What Is a Swim Spa? (Info + Buying Guide)
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What is a swim spa?” you’re not alone. More people are choosing this clever hybrid because it behaves like a lap pool, a hydro‑massage hot tub, and a year‑round wellness tool—all in a footprint small enough for most suburban backyards. In this guide we’ll explain how swim spas work, answer common questions such as “can a swim spa be used as a hot tub,” “can you use a swim spa in the winter,” and “how deep is a swim spa,” and spotlight Marquis® Aquatic Training Vessels™ (ATV™) so you can decide if a swim spa belongs in your personal wellness lineup.
In this blog:
- What Is a Swim Spa?
- How Does a Swim Spa Work?
- Swim Spa vs. Hot Tub: Can a Swim Spa Be Used as a Hot Tub?
- The Big Benefits of a Swim Spa
- Brand Spotlight: Marquis® ATV Swim Spas
- All‑Season Use: Can You Use a Swim Spa in the Winter?
- How Deep Is a Swim Spa?
- Installation, Running Costs & Maintenance
- Choosing Your Ideal Swim Spa
What Is a Swim Spa?
At its core, a swim spa is a self‑contained vessel, typically 12 to 17 feet long, that generates a powerful, adjustable water current so you can swim in place. Think of it as a treadmill for swimmers that also heats to hot‑tub temperatures for post‑workout recovery. Swim spas first appeared in the 1980s as training equipment for elite athletes. Advances in jet technology, insulation, and water‑care systems now make them practical for families seeking therapy, exercise, and relaxation in one unit.
How Does a Swim Spa Work?
A swim spa is a self‑contained acrylic or composite vessel equipped with high‑output pumps that drive a controlled current from one end of the tank to the other. You swim, jog, or exercise in place against this steady flow—similar to a treadmill in a gym—while the rest of the water remains relatively calm. Integrated heaters maintain spa‑like temperatures (up to 40 °C) for hydrotherapy, and a multi‑stage filtration system continuously circulates and cleans the water.
Digital touch‑pad controls let you adjust current speed, water temperature, lighting, and jet intensity, allowing seamless transition between vigorous workouts and relaxing hot‑tub sessions, all within the same compact footprint.
| Component | Purpose |
| Current System | Turbo or propeller jets move 1,400–3,800 litres per minute to create an adjustable river‑like flow. |
| Heating & Filtration | A spa‑grade heater (up to 40 °C) paired with multi‑stage filtration keeps water warm and pristine. |
| Digital Controls | Touch panels let you toggle between training mode, family play mode, or hot‑tub mode. |
| Hydrotherapy Seats | Built‑in seats with massage jets relieve muscle tension once your workout is done. |
Marquis® ATVs, for example, use three independent 160 gpm (606 lpm) pumps in the ATV‑14 Sport and up to 1,000 gpm (3,785 lpm) of flow in the ATV‑17 Kona—enough power for novice paddlers or Iron‑man triathletes alike.
Swim Spa vs. Hot Tub: Can a Swim Spa Be Used as a Hot Tub?
Absolutely. Dial back the current, bump the temperature to 38‑40 °C, and your swim spa becomes a generously sized hot tub. The reverse isn’t true—traditional hot tubs aren’t long enough for a proper stroke. In short:
- Choose a hot tub if soaking and socializing are your only goals.
- Choose a swim spa if you want exercise and hydro‑massage, but don’t have room—or budget—for both a pool and a spa.
Learn more about the benefits of a hot tub and hydrotherapy.
The Big Benefits of a Swim Spa
Benefit | What It Looks Like in Real Life | Why It Matters |
Low‑Impact, Full‑Body Fitness | Swim against an adjustable current for a cardio burn, shift to aqua jogging for knee‑friendly HIIT, or clip in an aqua bike for low‑impact cycling. Resistance bands attach to built‑in anchor points for upper‑body rows and core work. | Water supports up to 90 % of your body weight, so joints are spared the pounding they’d take on pavement. A single 30‑minute session can mirror the calorie burn of a longer land workout—great for busy schedules. |
Rehab & Mobility | Dial the temperature up to 38–40 °C and let buoyancy reduce stress on arthritic hips or post‑surgery knees while you perform gentle range‑of‑motion exercises. | Warm water boosts circulation, eases muscle spasms, and promotes faster recovery—an at‑home physiotherapy session without clinic fees. |
Family Fun with Built‑In Safety | Drop the current to a gentle ripple and turn the spa into a splash zone for kids. After bedtime, crank it back up for your laps or hydro‑massage. | One body of water meets everyone’s needs, eliminating the “pool vs. hot tub” debate and keeping operating costs predictable. |
Space & Cost Efficiency | A 14‑foot swim spa fits on most patios or in a side yard—about one‑third the footprint of a 30‑foot pool. Energy‑smart pumps, full‑foam insulation, and an insulated hardcover keep monthly hydro bills in the $50–$90 range, even in a Canadian winter. | You gain four‑season access to swimming and hydrotherapy without sacrificing the entire backyard or swallowing a five‑figure heating bill. |
Brand Spotlight: Marquis® ATV Swim Spas
Marquis designs its ATV line for serious training and therapy:
| Model | Length | Water Depth | Flow Rate | Stand‑out Feature |
| ATV‑14 Splash | 168.5 in | 48 in | n/a | Perfect for those wanting a less intense swim and the chance to stretch, soak and relax. |
| ATV‑14 Sport | 168.5 in | 48 in | 480 gpm | Triple‑pump system for robust current control. |
| ATV‑17 Sport | 204 in | 53 in | 480 gpm | Extra length & depth for taller swimmers. |
| ATV‑17 Kona | 204 in | 53 in | 1,000 gpm | Six Whitewater‑4™ jets + buoyancy jets for elite resistance. |
| Vector150 | 150 in | 43 in | 160 gpm | Party‑friendly, eight seats, three swim jets. |
| Vector V150W | 150 in | 43 in | 520 gpm | The ultimate unit for fitness and relaxation. |
Why Marquis is a trusted brand:
- Hydrodynamic design: Bowed sidewalls create extra elbow‑room—a perk you feel on every freestyle stroke.
- Stronger shell: Bonded polymer resin vessels resist cracking better than standard acrylic tubs.
- Smart water care: ConstantClean™ ozone and dual 180 ft² filters stretch water changes to months, not weeks.
- Plug‑and‑play training tools: Integrated tether points, rowing kits, and optional aqua bikes expand workout variety.
Explore the full lineup on our Swim Spas page or browse real installations in our project gallery.
All‑Season Use: Can You Use a Swim Spa in the Winter?
Canadian winters are no obstacle. Modern swim spas feature full‑foam insulation, energy‑efficient covers, and automatic freeze‑protection. For example, Marquis ATVs ship with 5″‑to‑2.5″ tapered covers and SmartClean™ cycles that run pumps after heavy usage—maintaining heat while skimming debris.
Winter checklist:
- Keep the cover latched when not in use.
- Maintain water chemistry; cold water can mask sanitizer demand.
- Install anti‑slip decking or heated mats for safe entry.
- Drop the temp to 34 °C during holidays to save energy, then re‑heat overnight.
How Deep Is a Swim Spa?
Most mainstream units range from 1.09 m to 1.35 m (43–53 inches). Deeper water lets adults tread without touching bottom, accommodates a fuller stroke, and offers better buoyancy for rehab exercises. The ATV‑17 Sport and ATV‑17 Kona provide the deepest standard depth at 1.35 m, a favourite among physiotherapists for full‑torso immersion.
Tip: If toddlers will use the spa, consider add‑on steps, raised benches, or removable platforms for peace of mind. And of course, always ensure adult supervision when a child is near or in the swim spa.
Installation, Running Costs & Maintenance
Site Preparation
- Foundation: A level concrete pad, 15 cm (6 in) thick, sized at least 30 cm longer and wider than the spa cabinet.
- Power: A dedicated 240 V / 50 A GFCI‑protected line. Your electrician can hard‑wire or use a quick‑disconnect whip.
- Delivery: Most suburbs allow a wheeled cart; tight urban lots may need a small crane lift. Factor this into the quote.
Running Costs
- Hydro: Programmable heaters and variable‑speed pumps mean winter operation (Ontario rates) averages $50–$90 per month. Summer bills usually drop by 25–30 %.
- Water: A swim spa holds roughly 5,000–9,000 L—similar to two garden‑hose fills of a kiddie pool—so even quarterly changes won’t spike your water bill.
Routine Water Care
- Testing: Check pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer 2–3 times a week; tweak with easy‑dose cartridges.
- Filtration: Rinse filters monthly; replace annually. ConstantClean™ ozone or in‑line UV systems extend water life to three or four months.
- Quarterly Deep Clean: Drain, wipe the shell with a non‑abrasive cleaner, flush lines, and refill—about two hours of hands‑on work.
Annual Tune‑Up
- Book a technician to inspect pumps, heaters, and seals, just as you would with a furnace or air‑conditioner. Preventive checks cost far less than emergency repairs.
Choosing Your Ideal Swim Spa
- Map Your Footprint
- Use painters’ tape or garden hose to outline a 14‑ or 17‑foot rectangle. Walk around it to ensure door clearances, service access, and furniture placement still make sense.
- Prioritize Your Goals
- Elite Training: Need max current? The ATV‑17 Kona delivers up to 3,785 L/min—ideal for strong swimmers.
- Family Hang‑outs: Prefer more seats and play space? The party‑ready Vector V150W offers eight therapy seats and four swim jets.
- Rehab Focus: Seeking gentler flow and slightly shallower water? The ATV‑14 Splash balances therapy jets with a manageable current.
- Set a Realistic Budget
- Installed packages start around $35,000. Many homeowners opt for low‑interest financing over 5–10 years, which often pencils out to less than a family gym membership plus a winter vacation.
- Plan the Surroundings
- Shade pergolas, heated walkways, outdoor showers, and landscape lighting transform a simple spa pad into a resort‑level retreat. Get inspiration from our Backyard Must‑Haves guide or check out our previous projects.
- Book a Professional Site Visit
- A Gib‑San consultant can confirm crane reach, measure electrical runs, and flag municipal permit requirements—saving you surprises on installation day.
Need tailored advice? Gib-San Pools offers custom swim spa installations to match your needs and aesthetic. Reach out anytime for a complimentary design consult, and let’s match the perfect swim spa to your space, lifestyle, and budget.
Ready to Dive In?
A swim spa delivers a compact pool, a hot tub, and a fitness centre in one engineered shell. Whether you’re chasing medal‑level lap times, warming arthritic joints, or simply adding a four‑season gathering place, Gib‑San’s design team can tailor a solution that fits your life and your yard.
Book a Complimentary Swim‑Spa Consultation
Looking to optimize your backyard swim experience? Explore more ideas from our recent post on small pool concepts.