Family swim spas: Fun and fitness for everyone

Swim spas are all-season pools that provide fun, fitness, and relaxation for everyone in the family. If you are considering a family swim spa for your home or backyard, this article will provide everything you need to know to make an educated decision on which is right for your family.

As you read on, you will learn about family swim spas as well as the benefits that a swim spa can provide for you and your family. Finally, this article will present some Sundance® swim spas that are perfect for families.

What is a family swim spa?

A swim spa for families is one that is designed more for fun and fitness, rather than intense training for professional athletes. Some swim spas, for example, have a strong swim current built to support advanced swimmers as they perform laps without the need to flip turn. However, they still allow for plenty of fun and casual fitness, too.

Other swim spas focus more on the usable swim length, serving as a central area for fun and play, surrounded by hydrotherapy seats. This configuration allows little ones to play while adults supervise as they relax and unwind. Or everyone can enjoy aquatic fitness, and then “cool down” together enveloped in the warmth of a soothing hydromassage.

Some swim spas are designed with a dual-zone configuration, which means they have distinct swim areas and hydrotherapy areas that operate separately. This way, some members of the family can be splashing and playing in cooler water, while those in the hot tub area can adjust their temperature so they are totally immersed in hot, bubbly water. Every Sundance® swim spa across two collections is ideal for family fun and fitness.

Sundance® Surf™ series at a glance

The Surf™ series is designed with the serious swimmer in mind, but also provides a great environment for the whole family. With two dedicated swim pumps and a 10-speed swim selector control within easy reach, this series ensures everyone can find their perfect pace. This series features an open swim tank with an extra-wide lane, allowing plenty of room to refine your stroke or challenge your pace. The dual-lane extender jets generate a full-body current, minimizing every inch of space for a more immersive swim experience.  

Sundance® Surf™ 17 specs

Dimensions1: 17’5”x7’8”x4’5”

Usable swim length: 168”

Swim power: 10 hp

Electrical2: 240 VAC @ 48A/60A

Sundance® Surf™ 17 standard features

• Swim Selector Control

• 2 Dedicated Swim Pumps

• 2 Wide-Stream Surf™ Swim Jets and 2 Lane-Extender Jets

• 2 Buoyancy Jets

• 2 Lane-Balancing Jets

• Integrated Swim Lane Indicator

• Stainless Steel Swim Bar

• Patented Fluidix® Jets and 6 Massage Varieties

• Dual Full-Body Lounges with Swedish Massage

• Accu-Ssage™ Therapy Seat

• Percussive Therapy Seat

• PT™ and FocusRelief® Jets

• Illuminated Waterfall

• Premium Glass Touch Control

• Slipstream™ Skimmer

• MicroClean® Ultra Filtration System

• ClearRay Active Oxygen® System

• Dynamic Flow™ Circulation Pump

• SunStrong® Steel Frame

• 3-Layer RigidBond® Shell

• SunSide® Cabinetry

• Exterior Lighting

• Convenient Storage Bins

• Non-Slip Mats

• Heat-Pump Ready

Sundance® Surf™ 17 optional features

• SmartTub® System

• Sundance® Fitness Kit

• 2nd Auxiliary Heater

Sundance® Stream™ series at a glance

The Stream™ series offers dual hydromassage lounges, shallow seats for kids, and the powerful Fluidix® hydromassage Sundance® spas is known for. This series offers the perfect mix of swimming, family fun, and relaxation. The models in this series offer a steady current for a daily swim, low-impact workout, or splash time for the kids. When it’s time to unwind, Swedish massage lounges will transport you to tranquil bliss.  

Sundance® Stream™ 17 specs

Dimensions1:  17’5”x7’8”x4’5”

Usable swim length: 168”

Swim power: 4 hp

Electrical2: 240VAC 60Hz 40A/50A

Sundance® Stream™ 17 standard features

• 1 Dedicated Swim Pump

• 2 Stream™ Swim Jets

• Integrated Swim Lane Indicator

• Stainless Steel Swim Bar

• Patented Fluidix® Jets and 6 Massage Varieties

• Dual Full-Body Lounges with Swedish Massage

• Accu-Ssage™ Therapy Seat

• Percussive Therapy Seat

• PT™ and FocusRelief® Jets

• Illuminated Waterfall

• Premium Glass Touch Control

• Slipstream™ Skimmer

• MicroClean® Ultra Filtration System

• ClearRay Active Oxygen® System

• Dynamic Flow™ Circulation Pump

• SunStrong® Frame

• 3-Layer RigidBond® Shell

• SunSide® Cabinetry

• Exterior Lighting

• Convenient Storage Bins

• Non-Slip Mats

• Heat-Pump Ready

Sundance® Stream™ 17 optional features

• SmartTub® System

• Sundance® Fitness Kit

• 2nd Auxiliary Heater

Sundance® Stream™ 13 specs

Dimensions1: 12’5”x7’8”x4’2”

Usable swim length: 112”

Swim power: 4 hp

Electrical2: 240VAC 60Hz 50A

Sundance® Stream™ 13 standard features

• 1 Dedicated Swim Pump

• 2 Stream™ Swim Jets

• Integrated Swim Lane Indicator

• Stainless Steel Swim Bar

• Patented Fluidix® Jets and 6 Massage Varieties

• Dual Full-Body Lounges with Swedish Massage

• Accu-Ssage™ Therapy Seat

• Percussive Therapy Seat

• PT™ and FocusRelief® Jets

• Illuminated Waterfall

• Premium Glass Touch Control

• Slipstream™ Skimmer

• MicroClean® Ultra Filtration System

• ClearRay Active Oxygen® System

• Dynamic Flow™ Circulation Pump

• SunStrong® Frame

• 3-Layer RigidBond® Shell

• SunSide® Cabinetry

• Exterior Lighting

• Convenient Storage Bins

• Non-Slip Mats

• Heat-Pump Ready

Sundance® Stream™ 13 optional features

• SmartTub® System

• Sundance® Fitness Kit

• 2nd Auxiliary Heater

Sundance® 12 Splash™ at a glance

For the ideal kids’ swim spa or family swim spa, this model is a wonderful all-season mini-pool with classic Sundance® massage. Designed for both play and relaxation, this swim spa offers an excellent value.

Sundance® 12 Splash™ specs

Dimensions1: 149”x92”x49”

Usable swim length: 88”

Swim power:  4 hp

Electrical2: 240 VAC 60Hz 40A/50A

Sundance® 12 Splash™ standard features

• 2 Stream™ Swim Jets

• Non-Slip Mat with Swim Lines

• ClearRay® UV-C System

• Swedish Massage Seat

• Vortex® Seat

• Bench Seating

• Heat-Pump Ready

Sundance® 12 Splash™ optional features

• 5 Tier Aqua Step

• Sundance® fitness kit

Backyard spa fun

Once you’ve decided on a family swim spa for your backyard, the real fun begins. Getting everyone together to spend the day playing and splashing is a great way to bond and reconnect with the family, without the distraction of screen time and smart devices.

Plan an afternoon in the backyard, with your swim spa as the main entertainment. Splash, play with a beach ball, organize a family water aerobics session with the help of a video or app, or simply relax in the refreshing water while chatting and socializing. Fire up the grill or set up a picnic for when everyone is ready to take a break from the water. Then step back into the water for more relaxing hydrotherapy, and wind down mentally as the day winds down around you.

Once you’ve decided to purchase a swim spa for families, it’s a good idea to visit a swim spa showroom in your area. When you visit a trusted Sundance® swim spa dealer near you, you can ask questions, see specific models, and do a wet test on the swim spa you like.

The term wet test refers to the process of getting into a showroom swim spa when it is filled with water and operating. It’s kind of like test-driving a vehicle before you buy it. You can try out the features, experience the jets and seats, see how you like the swim current, depending on the model, and more. Your swim spa dealer can also give you a brief tutorial of the model so you can confidently operate it once it is delivered and installed in your own backyard.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Family swim spas: Fun and fitness for everyone

Q: What is a kids swim spa?

A: This term likely refers to a swim spa that is designed for family fun, rather than serious athletic training. Depending on the brand and model, a swim spa can offer an array of different features and amenities that are geared for fun and fitness or for more challenging workouts. A kids swim spa would probably be more geared for fun, play, and casual fitness.

Q: Why are swim spas called all-season pools?

A: Swim spas are ideal for use all year round, which has earned them the nickname of all-season pools. Because they are heated to some degree but can also be cooled, they are ideal for any time of year. Cozy up under the stars in the dead of winter while decompressing in hot bubbly hydrotherapy, or cool the water down for an aquatic resistance training session on a warm summer morning, or for play time with the kids in the afternoon. Swim spas are so versatile, and truly serve as the best of a swimming pool and a hot tub, all year round.

Q: Are family swim spas still good for challenging workouts?

A: Yes, depending on the brand and model, swim spas can offer high-powered swim currents to challenge your stamina and help you improve your swim, while also providing a space for family to splash and play, all while also featuring blissful hydrotherapy.

1Specifications may vary by country, please check with your local retailer. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Spas are approximate and shown in L x W x H.

2Not all electrical configurations are listed. Please see the Sundance® Spas Specification Handbook for additional details.

Disclaimer: Sundance Spas® is a registered trademark of its respective owner. All rights reserved.

Medical Disclaimer: We are not medical professionals. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with questions regarding any medical condition.

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