Pro Tips for Purchasing a Swim Spa

Pro Tips for Purchasing a Swim Spa to Enhance Your Backyard

Swim spas are becoming increasingly popular for homeowners in Madison and Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, looking to create an oasis in their own backyard. Combining the benefits of a swimming pool with the therapeutic features of a hot tub, a swim spa is ideal for fitness, relaxation, and year-round enjoyment. However, choosing the right swim spa involves a few essential considerations to ensure it aligns with your budget, backyard space, and lifestyle. Here are some pro tips to guide you in selecting the best swim spa to fit your needs.

1. Consider Your Primary Purpose

Swim spas serve a range of purposes, from fitness and hydrotherapy to family entertainment and relaxation. When buying a swim spa, it’s essential to decide your primary use:

• Fitness and Swimming: Look for swim spas with powerful swim jets that provide a smooth, consistent current. This allows you to swim continuously without reaching the end of the spa. Adjustable currents are also a bonus, as they enable you to change the intensity based on your workout needs.
• Hydrotherapy and Relaxation: If your goal is relaxation and stress relief, seek a swim spa with a variety of jet settings and ergonomic seating. Some swim spas offer specific zones with jets designed for targeted hydrotherapy, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with arthritis or sore muscles.
• Family and Entertainment: For family fun, choose a swim spa with versatile features such as multicolored LED lighting, built-in sound systems, and spacious seating options.

Defining your primary use will help you narrow down the models and features that matter most to you.

2. Understand Swim Spa Sizes and Depths

Swim spas come in various sizes and depths, so it’s crucial to consider how much space you have and who will be using the spa.

• Space Considerations: Measure your available backyard space, ensuring there’s enough room around the swim spa for maintenance access and any additional decking or landscaping. Swim spas can range from 10 to 20 feet in length and are typically about 5 feet wide, so understanding your space limitations is critical.
• Depth Preferences: Swim spas vary in depth, with some models allowing deeper water for taller users or activities like aquatic exercises. If swimming is a priority, look for a model that offers at least 4 feet of depth to facilitate a more realistic swim experience.

3. Evaluate Energy Efficiency and Insulation

In Wisconsin, where temperatures can vary significantly throughout the year, energy efficiency is a key consideration.

• Insulation Quality: Look for a swim spa with high-quality insulation to retain heat effectively and keep energy costs down. Most swim spas are equipped with multi-layered insulation, which helps to maintain consistent water temperatures even in colder months.
• Energy-Efficient Pumps and Heaters: Energy-efficient models with low-maintenance pumps and efficient heating systems can lower operating costs, making it more affordable to run your swim spa throughout the year.
• Smart Controls: Some swim spas feature smart controls that let you adjust temperature and settings via your phone, ensuring your spa is ready and warm when you are without unnecessary energy costs.

4. Look for Swim Spa Accessories and Customization Options

Customizing your swim spa experience is easy with a wide range of accessories and add-ons. Here are a few popular options:

• Covers: Insulated covers not only help retain heat but also keep debris out of your spa, making maintenance much easier. Automated covers are available for added convenience.
• Aquatic Exercise Equipment: For those focused on fitness, resistance bands, rowing bars, and underwater treadmills are excellent accessories that enhance the workout potential of your swim spa.
• Lighting and Sound Systems: Adding LED lighting and a Bluetooth sound system can elevate your swim spa, creating the perfect ambiance for nighttime relaxation or family gatherings.

5. Maintenance and Water Care Tips

Swim spas require regular maintenance to ensure clean and safe water. Here are a few essential maintenance practices:

• Water Chemistry: Maintaining balanced water chemistry is key to avoiding algae growth and extending the life of your swim spa. Most retailers offer easy-to-use testing kits, but professional water testing services are also available.
• Filtration: Swim spas typically come with a filtration system designed to capture debris and impurities. Clean or replace filters as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure optimal water quality.
• Regular Draining and Cleaning: To keep your swim spa in top condition, plan to drain and deep clean it every three to four months. This prevents buildup and keeps your swim spa looking and functioning like new.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How much does a swim spa cost?
A: Swim spa prices vary depending on the size, features, and brand. Basic models can start around $25,000, while high-end models with advanced features may reach $50,000 or more. Financing options are available at many dealers, including Patio Pleasures.

Q: Can I use a swim spa year-round in Wisconsin?
A: Yes! Swim spas are designed for year-round use, even in cold climates. Many models include high-quality insulation and energy-efficient heaters to keep water temperatures consistent and comfortable during winter.

Q: Do I need a special foundation or base for my swim spa?
A: Yes, a stable, level foundation is essential for your swim spa. Concrete pads or reinforced decking are popular choices. A qualified installer can guide you on the best options based on your backyard layout.

Q: How often should I test and balance the water in my swim spa?
A: For the best results, test the water at least once a week. Depending on usage and weather, you may need to adjust the chemicals more frequently. Bringing a water sample into our showroom for expert analysis and recommendations is always an option! 

Q: Is a swim spa difficult to maintain?
A: Swim spas are relatively easy to maintain, especially with modern water care systems and accessories that simplify the process. Routine tasks like testing water, cleaning filters, and adding chemicals are straightforward and can be managed with a regular schedule.

Why Choose Patio Pleasures for Your Swim Spa?

If you’re considering a swim spa to transform your backyard in Madison or Sun Prairie, Patio Pleasures is here to help! With a dedicated team of experts, we pride ourselves on offering a curated selection of top swim spa brands and personalized guidance to find the right model for your lifestyle and budget. From delivery to installation and maintenance, Patio Pleasures is committed to supporting you every step of the way. 

Patio Pleasures is 100% employee-owned, which means every member of our team is dedicated to your experience and satisfaction. With two locations—both nationally recognized—serving Sun Prairie and Madison, we’re here six days a week with Sundays set aside for our families. We are also backed by our own Class A service & installation team.

Visit one of our showrooms to explore our swim spa options and make your backyard dreams a reality.