Swim Spa vs. Pool in Kentucky: Which Is Right for Your Backyard?
If you’re considering adding a swim spa or swimming pool to your Kentucky backyard, the right choice comes down to how you want to use it. A swim spa may be ideal if you’re looking for fitness swimming, hydrotherapy, a smaller footprint and the potential for an extended season of use, while a swimming pool offers more open water for family recreation, summer entertaining and fun.
In Kentucky, where traditional outdoor pools are typically enjoyed seasonally, how many months of the year you want to use the water can be an important part of the decision. Your available backyard space, how many people will regularly use it and whether your priorities are fitness, relaxation, recreation or a combination can also help determine which option makes the most sense.
At Aurora Pools & Spas in Lexington, we help homeowners throughout Fayette, Scott, Madison, Jessamine, Woodford and Clark counties compare their options and find the right fit for their backyard, lifestyle and goals.
What Is the Difference Between a Swim Spa and a Swimming Pool?
A swim spa is a heated, self-contained system that provides a compact space for swimming, aquatic exercise and relaxation, while a swimming pool provides a larger area of open water designed for swimming, recreation and entertaining.
Swim spas use a water current that allows you to swim or exercise in place without requiring the length of a traditional lap pool. Depending on the model, swim spas may also include hydrotherapy seating and massage jets, combining fitness and relaxation in one system.
Pools are available in several styles, including above ground, semi-inground and inground options. At Aurora, one popular choice is the Stealth Semi-Inground Pool, a USA-made pool constructed with durable, chemical- and UV-resistant steel and backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
The biggest difference isn’t necessarily which one is “better.” It’s how you want to use it.
Can You Use a Swim Spa Year-Round in Kentucky?
Many swim spas are designed for four-season use when properly installed, maintained and operated. Their heated water and insulated, covered design can make it possible to keep enjoying the water during colder months when a traditional outdoor swimming pool would typically be closed.
For homeowners in Lexington, Georgetown, Richmond and throughout Central Kentucky who want more months of enjoyment from their backyard, this can be an important consideration.
Is a Swim Spa or Pool Better for Exercise?
A swim spa may offer an advantage if structured aquatic exercise is one of your primary goals. An adjustable current allows you to swim continuously in place without reaching the end of a pool and turning around. Depending on the model and available features, a swim spa may also be used for water walking, resistance exercises and other low-impact aquatic workouts.
A traditional pool can certainly be used for exercise as well, particularly when there is enough length for swimming laps. However, many homeowners choose a pool primarily for recreation, relaxation and family activities.
If fitness is a major reason you’re considering adding water to your backyard, it’s worth comparing the swimming systems and exercise features available in different swim spa models.
Is a Swim Spa or Pool Better for Families and Entertaining?
A traditional swimming pool may be the better fit for families with children or homeowners who regularly entertain. The larger area of open water gives swimmers more room to move around, play games and enjoy the pool together. It can also become a central gathering place for summer parties, cookouts and time with family and friends.
A swim spa offers a more compact environment, making it well suited for couples, smaller households or homeowners who are primarily interested in fitness, hydrotherapy and relaxation.
The right choice comes down to how many people will regularly use it and what you picture yourself doing when you’re in the water.
How Much Backyard Space Does a Swim Spa Need Compared to a Pool?
A swim spa generally requires a smaller footprint than a traditional swimming pool. That can make it an attractive option for Central Kentucky homeowners who want the benefits of swimming and aquatic exercise without dedicating a large portion of the backyard to a pool.
A swimming pool requires additional space for the pool itself as well as the surrounding area. The amount of room needed will vary depending on the type and size of pool, property layout, access and other installation requirements.
Before ruling out either option based on yard size, have your property evaluated by an experienced pool and spa professional. You may have more options than you think.
Is a Swim Spa Easier to Maintain Than a Pool?
A swim spa can be easier to maintain in some ways, but both swim spas and swimming pools require routine water care, filtration, cleaning and equipment maintenance.
Because a swim spa has a smaller volume of water and is typically covered when not in use, some aspects of routine care may be more manageable. A cover can also help keep leaves and other outdoor debris out of the water.
Traditional outdoor pools generally have a larger volume of water and exposed surface area and may also require seasonal maintenance, including opening and closing for Kentucky’s changing seasons.
Maintenance requirements vary considerably by product, equipment, water-care system and frequency of use, so it’s important to understand the specific requirements of whichever option you’re considering.
How Much Does a Swim Spa Cost Compared to a Pool?
There isn’t one universal answer. The total cost of either a swim spa or swimming pool can vary significantly based on the product, size, features, site preparation, electrical requirements, installation, decking or hardscaping and other project considerations.
Swim spas and pools can also vary considerably within their own categories. A straightforward pool installation will have very different costs from a larger backyard project with extensive decking and outdoor living features.
Instead of comparing the purchase price alone, consider the complete project and what you want to get from it. A homeowner primarily interested in swimming, fitness and hydrotherapy may place greater value on a swim spa, while a family looking for a larger recreational and entertaining space may get more value from a swimming pool.
How Do a Swim Spa and Pool Compare Side by Side?
| Feature | Swim Spa | Swimming Pool |
| Typical use | Swimming, fitness, hydrotherapy and relaxation | Recreation, swimming, entertaining and family fun |
| Season of use | Potential for extended or four-season use | Typically seasonal in Kentucky |
| Space needed | More compact | Generally requires more backyard space |
| Swimming style | Continuous swimming against a current | Open-water swimming |
| Hydrotherapy | Available on many models | Depends on pool design and features |
| Group size | Better suited to smaller groups | More room for larger groups |
| Water volume | Smaller | Larger |
| Maintenance | Varies by system and use | Varies by pool type, system and use |
How Do You Decide Between a Swim Spa and a Pool?
The best way to decide is to think about how you realistically plan to use it.
A swim spa may be the better fit if your priorities include:
- Swimming or aquatic exercise
- Hydrotherapy and relaxation
- A smaller backyard footprint
- An extended season of use
- A more compact water feature
A swimming pool may be the better fit if your priorities include:
- Family recreation
- Entertaining larger groups
- More open water
- Pool games and summer activities
- Creating a larger backyard gathering space
Some homeowners find that their needs change over time. The important thing is choosing an option based on your lifestyle rather than assuming one is automatically better than the other.
Where Can You Compare Swim Spas and Pools in Lexington?
You can compare swim spas and pools in person at the Aurora Pools & Spas showroom in Lexington. Choosing between the two is easier when you can talk through your goals, backyard space and options with someone who understands both.
Aurora Pools & Spas has helped homeowners throughout Central Kentucky create spaces for swimming, relaxation and outdoor living since 1982. We proudly serve Lexington, Georgetown, Richmond, Nicholasville, Versailles, Winchester, Woodford County and surrounding communities.
Visit our Lexington showroom to explore your options, or contact our team to talk through your space, goals and questions.
Ready to get started? Contact Aurora Pools & Spas today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Swim Spas vs. Pools
Is a swim spa better than a pool?
Neither is universally better. A swim spa may be a better choice for homeowners prioritizing fitness, hydrotherapy, a smaller footprint and an extended season of use. A swimming pool may be a better choice for homeowners who want more open water for family recreation and entertaining.
Can you use a swim spa in the winter in Kentucky?
Many swim spas are designed for four-season use when properly installed, operated and maintained. Because the water is heated and the unit is covered and insulated, a swim spa can provide an opportunity to keep enjoying the water during colder Kentucky months.
Is a swim spa big enough to actually swim in?
Yes. Rather than requiring the length of a traditional swimming pool, a swim spa creates a water current that allows you to swim continuously in place. The swimming experience and strength of the current will vary by model.
Does a swim spa take up less space than a pool?
Generally, yes. A swim spa has a more compact footprint than most traditional swimming pools, making it an option worth considering for smaller yards or homeowners who don’t want a pool to occupy as much of their outdoor space.
Is a swim spa easier to maintain than a pool?
It can be. Swim spas generally contain less water and are typically covered when not in use, which can make some aspects of routine care more manageable. However, both swim spas and pools require regular water testing, filtration, cleaning and equipment maintenance.
Is a pool or swim spa better for kids?
A traditional pool will often provide more room for families primarily looking for open space for swimming, games and group recreation. A swim spa may be a better fit for households focused on swimming, exercise, hydrotherapy and relaxation.