If you’ve ever been prescribed aquatic therapy or found relief in a physical therapy setting, you know how much water can help. Gentle, low-impact exercises in the water can ease pain, improve mobility, and increase flexibility.
But those same benefits don’t have to stop when PT ends.
A swim spa offers the opportunity to continue your therapy at home — with warm water, resistance, and room to move — all in your own backyard. Whether you’re just starting to explore aquatic therapy pool options or comparing swim spa brands, it’s worth understanding how these systems support your health goals and fit into everyday life.
What is an aquatic therapy pool?
When you think of water exercise, swimming laps or group classes might come to mind. But aquatic therapy is something different — and often more targeted. It’s a form of physical therapy done in warm water, where the focus is on controlled, low-impact movements designed to help you recover and feel better.
Typically guided by a licensed therapist, aquatic therapy programs are customized to support your specific needs — whether that’s easing joint pain, rebuilding strength, or improving balance and mobility. The water’s buoyancy helps take pressure off your joints, making it easier to move and exercise without pain. And the natural resistance of the water helps you build strength in a safer, gentler way than you might be able to on land.
Temperature matters, too. Therapy pools are usually heated to around 92 to 94 degrees, which helps increase circulation and reduce stiffness — something that can make a big difference when you’re dealing with chronic pain or recovering from injury.
Aquatic therapy is often offered at hospitals and outpatient rehab centers. But if you’ve only had a limited number of sessions, or you’re looking for long-term support, a home swim spa can give you a way to continue therapy on your own terms — right outside your door.
Features of home aquatic therapy pools
If you’ve experienced the difference aquatic therapy can make, the idea of bringing that experience home is more than a convenience. It’s a way to stay consistent with your recovery, manage chronic conditions, or simply feel better day to day.
But not all pools or swim spas are created with therapy in mind. When you’re exploring options for your backyard, it’s important to look for features that will support your health goals and provide a safe, comfortable environment for movement.
Heated water
Warm water plays a key role in making aquatic therapy effective. Most therapy pools maintain a temperature between 92 and 94 degrees, which helps increase blood flow, loosen stiff joints, and ease pain. A swim spa or aquatic therapy pool designed for home use should include a reliable heating system with full temperature control — so you can tailor your experience based on how your body feels that day.
Adjustable water current
A hallmark feature of swim spas is the water current, which allows you to walk, jog, or swim in place. But beyond fitness, the gentle resistance can be used in therapy programs to increase muscle strength and improve cardiovascular endurance. Slower speeds allow for balance work or assisted walking, while stronger currents support more active rehab or conditioning.
Built-in grab bars and non-slip flooring
Safety is essential in any home therapy setting. Look for models that include built-in grab bars to help with balance and stability. Textured, non-slip flooring provides a secure surface underfoot, so you can move confidently during each session — especially if balance is a concern.
Open layout and depth
Therapy pools should provide enough space for various exercises, including stretching, walking, and core stabilization. A flat floor with consistent depth, typically around chest-height, helps maintain proper form and supports water’s natural buoyancy. Some models also include therapy seats or benches, which can be useful for rest or targeting different muscle groups.
Ease of access
Accessibility features are essential, especially if mobility is a concern. Wide entry steps, grab rails, and lift systems make getting in and out easier. Choosing a swim spa with these features supports daily use and helps you stick to your routine.
With these features, a swim spa becomes more than just a pool. It transforms into a reliable, therapeutic space. It supports how you want to feel and move every day.
Comparing aquatic therapy options
When considering an aquatic therapy pool for home use, there are several options to choose from. Each type offers unique features but also comes with trade-offs when it comes to cost, convenience, and long-term use.
Traditional in-ground pools
These backyard staples can be used for low-impact exercise, especially if they’re heated. However, they typically require seasonal use and don’t have built-in resistance features or therapy seating. Installing an in-ground pool can also be a significant investment in terms of time, money, and ongoing maintenance.
Therapy tanks and plunge pools
Compact and efficient, these smaller pools are designed for specific types of therapy. Some may include resistance jets or treadmills. However, they usually have limited space for movement and lack comfort features like massage seating or variable depth.
Swim spas
A swim spa brings together the benefits of a pool and a hot tub in one versatile unit. With a heated, consistent-depth swim area, powerful current system, and hydrotherapy seating, it’s ideal for daily aquatic therapy at home. Full insulation and an all-weather design make year-round use simple, no matter where you live.
Why choose a Michael Phelps Swim Spa for aquatic therapy?
You shouldn’t have to wait for a physical therapy appointment to feel better. With a home swim spa, you can experience the benefits of aquatic therapy on your own schedule — no travel required. A Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa by Master Spas makes that possible.
Designed for therapy and movement
Michael Phelps swim spas are engineered to support low-impact, water-based exercises. The wide swim area is ideal for walking, gentle stretching, or following a therapy program at your own pace. You can adjust the current to add resistance, helping you build strength and stability without straining your joints.
Integrated hydrotherapy features
Recovery isn’t just about movement — it’s also about rest and relief. Every Michael Phelps swim spa includes built-in therapy seats with powerful massage jets, giving you the option to enjoy the benefits of hydrotherapy. Whether you’re winding down after exercising in the spa or managing aches, the jets can be adjusted to target areas that need attention.
You can choose from contoured seating with strategically placed jets or experience full-body relief in the unique Xtreme Therapy Cove. Looking for the ultimate in recovery? The MP Momentum Deep is a dual-zone swim spa with a separate hot tub, featuring its own temperature controls and a range of jet configurations designed to support relaxation and healing.
Comfortable and safe for daily use
Confidence and comfort matter — especially when balance or mobility are a concern. The nonslip comfort flooring provides traction underfoot, making it easier to stay steady while you exercise. Built-in steps and handrails support safe entry and exit.
Year-round relief at home
Unlike a traditional backyard pool, a Michael Phelps swim spa is designed for every season. Full-foam insulation helps retain heat and keep out the cold,. Meanwhile, the all-weather cover protects the water — and your investment — from the elements. You can easily adjust and maintain the perfect water temperature from the control panel.
Being able to use your swim spa year-round means you can stick to a consistent routine, which is key for long-term progress and pain relief.
How to buy a home aquatic therapy pool
Ready to bring the benefits of aquatic therapy to your home? A Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa makes it easy and safe to incorporate water-based exercises into your daily routine. Learn more about the benefits of water fitness and hydrotherapy by clicking here. For more details on swim spa ownership, contact your local Master Spas dealer. Curious about pricing? Request a personalized quote here.