If you love swimming, having a lap pool in your backyard sounds like a dream. The convenience, the health benefits, the ability to swim whenever you want — it’s an exciting prospect. But when you start exploring your options, you’ll quickly realize that not all pools are created equal.
Maybe you’ve looked into an above-ground lap pool, a modular pool, or even a container pool. An above-ground lap pool might seem like an affordable and simple solution, but it comes with challenges that might make you think twice. Fortunately, there’s a better option that delivers the swimming experience you want — without the drawbacks of a traditional lap pool.
A Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa is designed for people who want a high-performance swim experience at home. Whether you’re training, exercising, or just love to swim, a swim spa offers more benefits than an above-ground lap pool and is a smarter investment.
What is an above-ground lap pool?
For many swimmers, there’s a certain rhythm to lap swimming: push off the wall, settle into your stroke, and find your pace as you glide through the water. Whether you’re swimming in a 25-yard lane or a full 50-meter Olympic pool, uninterrupted time to focus on your stroke is key to a great workout.
But sometimes, getting to the pool can be a challenge. Whether it’s the hassle of driving to the gym or crowded swim lanes, the local pool isn’t always the most convenient option.
An at-home lap pool can change that.
With an at-home lap pool, you can swim whenever it fits your schedule, without worrying about lane availability or overcrowded pools. Plus, you’ll have the freedom to focus on your workout, without distractions.
Above-ground lap pools are a great alternative for swimmers looking to keep up their routine without having to book a lane at a public pool. Typically made from fiberglass, metal, or reinforced plastic, these pools range in length from 30 to 50 feet, providing a dedicated space for swimming right in your backyard.
However, there are some trade-offs. Most above-ground lap pools are around 40 or 60 feet long, which can take up quite a bit of space in your yard. Additionally, their shorter length can lead to frequent flip turns, meaning more time spent pushing off the wall and less time focusing on your stroke.
While these pools offer a convenient swim space, they do require proper installation and ongoing maintenance, and their sizable footprint may limit how you use the rest of your yard.
Breaking down the cost of above-ground lap pools
When you’re considering options for a backyard swimming pool, an above-ground lap pool might seem like a more affordable choice upfront. Typically ranging from $20,000 to $50,000, these modular pools seem like a straightforward way to get a dedicated swim space at home. But there’s more to the cost than just the initial price tag.
Why does it seem like an above-ground lap pool is a better deal? For one, they often come in at a lower starting cost compared to traditional in-ground pools, which require far more extensive excavation and construction. Modular lap pools also seem like a quicker, more accessible option. But this initial affordability can be misleading when you take into account the following hidden costs:
Site preparation and installation
While above-ground lap pools may avoid the major excavation costs of in-ground pools, they still require site prep. You’ll need to make sure that the ground is level. Depending on the pool style, you might also need to install decking and create structural support to ensure the pool is stable and safe. On top of that, many modular pools aren’t pre-plumbed, meaning you’ll need to have plumbing and filtration systems installed, adding more expense to the setup.
Ongoing maintenance
Above-ground lap pools are larger and typically come with more complex plumbing and filtration systems than you might expect. That means regular maintenance like balancing chemicals, cleaning filters, and managing water quality will be more time-consuming and costly over the years. With larger pools, more water equals more work. The systems can also require more frequent repairs, driving up costs.
Heating costs
Since above-ground lap pools have larger water volumes, you’ll need more energy to keep the water at the right temperature, especially if you want to swim year-round. This can lead to higher utility bills over time, making it more expensive than anticipated to maintain a comfortable swimming temperature.
Comparing above-ground lap pools and swim spas
An above-ground lap pool might give you a place to swim, but it comes with limitations. The length of the pool determines how much space you have for strokes, meaning frequent turns and disruptions. Plus, most modular pools don’t have the same smooth current or resistance training features found in a Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa.
Swim experience
While an above-ground lap pool gives you a place to swim, its size can limit your experience. The length of the pool determines how much space you have for strokes, meaning frequent turns and interruptions. For some swimmers, this can feel like a disruption to their rhythm and workout.
With a Michael Phelps Swim Spa, you get a smooth, continuous swim experience. The unique propulsion system delivers a smooth, wide current of water that allows you to swim in place. You can adjust the speed of the water to swim at your own pace, whether you want a relaxed recovery session or want to swim at speeds as fast as 54 seconds per 100 meters.
Year-round use
While above-ground modular pools and swim spas can be similar in cost depending on the model and selected features, above-ground lap pools might not provide as much year-round use as you’d expect.
Many modular and container pools are not insulated, which means even if you opt for a heating system upgrade, maintaining a comfortable swimming temperature throughout the year can be difficult and expensive. This limits your ability to enjoy the pool during colder months, and you might find yourself only using it seasonally.
Your swim routine, however, shouldn’t have to change with the seasons. Michael Phelps Swim Spas are designed specifically for year-round use. With built-in, energy-efficient insulation and heating systems, swim spas allow you to swim comfortably no matter the time of year. You won’t have to worry about rising utility costs or closing your pool during the winter.
Additionally, if you find the temperature of your local pool too chilly (many are set to the low 80s), a swim spa offers customizable temperature settings. You can adjust the water to the perfect temperature for your swim, or crank it up to 99 degrees for ultimate relaxation during a soothing aquatic therapy session.
Additional features
Builders often make modular pools from repurposed shipping containers, which can seem like an innovative way to upcycle materials and create a space for swimming. Some builders are even finding ways to enhance these containers, incorporating features like windows for underwater views or ledges for easy entry and lounging. These upgrades can improve the overall experience, but they also add to the price of your above-ground lap pool.
Meanwhile, swimming, exercising, and staying active all require a way to relax and recover afterward — but the design of container pools doesn’t always allow for the inclusion of hydrotherapy features. Michael Phelps Swim Spas, on the other hand, are equipped with built-in hydromassage jets that help soothe tired muscles and support recovery. This means a swim spa serves not only as a fitness tool but also as a relaxing spa experience that you can enjoy after your workout.
Installation
The installation of an above-ground lap pool can vary, but it often requires significant site preparation, such as leveling the ground, installing decking, and setting up plumbing and filtration systems. Some modular pools require additional plumbing work and possibly professional installation, adding extra time and costs.
By comparison, Michael Phelps Swim Spas come as self-contained units and don’t require the same level of setup. Delivery and installation are coordinated by your local swim spa dealer, and the process typically takes less than a day once your site is ready. Since Master Spas builds everything — plumbing, filtration, and heating — into the swim spa, the installation process is more streamlined and hassle-free.
Making the best use of your backyard
One of the biggest challenges with an above-ground lap pool is space. These pools can be long and bulky, taking up a significant portion of your backyard. And because manufacturers typically design them for one purpose—lap swimming—they don’t offer much versatility beyond that.
A Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa is space-conscious, designed to complement your outdoor space. With multiple models available, you can choose the size that best fits your needs. The spa features sleek lines, a durable cabinet, and built-in lighting, which are standard features that add to its aesthetic appeal.
Plus, a swim spa isn’t just for swimming; it’s a multi-purpose wellness retreat. Whether you want to exercise, relax, or entertain, a swim spa gives you more flexibility than a traditional lap pool.
Reputation and warranty
When investing in a swim solution, quality matters. Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas are made by Master Spas, a company with more than 30 years of industry expertise. These swim spas come with an industry-leading warranty and exceptional customer support, ensuring peace of mind with your purchase.
Ready to make the switch?
If you’ve been considering an above-ground lap 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.