May 2012
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It’s Pool Season, But Don’t Forget about Your Hot Tub
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Pool Safety: 7 Essential Tips
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Pool Workouts: Start Slow, Stay Strong
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Some homeowners, with limited space in their homes, are turning to swim spas—a space-saving substitute to a full-size swimming pool. As one of the newest ways to experience pool entertainment and exercise, swim spas are hybrids between pools and hot tubs, and feature a propulsion system at one end for creating a current against which to swim. Many homeowners use them for relaxation and exercise.
A swim spa can offer your family a multitude of benefits, if a full-size swimming pool just isn’t an option for your home. Learn how a swim-spa could be right for your home.
Space-saver
Swim spas offer homeowners the convenience of having a smaller footprint. While the average residential pool measures 18 feet by 36 feet, most swim spas are approximately 8 feet by 16 feet, and 52 inches deep, estimates John Trzcinka, president of Aquatic Fitness Concepts Inc. in San Diego, making them a great option for homeowners with less available space. And since many models share the attributes of a hot tub and a pool, homeowners get to enjoy the benefits of both but in one conveniently sized unit.
Lower price tag
With the average swim spa priced near $16,000, they can cost nearly 50 percent less than a pool, says Paul Kurke, dealer training manager for Arch Chemicals. A low-end swim spa costs between $10,000 and $12,000, but with added amenities the cost can add up to more than $40,000, adds Trzcinka. Many different options are available and the cost of a swim spa varies according to how many bells and whistles an owner wants, says Kurke. But the price tag still remains less than a pool when maintenance costs are considered. Many swim spas can be up to four times less expensive to maintain each month, due to the use fewer chemicals, are energy efficient and save water, says Trzcinka.
Year-round rehabilitation and relaxation
Some swim spas offer additional jets for relaxation and therapeutic purposes, and some even feature a hot tub next to the swimming section. An owner can perform rehabilitation exercises in the swim spa, and afterwards relax near the warm and bubbly jets for muscle and joint relief or soak in the hot tube side, says Trzcinka. Other health benefits can include improving blood circulation, inducing better sleep at night, and reducing arthritis pain.
Underwater gym at home
Owners can simulate lap swimming by adjusting the spa’s current or they can purchase a variety of exercise equipment for strength training and increasing flexibility in their swim spa. “It is low impact exercise,” which is the best workout available, says Kurke.
Exercising in the privacy and convenience of your own home is another feature of a swim spa, says Trzcinka. “People are active-minded today, and when the exercise system is in their own backyard, they are more likely to exercise consistently.”
Safe fun for the entire family
Swim spas are appealing to more and more families with children since they are only 4 to 4.5 feet deep, says Trzincika. Parents can use it to teach their children how to swim, and children can bring toys into the swim spa and play, he says. Also, “every swim spa comes with a locked cover, which is a nice safety and family feature.”
Lower maintenance
According to Kurke, the maintenance steps are for the most part no different between a pool and a swim spa, so pH and sanitization levels must be carefully monitored. Some sanitizer systems may require to follow the spa sanitization system maintenance due to having jets and hot water in some models. But swim spas are much smaller, reducing the amount of time spent on maintenance, and homeowners will use fewer chemicals, resulting in a lower cost.
Swim spa considerations
Before purchasing a swim spa, homeowners should make the following considerations to decide what model to get:
How will you use your swim spa?
If you are looking to use the swim spa primarily for fitness, it is wise to consider one of the basic models without a hot tub. These models, known as swim-only spas according to Trzcinka, are perfect for those who want to use their spa for exercise and rehabilitation. However, if you are looking to add relaxation or entertainment value to your spa, it is wise to invest in a dual temperature spa that has separate swimming and hot tub sections, he says.
Also consider the type of jets in the swim spa. Advanced swimmers may opt for a jet-propulsion system in their swim spa, which has an adjustable current up to 8 mph, and those looking for greater relaxation should invest in hydrotherapy jet systems. Families with children can consider paddlewheel or propeller-powered systems that have smooth, adjustable currents that are great for play or teaching kids how to swim.
Where do you want your swim spa located?
Swim spas can be outside or inside the home, but are most commonly located outdoors where there is space to build a deck, says Kurke. If you want an indoor swim spa, you will need to construct a pool room with proper ventilation, says Trzcinka. But indoor swim spas are common in regions without year-round pool weather, he says.
The other option is whether the swim spa will be located in-ground or above ground. Above ground spas make up about 65 percent of the market right now, says Trzcinka, because they are less expensive and they can be relocated if the owner ever moves. In-ground spas require a deck and are permanent, but for aesthetic reasons they remain a popular choice.
Which options do you want to add?
Swim spas offer many additional options including the number of jets, the size of the spa, colored lights, entry stairs, and an underwater stereo system. Other options to consider are the color and material of the spa shell. Swim spas can be made of fiberglass, tile, thermoplastic or vinyl, but “acrylic is the most popular material,” says Trzcinka, because it is easy to clean and comes in the widest variety of colors.
With a smaller footprint and less maintenance, a swim spa can provide homeowners with a more affordable option that combines fun and fitness. Contact your local pool dealer for information on a swim spa.
