You walk into a store, curious about swim spas but unsure what to expect when it comes to pricing. Then you see it: swim spa prices ranging from $20,000 to $60,000. It’s more than you anticipated, and you start wondering, “Is it really worth it?”
Swim spas aren’t just a place to swim. They offer a space for relaxation, fitness, and recreation, all in one. And as more people prioritize wellness at home — whether through saunas, swimming pools, or backyard yoga platforms — investing in a swim spa has become an increasingly popular choice.
But how does the cost for a swim spa compare to other wellness investments like a hot tub, a traditional pool, or even a gym membership? If you’re researching the best swim spa brands, understanding the long-term value of your investment is key.
Understanding the cost of a premium swim spa
Swim spa prices vary depending on the brand, model, and features. While entry-level swim spas start around $15,000 to $20,000, high-performance models range from $30,000 to $60,000 or more, depending on size, current system, and additional features.
Beyond the purchase price, there are ongoing costs to consider, including:
Energy efficiency: The best pool spas are built with insulation and efficient pumps, keeping monthly energy costs manageable. Michael Phelps Swim Spas are designed for performance, durability, and luxury, featuring full foam insulation to retain heat and reduce energy consumption. This means you can enjoy your swim spa year-round without worrying about high utility bills.
Maintenance: Water care, filters, and servicing add to the total investment, but maintenance costs are often lower with swim spas than traditional pools.
Installation and site prep: The cost of installing a swim spa depends on factors like location, foundation requirements, and electrical setup. Michael Phelps Swim Spas can be installed in as little as a day once your site is ready. Master Spas recommends a reinforced concrete pad for a stable foundation, but you can also create a more custom, high-end look by installing your swim spa partially or fully in the ground or integrating it into a deck design.
Swim spa vs. traditional pool: Which is the better investment?
A swimming pool is often seen as a place for summer fun and the ultimate backyard upgrade for warm-weather relaxation. When considering a swim spa, it’s natural to compare the cost and benefits to that of an in-ground pool. While both offer a place to swim, exercise, and unwind, a swim spa provides more versatility, year-round use, and a lower overall cost.
A traditional in-ground pool can cost $75,000 to $125,000 or more, depending on installation, landscaping, and permits. Adding features like a built-in spa, slide, or custom lighting can drive the price even higher. Beyond the upfront costs, ongoing maintenance expenses including chemicals, cleaning, and heating can quickly add up, making pool ownership a significant long-term investment.
A swim spa offers a space-conscious design without compromising on performance. With its powerful current system, you can enjoy a continuous swim, making it perfect for both fitness and relaxation. Whether you’re swimming, aqua jogging, or rowing, a swim spa provides a full-body workout. Plus, unlike a traditional pool that’s limited to warmer months unless heated at extra cost, a swim spa is perfect for year-round use.
Swim spa vs. hot tub: which is right for you?
We all know that taking time for yourself is important. However, with everything going on in life, it can be hard to make it happen. One survey even found that 60% of people would do almost anything for a little time to unwind. If that resonates with you, installing an outdoor hot tub might be the perfect solution.
Hot tubs typically range from $8,000 to $20,000, depending on the quality and features. Premium models with extras like full foam insulation, high-end jets, and built-in Wi-Fi will require a larger investment. But when you compare the cost of a swim spa to a hot tub, hot tubs are almost always the more affordable option.
While a swim spa does come with a higher price tag, it offers added benefits that go beyond relaxation. With a swim spa, you can swim, exercise, or even float on a raft year-round. Plus, with adjustable temperature settings, you can set the water in the 80s for a great workout or in the 90s for soothing relaxation and recovery.
Investing in a swim spa vs. gym memberships
For many, the gym is the starting point on the wellness journey. Want to lose weight? Join a gym. Training for a marathon? You join a gym. It’s often seen as an affordable way to get in shape, with the average gym membership costing around $60 a month. However, 67% of gym memberships go unused, and Americans waste nearly $400 million annually on memberships.
Plus, gym memberships with pools are often more expensive than standard memberships. Boutique gyms or high-end fitness centers with pools can cost $150 or more a month per person. If you want a private, personalized experience similar to what a swim spa offers, you’ll likely need to hire a personal trainer for one-on-one swimming sessions, which could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars each month.
While the upfront cost of a swim spa is higher than a gym membership, it offers a private, convenient, and long-term solution for staying active. And by cutting out the commute and the hassle of getting to a gym, you’re more likely to stick to your fitness goals. With a swim spa right in your own backyard, it’s easier to get in a workout whenever you have time.
Unlike a gym, where you share equipment and have limited aquatic exercise options, a swim spa is there for your exclusive use whenever you want. It offers low-impact exercises that support cardiovascular health, strength training, and rehabilitation — all without the hassle of traveling to a crowded gym or waiting for equipment.
Home gym vs. pool-spa: Choosing the better wellness investment
Setting up a home gym is a popular way to stay active, and it can be viewed as a better investment than a monthly membership. Plus, you are just heading to the garage or basement to get your workout in.
In recent years, more people have been investing in home exercise equipment. A study by Acumen Research and Consulting reveals that 54% of Americans who exercise purchased home fitness equipment in 2021, and the global home gym market is projected to grow at a rate of nearly 5% annually through 2030.
However, adding things to your cart can quickly lead to sticker shock. A treadmill or rower, squat rack, and weight bench can cost several thousand dollars. Weights can get expensive, too. Plus, there might be renovations to your space like epoxy flooring, which can make your home gym space more functional and visually appealing. If you’re looking at smart gym setups like Tonal, that’s a $5,000 investment. And while these items are great for their specific uses, they often cater to only one type of workout, which means not everyone in the household may use them. Over time, they can lose their appeal and might even end up as a clothes rack.
A swim spa, however, offers much more value for your wellness journey. It provides a variety of exercise options, from swimming to low-impact cardio and strength training, making it a versatile addition to your home. Michael Phelps Swim Spas come with everything you need to start your fitness routine right away. And unlike a home gym that may go unused, a swim spa offers continuous enjoyment for everyone in the household — whether it’s for exercise or fun. It’s a wellness purchase that you and your family can enjoy year-round, not something that will sit idle over time.
Is the cost of a Michael Phelps Swim Spa worth it?
A Michael Phelps Swim Spa is more than just a purchase; it’s an investment in your health and lifestyle. If you’re looking for a premium wellness solution that provides both relaxation and fitness benefits, a swim spa offers significant advantages over other home improvement options:
Year-round usability. Swim, exercise, and relax no matter the weather. Unlike traditional pools, a swim spa is designed for all-season use. Plus, If you’re ready to explore the benefits of a swim pool spa, take the time to compare models and features to find the perfect fit. With Michael Phelps Swim Spas, you’re not just purchasing a swim spa; you’re investing in a world-class aquatic fitness and relaxation experience.
a swim spa can be more cost-effective than installing and maintaining a full-size pool.
Customizable experience. Adjust the water temperature to fit your needs. Set it cooler for swimming and exercise, or warmer for soothing hydrotherapy and stress relief.
Health benefits built-in. Enjoy low-impact exercise, improved mobility, and the therapeutic benefits of massage jets, all from the convenience of home.
Long-term value. While an initial investment, a swim spa costs less than a full-size pool and can replace a gym membership, saving money over time while making it easier to stay active.
Finding the right swim spa for your needs
Want to learn more? Browse our top-rated swim spas and take the next step toward bringing fitness and relaxation to your home.