Swim Spa 101: Are Swim Spas Worth It?

What Is A Swim Spa?

We’re all familiar with hot tubs, a large tub filled with hot aerated water used for relaxation, hydrotherapy, warmth, and entertainment. Swim Spas offer all of these along with the options to swim and exercise! Swim Spas are moderately-sized jetted tubs in which you can stay in one place while swimming against the current created by the jets. With its health and exercise benefits, Swim Spas are a more versatile option than hot tubs. See for yourself!

Open Water Swimming

This type of exercise swim spa provides the ideal swim flow for serious athletes or those who enjoy the pleasure of a good swim.

• A swim spa eliminates turning and provides a true long-distance swim
• It also produces a current similar to a 50-minute Ironman pace
• There is no backflow to impede a smooth swim
• There is also no “fire hydrant-like” air or water flow that can force you out of the swim lane

Cross-Training Resistance Swimming

Tethered resistance swimming is one of the most effective low-impact exercises you can perform.

• With resistance swimming, you will enjoy all the benefits of lap swimming and then some
• A swim spa makes this kind of swim training convenient and fun
• Tethered swimming increases the upper body workout and body tension of any cross-training regimen
• With an exercise swim spa, you are tethered from behind, meaning there are no lines to interfere with your kick and/or stroke
• This type of swimming ensures you maintain your natural body position while swimming freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, or even breaststroke
• In addition, you can swim at your own pace or really cut loose for a more intense workout

Tethered Aquatic Jogging and Training

This swim spa usage is recognized as one of the best cross-training exercises.

• Using a swim spa reduces the possibility of injury to the body
• It helps to build lean muscles, a stronger heart and improves body posture
• Tethered jogging is ideal for cross-training, and it is a great exercise during recovery periods such as post-marathon or the end of long racing seasons
• Lastly, this form of cardio can provide relief from running on hard surfaces and is excellent for shin splints, tendinitis, and many other lower leg ailments

Family Fun Pool Experience

Swim spas make the perfect plunge pool as they fit in any compact space.

• Since swim spas are so versatile you can enjoy family and therapeutic fun all in one
• All models offer a kid-friendly design where the side of the spa is always within reach
• In addition, the tank shape and depth allows for personal training of any first-time swimmer
• Furthermore, spas present the flexibility for the casual plunge which allows for the entertainment of family or guests of all ages and swim levels

Wave Pool Fun

Another feature of swim spas is if you turn off the current in the swim channel and you have a splash pool.

• This ensures that the adults can relax comfortably in the seating end while watching the kids splash and swim
• You can even attach a harness to the anchor and use a boogie board!

Universal Aquatic Gym

Uses elastic or hydraulic tension to create resistance

• Provides significant functional benefits and improvement in overall health and well-being
• Offers the versatility of resistance band exercises that allows the athlete to mirror very closely the movement patterns in their sport providing less chance of any injury
• In turn, this allows athletes to mirror very closely the movement patterns of their sport while providing less chance of injury

Aquatic Step and Rowing Machine

This combination of stainless steel oars and rubber bands are attached to a swivel, allowing for a rowing motion.

• This type of exercise uses all of the major muscle groups and strengthens muscles in your legs, back, abdomen, shoulders, and arms
• Additionally, step exercise is low impact, making it easier on joints
• Both of these swim spa uses exercise muscles in a continuous rhythmic motion for control of body weight