If you’re on a strict budget but still want to invest in a swimming pool or a swim spa, there are several considerations you’ll want to make prior to making your final decision.
Below you’ll find out about obvious and not-so-obvious costs associated with each option so you can determine which is right for you.
The Cost of Installation
Whether you decide on a swim spa or a swimming pool, installation will probably be the biggest expense you encounter. Swimming pools typically cost twice as much as swim spas to install, costing between $45,000 and $100,000. They also take two to four weeks to install. A swim spa, on the other hand, takes just a few days to install.
Another consideration worth making is that investing in a swim spa may help you free up funds to build a deck, patio, or other outdoor area. If style is important to you but you’re on a budget, a swim spa can be a great choice.
Costs Beyond Installation
Safety covers, pool liners, and shells are requirements for swimming pools and swim spas. To compare costs, swimming pool covers can cost anywhere from $3000 and $5000 while swim spa covers cost between $1200 and $2000. Swimming pool liners also need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years but you will never need to replace your swim spa shell.
The Cost of Energy
Not only is energy efficiency a top priority of environmentally conscious consumers, but choosing an energy efficient option can save you a lot of money.
Swimming pools and swim spas provide very different levels of energy efficiency because swim spas are insulated while swimming pools are not. That means your pool will lose water from its surface and will need to be heated year-round to stay warm.
While it isn’t especially hard to keep a swimming pool warm in the summer, keeping it warm when the weather is cooler can be a challenge and will usually result in much higher energy bills. Keeping a swim spa heated will always be cheaper.
If you decide to go with a swim spa, remember that when choosing between different models, some are better than others. The best models offer outstanding insulation that utilizes advanced technologies to trap and reuse any heat that is lost from the motor so you use less energy. Also look for insulated hard covers that can trap waste heat from the water, as this can prevent you from heating your swim spa in summer.
Maintenance Expenditures
Maintenance can require a lot of extra expenses with a swimming pool as you’ll need to purchase vacuums, skimmers, and robotic cleaners to keep it your pool clean as possible. With a swim spa, you can choose self-cleaning options that have these features built-in.
Self-cleaning swim spas allow you to spend less on maintenance and put less time and effort into cleaning. Not only can they clean the surface and bottom of your swim spa, but they will prevent you from skimming and vacuuming.
Now that you know more about the different costs associated with swimming pools versus swim spas, download our buyer’s guide to find the perfect swim spa for your budget.