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What Makes Swim Spas Different?

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Almost anyone that loves the water will be content with a new water unit, whether it be a hot tub, swim spa, or pool. Often, when people try a swim spa it quickly becomes their first choice. So what makes swim spas different?

The use of little space without compromising its benefits is probably one of the biggest features that swim spas offer. For those that like to use a swimming pool to swim, they often want a pool big enough for their activities. They end up using public swims so they can get the benefits of doing full laps, and this isn’t always convenient. With swim spas, length isn’t an issue because the user swims against the current of the water and can adjust the difficulty level, so you can do laps on the spot. There never is a need to focus on not hitting the wall or having to break the swim stride so you can turn around, like a conventional swimming pool.

Depending on the unit features, it can have more options than the regular swimming pool. There are some that act as a dual unit, where one end acts as a hot tub. These two-in-one units offer the best of both worlds for those who like to use water to help them stay fit physically and mentally.

The current can be adjusted to meet the needs of the individual swimmer so they are getting the level of exercise they desire. For those just starting out, there is less strain on their body and they can adjust their level of water resistance accordingly. The only way to get the same effect with a regular swimming pool is by gauging the amount of time they are swimming. This is inconvenient for those who don’t have a pool of their own and must travel to one, or don’t have tons of time to spend swimming. They battle with traffic or time constraints, and are only able to take advantage of doing laps for a short period of time.

While many people like to use swim spas for their exercise regime to assist in their overall fitness, there are many that like to use swimming as a preventative measure. It has been shown that physical activity is beneficial in helping to prevent stroke, heart disease, and even diabetes. For those that are intent on prevention like this and don’t have a swim spa, it means looking for other forms of exercise, or once again relying on the standard swimming pool. This type of health regime must be consistent to remain beneficial. For some, the regular form of swimming means having to share the pool with others, which means they may be more confined. The swim spa is ideal for personalized use for both fitness and pleasure, but also can accommodate several others at the same time for a great option while entertaining. No matter what you’re looking for, a swim spa is sure to fit your needs!

How to Decide Between an Above Ground and In Ground Swim Spa

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No matter the size, features, or location of your swim spa, you’re sure to get many hours of enjoyment out of it. If you’re in the process of deciding which swim spa is right for you, there are a few main things to think about first. Included in this is the decision between an above ground and in ground swim spa. If there are no specific issues preventing one choice or the other, here are some tips to help you make this decision a little bit easier.

Benefits of Above Ground Swim Spas

Once you let the family know about the exciting home addition you have in store, they’ll surely be excited to have it arrive so that they can start using it. If you decide on an above ground spa, this will be a much quicker process. There is a bit more time and work that goes into installing an in ground spa.

You may find that you’ll have more options for placement with an above ground spa. There is some digging involved with in ground spas, so this may limit your choices regarding where you’d like the spa installed.

When it comes to cost, you’ll likely find that many above ground styles are less expensive than in ground.

You’ll be able to choose and customize your model when you purchase it, and won’t have to worry about losing it if you move. If you decide to move, you can simply bring an above ground spa with you to your new location.

You also have many different options for completing a wonderful surround or patio area for an above ground spa and you can choose to have various types of coverings installed to add to the decor, including retractable closures.

Benefits of In Ground Swim Spas

Some people find that they simply like the look of the in ground spas better, and this may very well be the case for you. If you are having your spa installed outdoors, there are many ways to use it to enhance your outdoor living space. It will also add value to your home, should you ever decide to sell.

If you are having a new home built and have decided that you want your swim spa to be an indoor feature, you will find that having the spa installed during that building process is the wisest choice. Indoor swim spas are also easier to maintain, and it will be easier for you to plan the surroundings since you don’t have to deal with unexpected weather conditions.

In ground swim spas don’t require a built-up deck area in order to enjoy the exterior of the swim area or to be able to watch those who are enjoying it.

Often, in ground swim spas are slightly more expensive than above ground, but many people find that the experience and look of the spa is worth the extra cost.

Whether you choose above ground or in ground, indoors or outdoors, you’re sure to enjoy great fun, exercise, and relaxation in your beautiful new swim spa.

Seasonal Transitions When Using Your Swim Spa

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It’s great to be able to make use of your swim spa year-round. For those who have decided to install it outdoors, you may find that there are seasons where it’s harder to use due to the weather. A good way to overcome this is to install a cover of some sort so that it’s protected from the elements. If you opt for a swim spa that includes hot tub features as well, you may find that the cooler temperatures aren’t an issue for you.

Some models, like the Aqua 14ix swim spa, have the Hydropool Hydrowise thermal shield feature. This technology focuses on retaining the heat generated by various components of the swim spa, such as the motors. This is a great energy-saving feature, so you won’t have to worry as much about maintaining the temperature of the water. Quality spas let you customize your heat settings according to your preferences.

When you’re making the seasonal transition from the warmer months to the cooler ones, you’ll probably find that it’s a good idea to gradually increase the water temperature as needed. This way, your body won’t have to make sudden and significant adjustments during your exercise routine.

If you’ve opted for an indoor swim spa, you have the benefit of avoiding weather issues. You can continue to use your unit year-round with the same routine as always. One thing to keep in mind is that if you like your water warm and plan to go outdoors after your swim, it’s a good idea to give your body a chance to cool down first if it’s cold out. This helps to alleviate the shock of the cold.

As the seasons change, your lifestyle may do the same. Perhaps you have more spare time during the warmer months than the cooler ones. You may want to make some adjustments to your time schedule to make sure that you can still take full advantage of your swim spa.

Swim spas really do provide some golden opportunities for great exercise, relaxation, and of course, fun! Making seasonal adjustments to your routine will ensure that you can reap all the benefits and get the most from your investment year-round.

Choosing Accessories for Your Swim Spa

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Your swim spa is going to bring you many benefits each and every time you use it, for both your physical and mental wellness. Swim spas are ideal for building an aquatic exercise regime. It is also a perfect follow-up to other forms of exercise for soothing the muscles after a rigorous workout. When it comes to relaxation, the swim spa is the perfect atmosphere for this, especially if you choose to have a seating area. We can’t forget that it also provides a lot of fun! There are many different types of accessories that you can obtain for both convenience and enjoyment in your swim spa.

Convenience Accessories

A good quality swim spa will demand very little maintenance. Having the right tools for when you do need to do some spa cleaning really speeds up the process. Small, inexpensive items like a good net for removing the debris are great to have, especially if your swim spa is outdoors. For easy reach with your net, you can even buy a telescopic pole that makes the job easy. If you want to vacuum your swim spa, you can purchase the Spa Vac. This lightweight, small pool tool is so powerful and reliable that even the experts use to complete a thorough cleaning job.

Chances are that you’ll soon be entertaining in your swim spa, and added comfort is easily obtained. For example, for extra seat padding there are great items like the cushioned spa seat that is specifically weighted so it won’t float and remains in place. If you want to enjoy some refreshments without having to leave your swim spa, you can get the spa bar. These are just a few of the many convenience items that can be purchased to enhance your swim spa enjoyment.

Fun Accessories

For the adults, the fun of a swim spa lies in all of the built-in features it has to offer. The kids like to be a bit more boisterous, and there are plenty of pool accessories that are perfect for this. For example, you may consider a few small pool balls, or the floating duck that the little ones love to try to catch. Inflatable rings and flutter boards are great fun as well.

These are just a few of many great accessories to think about for increased pleasure and enjoyment of your swim spa for yourself and your family. With so many accessories available you’ll be spoiled for choice, and you’re sure to find something that everyone will love!

Why You Should Use the Pros for Your Swim Spa Maintenance

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Having a great swim spa experience all begins with buying it from an experienced, established supplier. By doing so, you are sure to get all the assistance you need with choosing the best swim spa for your particular wants and needs. Once it’s been installed, all you should have to do is get ready to enjoy your spa – by relying on professionals, you won’t have to worry about second-guessing yourself later.

No matter which type of unit you purchase, you may want to include some professional spa maintenance occasionally to support the normal routine maintenance which you perform.

It is important to have the right experts for this type of maintenance because they know and understand all of the components of your swim spa. If there happens to be anything wrong with the spa, these experts can identify it quickly and get the problem fixed. Getting your spa checked can save wasted money on repairs, as well as time that you may not be able to use your spa while waiting for these repairs.

One of the great features of a quality unit is that you have very little routine maintenance to perform yourself. You may also have the opportunity to buy an annual maintenance contract. This should include all the requirements that your swim spa will need on a yearly basis.

It’s a good idea to leave it to the professionals when it comes to more complex maintenance and repairs. The individuals who perform these services are experienced in safe and effective maintenance, and have access to the right repair parts if needed.

You’ll find that there are tons of choices when it comes to maintenance plans for your swim spa, so finding one that fits with your schedule and budget is easy. Once you’ve gotten to begin enjoying your new swim spa, you’re not going to want it to be out of service for even a day! Regular maintenance will help to make sure that doesn’t happen.

If you happen to have a leak, it can sometimes be difficult to find the source. A professional swim spa maintenance provider can easily perform a leak analysis to find the problem and correct it quickly and smoothly, preventing any further damage to your spa.

There are a few components of your unit that need to be monitored on a regular basis, and that’s what the experts will do. Components like heaters and drainage pumps have to be checked regularly to ensure that they are running properly, and if your swim spa is indoors, it’s important to ensure that you aren’t having any problems with humidity due to the spa.

When you pick a qualified maintenance provider, they’ll keep you up to date with any additional items that become available, such as swim spa accessories. Accessories can be a great way to further enhance your water entertainment, as well as make your swim spa more efficient. For example, you may decide that you would like to have an ozone disinfection system added to your unit. If so, then you need the right expert to help you understand all of the benefits and features this would add to your unit, and even provide the installation for you. They will also offer their advice as to how you can keep your swim spa fully optimized, so all you have to do is enjoy all that it has to offer!

Finding the Right Enclosure for Your Swim Spa

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It isn’t mandatory to have an enclosure for your swim spa, but it does add to the beauty and ambience of your entertainment area.

Some people like to design their own swim spa enclosure and others like to choose from the many pre-made selections that are available.

If you’re having a new swim spa installed, it’s always a good idea to keep in mind what type of enclosure you may be interested in for the future. This way, you can allow enough space for it during your planning stages. Even if you didn’t do any pre-planning, there are some beautiful enclosures that are adaptable for most areas and shapes of spas.

These enclosures can also be customized to fit your needs. There are options for retractable types or lean-tos. There are even choices when it comes to the openings, such as center open or low-level openings.

Aside from the beauty that these types of enclosures provide, there are many other benefits they offer.

By using an enclosure, you will be able to use your swim spa more often, regardless of the weather. As temperatures become cooler, your spa will retain its heat much more effectively. Plus, it helps to protect the garden area and landscape that surrounds the swim spa.

As with any type of water entertainment, safety is the priority. You want to be sure that you are purchasing a swim spa enclosure that focuses on this by using materials such as aluminum and acrylic in the structural components.

Durability is also important. While choosing the perfect enclosure for you, you want to be sure that it is going to retain its fine looks and integrity for many years to come. The materials being used should be able to resist mold and mildew to last in the long-term.

While there are many things to consider when choosing your enclosure, you also want to be sure that you are relying on professionals for advice. Each swim spa owner has specific needs and wants when it comes to the ideal enclosure, and a high-quality swim spa provider is able to help you find the best enclosure for you!

What Age Is Right to Start Using a Swim Spa?

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While the swim spa offers many different features for swimming exercises, it is best known for its ability to allow a user to swim laps in a confined space. When it comes to the proper age to use this type of unit, there is no hard and fast rule because of its many options. It can be used by young children as a source of water entertainment. It is ideal for any athlete, no matter what their chosen sport, to help them get fit. It is wonderful for those who suffer from aches and pains and want to keep their joints and muscles limber. It is also perfect for those that get great enjoyment from simply relaxing in a soothing body of water.

Ideally, every parent wants their youngsters to learn how to swim. The swim spa is the perfect controlled setting for this. As the young ones master their swimming techniques, they can slowly begin to build up their endurance level by swimming against the pre-set currents.

No child is too young to be introduced to water, as long as they are supervised at all times. The swim spa is perfect for parents with young children because it is not too large a body of water, which can be intimidating. Under the care and guidance of their parents, they can learn to play in the water safely. Often, young children become frightened of water venues if the water is too cold or uncomfortable, which is solved by the swim spas controlled water temperature.

Starting a young one off in their water experiences by using a swim spa provides a golden opportunity, allowing them to grow up to be healthy, active adults.

Going to the other end of the age spectrum, there certainly is no reason why the elderly members of the family cannot enjoy what the swim spa has to offer. The temperature of the water, the secure sitting section of a quality unit, and the control of the movement of the water is sure to benefit them in both exercise and relaxation.

No matter what age you are, the swim spa is the perfect source of fun, exercise, and relaxation for the whole family!

Is a Swim Spa Right For Your Business?

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There are many different types of businesses, like those that are in the beauty and health industries, that could very easily boost their business offerings by offering the use of a swim spa to their clients.

For beauty spas that focus on enhancing their clients overall appearance, a swim spa could be a wonderful addition. Clients tend to use these types of establishments so they can relax and enjoy the variety of beauty-related services being offered. Allowing a client to relax in a swim spa or have a water workout prior to a beauty treatment adds to the value of the service and allows the client to totally relax.

There are other types of units that could be utilized in the same way, such as a hot tub or sauna, but there is something about the openness and freedom that a swim spa offers. Plus, it can be used by several clients at one time, so patrons can get the chance to socialize a little if they choose to. The water features of the swim spa are stimulating yet relaxing. The client can have the option of enjoying a swim workout or simply sitting and relaxing in preparation for their beauty treatment.

Many of those that are in the hospitality business think about having a small indoor or outdoor pool for the pleasure of their clients. Having a swim spa steps it up a notch when it comes to quick and easy exercise, water play for the little ones, or just time for some wonderful water relaxation. Some establishments also have an exercise room for their patrons, and incorporating a swim spa as part of this offering is certain to impress the clients and entice them to return.

For those offering sports rehabilitation services, the swim spa is a fantastic addition because of the benefits and features it offers for athletes that have suffered a sports injury. It provides the opportunity for them to ease back into building their muscles and tissues gently and safely while under the care of their professional.

Even establishments that offer swimming pool services would most likely find increased business if they added a swim spa to their offerings, because it has added benefits a pool doesn’t provide.

These are only a few of the business venues that could enhance their business by offering the use of a swim spa. Anyone that is offering services to the public would do well to research what this type of unit has to offer, and see if it would fit in nicely with their business.

How Difficult Is It To Clean Your Swim Spa?

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Owning a swim spa is exciting, and contrary to popular belief, keeping them clean and maintained is quite easy! This is often one of the main concerns that people hold when considering installing a swim spa in their home. Let’s take a look at what’s involved.

The first step is to purchase a quality product, which will make for easy cleaning. When you purchase your swim spa through a quality dealer and have it installed by them, you are starting out on the right foot. You should also have the option to purchase a package that includes routine maintenance and servicing, including the chance to buy an annual service contract to ensure top performance year after year.

Aside from this, there are some steps you should take on a daily and weekly basis to keep the swim spa fully optimized, ensuring that you can continue to enjoy all of the benefits and features it provides any time you like.

You will want to have a few specific chemicals on hand to assist you with cleaning your spa. Ensure that you purchase these from a quality supplier. These will keep your water sanitary and safe to use by keeping it chemically balanced.

One of the new features for helping to keep your swim spa water disinfected is an ozone disinfection system. If you’re interested in learning more, contact your swim spa provider. While a quality swim spa will be designed for easy cleaning, you can help this drastically by using a swim spa cover. This assists in eliminating much of the debris that can end up in an uncovered spa and protects it from the elements.

When adding chemicals to the water, ensure that you use test strips to guide you to avoid adding unneeded chemicals and find out what the water needs to achieve balance. Another great preventative measure is making sure that those that use your unit shower prior to doing so. This helps to remove surface body oils which can alter the stability of your water.

Preventative measures will play a large part in cutting down the need to clean and service your spa. By keeping the water optimized, you won’t have to worry about things like algae growing on the sides or bottom of your spa.

In the case that small debris does manage to get into your spa, you may want to purchase a net or invest in a pool vacuum to keep the swim spa floor clean with very little work! Taking proper care of your swim spa is easy, and by maintaining it in regular intervals you will greatly reduce the need for professional servicing and increase the longevity of your spa so you can enjoy it for years to come!