Backyard Swim Spa Guide – Improve Your Outdoor Space In Utah

The decision to invest in a backyard swim spa can dramatically change not only the landscape of your home but also your approach to health and leisure.

Swim spas offer a unique combination of the benefits of swimming pools and hot tubs, providing a convenient and compact solution for both exercise and relaxation.

If you’ve been considering adding a swim spa to your backyard, you’ve come to the right place! This guide dives deep into the essential considerations for selecting and installing a backyard swim spa, and also explores some exceptional models suitable for a wide range of lifestyles!

Let’s dive in!

Backyard Swim Spas 101 – The Basics

A swim spa is a hybrid between a hot tub and a pool, equipped with powerful jets that create a continuous water current against which you can swim in place. Typically longer than a hot tub but smaller than a pool, swim spas generally range from 12 to 20 feet in length and can be installed either above ground or in-ground, making them a flexible option for most yards.

Key Features:

• Adjustable current for varying exercise intensity.
• Therapeutic jets for muscle relaxation.
• Temperature control for year-round use.

Benefits of Swim Spas

Swim spas provide numerous benefits beyond just being a relaxing retreat. They are a hub for fitness, family time, and entertainment.

Health and Fitness Advantages

Swim spas are perfect for anyone looking to improve their health. Between the resistance of the water and supportive buoyancy, swimming is an exceptional workout, suitable for all fitness levels and ages.

Additionally, the therapeutic effects of warm water can help with muscle relaxation and joint pain relief, making it a great recovery tool.

• Low-Impact Exercise: Ideal for those with joint issues or recovering from injury, the buoyancy of water reduces stress on the body while exercising.
• Endurance and Strength Training: Continuous swimming against the current can increase muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance.
• Flexibility and Balance: Water resistance exercises can enhance core strength and balance, reducing the risk of falls in older adults.
• Mental Health Benefits: Both regular exercise and hydrotherapy can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, promoting a sense of well-being.

Family and Social Benefits

A backyard swim spa serves as a great entertainment feature for guests and a fun center for family activities. It can be the focal point for gatherings or a quiet retreat after a long day.

• Inclusive Fun: Accessible to family members of all ages and abilities, providing a safe environment for kids to play and adults to unwind.
• Hosting and Socializing: Ideal for hosting small parties or casual get-togethers, offering a unique entertainment option.
• Educational Opportunities: Great setting for teaching kids how to swim, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle from a young age.
• Versatility: Can be used for relaxation with therapeutic jets for adults or for play, with features like waterfalls and lighting for children.

Year-Round Use

Unlike traditional pools, swim spas can be used year-round. Equipped with heating options, they can be enjoyed even during the cooler months, providing a constant source of exercise and relaxation.

• Extended Season: Heating capabilities allow for use during cooler months, greatly extending the usable season beyond that of traditional outdoor pools.
• Energy Efficiency: Modern swim spas are designed with energy efficiency in mind, featuring insulated covers and energy-efficient heating systems to minimize heat loss and reduce utility costs.
• Therapeutic Uses All Year: The heated water is perfect for year-round therapeutic use, aiding in muscle recovery and relaxation during any season.

Selecting Your Model & Preparing for Installation

Selecting the right swim spa involves several key factors that can influence your satisfaction and the long-term enjoyment of your investment.

Here are some critical elements to evaluate when choosing the ideal swim spa for your home:

• Size: The size of the swim spa should be determined by the available space in your backyard and the number of people who will use it regularly. Consider both the footprint and the depth, especially if you plan to use it for swimming exercises.
  • Small Sizes: Typically 10-14 feet, suitable for solo workouts or therapeutic use.
  • Medium Sizes: Around 14-18 feet, good for families or those who want more room for exercise.
  • Large Sizes: Over 18 feet, best for those who want ample space for vigorous swimming or multiple users simultaneously.
• Jets: The type and number of jets in a swim spa affect both its use for relaxation and exercise.
  • Swim Jets: Provide currents to swim against and are essential for a true swim spa experience. Look for adjustable current speeds to match different fitness levels.
  • Hydrotherapy Jets: Focus on therapeutic benefits, targeting muscle groups with massaging jets to aid in recovery and relaxation.
• Features: Modern swim spas come with a range of features that enhance their usability and enjoyment.
  • Lighting: LED lighting can create a soothing ambiance and can enhance the therapeutic benefits through chromotherapy.
  • Sound Systems: Integrated speakers allow for music streaming that can enhance both exercise routines and relaxation times.
  • Control Systems: Digital controls make it easy to adjust settings like temperature and jet speeds.
  • Energy Efficiency Features: Look for features like high-quality insulation and energy-efficient pumps to reduce operating costs.

When choosing a swim spa, it’s important to balance your desires for comfort and features with practical considerations such as size and maintenance.

Ensure the model you choose fits well within your space, meets your health and fitness goals, and comes from a reputable manufacturer.

Installation Considerations

When planning where to install your swim spa, consider privacy, sun exposure, and accessibility.

The location should provide enough space for installation and a stable, level base to support the swim spa. This might include laying a concrete slab or creating a reinforced deck area.

Accessibility for maintenance and safety should also be considered, ensuring there’s enough clearance around the spa.

Permits and Regulations:

Before installation, check local building codes and zoning regulations. Some areas may require safety barriers or specific electrical configurations. It’s also likely you’ll need some form of building permit.

4 Backyard Swim Spas To Update Your Outdoor Space

1. Olympian F-1868DZ Swim Spa

Torn between a hot tub and a swim spa? Look no further than the Olympian F-1868DZ from Cal Spas.

This dual-zone swim spa is perfect for anyone looking to improve their fitness while enjoying the ultimate relaxation experience, featuring a separate hot tub area to ensure a spaciouls, unobstructed swim area!

With 56 jets in the swim spa and an additional 33 jets in the hot tub, you’ll have a variety of hydrotherapy options.

The Cross-Current Stabilization System ensures that you stay in place even during intense swimming workouts. Plus, the Cal Spas Touch™ control panel makes it easy to adjust the settings to your liking.

2. J-19 PowerPro™ Swim Spa

Looking for a swim spa that offers a versatile exercise space and luxurious relaxation features? The J-19 PowerPro™ swim spa from Jacuzzi® is the answer.

The high-powered jet system makes walking, jogging, and swimming against the current a breeze – perfect for an effective workout regimen.

After your exercise session, unwind in one of the comfortable ergonomic seats while enjoying the hydrotherapy jets.

The CLEARRAY® UV-C technology used in this swim spa ensures that the water is clean and free from pathogens. And don’t worry about slipping thanks to the innovative Soft Stride Mat.

With its open-concept design and advanced features, the J-19 PowerPro™ swim spa is the perfect addition to any Utah lifestyle.

3. Executive Trainer 16Ex Swim Spa

For a backyard swim spa that makes maintenance a breeze, look no further than the Executive Trainer 16Ex from Hydropool.

With patented self-cleaning technology, this swim spa is the epitome of low-maintenance and high-performance, while offering ample room for dynamic aquatic workouts.

The innovative V-Twin Jet technology and patented current collector optimize water flow, providing the best swimming experience available in any swim spa on the market.

Whether you’re kicking back and enjoying a soothing hydromassage after a long day, or are starting your day off with an intense battle against he current, the Executive Trainer 16Ex swim spa will meet your needs at every turn!

4. E500 Fitness System Swim Spa

If you’re seeking the ultimate at-home total-body fitness solution, the E500 Fitness System from Endless Pools is the perfect choice.

This swim spa features a hydraulic power swim machine that replicates the feeling of an open-water current, ensuring a challenging workout. Additionally, it comes with a treadmill for added exercise variety.

With its state-of-the-art features and sleek design, the E500 Fitness System is a top-notch swim spa option for anyone looking to improve their outdoor space.

Backyard Swim Spas For Sale in Utah – Take a Break Spas & Billiards

Whatever model you choose, a backyard swim spa can be a transformative addition to your home, offering a blend of leisure, fitness, and social engagement.

By considering the tips and models in this guide, you can choose a swim spa that fits your needs and enhances your quality of life.

Ready to take the plunge? Visit one of the three Take a Break Spas & Billiards showrooms throughout Utah to explore the best options and get expert advice tailored to your needs.