How Much Does a Swim Spa Cost?

Last Updated on September 25, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

A Swim spa is an alternative to a traditional swimming pool that allows you to swim in place and exercise. Unlike a traditional inground pool, a swim spa is both a spa and a pool, that needs less space and money.

Swim spas work like a treadmill for swimmers. The high-powered jets generate a non-stop current that allows you to swim on the spot without moving forward.

How much does a swim spa cost?

The average cost of just the swim spa can be as little as $11,500 to more than $115,000 when accounting for installation, accessories, and the swim spa itself. This type of swim spa doesn’t have a set price and the price lists may be hard to find. However, depending on where you live, your setup, who you buy from, and how you want to customize it, the cost will vary greatly.

To get an idea of how much a swim spa costs, let’s go over the prices you might find for the unit alone, without its installation. As already stated, depending on the quality of the product, the prices vary. For example, for a cheap no-name model often imported from China, you can pay as little as $6,000 to $14,000 including the shipping costs.

However, you may find that a lower-end cheaper unit, most of the time can be low-quality and almost always comes with no warranty coverage. As for an average swim spa, you can pay between $17,000 and $34,500.

To give you a better idea, in the table below you will find some mid-range priced manufacturers. Of course, if you are looking to purchase a swim spa unit of premium quality, the costs can go from $34,500 up to $69,000. Once more, take into account that at this price you won’t get the swim spa installation.

The prices below were shared by people online, based on the quotation of those manufacturers. It is important to mention that these costs are from online sources only, not from the actual producers. For a more accurate assessment, please reach one or more manufacturers.

As these are the prices of the swim spa units alone, the installation will not be included. Expect a higher cost if you want to customize the unit. The prices greatly vary in this case.

When it comes to installation, the most common option for a swim spa is setting it up above the ground. Usually, as a base, it requires a concrete pad, and aside from this you will also need an outlet source, so it is pretty easy to install.

The concrete base dimensions vary depending on how large the swim spa unit is. As for the outlet sources, most of the time a 50 to 60-amp source is needed. Another advantage is that these swim spa models are pre-plumbed right from the factory, so they come ready to install. There is no need of assembling parts at the location, regardless of whether it is set up outdoors or indoors.

In general, if the swim spa needs to be on the ground, on a patio, or in the backyard, the installation costs can be somewhere from $1,200 to $2,300. However, for an in-ground type, the costs can easily increase to $6,000 – $35,000 or more. This is because this type of placing needs digging in the ground and creating a structure to secure de unit.

According to Top 10 Reviews, the costs of an average swim spa will usually be half the price of an inground swimming pool. From their research, the costs will be between $10,500 and $26,500, with a medium price of $17,300.

Swim spa overview

There are three ways that a swim spa can be powered. Depending on the unit, it can be with a propeller, jet propulsion, or rotating paddle wheels. Each of these powering methods has its own intended use.

Propeller powering creates currents that pull the water through the pool. This engine type is for advanced athletes.

Another powering system is jet propulsion. Similar to a hot tub, it has several jets in the front of the unit that push the water toward the swimmer. You may find that advanced models can be customized. The swimmer can get different levels of power and stream.

On the other hand, a paddlewheel powering system creates a smoother current. This type of setup, gives a more realistic feel of an indoor pool, being more of a relaxing type. The paddle is set at the head of the swim spa, which creates a consistent flow that pushes the water from one side of the pool to the other.

When it comes to measurements, an average swim spa can be 12 to as long as 21 feet long and have a three to five feet depth. The ones that measure 10 to 11 feet long are designed for specific types of exercises, not for swimming.

Maintenance cost and other additional costs

Depending on the deal you’re getting, the prices mentioned above may or may not include the cost of shipping, making it an extra cost to consider. When you receive a quote from the company, you should ask the manufacturer whether the shipping cost is included or not.

Of course, as with a swimming pool, it has to be maintained. The cost of maintenance gets somewhere between $60 to $115 per month. In case you choose to do this yourself, the costs could be as little as $35. However, if you choose to hire a professional pool cleaning service, then expect costs of $85 up to $115 per month.

If you choose to have a heater next to your swim spa, this can cost somewhere between $1,150 to $1,700. The costs vary depending on whether it is heated by propane or an electrical source.

Covers, another item, may be useful when it comes to keeping the swim spa clean. Keeping away the dirt can save money and time. By covering the swim spa, you can protect the spa’s filter and reduce heating loss. Besides the dirt, being fully framed and in a standard size, covers can withstand snowfall and rain. These covers can be rolled or folded in one direction, similar to the ones of hot tubs. A quality cover can cost about $600.

Likewise, you can customize the exterior of the swim spa. Some owners of above-ground swim spas like to create a natural wood or layered stone look. Of course, this upgrade could come with an additional $1,150 to $2,300 added to the initial costs mentioned above.

Ultraviolet light can help you maintain a swim spa free of germs. They are manufactured to control the spread of bacteria and algae. The bulbs, if you want to have a clean free bacteria swim spa, can cost from $350 to $1,150, and need to be replaced every year.

Also, filters have their own important role in keeping your swim unit hygienic. These remove germs and bacteria and can cost somewhere between $35 and $60 per piece. These items, also need to be replaced annually.

How can I save money?

To be sure you get the best price on the market, try calling several different companies. There is a great number of companies and contractors who work with swim spas, each having different types of units.

Having a variety of offers will enable you to find one that suits you. Also, online reviews are good to find out more about costs, warranty periods, and inclusions and features. When you have a company in mind. you should ask for a written estimate so that you have a clear idea of what the costs are and what they cover.

On eBay, at the time of this publishing, you could find hundreds of slightly used swim spas for as little as $11,500. Consideration buying a used unit, as this can help you save over 50% of the final price of a name brand even if you include shipping costs.