Swim Spa Sizes: How to Choose the Right One
Get the right size spa for any season
Highlights
On average, swim spas range from 12 to 21 feet long and 8 feet wide.
Swim spa sizes vary by type. Some types of swim spas include propulsion, jetted, and fitness.
Before choosing a swim spa size, consider your reason for using it, its placement, and maintenance costs.
Before knowing the right size of swim spa for your yard, it’s best to know exactly what a swim spa is. In short, it’s a sort of pool and hot tub hybrid with the hydro massage and heated features of a hot tub, alongside the ability to swim with a built-in current. However, the most suitable size varies for each person and their home.
What is the Standard Swim Spa Size?
The average swim spa is 12 feet long by 8 feet wide. Though the length can range from 12 to 21 feet, the average width usually stays around eight feet, regardless of the length.
Swim Spa Size by Type
Whether it be the cost of a swim spa, the reason you plan on using it, or where you want to place it, knowing the different swim spa sizes by type can help you determine what will work best for you.
Dual-Zone Swim Spa Dimensions
The dual-zone swim spa offers the ability to make use of the relaxing features and swimming features of a swim spa at the same time due to its larger size. On average, dual-zone swim spas are 18 feet long and 8 feet wide.
Jetted Swim Spa Dimensions
Jetted swim spas feature jets that mimic the feeling of swimming using a motor and pump but account for the limited space. On average, jetted swim spas are 12 to 16 feet long and 8 feet wide.
Fitness Swim Spa Dimensions
Fitness swim spas are designed specifically for fitness and may have features such as rowing machines and treadmills. They’re often smaller, ranging from 10 to 11 feet long and 8 feet wide.
Propulsion Swim Spa Dimensions
Propulsion swim spas are designed to mimic the experience of swimming freely, but instead of using jets, they use a propeller design. They are roughly 17 to 19 feet long and 8 feet wide.
| Swim Spa Type | Length | Width |
|---|---|---|
| Dual-Zone | 18 feet | 8 feet |
| Jetted | 12–16 feet | 8 feet |
| Fitness | 10–11 feet | 8 feet |
| Propulsion | 17–19 feet | 8 feet |
How to Measure the Right Size Swim Spa
Calculating the right size of swim spa for your home depends on where you plan on putting it. Swim spas can be installed indoors or outdoors, though outdoors is more common. When measuring, you need to account for the swim spa’s dimensions and the space needed for any accompanying tech like external pumps.
You should also consider having space around the swim spa to enter and exit it safely. You can do these measurements yourself or have a professional contractor do so during a consultation.
Things to Consider Before Choosing Swim Spa Size
Knowing the right swim spa size for your home depends on a few factors. Here are some things you should consider before committing to a particular size of swim spa.
Maintenance Costs
Proper swim spa maintenance is essential to keep your swim spa clean and functional. Some main components of swim spa maintenance are changing and chemically treating the water, using a cover when not in use, and regularly testing pH and chlorine levels. The size of your swim spa will inform the costs of maintenance. A larger swim spa will need more water and chemicals to function, so consider your budget before committing to a large swim spa.
Reason For Use
Different types of swim spas are meant for different uses. For instance, a fitness swim spa is mainly used for fitness purposes, while a more standard jetted swim spa is used for social events and relaxation. The specific type and size may depend on the reason for using your swim spa. It’s important to ensure you’re getting the right size for what you want to use the swim spa for.
Placement
Whether inside or outside, the area where you want to place your swim spa will inform the appropriate size. Depending on the particular area, there may be limitations regarding what will fit, so it’s worth looking closely at where you want to place the swim spa before committing to a size.
Swim Spa Alternatives
Before committing to a swim spa of any size, consider the alternatives and see if they are better suited for you, whether in size or function. Look at our comparisons of swim spas versus hot tubs and swim spas versus pools to see if either alternative is preferable before you commit to a swim spa of any size.
What to Do if You Have the Wrong Size Swim Spa
Having the wrong size swim spa could result in project delays and increased costs. If you have the wrong size swim spa, you may be able to remedy the issue by moving it to a different area of your yard or home. While this may be inconvenient or not what you initially pictured, it can prevent you from completely replacing the swim spa.
That being said, if your swim spa is the wrong size and there are no other ideal places for it to go, you may need to return or sell it—depending on the fine print from where you purchased it—and replace it with one of an appropriate size. Whether you need to fully replace the swim spa or move it, you can contact hot tub repair contractors near you to get a quote and any recommendations for how to proceed.