There’s nothing quite like moving through the water. Swimming has the unique ability to get your heart pumping while putting your mind at ease. While you love to swim, getting to the pool isn’t always convenient. Fighting for a lane, rushing to make open swim times, and dealing with crowded facilities can take the joy out of your workout.
Wouldn’t it be better to swim at home?
For avid swimmers, a swim machine seems like the perfect solution. It provides the workout you want with the convenience you need. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. You want something that delivers a real swimming experience and is a worthwhile investment.
Not all swim machines are created equal. Some require major modifications to your existing pool, while others — like a swim spa — offer a more seamless, all-in-one solution with added benefits.
What is a swim machine?
Staring down the lane of a lap pool, you’re faced with 25 yards (or meters) between you and the wall. If you’re lucky enough to have access to a long-course pool, that’s 50 meters. As you dive in and begin your stroke, the water stays still. You reach the wall, do a flip turn, and head back to the start.
Swim machines change the way you swim. Also called swimming pool current machines or underwater swimming machines, they create a continuous, adjustable current for swimmers to train against. This setup mimics the experience of open water swimming because you don’t need to turn around or reach the wall.
Some swim machines require an existing in-ground pool or the construction of a new pool, but they’re not always a simple plug-and-play solution. They often require additional plumbing, electrical work, or deck modifications. On the other hand, swim spas are self-contained units, offering a more straightforward option.
These systems vary in design, power, and installation requirements, so it’s essential to choose one that fits your swimming goals, pool setup, and budget.
Types of swim machines
When it comes to swim machines, there are three primary types: drop-in swim machines, built-in swim deck machines, and swim spas. All three options are designed to create a continuous current for swimming in place, but they differ in terms of installation, functionality, and additional benefits. Within these categories, swim machines typically use one of three systems to generate the current: jets, paddlewheels, or propulsion systems.
Drop-in swim machines
Do you want to turn an existing pool into a place to swim? For some, drop-in swim machines can be an appealing option. With the cost starting around $6,000, they can seem like a way to swim at home when your pool is too small for lap swimming.
While drop-in swim machines provide a way to swim in place without major pool renovations, they come with trade-offs. Installation may require professional assistance. In addition, because they take up space in the pool, they can interfere with your stroke. Unlike a dedicated swim spa, they don’t move water in a way that creates a natural return flow, which can impact the overall swimming experience.
Built-in swim machines
Built-in swim machines are integrated directly into the pool’s structure, typically during construction or renovation. Like drop-in systems, built-in machines can use jets, paddlewheels, or propulsion systems to create the current. These systems tend to offer a more seamless integration into the pool and can be designed to provide smoother, more consistent currents.
These systems generate a current using one of three methods. Jet systems rely on high-powered jets that are placed in the pool to push water, creating an adjustable but often turbulent current. Paddlewheel systems use a rotating wheel to move a large volume of water at once, producing a broader, more natural-feeling current. Propulsion systems, on the other hand, utilize powerful motors to create a smooth, consistent flow with precise speed control.
However, installation can be complex, and these systems often come with a higher price tag due to the additional construction involved. They might require additional plumbing and electrical work, too.
Another consideration for a built-in swim machine is the space required. For example, one manufacturer requires an open space in the pool that is at least 8 feet wide, 15 feet long, and 3 feet deep, free from obstructions.
Swim spas
Swim spas are self-contained units that offer the ultimate flexibility. They come with built-in swim machines that use jets or propulsion systems to generate a continuous current for swimming. Swim spas are designed to be used year-round, in any climate. For example, Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas feature full-foam insulation to help retain heat. A built-in heater helps keep the water at a comfortable temperature, whether you are swimming, water jogging, or using it for hydrotherapy.
With a smaller footprint than even small in-ground pools, swim spas are perfect for limited outdoor spaces and can be installed in less than a day once your space is ready. They offer great options for swimmers who want a dedicated space without modifying an existing pool or building a new one.
Making the best choice
Choosing the right swim machine isn’t just about price. It’s about finding the best fit for your space, goals, and long-term use.
Swim machines designed for pools range from $6,000 to $15,000, while a swim spa can cost between $20,000 and $60,000. That price gap can feel significant, but the investment goes beyond the upfront cost. Here are key factors to consider:
How much work do you want to do to your pool?
Modifying an in-ground pool is a big project. You may need to drain the pool, secure permits, and hire a contractor who’s familiar with swim machines. Some drop-in systems don’t require mounting brackets, but they may have external batteries that need to be moved around.
Do you want to swim year-round?
Unless you live in a warm climate, a traditional pool has a limited swimming season. Adding a swim machine to an outdoor pool means you may only use it for a few months each year. If year-round swimming is important, a swim spa with built-in heating lets you train in any season.
How fast do you want to swim?
The right swim machine depends on your training goals. Some models create a current similar to swimming at a pace of 1:45 per 100 meters, while others can reach speeds of 1:20 per 100 meters. If you want to push your limits, advanced propulsion systems can generate speeds as fast as 54 seconds per 100 meters.
Would you benefit from hydrotherapy jets for recovery?
Swimming is low-impact and great for cardiovascular health, but recovery is just as important as training. If you want added relaxation and muscle relief, a swim spa with therapy jets provides post-workout recovery in the same space where you train.
Swim spas: The most versatile swim machine
You’ve explored different types of swim machines, but something is keeping you from committing to a model designed for an in-ground pool. Maybe it’s the installation process, the seasonal limitations, or the lack of flexibility.
A swim spa offers a solution that goes beyond just swimming. With a powerful current, year-round usability, and built-in recovery benefits, it’s a smart investment for those who want both performance and relaxation.
A Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa delivers a high-performance swim experience with speeds of up to 54 seconds per 100 meters — faster than many standalone swim machines. Plus, it provides a comfortable space for the whole family to enjoy.
Ease of installation
Unlike drop-in swim machines that require plumbing modifications, a swim spa is a standalone unit that can be installed above ground or in-ground with minimal setup. Once your site is ready, installation takes less than a day. Most models don’t require special permits or fencing, and if you move, you can take it with you.
Year-round swimming
Traditional pools and drop-in swim machines are often limited to warm weather, but a swim spa can be used in every season. Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas feature full-foam insulation for energy efficiency, and the built-in heater keeps the water at your desired temperature. A high-density foam cover adds to the energy efficiency, keeping out the elements while locking in heat.
Adjustable current strength
Sharing a lane at the pool can be frustrating if the pace isn’t right. With a swim spa, you control the speed to match your ability, whether you’re a beginner or training at an elite level. Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas use a propulsion system with speed settings from zero to 100, allowing you to swim as fast as 54 seconds per 100 meters or dial it down to your ideal pace.
Built-in hydrotherapy for recovery
Swimming is a great way to improve your fitness, but have you thought about recovery? Hydrotherapy jets provide targeted massage and relaxation after your workout, helping to soothe sore muscles and improve circulation.
Ready to make the switch?
If you’ve been considering an in-ground pool with a swim machine 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.