Swim spa installation: 3 installation types for your new wellness oasis in the garden

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More and more people are dreaming of having their own pool in their garden. No wonder, because the number of swimming pools in Germany is increasing according to research by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung (FAS) drastically. But which type of pool best meets the wants and needs of all family members? While some people prefer a whirlpool with a massage function for relaxation, others prefer to swim properly like in a classic swimming pool. What a shame that both can’t be done! Or does it?

If you decide to install a so-called swim spa in the garden, no one has to make any compromises: with a length of 4 to 6 meters, swim spas are smaller than regular swimming pools, but longer and deeper than a traditional hot tub. While a counter-current system enables active swimming in the swim spa, massage jets on the opposite side (or in a separate pool) invite you to relax. To integrate the swim spa into your outdoor area, you have three different installation options available, which we will introduce to you in more detail in this guide.

1. What types of built-in swim spas are there?

Whether free-standing or built-in Swim spa: Before you think about how to install your swim spa in the garden, you have to decide on a variant: You can choose between a swim spa with one pool and a swim spa with two separate pools. See the table below to see how these two types differ from each other:

Swim spa typecharacteristics
Swim spa with one pool
  • has counter-current jets on one side, while there are seats with massage jets on the opposite side
  • the temperature is usually between 25-30°C throughout the pool
Swim spa with two pools
  • While one tub contains the swimming area, the other tub houses the whirlpool area
  • The spatial separation of the two areas makes it possible to regulate the temperature independently
  • A temperature of 28 °C is ideal for the swimming pool and 38 °C for the whirlpool

swim spa care

To ensure that you can enjoy your swim spa with one or two separate pools for a long time after installation, regular care and maintenance work is required.

2. Stand-up swim spas: Quick assembly and less cost

A stable subsoil forms the basis

A freestanding, non-built-in swim spa is very flexible when it comes to where it is installed, but you cannot set it up everywhere. A stable subsoil is absolutely necessary, after all the soil has to support a massive weight of water. A concrete foundation is usually particularly suitable here.

A free-standing swim spa requires very little space and can be set up in different locations – due to this flexibility, this variant is particularly popular with many owners of smaller gardens. The assembly of a stand-up swim spa is Relatively time-saving compared to installing sunken swim spasas there is no need to dig a pit in the ground.

In addition to saving time during assembly, you also benefit from one less high financial expenseif you choose a freestanding swim spa, as the additional costs of excavating the pit and all the trimmings are eliminated.

However, you have to make compromises in terms of appearance, as the free-standing version depends on the installation location and garden design a bit bulky and clunky can work. In addition, a suitable staircase is absolutely necessary as an accessory so that getting in and out is safe and comfortable.

However, the difficult accessibility is an advantage if there are children or pets in the garden: Unlike a built-in swim spa, with the free-standing installation variant there is no risk of your loved ones accidentally falling into the water. However, you should not do without a cover to avoid contamination from leaves and other debris when not in use.

freestanding swim spa

Anyone who opts for a free-standing swim spa that is not suitable for installation will benefit from lower time and cost factors as well as greater safety.

3. Semi-retractable and fully retractable swim spas: A hit visually and energetically

For those who like something a little more discreet, installing a partially or completely sunken swim spa is the better option: the construction looks less bulky, fits better into the existing surroundings and getting in and out is much easiersince the edge is at the level of the floor.

Another advantage of a built-in swim spa from an energy perspective is that it has a smaller area less susceptible to wind is than the area of ​​a set-up swim spa. This means you also benefit from lower heat loss.

However, with these variants you cannot avoid having to dig a pit, which represents a higher time and cost factor. After the pit has been excavated, the foundation must be prepared accordingly – it is not advisable to place the structure directly on the ground. So burying the swim spa is not an option. Use natural stone slabs, composite stones or consider a solid concrete foundation on which to place the swim spa.

man swims in the swim spa

The counter-current system that is part of the swim spa equipment enables targeted swimming training.

When planning to install the swim spa in the ground, take into account that a Clearance of at least 5 cm between the wall of the swim spa and the ground should exist so that the ventilation of the engines works smoothly. It is also important to ensure that there is a way for rainwater to drain away. so that no waterlogging occurs. An appropriate underground drainage device (e.g. drainage) is essential so that the technology is not damaged in the event of heavy rainfall.

Let too Space for a maintenance/service shaft (for care and maintenance work) so that the technology, which is usually located under the cover of the swim spa, is accessible at all times. You should allow for a distance of at least 50 cm from solid masonry. In addition to these tips, we also recommend that you always follow the manufacturer’s swim spa installation instructions!

Danger: Keep your hands away from the power connection! You should definitely leave the power connection to the swim spa to an electrician. Anyone who acts on their own is only putting themselves in unnecessary trouble Danger.

4. How much does it cost for a swim spa installed in the garden?

It’s no secret that purchasing and installing an in-ground swim spa is expensive. The prices for a high-quality swim spa including installation can between 25,000 and 65,000 euros be.

Sometimes you can find comparatively very cheap swim spas at hardware stores or in the online shop of discounters, but such “bargains” are not recommended. When it comes to quality and energy efficiency, these models can hardly keep up with the more expensive versions. This can result in higher costs in the long termfor example if the swim spa, which is inexpensive to purchase, has a very high power consumption.

Image credits: shutterstock.com/Sanatana, shutterstock.com/Stuart Perry, shutterstock.com/FOTOGRIN, shutterstock.com/pixinoo (sorted chronologically or according to the order of the images used in the buying guide)

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