Pool or Swim Spa

[JoC]

I'm wondering which would be better to get. Not sure if we'll even get one, but thought I'd ask if anyone has a preference and why. Thanks.

[ijusluvit]

I'm wondering which would be better to get. Not sure if we'll even get one, but thought I'd ask if anyone has a preference and why. Thanks.

I'm assuming you define a swim-spa as a combination pool and spa. Our swim spa is the ultimate luxury. It didn't cost much more than a pool but it provides the added "hot tub" benefits without the maintenance issues. When you activate the spa, within a few minutes you can enjoy the warmer temp and soothing water jets. When you turn the spa off, the system recirculates the water with the pool and keeps both clean.

[golfnut]

hmmmm, i thought swim spas were a lot cheaper than pools...gn

[k2at]

I do not believe there is a clearcut and concise answer to your question. The answer is it is an individualized situation. I ,for one, would not live without a spa and yet if I never go in a pool that is too soon. On the other hand, friends of ours went to the expense of installing spas and they never use them. The answer for you is really what options would you like see installed and will you use them.

[OpusX1]

When I see the term swim spa I assume you are talking about a small pool that you may swim against a a current. I think it all depends on if you want to swim for exercise or just take a dip and float around. We do not have a pool yet but when we do put one in it will be a small dipping pool to cool off before bed and for the looks of it.

[Russ_Boston]

I'm leaning toward a solution like Ijustluvit but the orignial post I think was a choice beteen the current genearting type swim spas (endless pools for example) or a regular pool.

For us it comes down to size you can fit. The swimspas have a narrow footprint and you can get them in tighter spots. But a pool company will give you all sorts of options either way. They'll make it fit!

[NJblue]

I don't know what is required to heat a pool, but T&D told us that if we wanted to consider a swim spa that we would not be able to heat it with electricity. To heat that volume of water to temperatures required for a spa requires that a propane tank be buried in your yard (assuming you don't already have natural gas). Probably not a showstopper, but something to consider.

[Atlantic]

We have a pool heated with solar panels. I wouldn't give it up for anything. it's not very large, but we still can get plenty of exercise in it. We love it,and so do our friends! LOL

[Russ_Boston]

I know that actual swimspas are heated by electricity much the same way that hot tubs are. See: http://www.endlesspools.com/fiberglasspool/index.html In fact it says that natural or propane gas are options.

You might be right about a large pool with a spa since that volume of water would be much higher.

I have a meeting next week with T&D so that will be on the menu.

[askcarl]

I know that actual swimspas are heated by electricity much the same way that hot tubs are. See: http://www.endlesspools.com/fiberglasspool/index.html In fact it says that natural or propane gas are options.

You might be right about a large pool with a spa since that volume of water would be much higher.

I have a meeting next week with T&D so that will be on the menu.

Please update us on your T&D meeting, facts....

Carl

[memason]

We just purchased a home in St. Charles, with a swim spa. I believe the dimensions were 7.5 X 15ft. The spa portion is large enough for 4 or 5 persons, depending upon how friendly you are... :shocked:

Not sure how well we'll like the swimming portion... My Son describes the swim spa as a "Swimming Treadmill". Never thought of it that way, but seems accurate.

The best part is, you just swim against the current (2 big adjustable jets). If you get overtaken, the current pushes you back into the spa portion, where there's a cold beer [or glass of wine] waiting... works for me! :beer3:

[Russ_Boston]

Please update us on your T&D meeting, facts....

Carl

I will but the facts may be slim as it is more a meeting about what can go there when the time comes. Just want to make sure that we can fit what we want on the lot we chose.

[cwbrandt]

We are putting in an "endless Pool" FASTLANE right now.

http://www.endlesspools.com/fastlane/index.html

Hopefully it will be ready when we visit in 8 days. I have had a "swim-spa" for 15 years up north and really couldn't imagine moving down to TV without one.

I researched this for weeks, even visited their factory to test drive. This is so much better than the "badu jet" systems most pool companies are offering. THe one I have here is a jet system and I am a weak swimmer so I can use it, but anyone stronger would have to turn on so much air that they wouldn't be able to see because of the bubbles. We are having a gunite oval pool built with a separate spa which spills over into the pool. THe FastLAne is going to be attached to he pool at one end but you can alternatively get the unit to hang on the edge of an already completed pool. The spa will be heated with solar panels and natural gas backup and can if desired spill over into the pool so it can be heated as well. THe swim spa I have here is a one piece fiberglass with 3/4 of it pool and 1/4 spa, where the heat can be set differently for each side. It is now cracking and bubbling and needs repair even though it is still functioning. I have had lots of problems over the years and decided that unless the fiberglass option was significantly cheaper that I wouldn't do that again. THe FASTLANE cost $5500 including shipping.
We are using the fabulous GINGERICH CONSTRUCTION Company to add a room and bathroom to our house and they are also doing the screen room. THey suggested ULTIMATE POOLS who is doing the pool work. I got bids from several builders and T&D pools as well. Working with Marvin of Gingerich Construction has been wonderful. After adding on a large addition to the house up north, I was not looking forward to working with a builder again. I never expected to find a contractor so easy to work with anywhere. I will update after we are down there as to how it is all working.

[JoC]

I've been having trouble with my knee and have been water walking for exercise at Colony pool which works out fine, so we won't be doing anything soon. We haven't had them come yet to give us layouts, etc. I'll update when that happens. Thanks for your interest. If you find out anything, share here.

[Pturner]

We are putting in an "endless Pool" FASTLANE right now.

http://www.endlesspools.com/fastlane/index.html

Hopefully it will be ready when we visit in 8 days. I have had a "swim-spa" for 15 years up north and really couldn't imagine moving down to TV without one.

I researched this for weeks, even visited their factory to test drive. This is so much better than the "badu jet" systems most pool companies are offering. THe one I have here is a jet system and I am a weak swimmer so I can use it, but anyone stronger would have to turn on so much air that they wouldn't be able to see because of the bubbles. We are having a gunite oval pool built with a separate spa which spills over into the pool. THe FastLAne is going to be attached to he pool at one end but you can alternatively get the unit to hang on the edge of an already completed pool. The spa will be heated with solar panels and natural gas backup and can if desired spill over into the pool so it can be heated as well. THe swim spa I have here is a one piece fiberglass with 3/4 of it pool and 1/4 spa, where the heat can be set differently for each side. It is now cracking and bubbling and needs repair even though it is still functioning. I have had lots of problems over the years and decided that unless the fiberglass option was significantly cheaper that I wouldn't do that again. THe FASTLANE cost $5500 including shipping.
We are using the fabulous GINGERICH CONSTRUCTION Company to add a room and bathroom to our house and they are also doing the screen room. THey suggested ULTIMATE POOLS who is doing the pool work. I got bids from several builders and T&D pools as well. Working with Marvin of Gingerich Construction has been wonderful. After adding on a large addition to the house up north, I was not looking forward to working with a builder again. I never expected to find a contractor so easy to work with anywhere. I will update after we are down there as to how it is all working.

Excellent info. Enjoy your new pool and let us know how it works out.

BTW, I see you are a new poster. Welcome to TOTV. Please continue to post!