Swim spas in Langley and the Fraser Valley
A swim spa is a long, deep tub with a current you swim against, so you can swim in place, exercise or just float, all year. It needs more planning than a hot tub: a concrete pad, often a crane, and a bigger electrical supply.
A swim spa is a long, deep, heated tub with a current at one end, so you can swim, walk or do aquafit in place without needing a full-length pool. Most models run from roughly 12 feet (3.7 m) to around 20 feet (6 m) long, and because they're heated and covered they can be used through a Fraser Valley winter.
What you can do in a swim spa
- Swim in place against the current, adjusting its strength to your pace
- Aquafit and resistance work, often with tethers, rowing bars or other accessories
- Water walking and gentle exercise, easy on the joints
- Play and cool off with kids in summer
- Relax, especially in models with a separate hot tub section
How the current is made
Swim spas create their current in one of two main ways:
- Jets: powerful jets at one end push water down the length of the spa. Simple, and the jets can double as massage jets.
- Propeller or paddle-wheel systems: a propeller or wheel moves a wide, smooth body of water, which many swimmers find feels less turbulent.
The best way to judge a current is to try it. Come and talk to us at the Langley showroom and we'll compare layouts and current systems with you.
Dual-zone swim spas
A dual-zone swim spa has a separate hot tub section at one end with its own seats, jets and temperature. You can keep the swim area cooler for exercise and the spa end hotter for soaking. They're longer and need more space, but they replace two separate tubs.
Swim spa vs hot tub vs pool
| Hot tub | Swim spa | In-ground pool | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main use | Soaking and relaxing | Exercise, play and relaxing | Swimming and play |
| Footprint | Small | Medium | Large |
| Year-round use here | Yes | Yes, heated and covered | Usually seasonal |
| Excavation | None | None for above-ground installs | Major |
| Water to heat and treat | Least | Several times a hot tub | Most |
A swim spa gives you a swimming option in a fraction of the space of a pool, with no excavation for an above-ground install, and it stays usable all year. If swimming isn't the point, a hot tub is simpler and cheaper to run.
Installing a swim spa
A swim spa holds several thousand litres of water, so a full swim spa weighs several tonnes. That shapes the whole installation:
- A concrete pad. Almost every swim spa needs a level, reinforced concrete pad sized for the full weight. Decks are rarely suitable. See hot tub pads and bases.
- A crane, often. A swim spa is too long and heavy to go down most side yards, so many go over the house or garage by crane. We check access on the site visit.
- More power. Swim spas usually need a larger electrical supply than a hot tub, and some need two separate circuits. Check your panel early, because an upgrade can affect timing. See hot tub electrical.
- Service access. The equipment needs to be reachable. An above-ground install is simplest; a partly sunk install needs planning for access around the equipment and for drainage so water can't collect around the spa.
Our installation page walks through how we plan it step by step.
Heating and covers for year-round use
A swim spa has a lot of water to keep warm, so insulation and the cover matter even more than on a hot tub. A thick, well-fitted cover that sheds rain and carries snow saves energy every day of the year. Many owners keep the swim spa a little cooler than a hot tub, which also helps with running costs.
What drives swim spa cost
Swim spa pricing depends on length and depth, the current system, single or dual-zone, insulation, controls, the cover and lifter, and the installation: the pad, crane, electrical work and any panel upgrade. Installation is a bigger share of the total than with a hot tub, so ask for a quote that covers both together.
FAQ
Questions
Something else on your mind? Ask us when you request a quote.
How big is the largest swim spa?
Swim spas typically range from about 12 feet to around 20 feet long, with dual-zone models at the longer end. Check the exact size of any model against your space, the pad and crane access.
Can you swim properly in a swim spa?
You swim in place against the current rather than doing laps. With a good current and the strength set to your pace, it's a real workout, and you can also do aquafit and resistance exercises.
Does a swim spa need a concrete pad?
Almost always. Full of water, a swim spa weighs several tonnes, so it needs a level, reinforced concrete pad sized for it. Most decks aren't built for that load.
Can you use a swim spa in winter?
Yes. Swim spas are heated and covered, so they can be used all year here. A thick, well-fitted cover keeps heating costs down through the wet, cold months.
How much does it cost to install a swim spa?
It depends on access, the pad, whether a crane is needed and your electrical supply. We look at all of that on a site visit and quote the swim spa and installation together.
Valley Hot Tubs
Ask about swim spas
Tell us roughly how much space you have and how you'd use it, and we'll help you work out what fits.