In this article we’ll address the question: what is a swim spa and how does it work? You may have also heard them referred to as an ‘endless pool’ or ‘exercise pool’, but we’ll cover everything you need to know—including features, pricing, benefits, and running costs.
With so many different swim spa ranges on the market, it’s can feel nearly impossible to find the simple answers. So let’s dive in… what is a swim spa?
A swim spa is a self-contained unit with a built-in current system that generates a stream of water for you to swim against. It operates in the same way that treadmills do, as you swim in one spot continuously without moving forwards or backwards.
A swim spa typically contains all the components that a hot tub does, meaning you can enjoy the best of both worlds at a fraction of the price of a swimming pool. One end of the spa features the current system, and the other hosts the access steps and jetted seating, if it has them.
If you want help navigating the market and how to find the right swim spa model for you, head over to our dedicated blog Swim Spas in 2025 – Ultimate Swim Spa Buying Guide.
Swim spas work by taking water in through their filtration and suction inlets, and using pumps or turbines to generate a strong current of water that is then distributed via swim jets or a propeller. This flow rate is adjustable to suit the needs of the user, and imitates the open water swimming experience.
A swim spa combines the advantages of a swimming pool with the ease of fast temperature adjustment and the hydrotherapy massage seats of a hot tub.
Single chamber swim spas: This is where the swimming area and the hot tub seats are merged together within the same body of water. This is more suited to people who primarily use it for swimming and exercise.
Dual chamber swim spas: This is where the swimming area and the hot tub are separated into two separate bodies of water. This allows for two different temperature settings so you can swim at a cooler pool temperature, then relax in the warmer water of the hot tub chamber afterwards.
If you want to read more about the difference between single and dual-chamber swim spas head over to our dedicated blog Ultimate Guide 2025.
Jetted Swim Current: This is the process of generating a current through powerful swim jets. Typically this can create a more turbulent and narrow swim experience that is generally more suited towards casual and recreational swimmers, as well as people looking for a hydrotherapy pool for low impact walking, cycling and underwater exercises.
Propulsion Swim Current: This is the process of generating a current through a turbine or propeller. Typically this can create a more smooth and wide swim experience that is generally more suited to more advanced swimmers and athletes as well as novice swimmers that want more gradual control over flow rates.
Swim spas typically range from around 12-25 feet in length, 2.25-2.5 feet in width, and 3.7-5 feet in depth. Dual chamber swim spas are usually the larger models in length as they also accommodate a hot tub at one end.
Given that swim spas work similar to a treadmill (in that you stay in once place whilst swimming) the length of a swim spa is not a huge determining factor when choosing between models, but it is important that you have a large enough swimming area to accommodate your own individual height and physique.
Therapeutic benefits: Because swim spas have all the capabilities of a hot tub and a swimming pool in one, you can enjoy a seamless combination of the two. The convenience of it being in your own garden allows for complete privacy, something which cannot be replicated at your local swimming baths or spa.
Home/Garden Opportunity: Adding a swim spa to your garden opens up endless opportunities for transforming your outdoor living space. From outdoor kitchens and furniture to pergolas and saunas, a swim spa installation makes it easier than ever to achieve the ultimate alfresco lifestyle. In-ground sunken or semi-sunken swim spas in particular make for the most aesthetic garden design, or even when they’re installed indoors in dedicated indoor pool rooms.
Health benefits: Swim spas offer many benefits to physical and mental health, making it a great purchase for achieving your wellness goals. Whether it’s weight loss, reduced muscle tension or better sleep, you’ll be sure to find ways to help improve your own personal wellbeing.
If you want to read more into how swim spas can benefit your health, head over to our dedicated blog on Top 12 Swim Spa Health Benefits in 2025.
Most swim spas range from around 20°C-40°C, giving you a variety of temperatures to choose from based on your preferred use case.
If you plan on swimming it is recommended to use temperatures of around 23°C-27°C (like that of a swimming pool), but if you are primarily using it for its therapeutic massage benefits then it may be better to go higher up into the 35°C+ region.
Teach your kids to swim: Swim spas are great for teaching kids how to swim, a perfect opportunity to spend some quality family bonding time. Just adjust the water temperature and current strength to your liking, and watch your kids progress within the comfort of your own home. You can even add a swim mirror to the floor of your swim spa, to help perfect your technique.
Resistance training: Training in your swim spa is one of the best ways to workout without any of the high impact on your joints that you may endure in other land-based exercises. This is why many people primarily use them for easing stiff joints, as well as recovering from injuries. Some swim spas even offer treadmill accessories, allowing you to walk and jog against the current.
Play games: Whether your hosting a party or just spending time with family and friends, there are tonnes of different games and water sports for you to dive into. From beer pong and water polo to lap racing, the opportunity for fun is endless.
Relaxation: Being able to just sit back and relax in your spa is one of the most therapeutic activities to indulge in. Most swim spas offer hydrotherapy jetted seating that is sure to elevate your relaxation experience. Accompany this with the warm water and music systems, and you’re set up for a great night of winding down.
Entry level swim spas typically start at around £15,000, but they can go all the way up to £60,000+ for top-of-the-line models from premium brands.
If you want to read more about swim spa pricing works, head over to our dedicated blog How Much Does a Swim Spa Cost in 2025?
Swim spas and hot tubs offer similar technical specifications, but their use cases are typically different. Hot tubs are more widely used for relaxation and hydrotherapy, as well as socialising. Whereas swim spas are primarily used for fitness and swimming due to their strong water flow.
Swim spas typically cost in the region of £50 to £150 per month depending on your local climate and energy tariffs. This makes them much more energy efficient all-year-round than regular swimming pools, especially when it comes to the winter months.
It is also important to maintain the water quality, this may cost you an additional £20-£40 monthly.
Unlike outdoor swimming pools, which are typically only used during the summer before being winterised for autumn and winter, swim spas are well-insulated and can be used all year-round.
This makes swim spas a perfect investment for health and fitness enthusiasts who want to enjoy the benefits of swimming and underwater exercise year-round, all from the convenience of your own back garden.
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About the author
am the content writer & social media manager at WhatSwimSpa? Magazine. I have worked at WhatSwimSpa? for over 2 years now, and I recently graduated with from Northumbria University with a Bachelor's degree in Business Management with Marketing. My role at WhatSwimSpa? is to ensure that all swim spa lovers can easily access the highest quality and most up-to-date content, news and information from within the UK wet leisure industry.
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To find the latest advice and information on selecting your swim spa retailer, request your FREE copy of the latest edition of WhatSwimSpa? As well as the latest advice, you can also view the best swim spas across every price range with the WhatSwimSpa? Best Buy Awards.
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