Why a Swim Spa Might Be the Best Choice for Your Backyard

– Steve Jost June 11, 2025

Year-Round Use

Unlike above-ground or in-ground pools, which have a short swimming season, swim spas are designed for year-round enjoyment. Swim Spas are temperature-controlled and insulated to be enjoyed during the summer, but also during the winter. You can relax in therapy seats or enjoy open water swimming against the current while snowflakes are falling from the sky. Pools also incur costs to winterize and open each Fall and Spring. Swim Spas can be maintained 12 months out of the year.  Whether it’s a chilly fall evening or a snowy winter day, you can still get your swim or soak on.

Combines Relaxation and Exercise

Swim spas are designed to serve two purposes: hydrotherapy and aquatic fitness. With powerful adjustable jets, you can swim in place for a low-impact workout, then relax in the therapy seating with warm, therapeutic water. With optional exercise equipment, you can get the benefits of resistance training and a rowing machine. It’s the ideal mix of a pool and a hot tub, in one compact unit.

Family-Friendly Fun

Swim spas are great for all ages. You can cool off on a hot summer day or let the warmth of hot water soothe sore muscles after a long day in the winter. Kids can splash and play. Swim spas are also great for teaching and learning how to swim. Adults can swim or soak, and seniors benefit from joint-friendly hydrotherapy. It’s an all-in-one solution that brings the whole family together.

Easier Installation

Compared to the construction required for an in-ground pool, swim spas are relatively quick and simple to install. Most require minimal site work, consisting of a reinforced concrete pad and a licensed electrician. Once you have a concrete pad for the swim spa, delivery and placement can be available shortly. Once the swim spa is in place and a licensed electrician provides power, it takes a few hours to fill up and can be enjoyed shortly.

Lower Maintenance Than a Pool

With a smaller water volume and more advanced filtration systems, swim spas are easier and more affordable to maintain than larger pools. You’ll spend less time balancing chemicals and more time enjoying crystal-clear water. Swim Spas have covers that can easily be put on when not in use. Unlike pools that are uncovered during the summer, swim spas are covered when not being used to keep out unwanted debris. The cover also keeps out sunlight when not in use, which contributes to algae in in-ground and above-ground swimming pools.

Energy Efficiency

Modern swim spas are engineered for energy efficiency. Insulated covers, smart temperature controls, and energy-efficient pumps make them more affordable to run than you might expect. Heat is designed to stay in, so you can maintain a comfortable water temperature year-round.

Final Thoughts

If you’re trying to decide between a pool or a hot tub, why not choose both? A swim spa delivers the relaxation of a hot tub, the workout potential of a lap pool, and the fun of a family pool. At Dover Pools, we proudly carry the American Whirlpool Power Pool series to help you get the best of all worlds. These Swim Spas are built to last, featuring steel frames, efficient and serviceable insulation, and quality components. Stop by and let our experts show you why a swim spa is the ultimate backyard upgrade.

About Dover Pools

Since 1976, Dover Pools has been Delmarva’s largest pool, hot tub, and swim spa dealer. Dover Pools has five locations conveniently serving Delmarva from Salisbury Maryland, Seaford, Milford and two locations in Dover. Dover Pools offers exceptional customer service, expert advice, free water testing, and quality chemicals, supplies, accessories, games, and toys for your backyard pool and hot tub. Whether you already have your own backyard oasis of are looking for a new above ground pools, hot tubs, or power pool swims spas; Dover Pools is here to help.