How Much Does a Swim Spa Cost?
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A swim spa allows you to swim in place, enjoying the perks of swimming without the hassle of maintaining an inground pool.
Essentially a treadmill designed for swimmers, high powered jets produce a current that allows you to swim in place.
How much does a swim spa cost?
The cost of a swim spa will greatly depend on your setup, where you live, who you purchase from, the brand and how you want to customize it. With no set figure and hard-to-find prices listed by the manufacturer, the prices can be as little as $10,000 for just the swim spa to more than $100,000+ when you factor in the accessories, installation and swim spa unit.
First, let’s explore the swim spa prices, without installation factored in. A cheap model can often be found in China for as little as $5,000 to $12,000 by the time you factor in the shipping costs, but while the prices can be “cheap,” most who do purchase a lower-end, no-name unit often find the quality lacking with little to no warranty coverage. A mid-range swim spa, often manufactured by the brands listed in our table below can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000, whereas a premium, larger-than-average swim spa can cost $30,000 to $60,000. These prices, again, won’t factor in the installation costs.
We went ahead and researched the prices people online were quoted when reaching to the respective manufacturers located in our table below. These quotes didn’t come from the manufacturers, only sources online. These prices will vary, so please use it as a conservative estimate.
Brand | Average Price |
---|---|
Arctic Spas | $12,000 to $20,000 |
Atera Spas | $13,000 to $27,000 prior to discounts |
Cal Spas | $9,000 to $20,000 |
Catalina Spas | $8,000 to $15,00 |
Dimension One | $15,000 to $35,000 |
Dynasty | $7,500 to $15,000 |
Endless Pools | $7,500 to $30,000 |
H2X | $20,000 to $37,000 |
Hydropool | $6,000 to $18,000 |
Michael Phelps | $23,000 to $40,000 |
ThermoSpas | $12,000 to $33,000 |
NOTE: These are the prices for the swim spa only and won’t include the installation. The prices can greatly vary if you were to add features offered by the company.
As for the installation costs, an above ground swim spa, which is the most common option, will be the easiest to install and will often require a concrete pad as a base and an outlet source, commonly a 50 to 60 amp source. These units will be pre-plumbed and can be simply dropped off at a convenient location, whether it’s outdoors or indoors. Commonly installed on a patio or in the backyard, this type of setup can cost $1,000 to $2,000 to install. As for an in-ground model, this is where the installation prices can rise quite a bit. When you factor in digging in the ground, creating a structure and securing the spa, the costs can easily start at $5,000 to more than $30,000+.
Top 10 Reviews, according to their research, says the average swim spa can be half the price of an inground swimming pool — about $8,900 to $23,000, with the median cost of about $15,000.
Swim spa overview
A swim spa, depending on the unit, can be powered via three ways: either via a propeller, jet propulsion or rotating paddle wheels. A propeller, designed for advanced athletes, pulls the water through the pool rather than pushing it at the swimmer. A jet propulsion setup uses several jets built into the front of the spa, similar to a hot tub, and when on, these jets push the water toward the swimmer. Advanced models often allow the swimmer to customize the power and stream. Lastly, a paddlewheel creates a smoother rate, allowing the pool to mimic the feel of an actual inground pool. A paddle is mounted at the head of the unit, creating a consistent flow by pushing the water across the width of the pool. Each type can offer its own unique advantages and will depend on your intended use.
Swim spas, on average, can measure 12 to as long as 21 feet long and can be three to five feet deep. While some swim spas measure 10 to 11 feet long, they are not designed for swimming; instead, they are designed for specific exercises.
What are the extra costs?
As with a swimming pool, be prepared to spend $50 to $100 per month to maintain the pool. If you were to maintain the pool on your own, then the costs could be as little as $30 per month, but if you were to hire a professional pool cleaning service, then the costs could be as much as $75 to $100 per month.
The costs mentioned above may or may not include shipping, which will be an additional cost often dictated by the manufacturer. Some companies may include the shipping into their quote, while others may charge separately.
A heater, often installed in close proximity to the swim spa, can be heated by either propane or an electrical source. The average swim spa heater can cost $1,000 to $1,500.
Covers, designed to keep debris out of the pool, can help preserve the spa’s filter and reduce the heating cost. Most covers come in a standard size and will be fully framed, meaning it can withstand heavy snowfall and rain. These covers, similar to that of a hot tub, can roll or folded in another direction. A good cover can cost about $500.
To create a finished look for an above ground swim spa, some owners upgrade the outside to create a natural wood or layered stone look. This type of upgrade could add another $1,000 to $2,000 to the estimates mentioned prior.
An ultraviolet light, designed to control the spread of bacteria and algae, will need to be replaced every year. These bulbs, if your swim spa were to use it, can cost $300 to $1,000 to replace.
Filters, just like a swimming pool, is designed to remove germs and bacteria, and will need to be replaced annually. A filter can cost $30 to $50 each.
How can I save money?
Call around. There are several companies and contractors who work with swim spas, and by calling multiple vendors, you should be able to find a swim spa that works for your situation. While you don’t want to focus solely on the price, be sure to compare the online reviews, warranties and features.
eBay, at the time of this writing, had hundreds of slightly used swim spas available for as little as $10,000. Even when you factor in the cost of shipping, buying used could save you more than 50 percent for a name brand.
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