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The 4 Best Swim Spas for Therapy
Hydrotherapy/therapy is one of the many reasons swim spas have become so popular in recent years. There’s a lot of different info and options out there when it comes to swim spas, but which option is best for you? We answer that question and more in this article where we make finding your therapy swim spa easy.
Are you tired of dealing with aches and pains after a tough workout or a long day at work? Look no further than a swim spa for therapy! These versatile pools offer the perfect combination of relaxation and exercise, making them the perfect addition to any home.
But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right swim spa for your specific therapy needs. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and narrowed down the top four options.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best swim spas for therapy and break down their features, benefits, and drawbacks to help you make an informed decision.
Benefits of Swim Spas for Physical Therapy
If you’re thinking of getting a swim spa to help with physical therapy, there are many benefits you can expect.
Improved Joint Health
Exercising in warm water is known to be good for people dealing with joint pressure and fatigue. Being in the water can help with arthritis because the gentle resistance of the water combined with the buoyancy the body receives, allows you to exercise while not straining your joints.
Increased Flexibility
Using a swim spa for physical therapy can also help to increase flexibility. The warm water can help to loosen muscles and soothe aches. You can stretch and work out without the pain you may experience by not being in the water. It can also help with balance and coordination.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Aquatic therapy allows your body to relax. Research shows that swimming can help with stress relief. As a result, your brain can also relax. This can help them to rest and strengthen over time.
How to Choose the Right Swim Spa for Your Needs
To assure your swim spa will suit your needs, you want to consider several important factors:
Determine Your Therapy Goals
Are you hoping to improve joint health, increase mobility, or just want to relax? Determine what your therapy goals are before you settle on a swim spa. This will help you decide how many swim jets you may want and what other features to consider. Some people using a swim spa for therapy benefit most from a swim spa hot tub combo because they can exercise and relax.
Consider the Size and Depth
As you shop for the best swim spa for therapy, you’ll want to take the size and depth of the spa into consideration. Swim spas come in many different sizes; typically anywhere from 12′ long to 19′ long. When it comes to swim spa depth, the standard depth is between 4 and 5 feet.
Check the Jet Placement and Power
The strength of the jets and where they are located are important. You want to be sure that the swim current can be easily controlled so that it can be strong enough for people who want a good workout but can also be turned down for those who want an easier workout during their therapy session.
Also, check that the current is as turbulence-free as possible. If there is too much turbulence, no one is going to enjoy their time in the swim spa, no matter their goal.
Look for Additional Therapy Features
If your main goal is to use your swim spa for therapy, look for additional features such as an aquabike for underwater cycling and a row bar kit with resistance gear for strength training. Some people also benefit from a swim tether that provides additional support during therapy and training.
Decide on the Material and Durability
Swim spas can be made from different materials including acrylic, fiberglass, or concrete, with acrylic being the most popular. Acrylic is favored because it is more energy-efficient, durable, and looks better.
Fiberglass swim spas are smooth and easy to maintain. They are also inexpensive, which is one of the reasons why this material can also be a popular choice.
While it is durable, concrete is the least favorable option because it is expensive and difficult to maintain. Consider these options as you decide on the best swim spa for therapy.
Consider the Installation and Maintenance Requirements
While you’ll need to maintain your spa regularly, you don’t want to spend all your time on upkeep. Look for swim spas that have a solid filtration system. If the filtration system is not solid, you’ll spend more time maintaining your spa.
Spas that use a pool-style filtration system are generally more low maintenance. They are designed to filter large volumes of water and include a floor-mounted vacuum to filter out heavier debris. This means less manual cleaning, if any. Spas with these types of filtration systems also require fewer chemicals to keep the water clean and balanced.
When it comes to installation, you want to choose a strong and level surface if your spa is going to go outside. If you have enough room inside, you may want to consider an indoor swim spa. This is typically the least expensive option for installation.
Compare Prices and Warranties
It’s important to do your homework to learn how much does a swim spa cost so that you are prepared when you shop. A swim spa is a big investment, so you want to compare prices and make sure you are getting the most for your money. Read the specifications and the fine print to see what exactly is included in the price, this includes warranties.
Ask the Spa Dealer Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask your spa deal questions as you shop for the best swim spa for therapy. You want to cover all of your bases so that you know everything you need to know to make an informed purchase. Some questions to consider include:
- What exercises can I do in my swim spa?
- What sizes are available?
- What are the plumbing requirements?
- What do I need to know about maintenance and routine care?
Make a list of questions before you shop so that you’re less likely to forget the important stuff. You may also think of some questions as you’re talking with your spa dealer.
4 Best Swim Spas for Therapy
Brand:
PDC Spas
Dimensions:
180 × 92 × 56 in
Seating Capacity:
2 People
Total Number of Jets:
36 jets
Swim Jets:
2 jets
FX15 Swim Spa
#1 The Best Swim Spas for Physical Therapy
We aren’t going to suggest our most expensive or highest featured swim spa because the truth is those spas are likely better for advanced swimmers looking for exercise. If that’s you, check out our blog where we discuss the best swim spas for swimming.
The FX15 Swim Spa from PDC Spas is our pick as best swim spa for therapy because of it’s incredible value and price, while still providing more than enough room and power to provide the best therapy experience possible. This spa features two river jets, two seats with hydrotherapy massage jets and standing jets along each side.
Brand:
PDC Spas
Dimensions:
15 x 7.7 x 4.7 ft
180 x 92 x 56 in
180 x 92 x 56 in
Total Number of Jets:
36 jets
Swim Jets:
3 jets
SX15 Swim Spa
#2 The Best Swim Spas for Physical Therapy
The Synergy SX15 Swim Spa is essentially the FX15 swim spa with an extra swim jet. The reason we rate this one lower is that you really don’t need the extra power from the swim jet unless you’re planning to do some advanced level swimming as well. If you do want that as an option, the SX15 is probably your best choice as it really can do it all.
Brand:
Wellis Spa
Dimensions:
18 x 7.5 x 4.8 ft
216 x 90 x 57 in
5486 x 2286 x 1448 mm
216 x 90 x 57 in
5486 x 2286 x 1448 mm
Seating Capacity:
2 People
Total Number of Jets:
27 jets
Swim Jets:
1 jets
Headrest Pillows:
2
Amazon Swim Spa
#3 The Best Swim Spas for Physical Therapy
The Wellis Spa SwimLine is unique in that it offers a one-size fits all approach with it’s W-Flow system. The W-Flow system allows you to control the power level of your swim jets so that you can refine the workout to fit your fitness level. This makes the Amazon a great choice if there will be multiple people at different fitness levels.
In addition all Wellis Spa swim spas have an optional semi-recessed design which makes your spa much easier to access, which is important if you don’t want to be going up a lot of steps before getting into your swim spa.
The Amazon Swim Spa comes with two seats and is the largest Wellis swim spa.
Brand:
Wellis Spa
Dimensions:
14.8 x 7.7 x 4.8 ft
177 x 92 x 57 in
4511 x 2346 x 1463 mm
177 x 92 x 57 in
4511 x 2346 x 1463 mm
Seating Capacity:
2 People
Total Number of Jets:
24 jets
Swim Jets:
W-Flow jets
Headrest Pillows:
2
Danube Swim Spa
#4 The Best Swim Spas for Physical Therapy
Last but not least is the Danube, which offers the same features, seating as the Amazon, just in a smaller options. This works perfect if you are have limited space but want all the same features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Swim Spas Help with Arthritis?
Absolutely! Thanks to the warm water and massaging jets, swim spas can be a great help for people dealing with arthritis. Swim spas help to loosen joints and reduce pain.
How Often Should You Use a Swim Spa for Therapy?
Before starting any type of therapy, including using your swim spa for aqua therapy, check with your doctor. The recommendations will differ based on your condition. While some people can use their swim spa for therapy a couple of times a week, once a week may be sufficient for others. Once your doctor establishes a regimen, stick to the schedule for the best results.
Can You Use a Swim Spa All Year Round?
Yes! Since there are water temperature controls, you can make the water warmer in the winter so that you can still use it. If you install your swim spa indoors, you don’t have to worry about Mother Nature. But not everyone has the space to dedicate to an indoor swim spa, which is why many people will place it outdoors.
How Much Does a Swim Spa for Therapy Cost?
The price of a swim spa for therapy can range anywhere from $7,000 to as much as $40,000. There is such a wide range due to the different sizes and features available. The swim spas that are larger and have more features will obviously cost you more.
Conclusion
When you’re looking for the best swim spa for therapy, you want to consider your therapy goals as well as the space you have to dedicate to your spa. Check the jet power and placement to ensure there is enough strength for you to meet your goals. Compare prices and be sure to ask plenty of questions before making your purchase.
As you look at the best swim spa brands, you’ll realize that they offer several key benefits such as improving joint health and flexibility and reducing stress. Our top picks include the FX15 Swim Spa and the SX15 Swim Spa. These spas are among those that provide excellent jet strength and relaxing features to provide the ultimate swim spa experience.
Ready for Physical Therapy in Your Own Backyard?
Epic Hot Tubs and Swim Spas in Raleigh & Durham is your source for Swim Spas in North Carolina. Our friendly spa experts are ready to assist you in finding the perfect spa for your physical therapy needs. Fill out the form, give us a call or come and visit our showrooms to see a swim spa in person!
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.
