"Where can I put my swim spa?" is a question we hear all the time in our showroom. That's why we've put together this guide, packed with our best advice for choosing the perfect swim spa spot and whether to have it above or in ground. We'll cover everything from the space you'll need around the unit and making room for the cover, to ensuring your privacy from neighbours.
To help you find the perfect spot, we've put together this article sharing our top tips and insights on swim spa placement. We'll explore:
- Identifying the best location for your swim spa
- Determining the necessary space requirements
- Planning for cover clearance
- Creating a sense of privacy
- Considering the optimal orientation of your swim spa
- Swim spa installation ideas: freestanding or below grade
With over 10 years of experience in the industry, we've learned a thing or two about the best ways to position your swim spa to maximize your enjoyment. Let's dive in!
Where Is the Best Location For My Swim Spa?
Just like hot tubs, placing a swim spa in your garden comes down to a couple of key things and a smart tip for maximizing your enjoyment. Whether you put your spa in ground or choose to have it freestanding, the ideal location for your swim spa is key to truly enjoying it. One of the first things to consider is whether you picture the swim spa as a central feature in your garden design or as a more integrated element that blends with its surroundings.
Easy access to an electrical connection is essential to power the swim spa features. An electrician will help wire this in for you prior to installation.
Here's a piece of advice that we've seen makes a big difference: create a clear, year-round path to your swim spa. Whether it's a deck extension or a simple walkway, having an easy route matters. We've noticed that the further a spa is from your door, the less likely you are to use it. Imagine trekking through a snowy garden in winter – you'd probably think twice! Even in warmer climates, the effort of putting on swimwear and walking across the yard can sometimes be enough to deter you. So, a well-planned, accessible path will encourage more frequent dips and help you make the most of your swim spa. If you have the budget, consider adding a remote heater or heated walkway.
Freestanding vs Below Grade Swim Spas
First off, you'll need a level and sturdy spot that can handle the weight of the filled swim spa. This could be a patio, a specially built concrete base, or even a reinforced deck – just be sure to chat with a dealer early on if you're considering an elevated location to ensure it's structurally sound.
Freestanding means that your swim spa is above grade or on level ground above the dirt. Below grade is under ground, and these are often partially sunk or fully sunk. Normally below grade installs are surrounded by decking.
How Much Space Do I Need For a Swim Spa?
When considering where to place your swim spa, keep these two accessibility rules in mind:
First, you'll need to ensure you can easily get in and out of the swim spa from at least one side. This seems obvious, but it's worth planning for comfortable entry and exit. Account for custom built steps, or the standard steps that come with your swim spa.
Second, it's crucial to have access to all sides of the unit for any future maintenance or repairs. While you might be able to get away with as little as a meter of clearance around less frequently accessed areas, it's wise to ensure all sides of the swim spa are reachable. This space is also necessary if you plan to build a deck around or partially submerge your swim spa. Leaving a meter of space around the entire unit will provide the necessary room for technicians to work should the need arise. The front panel should have 1.5 meters for the happiest technicians.
In ground swim spa installation requires a pit to be dug, with very specific retaining walls and other parameters to prevent flooding issues. Find out more here.
Will I Need Space for My Swim Spa Covers and Lifters?
Since you have built in servicing space, you should have room for a cover lifter if need be. If you choose a rollaway cover option, you will want space for the cover and bracket to rest at the back of the swim spa. Finally, if your spa is in-ground you will need storage space for the swim spa cover segments, if you have a hard cover. As you can see in the images throughout this post, automated covers of various styles exist. Covana is a brand we work with, but contractors might have more contacts. Automated swim spa covers can be hidden in decking.
Do I Need Privacy to Install a Swim Spa?
Over the years, we've learned that privacy is a big factor for most swim spa owners. People generally want a secluded space where they can relax and chat without feeling like they're on display for the neighbourhood. Swim spas are most often used for exercise, and the ability to enjoy a workout without being spied upon can be preferred.
Therefore, as you plan your swim spa installation, it's worth thinking about how to create a sense of privacy. Options like taller fences, umbrellas, pergolas, hedges, and trees can all help achieve this. Tucking your swim spa away in a more private corner of your garden can actually increase how often you use it, as you'll feel more comfortable and less exposed.
Which Way Should My Swim Spa Face?
Well this is up to personal preference. You may want to position your swim spa so you can have a nice view when swimming. You may want to find the sunniest spot in the garden to ensure you’ll swim in a sun beam.
Swim Spa Installation Ideas
Over the years we’ve had all sorts of styles of swim spa installations. Fully surrounded by decked steps, spas with bars built around them, and our favourite- fully inground decked in swim spas.
Below grade spas swim spas are so luxurious. They seamlessly fit into the garden with garden furniture able to be placed around it. For a truly relaxing garden swim spa experience you should choose this option.
Swim spas are often used for exercise, so the most practical option would be a freestanding swim spa installation. Having the cover removable from above shoulder height can get you in your swim spa faster. With a freestanding swim spa, you can put decking around one side if you have a high deck off your house, or you can add plants around it to integrate the swim spa into your garden.
The Best Possible Spot for Your Swim Spa Is…
Still unsure of where to place your swim spa? English garden sizes can be unique, so we provide site assessments prior to each swim spa install. This ensures that our team knows that your swim spa can fit and they can give you best placement advice.
We know that installation is a big part of your swim spa journey, and you might have other questions along the way. If you'd prefer to chat with an expert, contact us or call us.
