Swim spas
Swim spas powerful enough to swim — not just splash.
Our 16ft swim spa carries 19HP of total pump power — and channels it where you want it. Pour the full 19HP into the swim end for a stroke-strength current you can swim without a tether, or divert 10HP to the spa end for a top-of-the-line hot tub. Best-in-class on either side — no compromise on the other. Rated Excellent on Trustpilot (4.4 ★, 1,719 reviews).
The difference between a swim spa you can actually swim in — and one you can't
Most swim spas in this price bracket can't deliver a proper stroke-swimming current. Here's how ours are built differently.
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A real swim, not a bubble pool
19HP of total pump power on the 16ft swim spa, channelled where you want it — pour the full 19HP into the swim end for a stroke-strength current, or divert 10HP to the spa end for a top-of-the-line hot tub. The Balboa control system caps total output at 19HP, so we've built this swim spa right to the ceiling of the controller. An adjustable tether is included for extra stability, but the current alone is enough for most swims.
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Air-adjustable current
Turn the air out of the water flow when you want to focus on stroke and breathing — a smooth, powerful riptide instead of a frothing washing machine. Dial the air back up when you want the fun factor and the massage feel for casual use.
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Two spas in one
Our swim spas split into a swim pool at one end and a hot tub at the other — morning lap swims, evening hydrotherapy soaks, same unit. The 4HP spa pump and jetted seats run fully independently from the swim current.
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Winter-proofed for UK use
Same cold-climate engineering as our acrylic hot tub range: a tapered insulating cover, infrared-reflective cabinet panels and closed-cell foam. Designed to hold heat through the coldest months so your swim spa isn't a summer-only purchase.
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13ft Swim Spa 15HP-Jet XSPORT, 10-Person - St Lawrence Sport 390 x 226 x H120 cm
Regular price £14,999.00Regular price£19,999.00Sale price £14,999.00Reduced -
16ft Swim Spa 19HP-Jet 7-Person - XTrainer
Regular price £22,999.00Regular price£30,000.00Sale price £22,999.00Reduced -
20ft Dual Temperature Swim Spa 15HP - XSport
Regular price £26,999.00Regular price£35,000.00Sale price £26,999.00Reduced
Swim Spas: UK Buying Guide
This collection is part of the Canadian Spa Company UK range of hot tubs, swim spas, saunas and spa essentials. Compare options by fit for your space, running costs, insulation, warranty and ongoing maintenance requirements to make a better long-term choice.
If you need help choosing the right model or part, our support team can guide you on compatibility, delivery and aftercare.
About Swim Spas
Three swim spa formats — 13ft, 16ft, 20ft — each engineered for actual training rather than ornamental currents. The 16ft XTrainer is the flagship: 19HP at the pump ceiling, jet output strong enough to swim against untethered, the format we sell most of. The 20ft is the dual-temperature specialist (separate hot-tub end, 15HP swim end). The 13ft XSport is the entry into the format if your garden won’t take 6m.
All three share the same insulation and water-care stack as our acrylic hot tub range — Mountain Pure™ UV-C plus ozone, silver-foil reflection panels, 5″→3″ tapered cover. The setpoint runs about 1°C lower than a hot tub (around 35°C is typical) because the larger water volume and the swim-jet workout shift what feels right.
Foundation is the one thing different from a hot tub: 6″ of concrete covering the swim spa’s footprint, minimum. Filled weight is 4,000–9,000 kg depending on model — properly twice to three times a hot tub. Compare the swim-current strength, jet count, internal layout and full spec, below.
The benefits
Why a swim spa beats a pool for most UK homes
A traditional pool means planning permission, excavation and serious year-round heating bills. A swim spa gives you most of the benefits in a fraction of the footprint — without giving up on swim quality.
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Low-impact cardio
Build real cardiovascular fitness and endurance with no joint impact. Swim for as long as you like against a current you control.
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Rehabilitation and recovery
Warm water and variable resistance make a swim spa ideal for injury rehab, post-surgery mobility work and gentle active recovery.
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Swim year-round
Warm, covered and insulated — unlike an outdoor pool, your swim spa is usable through the winter without a huge heating bill.
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Built-in hydrotherapy
The spa end delivers the same hydrotherapy massage as one of our dedicated hot tubs — switch from swim mode to soak mode in seconds.
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Fits most UK gardens
A fraction of the footprint and cost of a traditional pool, with no planning permission, excavation or landscaping project required.
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Full family use
The kids can play, the grown-ups can swim, everyone soaks afterwards. A swim spa gets used by more of the household than a pool ever does.
Common questions
Swim spa FAQ
Do I need a tether to swim?
On the 16ft swim spa, the 19HP current is strong enough to swim proper strokes — breaststroke, butterfly, freestyle — without relying on the tether. An adjustable tether and swim harness are included for extra stability if you want them, or for stroke technique work. Smaller swim spa models may use a tether more routinely depending on your ability and stroke preference.
What electrics does a swim spa need?
Swim spas are hardwired to a dedicated weatherproof isolator. The exact amperage depends on the model — the 16ft swim spa, for example, is a higher-amp supply than a standard hot tub because of the combined pump load. Every product page lists the exact electrical requirement, and our team can talk you through it before you buy.
How much does a swim spa cost to run?
Running cost depends on the tariff, how often you swim, and how well insulated the unit is. Our swim spas use the same cold-climate insulation as our acrylic hot tub range (tapered cover, infrared-reflective cabinet panels, closed-cell foam), which keeps heat loss low when the current isn't running. Most owners budget somewhere between a mid-size and a larger hot tub on running costs — we can give you a more precise monthly figure once we know your model and usage.
What base does a swim spa need?
Swim spas are significantly heavier than hot tubs when filled. A reinforced concrete slab is the standard recommendation — your installer or a local builder can confirm thickness and reinforcement for your chosen model. Grass, gravel and standard decking are not suitable.
How does delivery and installation work?
Swim spas are delivered by HIAB or crane — pre-plan access for the lorry and a safe crane swing to the installation spot. We'll share delivery requirements before dispatch and can recommend UK installers who've sited our swim spas before.
What warranty do you offer?
Every swim spa ships with a UK-backed manufacturer warranty covering the shell, plumbing and key components. Specific terms vary by model — you'll find the full warranty breakdown on every product page.
Swim spa vs traditional pool — which is better for a UK home?
For most UK homes, a swim spa wins on total cost of ownership, usability and installation simplicity. No planning permission, no excavation, no landscaping project, and it stays warm year-round — so you actually use it in January, not just July. A traditional pool still wins on length for competitive lane swimmers, but at several times the upfront and running cost.
What water chemistry does a swim spa use?
Same principles as a hot tub — chlorine or bromine sanitiser, regular shock and pH balancing — but larger water volume means less frequent top-ups of chemicals. Water typically lasts around 3 months before a full refresh with proper care. Filter rinsing weekly, replacement roughly every 12 months.
UK buying guide
Swim Spas UK — buying guide
Explore swim spas built for low-impact exercise, hydrotherapy and year-round family use. This collection is designed for UK buyers comparing swim spa options that deliver a real stroke-swimming current, not just a bubble pool.
Our swim spas pair dedicated high-power swim pumps with a separate hot tub end, so you get two spas in one — a lap pool in the morning and a hydrotherapy soak in the evening. Same cold-climate engineering as our acrylic hot tub range keeps running costs manageable through British winters.
What to compare when buying a swim spa UK
- Pump power — the biggest factor in whether you can actually swim strokes
- Tether vs untethered swimming — depends on model and swim style
- Length, depth and swim channel shape (look for no protruding steps in the swim area)
- Insulation and winter running cost
- Hydrotherapy integration at the spa end
- Warranty, installation access and base requirements
Who our swim spas are for
- Serious swimmers who want stroke swimming at home without a traditional pool
- Families looking for a single unit that works as both exercise and hydrotherapy
- Buyers comparing swim spa vs pool — smaller footprint, year-round warmth, no planning permission
- Rehab, post-injury and low-impact exercise users
Frequently asked
Are swim spas suitable for UK homes?
Yes — many models are designed for year-round UK use. Our swim spas use the same cold-climate insulation as our acrylic hot tubs (tapered cover, infrared-reflective cabinet panels, closed-cell foam), so the unit stays warm and efficient even through British winters.
What are swim spas best for?
Resistance swimming, rehabilitation and relaxation. The swim current supports stroke training and low-impact cardio, the warm water supports recovery and mobility work, and the spa end delivers hydrotherapy massage for everyday unwinding.
How do swim spas compare on running cost?
Costs vary by size and insulation. A well-insulated swim spa with a quality cover runs closer to a large hot tub than a traditional pool — dramatically less than a heated outdoor pool. Keeping the cover on between uses is the single biggest factor.
Do I need a swim tether pole to swim in a swim spa?
Not on the 16ft swim spa — 19HP of pump power delivers a current strong enough for proper stroke swimming without a tether. A tether and harness are included for extra stability or stroke technique work, and smaller models may benefit from the tether more routinely.
Swim spa vs endless pool — which is better value?
For most UK homes, a swim spa is better value. Lower install cost, no planning permission, a much smaller footprint, integrated hydrotherapy, and year-round warm-water use. Endless pools make sense for serious lane swimmers who prioritise length above all else.
