You can picture it now: The relaxing water as you step into your backyard. Your kids splashing and playing with their friends. Swimming laps on a quiet morning.
A backyard pool sounds like a dream. But once you start exploring your options, that dream can feel out of reach. A pool project often means months of construction, extensive yard disruption, and a price tag that can easily exceed $100,000. Plus, maintaining a pool comes with ongoing costs — water, chemicals, heating, and general upkeep — which can add thousands of dollars annually. And unless you live in a warm climate year-round, your pool will likely sit covered for months, unused.
That doesn’t mean you have to give up on the idea of swimming at home. A Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa offers many of the same benefits as a traditional pool without the long installation timeline or high costs. More compact and versatile, a swim spa makes it easier to turn your backyard into a private oasis for fitness and relaxation.
Why choose a swim spa?
A swim spa is a year-round swimming pool alternative, combining the benefits of aquatic fitness, hydrotherapy, and family fun in one space.
Easier installation
Installing a swim spa is much simpler than a full-size pool. All you need is a solid, level surface — typically a concrete pad. Once the space is ready, your swim spa can be placed and set up in less than a day. While a crane may be required for delivery, an experienced dealer will handle logistics to ensure a smooth process. In contrast, installing an in-ground pool can take months, disrupting your yard and your daily life.
Smaller footprint
A Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa is a space-efficient alternative for homeowners with smaller yards. Traditional pools require not only a large area for the water but also extra patio space and clearance. Swim spas range from 11 to 19 feet in length, making them a practical option for compact outdoor spaces. Whether you have a small backyard or want to maximize your outdoor living area, a swim spa allows you to enjoy water fitness and relaxation without sacrificing valuable space.
More affordable swimming pool alternative
A swim spa delivers the benefits of a pool at a lower cost. While a traditional in-ground pool can cost $100,000 or more, a Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa can cost less than half that. Beyond the initial savings, a swim spa also costs less to maintain. With energy-efficient insulation, lower water volume, and reduced chemical needs, you can enjoy year-round swimming without skyrocketing utility bills. Additionally, pool maintenance often requires hiring professionals, while a swim spa’s upkeep is manageable for most homeowners.
Versatility for fitness and relaxation
Swim spas are designed for more than just swimming. The adjustable current allows you to swim in place, similar to a treadmill for runners. But that’s just the beginning. The natural resistance and buoyancy of water make a swim spa an ideal space for aqua jogging, strength training, and stretching with less impact on joints. Each Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa includes the H2Xercise Fitness System, which comes with resistance bands and rowing bars, as well as a complete guide to aquatic exercise.
When it’s time to recover, you can raise the water temperature and turn on the therapeutic jets for relaxation. The MP Momentum Deep model offers the best of both worlds, with separate temperature controls for the swim area and hot tub section, so you can exercise in one zone while others unwind in the other. Unlike pools, which require separate heating solutions for added warmth, a swim spa integrates hydrotherapy and fitness into a single unit.
Year-round swimming pool alternative
Unlike traditional pools that are only usable for part of the year, a swim spa is built for year-round enjoyment. The water temperature is fully adjustable—keep it cooler for exercise or heat it up to 99 degrees for relaxation. The MP Momentum Deep even allows the hot tub section to reach 104 degrees, perfect for soothing sore muscles or warming up on chilly nights. With advanced insulation, Michael Phelps Swim Spas keep the elements out and the water at the perfect temperature, no matter the season. Unlike pools that require costly winterization or seasonal maintenance, a swim spa remains accessible and comfortable in every season.
Fun for the whole family
A swim spa is an inviting space not only for solo workouts but to reconnect with family members. Children will enjoy swimming against the current, playing with the jets turned off and hanging out. Couples enjoy finding a chance to talk at the end of the day. And friends are going to want to come over when there’s a chance to spend time swim spa-side.
Ready to make the switch?
If you’ve been considering an in-ground pool but want something that offers more value, a Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa is the answer. It’s easier to install, requires less maintenance, and gives you a world-class swim experience at home. Click here to find out more about the benefits of hydrotherapy and relaxing in a hot tub. Or, contact your local Master Spas retailer to learn more about swim spa ownership. Wondering how much a swim spa costs? You can request a quote here.