Swim spas are a fantastic investment. Imagine having a fitness and wellness retreat conveniently ready for you to use 24/7, right in your own home. You get the benefits of a pool and a hot tub without worrying about pool hours or the hygiene of a public hot tub. And with your very own swim spa, you can play, relax, and stay fit in the same space.
But if you are relatively new to the world of swim spas, one of the common questions is where to buy one. Costco comes to mind. With an impressive range of Costco hot tubs, you might be wondering if you can also buy a swim spa at Costco.
You’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’re going to guide you through everything you need to know if you’re planning to buy a swim spa at Costco—from different swim spa brands to what features to look for in a swim spa to get the best swim spa price at Costco.
Keep these tips and buyer’s guide in mind when shopping for your perfect swim spa.
What Are Swim Spas?
A swim spa is a pool alternative and also a spa at the same time. Imagine this—you want a traditional swimming pool, but you don’t have the backyard space or the money for it. So, you thought of getting a hot tub instead. But that can be a bit too small and lacks the features of the backyard pool you’re looking for. Then comes the swim spa, the perfect alternative to give you the best of both worlds—the benefits of water exercise and an invigorating hot tub therapy. Also, check out our home sauna benefits article.
Swim spas are quite similar to a spa pool but are usually much deeper and larger in size—typically 3-5 feet in depth and 10-20 feet in length. They have large swim jets that create a powerful and continuous stream of water that you can swim against. You get to continue swimming laps like you would in a regular swimming pool but without hitting the wall or turning around.
But besides swimming, you can do plenty of things in a swim spa. Depending on the model, swim spas can include customizable programs that vary the intensity of the jets to suit different workouts, from water yoga and water walking to body surfing and strength and resistance training.
Costco Swim Spa Prices
It’s important to note that Costco, unfortunately, doesn’t sell swim spas, at least not through Costco.com. Although it’s a prominent supplier of Costco hot tubs and a range of quality spa brands, they have yet to add swim spas to its roster.
But there are countless swim spas out there, and the price range can be quite varied. Usually, you can find a basic swim spa model that costs around $8,000 to $25,000, although the price tag largely depends on the features you want. Some advanced swim spa models can cost anywhere from $30,000 to $80,000. Also, check out our home sauna cost article.
And to help you out with your swim spa purchase further, below is a list of the top swim spa brands on the market.
Master Spas
An award-winning hot tub and swim spa brand, Master Spas feature top-of-the-line and Michael Phelps-recommended swim spas. All of the 15 swim spa models combine the best in terms of exercise and hydrotherapy.
Master Spas have two premium lines you can choose from.
- Their H2X Fitness Swim Spas collection features a jet system to create a smooth current ideal for various fitness activities and stress and muscle pain relief. The H2X collection has three different model lines—Challenger, Trainer, and Therapool.
- Their Michael Phelps Signature swim spa collection has the wave propulsion system to create a deep, wide, and powerful but smooth water flow with virtually no turbulence. All models from the three lines—MP Force, MP Signature, MP Momentum—feature nonslip floors, biomagnetic therapy, and EcoPur charge filtration.
Expect to spend over $20,000 for a basic swim spa model from Master Spas.
PDC Spas
PDC Spas have been in the hot tub and the luxury swim spa market for a long while to know what customers want. The brand offers a broad range of swim spas from 1,700 to 2,700 gallons and features like LED lighting, audio systems, side-by-side hydraulic propellers, and a 35-year warranty.
PDC is home to four swim spa collections, each with unique features and specs to support various aquatic fitness and health goals.
- Their Summit Series, a line-up of six swim spa models in varying capacity specs, features jetted units that bring fitness and relaxation to a whole new level.
- Their TruSwim Propulsion Series is a line of real swimming machines. Featuring a dual propulsion design, TruSwim swim spas provide an incomparable workout experience.
- Their Vitality Series features three models that are pleasing to both your wellness and wallet. The adjustable resistance makes it suitable for various aquatic exercises.
- Their Synergy Series is designed with swimming and comfort in mind. All models come with a large fitness zone, powerful jets, and comfortable body-sculpted seating.
You can get a basic swim spa model starting at around $16,990.
SwimEx
SwimEx has been manufacturing some of the best quality swim spas in the market since 1986. They feature unique fiberglass construction and exclusive paddlewheel current technology to provide the widest, deepest, and smoothest current. With 99 water current speed settings, SwimEx swim spas are suitable for swimmers of all skill levels. For versatile athletes and fitness fiends, SwimEx offers a variety of add-ons, like an underwater treadmill.
Their swim spa range is priced at $47,900 upwards.
Arctic Spas
If you’re looking for a swim spa designed for any climate, consider getting one from Arctic Spas. The brand boasts innovative, smartly engineered swim spas that can withstand the world’s harshest climate.
Their luxury all-weather pool range includes six different models—Ocean, Okanagan, Hudson, Wolverine, Kingfisher, and Athabascan. Standard features include pressure-stamped fiberglass composite floor, all-weather insulation, and easily removable red-cedar paneling. You can get a swim spa from Arctic Spas’ $17,000 to $30,000 price range.
What Are You Looking For in a Swim Spa?
Like any significant purchase, the best way to find the best swim spa for money is to put together a checklist of features and specs you want. Below are some features we recommend looking for in a swim spa.
Sizing
First things first—it’s time to do some measuring and find out how much space you have for a swim spa. You don’t want to get your heart set on a specific model that is too big for the plot you have in mind.
In addition, you want to get the right size swim tank for your height and swimming needs. Your height, in particular, is crucial when choosing the right swim lane size for the swim spa.
Single-Chamber vs. Dual-Chamber Swim Spa
One feature that makes a huge difference in your swim spa experience is whether you get a single or a dual-chamber model. In a single-chamber swim spa, the hot tub seating and the swimming area are contained in the same body of water. They also have a single set of heating, circulation, filtration, and treatment system, so they are generally cheaper than their dual-chamber counterpart.
But because the hot tub and swimming sections are within the same area, they will operate at the same temperature. Meanwhile, in a dual-chamber swim spa, you get separate sections with separate heating and electronic systems. It’s more expensive, but you can keep the areas at different temperatures and run the hot tub and swim jets at full power.
A single-chamber swim spa is adequate if you don’t plan to use the hot tub and swimming area simultaneously. But if you’re planning to use both functionalities together, a dual-chamber model would be the best way to go.
Insulation
When buying a swim spa, make sure to check the insulation. It’s one of the most significant factors to consider since insulation can play a huge role in the operating cost of your swim spa.
Most swim spa models will be insulated throughout the shell except for the control panel. Ideally, you want a swim spa that’s fully insulated, not only around the shell but with extra insulation to protect the pumps and heater. Insulation at the bottom and a high-quality swim spa cover will also do wonders in locking up the heat.
Any added insulation will increase the energy efficiency of the swim spa.
Water Treatment System
A swim spa with an excellent water treatment system means less you’ll have to worry about cleaning your swim spa. At the very least, a swim spa should have a filtration system. Most portable swim spas will have cartridge filtration. Look for a model with at least 100 square feet of filter area per cartridge. But the more filter capacity the swim spa will have, the less cleaning is needed to maintain the water quality.
Some high-end swim spa models also include patented water treatment systems that will automatically clean and treat the water. Keep an eye out for swim spas with UV systems and ozone generators. They are excellent systems that can kill bacteria in the water on a chemical level. Some swim spas will also have built-in mineral filtration systems, which use natural elements like zinc and copper to keep the water clean using fewer chemicals.
Swim Spa Accessories and Options
When it comes to swim spas, there are many options. Your swim spa can have it all, but it comes down to what you want the most. Make a checklist of add-ons you want to have. Here are a few things you might want to consider having in a swim spa:
- Swim spa with jacuzzi
- Fitness accessories
- Underwater treadmill
- Lighting
- Waterfalls
- Bluetooth sound system
- WiFi modules
Warranty
Warranties are promises from manufacturers about the quality of their products, which is why it’s essential to check the warranty when buying a swim spa. Plus, there are lots of terms and conditions for warranties, so sometimes it’s easy to get confused.
You’ll want to see if the warranty covers both the parts and labor. Also, check if warranty calls are free or if they come with a call-out fee.
Roadshow Costco Swim Spas
While Costco doesn’t sell swim spas on its website or warehouse, you can find swim spas at routine Costco roadshow events. Top vendors and manufacturers gather for Costco roadshows to showcase and sell specialized products. These special events typically occur in local Costco warehouses and can last around two weeks.
Now only you can find swim spas at these events, but Costco roadshows are a great way to score some great Cotsco swim spa price deals and benefit from the company’s flexible return policy.
Pros of Purchasing a Swim Spa from Costco?
- Exceptional savings
- Risk-free return policy
- Great customer service
The beauty of buying a swim spa from Costco, at least at roadshow events, is you can take advantage of some serious savings. And not only can you score an incredible swim spa price at Costco, but you can also take advantage of Costco’s risk-free return policy.
In addition, Costco Roadshows will be stacked with vendors and dealers who can give you detailed and precise information about their swim spa. Asking questions directly to the local dealer would be a great way to learn about the ins and outs of the swim spa you’ve got your eye on.
Cons of Purchasing a Swim Spa from Costco
- Not available through the Costco website
Costco has a wide selection of products, and shopping online is a pretty easy task. Unfortunately, if you want to buy a swim spa from Costco, you won’t be able to find one online as easily as you would a Costco jacuzzi pool. The only way to buy a swim spa from them is to check out a Costco roadshow in your area.
Swim Spa Prices Costco—FAQs
Q: Why should I buy a Costco swim spa?
A: Buying a Costco swim spa from one of their roadshow events have a couple of advantages. Firstly, you can find swim spa models from top retailers with deep discounts. Local manufacturers and retailers partner with Costco during these events to provide members with exceptional, rare savings. In addition, you can take advantage of Costco’s risk-free return policy when buying a swim spa from Costco Roadshows, one of the industry’s best return policies.
Q: How long should a swim spa from Costco last?
A: Typically, Costco swim spas can last between 5-20 years, sometimes even longer. How you maintain your swim spa will make a lot of difference in how long it will last.
Q: What is the average swim spa depth?
A: The average swim spa model is around 3-5 feet deep.
Q: What should I keep in mind when shopping for a swim spa?
A: When shopping for a swim spa, you have to keep in mind the best size to get according to the space you have and your height. Also, keep in mind the style and features you want in your swim spa, insulation, filtration, and warranty.
Conclusion
Perhaps your backyard is in need of some fun transformation that will keep family and friends entertained. Or maybe, you are looking to make a health and wellness investment in your property. Also, check out our sauna vs. hot tub article.
No matter your motivation, a swim spa can be the backyard feature you’re looking for. But while Costco doesn’t sell swim spas at the moment, you can score yourself a premium swim spa from a reputable brand and take advantage of a discounted swim spa price at Costco roadshows.
