Swim spa or plunge pool…what’s best for you?

What’s the difference?

At a glance, swim spas and plunge pools look similar, but they’re designed to serve different purposes. Swim spas combine the features of a spa and a swimming pool, including heated water, while also including a swim jet (or jets) for exercise. A plunge pool is a smaller – and often deeper – option that really delivers on leisure and relaxation.

Which one’s right for you?

When doing your research and shopping around, have a think about your current situation and your lifestyle expectations – what are you hoping that a swim spa or plunge pool will provide? Opportunity to exercise or a place to cool off? How many people do you need to accommodate? Think about your available space, your budget – including ongoing costs – and any maintenance requirements before you commit.   

Size and space

Both swim spas and plunge pools tend to be smaller than the traditional backyard swimming pool, so they’ll fit into a reduced footprint and take less water to fill. Evaluate the available space to determine which option will fit most comfortably without overwhelming the area.

That smaller size doesn’t mean that they get a pass when it comes to safety and legislative requirements like CPR signage, electrical approvals and safety barriers. Check with your local council and certifier to stay across the conditions that apply in your region and to your site.

Swim spas

• Generally the larger of the two, swim spas feature an elongated design to accommodate the swim jets and allow room to exercise. Expect them to be somewhere between four and six metres long and a couple of metres wide.

Plunge pools

• Often the more compact option, plunge pools come in many shapes and sizes. The reduced size makes them a good choice for small backyards, courtyards and other tight spaces.

Exercise and recreation

How you plan to use your pool is a major decider in the best option for you and your family. While both are suitable for smaller spaces, some features are more suited to regular rigorous exercise routines than they are to a leisurely dip.

Swim spas

• Swim spas include one or more jets to swim against, so they’re perfect for anyone that enjoys swimming laps for fitness.

• Most models allow you to vary the level of the current, so you can add other resistance workouts besides straight swimming to your routine.

• The opposite end of the swim spa has a seating area and standard spa jets, for relaxation and to enjoy a little hydrotherapy or massage.

Plunge pools

• If your aim is to kick back, relax and cool off, rather than get the heart rate up, a plunge pool might be more your style.

• They are a great choice for homeowners who want to prioritise recreation and entertaining in a smaller space

Temperature control

Depending on your location and your expected usage, you’ll need to think about water temperature when weighing up alternatives.

Swim spas

• Swim spas are designed for year-round use and are usually heated, making them suitable for both hot- and cold-water experiences.

• The make and model of swim spa can determine the heating method, as they often come with integrated heating as standard. Other factors influence the optimum choice including location and season, swim spa size and construction (including insulation) as will the use of a spa cover. Your chosen supplier may offer heating upgrade options and other temperature control functionality, so remember to ask when doing your research.  

Plunge pools

• Heating for plunge pools is also an option, depending on how much or little you intend to swim in the cooler months and your available budget. As with any pool installation, there are a range of heating choices including heat pumps, solar and gas systems.

Maintenance

Both swim spas and plunge pools require regular maintenance and servicing to ensure they’re functioning as they should.

As an owner, it’s helpful to get up to speed on basic concepts including water balance and filtration, so you can keep things in check. It’s also a good idea to understand what’s required for any additional equipment operation – like cleaners, heaters and swim jets – so you can make sure everything operates as it should and identify any issues if they crop up.

If you lean towards a more ‘hands off’ experience, it’s easy to find someone qualified to service and maintain your plunge pool or swim spa. Head to the Find a Provider section of our website to find a member near you.

Making the decision

Deciding between a swim spa and a plunge pool ultimately comes down to your preferences, space constraints, and budget. Both options offer unique benefits, providing an opportunity to transform your backyard into the personal haven you’re looking for.

Making an informed decision means speaking with an expert who can guide you through the purchase and installation process, so finding someone you can trust is important.

To help you find the way, we’ve developed PoolQuotes and SpaQuotes – simple online tools that match you with builders and installers that are able to deliver what you need, when you need it.

Just answer a few simple questions online and we’ll connect you with multiple businesses that will provide a quote, along with any guidance you’re after. Because we only connect you with SPASA members, you can be assured your builder adheres to established national standards and meets the expectations of the industry’s peak national body. Most importantly, they are available to take on your project in the timeframe you require.

If you’re ready to take the plunge, visit the PoolQuotes or SpaQuotes websites and get started today.