If you’re a swimming aficionado but don’t have enough room for a full sized swimming pool on your property, a swim spa can be a practical substitute. Swim spas generate a moving stream of water that’s strong enough to keep your body in place while you practice your favorite swimming stroke. While they’re a fraction of the size of a full sized swimming pool, some people are put off by the large cabinet that houses the swim spa tank and plumbing. So, is there an alternative? Can you put a swim spa in-ground to flatten out its profile? This is definitely doable. In this article we’ll cover the benefits of in-ground swim spa installation.
Installation of An Inground Swim Spa
Many in-ground swim spas are composed of a series of modular units, they’re inherently customizable. You’ll have a lot more flexibility with materials, components and styles than you would with an above ground model. That said, if you prefer a self-contained unit, these can also be installed in-ground. While excavation will obviously be necessary, it won’t be anywhere near as disruptive a process as it would be with a full-sized swimming pool.
Swim Spa Installation Requirements
There are a number of things that need to be prepared in advance of the swim spa’s installation, whether above ground or in-ground. For power, the swim spa connects to a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) electrical hook up that needs to be installed by a certified and licensed electrician. The swim spa will weigh several thousand pounds when full, so the surface on which it sits must be able to withstand that kind of weight. A steel reinforced concrete pad is standard, but you should consult with a structural engineer to make sure of your plans if you’re looking at something else. When planning your excavation, there needs to be a three foot space around every edge of the swim spa to allow for maintenance access. This area will need to be sloped to drain away from the spa. Once everything is prepared properly, actual installation can often be done in a day.
Inground Swim Spa Landscaping Considerations
When your backyard is already small, the cabinet of a swim spa can be an overwhelming presence that overpowers the ambience of what should be a personal oasis. This is why in-ground installations are highly prized by landscaping enthusiasts. Once you lower the entire swim spa system to ground level you end up with an attractive, low profile accompaniment to whatever else the landscape has to offer.
Swim Spa Location
When deciding on a location for your swim spa there are some practical considerations you should keep in mind. You won’t be able to install the swim spa under any power lines or too close to property boundaries or other structures. Check your local bylaws for easement and setback regulations. Pay attention to nearby trees or plants that lose their leaves, shed pollen or drop fruit as this can interfere with your water chemistry. You don’t want to be spending all your time skimming and rebalancing the water chemistry levels because you installed the swim spa too close to your favorite crabapple tree. Easy access to your house will make using your swim spa easier, especially when the weather turns. Closer access will also reduce the amount of dirt that gets tracked into the water and your house. Exposure to the sun and your neighbors should also play a role in your installation location. More sun means less reliance on your water heater while privacy will make for a more comfortable environment, for both you and your neighbors.
To learn more about inground swim spa installation, download a free buyer’s guide today.