between $4000 and $5000. Swim spa shells never need to be replaced, so if you’re on a budget this is important to keep in mind.

Creating Fun and Fitness Options

Swimming pools and swim spas both offer fun and exercise options, but swim spas are more versatile. A swimming pool has a diving board, but a swim spa can be customized with fitness accessories including rowing machines, wave pools, water pilates, and other fitness equipment. They also allow you to change the resistance to perfectly accommodate your fitness level. Swim spas are also equipped with workout monitoring technology so you can always be aware of your progress.

Now that you know the basics of swim spas versus swimming pools, download our free swim spa buyer’s guide and pick the best swim spa for you.

One of the best things about investing in a swim spa is that it allows you to vary your workout routine so you stay motivated. Whether you want to swim laps, strength train, or get a low-impact cardio workout, you can do it in your swim spa.

Below, you’ll discover a variety of exercises you can do in your swim spa to take your fitness to the next level.

The Perfect Warm Up

Because its temperature is adjustable, your swim spa allows you to create the perfect warmup. By simply wading in the lukewarm water while moving your arms back and forth, you’ll relieve stress, reduce tension, and unwind while getting your muscles ready for a challenging workout.

If you like to stretch before a workout, try a stretch belt or stretching machine. This will make sure your muscles are warm and limber before you move on to the more difficult part of your routine.

Varying your Resistance

One perk of a swim spa is that you can switch the resistance level to create a more or less challenging workout. To push yourself harder, increase the resistance level by changing the speed and direction of your swim spa’s current. From here, you can walk, run, or swim. Continue to regularly increase your resistance to improve your endurance.

Strength Training

Resistance exercises and weight lifting will make you stronger by helping you build muscle. Resistance bands are a terrific option for rowing, an exercise that gives you a total body workout for your back, hands, shoulders, legs, and arms. Simply attach the resistance bands to the rowing bars in your swim spa and start rowing.

Water weights are another way to gain strength, as they are specially designed to work with the water’s resistance to help you build strength. If you want to tone your thighs and calves, consider investing in ankle weights. Or if you want to increase resistance without adding more weight, try out buoyancy cuffs on your ankles.

A third option for improving your upper body strength is a paddle wheel. This accessory can also be used for rowing exercises that will strengthen both your upper and lower body. Dumbbells and dragging balls are other ways to improve your strength.

Running and Walking

When you want an outstanding cardiovascular workout that won’t impact your joints, running or walking in your swim spa is the perfect form of exercise. It is also great for runners who are recovering from injuries or who want to recuperate after a hard race.

An ideal accessory that can make your running or walking workout even more impactful is a foam buoyancy belt. Not only can it improve your posture, but it will support your lower back and strengthen your abdominals.

Make sure to talk with your doctor before you start doing swim spa exercises, especially if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart problems. Your doctor will tell you what kind of exercise is best and safest for your fitness level and health.

Now that you know more about swim spa exercise options, download our free swim spa buyer’s guide to find the perfect swim spa for you.

In the fast paces world we live in, we need to find an outlet to alleviate the stress. Swimming in a swim spa is an excellent way to get a great workout and relieve stress. A Swim Spa is a smaller version of a pool with a propulsion system designed to generate a current that the swimmer swims against.

Here are a few examples of the exercises that you can perform in a swim spa that will help to fight the mental stress, while still giving the body a good and healthy workout in the process.

The first is exercise is called the Spiderman/Superman depending on whom you like better! Simply grab onto the edge of the swim spa above the current and let the current push and extend your lower body outward like Superman flying. Then, push your legs tightly together and repetitively pull your legs up and towards the pool edge like Spiderman flying on his webs. Be sure to keep the core muscles of your abdomen tight while performing for maximum benefit.

Another very easy and beneficial exercise is the running man. You can do this with or without the current on. Simply stand in the centre of the swim spa and jog on the spot. The resistance from the water will mimic the use of resistance bands and give you an incredible lower body workout!

Of course the absolute best full body workout you can get in a swim spa is to swim against the current. Try changing the strokes that you use to include the breast stroke and the front crawl to really maximize the benefits! Use your imagination and discover other exercises that you like and enjoy the process as you go!

In the past, swimming whenever you liked meant that you had to have a full size pool installed in your back yard. No matter whether you chose an in ground or above ground pool, you still had to pay quite a bit of money for a pool that only allowed you to use it for a part of the season.

Weather has and will always play a huge role in deciding exactly when you can use the pool that you just spent a fortune to install and that is not only unfortunate but also quite unnecessary.

In the past, it seemed that only those that were quite well off could afford to have an indoor pool installed in their home because the footprint of the pool is quite large. The need for such a large space has changed dramatically over the past few years with the introduction of the Swim Spa.

As many of you know, a swim spa is a smaller version of a pool that has a propulsion system designed to generate a current that the individual swims against. Besides the incredible benefits and workout that you can get from a swim spa, the fact that they are so much smaller than a traditional sized pool makes swim spas much more suitable for installation in a basement or even a dedicated out building on your property.

For a fraction of the price of a full sized pool that you can only use when mother nature is compliant, you can have a beautiful and practical swim spa installed that you can use year round. And you will be extremely surprised just how affordable it really is to get a swim spa that you will treasure and enjoy for many years to come!