Best swim spas for small yards: Space-saving options

If you are looking to enhance your backyard, but have limited space, you can still enjoy the best of a swimming pool and a hot tub with a swim spa. These units combine the best of fitness, fun, play, and hydrotherapy in a compact footprint.

There are many small swim spas on the market that are perfect for small yards or areas where you need to save space. This article will explain the benefits of a swim spa, beginning with what they are. As you read on, you will also learn about some examples of the best space-saving swim spa options for intimate spaces, such as small backyards, including Sundance® Spas swim spa models and others.

What is a swim spa?

A swim spa is a unit that combines an area for swimming, splashing and playing, and hydrotherapy. Depending on the unit, the swim area may feature a challenging aquatic fitness training setup, or it may be focused more on family fun and play. Most small swim spas combine the swimming and playing area with hydrotherapy. However, some units have completely separate areas, and potentially even separate equipment, for the swim area and the hot tub area. This configuration is typically found among larger models.

Swim spas have become very popular over the last few decades for their space-saving sizes while combining fitness, fun, and relaxation. Swim spas are great for couples, families, and groups of friends who like to get together and enjoy the water, from play to relaxation.

Aside from saving space, some of the benefits of swim spas include their versatility and their year-round accessibility. You can also enjoy the benefits that come from aquatic exercise as well as the benefits that come from hydrotherapy, all in your swim spa.

What is the best swim spa for small yards?

If you’re seeking a compact swim spa, there are many options on the market. A backyard swim spa can bring you, your family and friends many years of enjoyment. From playing and splashing with the kids, to relaxing and socializing with friends, the combination of fitness, fun, and relaxation is enticing to all ages.

Swim spas come in a variety of sizes and can accommodate a range of needs, but small swim spas typically focus on relaxation and play, versus high-performance swim training. With ample swim areas, they are ideal for aquatic exercise and even water jogging.

Many swim spa models incorporate high-quality water care systems, energy-efficient equipment and materials, smart technology, and other features that elevate your experience, whether you are exercising, playing, or relaxing.

Ultimately, the best swim spa for small yards is the one that meets all your needs and fits into the space you have planned for it. Depending on the brand and model, features and amenities will vary. Here are several of the top small swim spas on the market:

Sundance® Spas 12 Splash™ spa—With a focus on fun and relaxation, this compact model’s dimensions are 149”x92”x40”1 and a usable swim length of 88”. With seating for nine and a swim power of 4 hp, the Sundance® Spas 12 Splash™ spa is perfect for families and groups of friends who prioritize fun and relaxation, even if they are limited in space.

Sundance® Spas Stream™ 13 swim spa—This model is part of Sundance® Spas’ Stream™ series, which features Stream Series jets that provide a smooth current that meets everyone’s needs without overpowering anyone. It features dual Swedish massage lounges and two shallow seats, which are perfect for the kids. This model even features additional bench seating. A sturdy, stainless steel swim bar above the swim jets is the perfect place to hold one, which is great for kids learning to swim under parents’ supervision and adults perfecting their form. An anchor point above the swim bar can help facilitate resistance training exercises, while floor mats add traction where needed. This model features four seats with a total dimension of 149”x92”x50”1, and a swim power of 4 hp.

Jacuzzi® J-12 Flow™ swim spa—This heat-pump-ready model is like a mini all-seasons pool that will provide years of fun and relaxation. It features seating for 8, an illuminated waterfall, two exclusive Jacuzzi® PowerPlay® CX swim jets for a smooth, consistent current and Jacuzzi® PowerPro® massage jets that target specific muscles for a tailored massage. With a usable swim length of 96” and total dimensions of 149”x92”x50”1, there is room to play, relax, and exercise. Other features include headrests, bench seating, textured swim floor, and more.  

Jacuzzi® J-13™ PowerPlay® swim spa—Another small swim spa option from the Jacuzzi® brand, the Jacuzzi® J-13™ PowerPlay® model can accommodate 8 people, with a usable swim length of 96”, total dimensions of 149”x92”X50”1, and a swim power of 4 hp. It is also heat-pump ready, for energy-efficient water heating and cooling, so you can use your hot tub for warm hydrotherapy or to cool down on a hot day, making it an ideal year-round pool for small spaces. It features Jacuzzi® PowerPlay® CX swim jets and specialty Jacuzzi® PowerPro® massage jets, for excellent hydrotherapy. Additional features include an illuminated waterfall, bench seating, adjustable headrests, 2-stage filtration, interior and exterior lighting, and more. The Jacuzzi® SmartTub® system is available as an optional upgraded feature.

Bullfrog® Spas S150 swim spa—This compact swim spa by Bullfrog® Spas features 13 seats, including one lounge seat and 4 premium JetPak seats. Built with Bullfrog Spas’ legendary quality and reliability, this model is in the all-new Swim Series, which allows you to build endurance and strength with preset or customizable fitness programs, resistance training, and space for a variety of low-impact, water-based workouts. Designed for fitness, play, and hydrotherapy, it also offers numerous therapy options available with the patented  JetPak Therapy System™.

MasterSpas® Trainer 12 swim spa—This space-conscious model is ideal for small backyards. At just 12 feet long—dimensions are 144”x94”51”—this swim spa provides the benefits of water exercise, relaxation, and family fun. It features premium massage jets, contoured therapy seats and a StressRelief Neck and Shoulder Seat with unique out-of-water jets that target this high-tension area. Additional features include calming waterfalls, EcoPur® mineral-based filtration for easy water care, LED lighting, VIP technology, featuring a unique design of the plate that helps to control turbulence and the flow of the water, and more.

As you can see, there are many options when it comes to the best swim spas for small yards and intimate spaces. When you are ready to further explore the best swim spas for small yards, a visit to your local authorized swim spa dealer can be a very helpful part of your journey to becoming a swim spa owner. Here, you can see various models from different brands, such as Sundance® Spas and speak with a knowledgeable swim spa dealer about your specific needs, such as space limitations.

When you narrow down your selection, you can even perform a wet test in the swim spa you like so you can decide if you like the fit and feel of the seats as well as the intensity of the swim current, depending on the model. Your swim spa dealer can also help you understand how to operate that specific model, so you can work it with ease and confidence once it is placed and installed in your own backyard.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Best swim spas for small yards: Space-saving options

Q: Is a swim spa good for small spaces?

A: Depending on the size and model, swim spas can be great for intimate spaces and small backyards. If you are looking for small space spas, compact swim spas can pack in a lot of enjoyment, fitness, play, and relaxation within a small footprint. Be sure to measure the space you have in mind for your swim spa, and account for at least three feet around all sides of it for clear pathways and easy access. This can help ensure you get the right size for your needs, as well as the space you have to accommodate your swim spa.

Q: What size is a small swim spa?

A: Small swim spas can range in exact dimensions, based on the brand and model. However, in general, small swim spas are between 10 and 13 feet. Width and depth will vary as well.

Q: What should I look for in the best swim spas for small yards?

A: If you have limited space, the exact dimensions of the swim spa you like will be an important factor. Remember to account for additional space around the swim spa. Typically, around three feet all the way around is ideal. Other features to look for include the swim system, hydrotherapy, water care, energy efficiency, smart technology, and much more.

¹All specifications are subject to change without notice. Swim spa dimensions are approximate and shown in L x W x H.

Information in this article was obtained from the brands’ websites, including Bullfrog® Spas and MasterSpas®.

Disclaimer: Sundance® Spas is a registered trademark of its respective owner. Jacuzzi® is a registered trademark of Jacuzzi Group. All rights reserved. Additional brands and products listed are registered trademarks of their respective owners.  

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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