Another summer has come and gone — and still no pool in your backyard. Not for lack of want. At least one person in your house has imagined lounging on an Instagram-worthy float, soaking up rays, and hosting the barbecue of the season.
But the other isn’t convinced. The start of fall makes their case: the weather is cooling, the neighborhood pools are closing, and the season for backyard swimming is already over. They love the idea of a space for exercise and relaxation, just not one that sits unused half the year.
And so, the discussion begins again: pool versus swim spa.
Is this hitting close to home? The good news is that you don’t have to let the debate stall your plans for a better backyard. With a closer look, you may find that a Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa can bridge the gap between both visions.
Why people lean toward a pool
Thanks to Hollywood — and now social media — pools have long been portrayed as symbols of the good life.
In the 1950s, economic prosperity, suburban growth, and the GI Bill made homeownership more accessible. At the same time, new construction methods like gunite made backyard pools more affordable. What was once a luxury reserved for the wealthy became a realistic addition for middle-class families.
That legacy still influences how we think about pools today. They can represent:
Nostalgia. Memories of childhood summers, friends gathered in the backyard, and endless days in the sun.
Social appeal. A pool feels like a hub for entertaining, from neighborhood cookouts to family reunions.
Resale perception. Some homeowners view a pool as a way to boost property value.
But here’s the challenge: pools often require a significant commitment in space, cost, and maintenance. They can be seasonal in much of the country and may not provide the year-round enjoyment many homeowners expect.
The benefits of a swim spa
While pools have history and glamour on their side, swim spas are defined by practicality and everyday use. They’re not tied to a single era or trend; instead, they’ve grown in popularity as homeowners look for backyard features that fit modern lifestyles.
A Michael Phelps Swim Spa isn’t just an alternative to a pool. It’s a multipurpose investment designed for real life.
Compact footprint. A swim spa can fit into small backyards while still providing space to swim, exercise, and relax.
Year-round use. Heated and insulated, swim spas are designed for use in every season, even winter.
Dual-purpose design. Swim against a current for exercise, then unwind in hydromassage seats.
Simplified maintenance. Less water volume and advanced filtration make upkeep quick and affordable.
Lower operating costs. Many owners spend under $1,000 a year on energy and maintenance — far less than the $3,000 to $5,000 many pools require.
Swim spa vs pool: a side-by-side look
Both pools and swim spas bring water into your backyard, but how they fit into daily life can look very different.
Installation & space
Pool: Requires excavation, permits, and weeks — if not months — of construction. You’ll need a large yard, and once installed, it’s permanent.
Swim spa: Can be placed above ground, partially recessed into a deck, or set in-ground for a built-in look. The smaller footprint works even in compact spaces.
Maintenance and cost
Pool: Between chemicals, cleaning, and equipment, upkeep can cost $3,000 to $5,000 annually. Larger water volume means more time spent balancing chemicals, and you may also pay for professional opening and closing services.
Swim spa: With less water to manage and energy-efficient systems, swim spas are far less expensive and easier to care for. Weekly water care often takes just minutes.
Usability
Pool: Often limited to three or four months of the year, depending on climate. Once the weather cools, it’s closed until summer.
Swim spa: Heated and insulated for year-round use. Swim in January, stretch on a crisp fall morning, or enjoy hydromassage jets after a winter workout.
Resale value
Pool: May not increase home value as much as expected. Some buyers see pools as high-maintenance, expensive to insure, or even a safety concern.
Swim spa: Portable and versatile. You can market it as a feature when selling your home, or take it with you if you move.
When a swim spa is the best choice
For many couples, the decision comes down to how often they’ll actually use their investment. Pools may sound appealing, but in reality, they often sit unused for much of the year. A Michael Phelps Swim Spa, on the other hand, is built for daily living.
Whether you’re focused on personal wellness, want a space that fits life after the kids are grown, or need something that blends fitness and relaxation, a swim spa delivers both practicality and enjoyment in one backyard feature.
Instead of picturing a pool that sits idle through the winter, imagine going for a morning swim in January or enjoying hydrotherapy jets after a brisk fall workout. It’s this everyday usability that makes swim spas such a smart choice.
Michael Phelps Swim Spas are versatile, energy-efficient, and designed to meet the needs of real life. To see how one could fit into your backyard, connect with your local Master Spas swim spa dealer.