How to Shop for a Swim Spa
There's a lot to think about when shopping for your first swim spa, but we're here to make it easier.
Shopping for a Swim Spa
What makes certain swim spas “better” than others? When looking around at all the different options, it can start to feel a little overwhelming. Luckily there is a lot of information out there to help you as you shop around for the best swim spa to fit your needs and budget.
You might be surprised to learn that not all swim spas are the same. In the swim category itself, there are two type of swim spas: portable and in-ground swim spas. A portable swim spa is manufactured with all the equipment required for operational use (pumps, heaters, filters, etc), and requires no plumbing on site when it is delivered to your home.
Once delivered, the swim spa is prepped, filled and the electric is hooked up for use. Should you decide to move and want to take your swim spa with you, you can. This differs from an in-ground swim spa, because once an in-ground swim spa is built into your backyard, it is designed to stay with the house.
If you don’t really know where to begin your search, a great place to start is by searching for your local Vita Spa dealers. The benefit of buying from a local swim spa dealer is that you can see, touch and test the swim spa you are interested in before you purchase. Ultimately your local dealer will be the one installing, servicing, and answering all questions about your swim spa, so confidence in them is important. Do some research first on the models you are initially drawn and that may fit your needs before making any buying decisions.
What to keep in mind when searching for your local dealer:
Business
How long have they been in business and how long have they sold the brand you are interested in?
Avoid dealers that consistently change the brands they sell. It is also helpful to know why they chose to sell this brand.
Service
Do they service the products they sell?
Great dealers stand behind the products they sell. Be sure to find a dealer that provides year-round service so you can enjoy your swim spa in complete confidence.
Site Inspection
Are they willing to come to your house to provide a site inspection at little to no cost?
Look for a dealer who is willing to come to your home to make sure you are able to fit your desired swim spa at no hassle to you.
Research Manufacturers
Safety standards
Make sure the swim spa you are interested in is UL listed like any other electrical appliance. The UL listing states the product is safe to use and meets the required safety standards. All of our swim spas are UL listed and meet all safety standards.
Swim Spa Components
Research the overall quality of the different components that go into your swim spa. Components to check for are: swim spa shell*, internal frame, exterior cabinet material, heater, pumps, blower, filtration system, insulation and cover.
*Swim spa shell is a critical component as it needs to be strong enough to withstand regular weight and impact from users and water.
Cost of Operation
Make sure the model you choose meets the industry energy standards. The method and type of insulation, quality of cover, and type of energy saving components are what make your swim spa as energy-efficient and cost-effective as possible.
Ease of Maintenance
A swim spa designed for easy maintenance will save you time and money. Please keep in mind, a swim spa, like any other appliance, will require regular maintenance and replacement parts from time to time. This is completely normal and nothing to be worried about.
Warranty
The length of a warranty is just as important as the manufacturer that is supporting the warranty. A good rule of thumb is to make sure that the manufacturer has been in business long enough to support the warranties they are providing.
Customer Service
Find a manufacturer that requires their dealers to service the product as well. Be mindful of where you install your swim spa to ensure easy access for servicing the internal components, this will save you money in the long run when your swim spa needs service.
What Questions Should you ask Yourself?
Focus on your desires and envision how they can be achieved by owning a swim spa. With your swim spa, are you looking for a place to exercise, entertain your friends, or enjoy warm-water therapy that promotes health benefits?
Preferences for your swim spa selection. What size and shape will work best for your needs? If you’re looking to exercise, are you looking to swim or focus on strength training with oars and resistance bands? If you’re looking to relax, are you looking to sit in a reclined massage seat? If entertainment is the goal, you may prefer something with a bench seat to fit more people.
Consider the special features available in a swim spa. How many jets will you need or want? What about Bluetooth stereo, touch screen controls, waterfalls and illuminated controls? Are programmable filter cycles and automated sanitizing systems a must? Do you want multiple seating options in your spa, maybe a lounge seat or deep seats for tall swim spa users?
From deck to patio, there’s a swim spa for almost any setting. Determine what backyards features you want around your swim spa. How much space will you need? Do you want your spa above ground or lowered? What landscaping or fencing will need to be done to complete the picture?
Consider affordability. With hundreds of styles and options to choose from, there’s truly a swim spa for every budget. And swim spas are now more cost-effective in time and money than ever before! Energy efficiency and ease of maintenance is key when calculating your cost of ownership.
Got everything you need to start shopping?
Print our helpful shopping checklist to make sure you are prepared before heading over to your nearest dealer!
swim spa checklist
