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How to Choose the Right Size Swim Spa for Your Garden

Back to the Learning Centre By Jon Filson Hydropool Hot Tubs and Swim Spas Choosing the right size swim spa isn’t just about what looks good. It’s about how it fits your garden, your lifestyle and your long-term goals. Whether you’re after a place to relax, exercise, or entertain, size matters. Space is tight in gardens across the United Kingdom and you want to make sure that you’re not buying too much or depriving yourself of space you could really use.  We get asked about size and space frequently at our Hydropool stores, so we wanted to give you an answer here.  In this guide from Hydropool, we’ll cover: Common swim spa sizes available in the UK How to measure your space properly What to consider before buying Tips for selecting the best fit for your needs Let’s figure out what size of swim spa makes the most sense for you.    What Sizes Do Swim Spas Come In? Most swim spas are about 2.2 metres wide and about a metre deep to about 1.4 metres deep. These measurements are roughly consistent. Some manufacturers may have a “deep” swim spa, for additional space in the tank if you want it.   Length is where most of the options are. Swim spas in the UK typically range from about 3.7 to 6.7 meters long (12 to 22 feet), with most falling into one of three categories: Compact (12–14 ft / 3.7–4.3 m): Great for small gardens or for people who primarily want hydrotherapy or light exercise. Hydropool’s version of this is the 13-foot FFP, which is known as our Family Fun Pool.  Standard (14–17 ft / 4.3–5.2 m): A popular all-rounder size that supports both swimming and relaxation. Ideal for families. The Hydropool Aquatic Sport is a good example here.  Large (17–22 ft / 5.2–6.7 m): Best for tall people who would kick their feet on the sides of a shorter swim spa, those who just want the luxury of a larger build or those who want a dual-zone spa with separate swim and hot tub areas. Hydropool’s largest is the 19-foot DTAX model, which features both a swim spa and a hot tub.  Here’s a tip: If you’re trying to decide what swim spa would be best for you – and you’ve done the measurements so you know roughly what will fit – then your next step is to see a swim spa in person and potentially get in it. A good retailer will let you get in the swim spa and even swim in it on site if you want, so you know if it feels large enough for what you have in mind. With the money a swim spa costs, “try before you buy” isn’t a bad idea.  If you haven’t done the measurements, keep reading! We’ll tell you how.  How to Measure Your Garden for a Swim Spa Before you fall in love with a specific model, it’s essential to measure your available space carefully so you’ll know it will fit. Here’s how: Clear the area: Remove any temporary garden furniture, tools or pots that might obscure your view of the space. Mark the footprint: Use chalk, stakes or a garden hose to outline potential swim spa sizes on your patio, decking or lawn. Allow extra space: You’ll need at least 0.5–1 metre (20–40 inches) of clearance around the spa for long-term servicing, cover removal and steps. This applies whether your swim spa is above ground or below. This is a crucial element often overlooked!  Check access: Make sure there’s nothing blocking a crane from lowering the swim spa in place.  Your local retailer will be happy to come to your home and do a free site inspection if you have any concerns.  What Else Should You Consider When Choosing Size? It’s not just about the physical space. Choosing the right swim spa size is also about how you plan to use it. Ask yourself: What’s your primary goal? If you’re after resistance swimming or daily fitness, you’ll need enough length to swim without interruption. Hydropool’s Aquatic Trainer series is designed specifically for this purpose. How many people will use it? A compact swim spa may be perfect for couples, but larger families or social users will benefit from extra seating and space. The Aquatic series has 14 foot and 17-foot editions.  Do you want separate zones? Dual-zone swim spas let you enjoy a hot tub and swim spa in one unit. These tend to be on the larger side (typically 5.8 m / 19 ft or more). An example is here.  What’s your energy budget? Bigger swim spas hold more water and take more energy to heat. A quality swim spa will help reduce running costs across all sizes.  Will it fit your garden layout? Think about sun exposure, privacy, and how your swim spa will integrate into your garden design. Corner placement, decking options or gazebos may influence your choice. Popular Hydropool Swim Spa Sizes  To give you a head start, here are some examples of Hydropool models and their sizes: Hydropool AquaPlay 13FFP – 381 cm (12.5 ft): A compact option perfect for active families or those with limited space. Hydropool AquaSport 14AX – 442 cm (14.5 ft): A mid-sized, all-rounder spa for both exercise and relaxation. Hydropool AquaTrainer 17AX – 533 cm (17.5 ft): A larger unit for serious swimmers with advanced jet systems. Hydropool Executive Trainer 19EX – 574 cm (19 ft): Dual-zone luxury with powerful swim current and a full-size hot tub. All models are designed with smaller gardens in mind and come with advanced insulation and energy-saving features. Final Tips Before You Decide Visualise the size using garden furniture or cardboard to mock up the footprint. Speak with your installer to confirm delivery access, clearance needs and electrical requirements. Think long-term: Choose a size that meets not only your current lifestyle but also future plans (kids growing up, entertaining more often, etc.). How to Choose the Right Size Swim Spa for Your Garden So, how do you choose the right size swim spa? Start by measuring your space, understanding how you’ll use it, and thinking ahead. Make sure you add a couple of feet to the area.  Whether you opt for a compact or dual-zone model, choosing…