A full-size backyard pool is the classic summer dream, but in Utah it comes with a short season, a big yard requirement, and a big price tag. A swim spa is a heated, insulated exercise pool, smaller than a pool and larger than a hot tub, with a current you swim against. Here's how the two compare for a Wasatch Front home.
The quick comparison#
| Swim spa | In-ground pool | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical installed cost (national averages, HomeGuide) | about $20,000–$40,000 (range $10,000–$65,000+) | about $28,000–$55,000 |
| Footprint | about 7–8 ft wide, 12–20 ft long | Much larger, plus decking and fencing |
| Swim season in Utah | Year-round (heated and covered) | Mostly summer unless you heat and enclose it |
| Hydrotherapy seating | Yes, on most models | No (unless you add a spa) |
| Installation | Pad, electrical and delivery, usually above ground | Excavation, plumbing, decking, weeks of construction |
| Ongoing upkeep | Hot-tub-style water care on a smaller volume | Larger water volume to treat, open and close each year |
Cost: what you're really comparing#
HomeGuide's national cost data puts the average swim spa at $20,000–$40,000 installed, with basic models starting near $10,000 and high-end units above $65,000. An in-ground pool averages $28,000–$55,000 to build, before extras like decking, fencing, a heater, or a cover. Above-ground pools run $1,800–$5,000, but they're strictly seasonal and don't offer hydrotherapy.
For a swim spa, budget for:
- A concrete pad. Swim spas are heavy (see below), so this isn't the place to cut corners.
- Electrical. A dedicated 240V circuit. HomeGuide lists $800–$1,600 for a typical spa circuit and wiring.
- Delivery. HomeGuide lists $100–$1,500+, depending on whether a crane is needed to get it into your yard.
- Steps and a cover. Swim spas sit high. TidalFit offers a 5-step unit. See steps.
Ask us for a current quote on specific TidalFit models, and see financing if you'd like to spread out the cost.
Space: will it fit your yard?#
Many Salt Lake Valley lots, especially in newer subdivisions and planned communities, don't have room for a full pool plus the required setbacks and fencing. A swim spa fits where a pool won't:
- TidalFit Active EP-12 / ActivePlus EP-12: about 12 ft long × 7.6 ft wide × 45 in deep, 4 seats
- TidalFit Pro EP-15: about 15 ft long × 7.6 ft wide × 60 in deep, 3 seats
Leave room around the spa for steps, the cover, and service access to the equipment.
Weight and the pad#
Water weighs about 8.34 pounds per gallon, so swim spas get heavy fast. Using the manufacturer's capacities and dry weights:
- Active EP-12: about 1,195 gallons, roughly 11,700 lb filled (before people)
- Pro EP-15: about 2,075 gallons, roughly 19,700 lb filled
That's why swim spas go on a properly built concrete pad, not on a deck or loose gravel. Have a contractor size the pad for your specific model.
Swim season in Utah#
An unheated outdoor pool in the Salt Lake Valley is mainly a summer amenity. You open it in late spring and close it in the fall. A swim spa is heated and covered like a hot tub, so it works year-round. TidalFit exercise pools use a 5.5 kW heater, and with the cover on between swims you can do laps in January.
Year-round use is the swim spa's biggest advantage in Utah. You get exercise in the cold months, when outdoor options are limited, and hydrotherapy seating for sore muscles.
Exercise: can you really swim in one?#
Yes, against a current. TidalFit's True Variable Speed system lets you adjust swim resistance from a gentle current for beginners and kids to a stronger one for experienced swimmers. Besides swimming, people use swim spas for:
- Water walking and jogging (low impact on joints)
- Aqua aerobics and resistance training
- Kids' play time in a supervised, contained space
- Hot-tub-style relaxation after a workout
If laps are your priority, try the longer Pro EP-15. If you want a mix of family fun and fitness, the EP-12 models add more seating.
Maintenance#
A swim spa holds far more water than a hot tub. HomeGuide puts most swim spas at 1,300–2,500 gallons, but that's still much less than a typical pool. Care is similar to a hot tub: test and balance the water weekly, keep the filters clean, and keep the cover on. HomeGuide estimates swim spa running and upkeep at $50–$300+ per month depending on the model and features, so ask us about the specific model you're considering.
Safety and local rules#
- Check your city's rules and any HOA covenants before you buy. Some cities treat swim spas like pools for permits, setbacks, or barrier requirements.
- Use a locking cover when the spa isn't in use, especially with young children around.
- Hire a licensed electrician for the 240V circuit.
Which should you choose?#
A swim spa probably makes more sense if:
- You want to swim or exercise year-round
- Your yard can't fit a pool comfortably
- You also want hot tub-style hydrotherapy
- You'd like a shorter, simpler installation
A pool may make more sense if:
- You have a large yard and want a summer gathering place for big groups
- Diving or long open-water laps matter to you
- Year-round use isn't a priority
See a swim spa in person#
The best way to decide is to see the size in person. Visit our Midvale showroom to look at TidalFit swim spas, ask about pads and electrical, and get a quote. We're open Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM.