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Are Swim Spas Good for Swimming? How They Compare to Traditional Pools

Back to the Learning Centre By Jon Filson Hydropool Hot Tubs and Swim Spas If you’re thinking about getting a swim spa, chances are you’re wondering: are swim spas actually good for swimming?  It’s a fair question, especially if you’re weighing up your options between a swim spa and a traditional swimming pool. The short answer is yes, swim spas are good for swimming — but how they compare to a standard pool depends on what you’re looking for. At Hydropool, we speak to UK homeowners every day who want to swim for fitness, fun or therapy, but don’t have the space (or budget) for a full-size pool.  In this guide, we’ll look at how swim spas work, how they measure up against swimming pools, and what type of swimmer they’re best suited to. Here’s what we’ll cover: How do swim spas work for swimming? What are the benefits of swimming in a swim spa? How do swim spas compare to traditional pools? Are swim spas right for every type of swimmer? Let’s take a look at what swim spas really offer. How Do Swim Spas Work for Swimming? Swim spas combine elements of a swimming pool and a hot tub. They generate a powerful, adjustable current that lets you swim in place — like a treadmill but for swimming. Instead of doing laps, you swim against the current, which keeps you in a fixed position while you exercise. Hydropool swim spas, for example, use wide stream jets to create a smooth, natural-feeling current. The flow rate is adjustable, so you can set it to suit your ability level — from beginner to advanced. Some companies use jets to create a current while others use turbines.   What is the Best Hydropool Swim Spa? What Are the Benefits of Swimming in a Swim Spa? Swim spas are surprisingly effective for swimming, and they come with a few extra perks: Adjustable resistance: You can tailor the current speed to your fitness level, making it ideal for interval training or gentle rehab. Compact size: They take up much less space than a pool and can be used year-round with built-in heating and insulation. Multi-use functionality: Many swim spas have separate areas or dual zones, so you can swim, relax, and enjoy hydrotherapy all in one unit. Ease of maintenance: Smaller volume means less water to treat and clean. (Hydropool’s self-cleaning system makes this even easier). Year-round use: Most swim spas are fully insulated and come with covers, so they can be used through the UK winter.  Is a Swim Spa Worth It? Can You Swim Continuously in a Swim Spa? Yes — that’s exactly what they’re designed for. A swim spa creates a continuous, adjustable current that lets you swim in place without ever reaching the wall. Think of it like a water treadmill. This setup allows for uninterrupted swimming at your own pace, making it ideal for both steady endurance workouts and interval training. What’s the Difference Between Jet vs Turbine Swim Spas? The main difference lies in how the current is generated. Jet systems (like those in Hydropool models) use high-powered pumps and specially designed jets to produce a wide, adjustable current. These systems are smooth, reliable, and customizable for different swim levels. Turbine systems use a large propeller or paddlewheel to create flow. They tend to produce a strong, deep current and are often marketed to high-performance swimmers. The large propeller also takes away some of your water cabinet space, which is why Hydropool has never adopted them.    How Much Does a Swim Spa Cost? How Deep and Long are Swim Spas? Most swim spas are between 1.2 and 1.5 metres deep (approximately 48 to 60 inches). This depth is ideal for swimming, aqua fitness, and even gentle therapy exercises — deep enough for full arm extension but shallow enough for safety and efficient heating. Swim spas typically range from 4.3 meters to 6.1 meters (14 to 20 feet) in length, meaning they fit easily into most UK gardens while providing sufficient length to fully extend and swim in.  For more on sizes, click the link below.    How Big is a Swim Spa? Is Swimming in a Swim Spa Good Cardio? Absolutely. Swimming against resistance engages your entire body — heart, lungs, and muscles — delivering an excellent cardiovascular workout. You can adjust the current to mimic everything from a light warm-up to a high-intensity sprint, making it suitable for all fitness levels. Plus, the ability to swim year-round means you can maintain your routine no matter the season. How Do Swim Spas Compare to Traditional Pools? While swim spas aren’t a direct replacement for a full-length pool, they offer many advantages depending on your priorities: Feature Swim Spa Traditional Pool Installation Easier, quicker, above-, mid- and below ground options Longer, usually in-ground Space required Fit in small gardens Needs large outdoor area Cost £17,000–£35,000 (average) £45,000+ (for in-ground pools) Swimming experience Stationary, adjustable current Lap swimming, full-length strokes Maintenance Easier, smaller water volume More cleaning, larger volume Year-round use Yes, with insulation/heating Rarely in the UK  We believe a traditional pool may be better for multiple swimmers doing laps together for instance. And there is nothing quite like walking to someone’s garden and the visual impact of a pool. You can’t miss them.  But a swim spa is often the more practical and versatile choice for everyday swimming and wellness in a UK setting. They fit in the space better and they are less overwhelming.  Are Swim Spas Right for Every Type of Swimmer? Swim spas are great for: Fitness-focused swimmers looking to improve technique or build endurance Rehabilitation or physiotherapy users who benefit from low-impact movement Families who want a combination of swimming and relaxing They may not suit: Competitive swimmers who need regulation-length pools for training. If you want to practice your flip turns, you’re going to want more of a pool.  Large groups who want to swim laps side by side. Really, if you’re interested in lap swimming only, then it’s a pool for you. Otherwise a swim spa can do the trick.  Want to explore more? Head over to our Swim Spa Collection or browse the Hydropool Learning Centre for more detailed guides. Are Swim Spas Good for Swimming? How They Compare to Traditional Pools In short, yes — swim spas are good for swimming. While…