It’s been eight years since Michael Phelps took home six medals, five of which were gold, from Brazil.
But the swimmer, who was recently named No. 1 on ESPN’s list of the top 100 athletes of the past 25 years, still loves the water — even if he’s no longer competing professionally.
“For me, it’s different now than when I was training,” Phelps says. “I like getting in because it’s peaceful for me to swim. I enjoy just being in the water.”
Phelps, who retired in 2016, says being in the water is a big part of who he is. But it’s not just about exercising and improving his stroke.
A longtime partner of Master Spas, the world’s largest swim spa manufacturer, Phelps finds that the water can be a place to relax.
The Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa series features a generous swim area for exercise, as well as therapy seating with adjustable massage jets — just like a hot tub. It’s a place, Phelps says, where you can take a deep breath and relax, as well as spend time with family.
“We find it very relaxing, which helps keep us in good spirits and a happy mood,” Phelps says.
Balancing life, family, fitness, and mental well-being are at the core of Master Spas’ mission to help people live life better. An alternative to a backyard swimming pool, a Michael Phelps Swim Spa offers a place to get active and stay active in the convenience of your backyard.
Q: How were you first introduced to the swim spa by Master Spas?
A: Master Spas introduced their top-performing swim spa to my coach and me in 2010. We were drawn to the Wave Propulsion System as it allowed us the chance to create different types of water environments for training. One challenge was that the swim area needed to be deeper and longer for me to be able to train with all four of my strokes. We also needed the Wave Propulsion System to be even faster for more challenging workouts. Master Spas took our suggestions and developed the Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas.
Q: What are some of the benefits of the Michael Phelps Swim Spa that you’ve experienced?
A: It was easier for my coach to see the small aspects of my stroke that he just couldn’t see in the pool. The underwater camera gave him vantage points underwater that he couldn’t see from the pool deck. I would be able to apply his input right away, which helped refine my stroke technique. I believe training in the swim spa helped me develop the best freestyle stroke I’ve had in my career.
Q: How do you use the swim spa now that you are retired?
I think we spend a lot of time talking about physical health, but it’s really important to take care of your mental health, too. The water has become a retreat and a way to take time for me. What I love about the swim spa, which has an adjoining hot tub, is you have the chance to escape and unwind for the day. The warm water offers a place to take a deep breath and relax.
Q: Why would you recommend this swim spa to recreational and endurance athletes?
A: There are many benefits to training in the water — even if not for swimming purposes. Water resistance and the low-impact environment can be used to help with speed, quickness, and explosiveness. The swim spa can be used as a cross-training tool, especially with the variable current. You can get in a challenging workout or dial it back for a recovery day.
Q: What are a few benefits for non-athletes in different stages of life?
A: Michael Phelps Swim Spas were designed with multiple-use purposes in mind. From different forms of exercise to leisure water time, it’s great for overall, year-round use. For example, children love learning how to swim for the first time in the swim spa because it’s a smaller, controlled environment, which helps with their level of comfort in the water. You have the music, the water features — it’s fun.
Q: How does the swim spa help people relax?
A: Michael Phelps Swim Spas feature an incredible therapeutic seat. The out-of-water neck and shoulder jets give a great, stress-relieving massage. And the Xtreme Therapy Cove provides massage coverage for your lower back, hips, thighs, and calves. There also are great feature options such as lighting and a sound system — which is a necessity in my book.
How to buy a Michael Phelps swim spa
Are you ready to invest in the swim spa of champions? A Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa is an all-season pool alternative that you can enjoy year after year. You can click here to learn about how you create a backyard oasis with a Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa. Or, contact your local Master Spas retailer to learn more about swim spa ownership. Wondering how much a Michael Phelps swim spa costs? You can request a quote here.