[73Goat]

My wife and I are buying in the villages next year (probably summer). We've pretty much decided that we want to get a larger yard and put our own Birdcage with either a swim spa or Spa or Spa w Pool.

I really want to be able to 'swim' in my pool. In my youth I was a dedicated swimmer/water polo player but burned out on it (spending 3-5 hours/day in the pool will do that to you ).

Anyone have experience with swim spas and how they really are as opposed to a pool/spa combo.

Thanks in advance.

Bill & Carolyn

[LoriAnn]

A swim spa is incredibly easy to maintain. It takes less than 10 min a week to maintain. Another benefit is the ability to keep the water much warmer than a pool. I hate to be cold! You can keep the spa at pool temp which is generally 78-80 degrees if you prefer. Or, you can elect to keep it much warmer than possible for a pool. I prefer 95 degrees. The warm water does wonders for aching joints/muscles. The versatility is incredible. You can set the temp for 78 which is comfortable for swimming laps and reset the temp to 95 to relax and enjoy the bubbling spa feature. The cost of heating is hardly noticeable on my electric bill and the cost of chemicals is very low compared to a pool. If you opt to purchase a swim spa take great care in choosing the retailer and manufacturer. The importance is related to warranty. Some manufacturers have better products than others. I purchased a swim spa many years ago that required almost every mechanical element replaced over a 3 year period. The warranty covered all repairs. That would not have been possible if the retailer had not been in business during that period. So, choose a reliable, stable retailer. Ask the retailer about the warranty plan. The next swim spa I purchased did not require any repair in 5 years.