Unless you are not quite sure what a swimming spa is, it is simply a tool larger than a hot tub but smaller than a swimming pool. Many versions come with therapy jets that help relax the muscles and alleviate tension. A swimming spa's average depth is about three and five feet, with the measurements around 15 feet long by eight feet wide. There are also different types of swimming spas, such as jet propulsion, propeller and paddle wheel, and they are made with materials such as acrylic, fibreglass or a mixture of the two.

What to Search

You should look for a model when checking out a swim spa that can produce high water circulation rate, even water distribution, and adjustable flow speed and current. That will allow you to adjust the flow of water to meet your needs. Many swimming spa dealers will let you take a test swim to help you determine which model is right for you.

Average Tempo

Before buying one, though, you should look into this to ensure that the current speed meets your specific needs. Note, if you use the spa to improve your swimming endurance and skills, you'll probably want a stronger current as your progress.

Spa on paddle wheel

If the spa uses a paddlewheel system it means that at the back of the unit there is a wheel which draws water through it. This approach will disperse about 80 per cent of the water of the system and generates a strong and wide current through which to swim.

Spa driven by thrusters

When it comes to a propeller-powered spa you can find a comfortably placed propeller at the front of the machine behind a cover. The propeller sends the current of water down the centre of the spa to the back of it. The water stays normally fairly calm around the device's edges. Most spas come with two propellers allowing two swimmers to use it at different current speeds.