Hydrotherapy/therapy is one of the many reasons swim spas have become so popular in recent…
The 3 Best Swim Spas for Swimming in North Carolina
If you’re looking for the best options for swimming in your back yard you know a swim spa is your best choice? But which swim spa do you choose?
If you’re looking to have access to full-body exercise at your home 24/7, then a swim spa is the perfect answer. Swim spas allow for unlimited swimming, with water jets that create an experience similar to a treadmill, but for swimming.
But not all swim spas are made equal. Depending on your needs, goals, and space in your home, one swim spa may be better for you than another.
As we reveal the top 3 swim spas for swimming exercise and fitness, we’ll also share some tips about how to choose the best swim spa and what features you should look for.
How to Choose The Best Swim Spa for Swimming
Before you start shopping, you’ll want to do some homework when it comes to finding the best swim spa.
Determine Your Needs and Goals
Decide what you hope to accomplish with your new swim spa. The most common goal is fitness. Some people use their swim spa for relaxation, but exercise is the typical use.
Clarify Your Fitness Goals
Think about what you hope your swim spa will help you accomplish. Are you looking to lose weight, stay fit, or are you training for a sporting event? The answers to these questions will help you determine what swim spa is best for you or if you should get a swim spa hot tub combo.
Assess Your Space Requirements
How much space do you have for your swim spa whether it’s outdoor or an indoor swim spa? You should have a clear idea of where you want to put your swim spa and how much space you have for it. Also, consider the area around the spa so that you can look for swim spa landscaping ideas to add a special touch to the area.
Decide on Your Budget
How much does a swim spa cost and how much can you afford? Decide how much you want to spend on your swim spa and whether you’ll need to finance it. This will give you a better idea of which swim spas you can choose from. Also, take into consideration the cost of installation, monthly electrical use, and chemicals. You’ll find many of the best swim spa brands are affordable.
Consider the Size and Capacity of the Swim Spa
As you shop for the best swim spa for swimming, the space you have and the capacity you can manage will also be deciding factors.
Dimensions and Available Space
Swim spas come in many different sizes; typically anywhere from 12′ long to 19′ long. Determine what will fit best in your available space whether you have an outdoor or indoor swim spa.
Number of Occupants and Seating Configuration
Think about how many people will typically be using your swim spa. If it’s just 1 or 2, any size swim spa will do. Be sure not to buy one too big so you’re not wasting money on something you don’t need.
If you plan to have multiple people over to use your swim spa on a regular basis, you’ll want to look for a larger swim spa.
Water Volume, Depth, and Flow
You can choose a swim spa with either one or two tanks. If you plan on using your spa for swimming and exercise, a one-tank spa may be sufficient. If you are looking to have a swimming pool and hot tub combination, a two-tank swim spa may be the better option.
When it comes to swim spa depth, the standard depth is between 4 and 5 feet.
Evaluate Key Features for Your Swimming Workouts
If you plan on using your swim spa mainly for fitness, there are several key features to consider for your swimming workout.
Type of Currents and Resistance
When shopping for the best swim spa for swimming, you’ll want to consider current control. If you’re just starting out and want to increase your stamina, you’ll want to have a spa that has an easy-to-control current that allows you to change the current to different strengths.
Also, consider the pump if you want a powerful swim. Look at the spa’s GPM (gallons per minute rating). This will tell you how quickly and efficiently the water is moving and the current strength.
Accommodations for Different Swimming Strokes
Look at the lane size the spa provides. This will determine how much swimming area you have and what types of strokes you can do comfortably. The wide the swim lane, the easier it is to stay in the current while swimming.
Water Temperature Control, Filtration, and Sanitization
Check the water temperature control options as well as the filtration systems. You want to be able to control the water temperature to suit your needs. Many people prefer to lower the temperature during the summer months for swimming and raise it when they want to relax.
Also, look to see how the filtration system works and whether it is adequate to sanitize your swim spa for your intended use.
Choose the Right Swim Spa Material and Durability
When you’re shopping for a swim spa, you want to get your money’s worth and choose one that’s built to last. Consider these factors when it comes to material and durability.
Acrylic, Fiberglass, or Concrete?
An acrylic shell is usually the material of choice. It heats better, is more energy-efficient, is durable, and looks better.
Fiberglass swim spas are easy and inexpensive to maintain. They are also smooth and don’t harbor algae. These are some of the reasons why people opt for this type of material. Concrete is the least favorable option because it is expensive and difficult to maintain.
Resistance to UV Light and Weathering
To get the most out of your swim spa you want to keep it covered if it is outdoors to protect it against the elements. This also goes for the sun’s UV rays. Over time, the sun’s rays can cause discoloration.
Warranty and Maintenance Considerations
Consider how much maintenance you’ll need to do for your hot tub and how many times you’ll have to call a professional for regular maintenance. Look to see what the warranty covers and for how long when it comes to parts.
Compare Different Models and Brands
As you’re shopping, it’s important to compare different models so that you have a complete picture of what’s available.
Read Reviews and Testimonials
Read reviews and testimonials from users. Getting a first-hand review will give you a better idea if the swim spa you’re looking at is the right one for you.
Check Safety Certifications and Standards
Be sure the swim spa you’re looking at meets the proper safety standards and has all of the safety certifications it needs.
Look into Delivery and Installation Options
Explore delivery and installation options to find the ones that are the easiest and most convenient for you.
Types of Swim Spas
Fitness-oriented swim spas
These swim spas are best suited for people who want to get a workout similar to swimming in a pool. They will provide different resistance levels depending on the effort that someone wants to put in and how hard of a workout they’re looking for. They will have the option for strong water currents and resistance settings for those who want the ultimate workout.
Relaxation-oriented swim spas
Relaxation-oriented swim spas offer massage jets for muscles and those looking for hydrotherapy. Lighting and music may also be added features for those looking for a real spa experience. Users can still use these spas for exercise, but they may not have the same resistance settings as those spas that are geared toward fitness.
Combination swim spas
You can get the best of both worlds with combination swim spas that offer both fitness and relaxation features. These spas will give you the strong currents you want for your workout as well as the relaxing jets your body needs to recover. With these types of swim spas, you can decide what function best suits your mood and goals on any given day.
3 Best Swim Spas for Fitness and Swimming Exercise
Now that you know about what factors to look at when looking for the best swim spa for swimming as well as the different types, it’s time to take a look at our picks for the 3 best swim spas for fitness and swimming.
Brand:
PDC Spas
Dimensions:
19 x 7.7 x 4.7 ft
227 x 92 x 56 in
227 x 92 x 56 in
Total Number of Jets:
18 jets
Swim Jets:
2 jets
TSX19 Swim Spa
#1 The Best Swim Spa for Swimming
PDC Swim Spas have been voted the #1 Swim Spas in 2023, and for very good reason. The TSX19 Swim Spa is the top of the line swimming experience PDC offers, with the top of the line TruSwim system, designed to provide a powerful swimming experience for even the most competitive swimmers, in addition to it’s largest swim zone.
Brand:
PDC Spas
Dimensions:
19 x 7.7 x 4.7 ft
Seating Capacity:
2 People
Total Number of Jets:
36 jets
Swim Jets:
3 jets
Headrest Pillows:
1
SX19 Swim Spa
#2 The Best Swim Spa for Swimming
PDCs second best swim spa for swimming is the Summit SX19 swim spa. Compared to the TSX19 this swim spa lacks some power, but it’s three powerful river jets are still more than enough for the average swimmer, and the spa contains just as much space for swimming, making it an incredibly good value for most buyers.
Brand:
Wellis Spa
Dimensions:
18 x 7.5 x 4.8 ft
216 x 90 x 57 in
216 x 90 x 57 in
Seating Capacity:
2 People
Total Number of Jets:
27 jets
Swim Jets:
1 jets
Headrest Pillows:
2
Ozonator:
Included
Amazon W-Flow Swim Spa
#3 The Best Swim Spa for Swimming
The Amazon W-Flow swim spa is the top swim spa for swimming from Wellis Spa. The W-Flow system offers a fully customizable swimming experience, making it great for interval training at any fitness level. This Amazon is also available in a semi-inground option which makes it much easier to access than the PDC options.
Wrap Up
When it comes to finding the best swim spa for swimming, you want to know what your fitness goals are as well as the space you have, and your budget. As you compare different models, look at how much resistance they offer as well as the available space and swimming area.
If you want a swim spa that also offers relaxation features, check to see how many massaging jets and other features are available. You may also choose a combination spa that gives you both fitness and relaxation features.
As you take a closer look at our top three picks for the best swim spa for swimming, you’re bound to settle on the one that best fits your needs.
The Best Swimming Experience is Just a Few Steps Away
It’s time to upgrade your lifestyle for good with a swim spa you can use to exercise every day of the year. We’ve helped narrow down your choices for the best swim spas for swimming in NC, but now it’s up to you to decide which ones fits your needs the best. For pricing or questions about these swim spas, contact Epic Hot Tubs & Swim Spas in Raleigh & Durham today.
Have questions before buying your swim spa?
Fill out the form of give us a call at 888-884-3742 to talk to a spa consultant.
About The Author:
Manny Brambila
Pool & Spa Expert
Manny has been in the Pool & Spa industry for over 15 years and is considered a pool, swim spa, & hot tub expert. He has been a Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) since 2009 and worked 15 years in aquatic training and development for the largest pool chemical and customer care company. He also has been an outside consultant for the Pool and Spa industry in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles since 2018. In the past few years Manny has become Director of Operations for Epic Hot Tubs with a priority of providing customers with the most reliable information and best service possible.
