Most companies are a little secretive when it comes to sharing the cost of a swim spa (aka endless pool or plunge pool). That’s frustrating for buyers, whose first question is almost always “How much does a swim spa cost?” That’s why we’re breaking tradition with this post, which offers price ranges, installation estimates and money saving tips.
Swim spa Costs: At A Glance
Swim Spa Purchase Price
The purchase price for swim spas can range from approximately $7,000 CAD to upwards of $40,000 CAD depending on the features and customizations you want. While swim spas definitely aren't cheap, year-round swimming, easy maintenance, installation flexibility and the option to take it with you when you move really help to make up for the initial sticker shock.
Entry-level models
$7,000 CAD to $15,000 CAD
PRO
- sticker price
- possibility for year-round use
- easy to maintain
- installation flexibility
CON
- cheaper quality
- a limited number of features
- lacking climate toughness for Canadian winters
- prone to equipment breakdowns
"Built For Canada" models
$18,000 CAD to $40,000 CAD
PRO
- high-quality
- built for year-round use
- easy to maintain
- installation flexibility
- lots of features
- great warranty
- less expensive than a pool
CON
- more expensive purchase price
Why the price ranges?
Once you’ve chosen your manufacturer, prices will increase as the size of your swim spa increases (the smallest models are less than 12-feet long, and the largest models are 19+-feet long). Standard accessories also influence price. Want the maximum number of therapeutic jets? Built-in stairs that double as workout tools? State-of-the-art filtration? You’re looking at a premium swim spa. Optional accessories (some of which are simply unnecessary bells and whistles) will affect your price as well.
The bottom line
A swim spa installed above ground will definitely be less expensive than an inground pool, but it won't be cheap. Of course, we’ve heard rumours of swim spas from China for $5,000 USD plus shipping, and know of “entry-level” swim spas manufactured offshore and sold in the U.S. for less than $10,000 USD. If you opt for one of these you’re getting what you paid for—which isn’t much.
To get a high quality swim spa with an excellent warranty that can stand up to the Canadian climate, budget for the price of a luxury, Canadian-made hot tub and double it—in other words, prices in the range of $18,000 to $40,000, depending on size. (This is still less than a small fiberglass pool, however.)
Always remember that the manufacturer’s suggested retail price is just a starting point for pricing. The time of year, the model you’re interested in, and incentives from the manufacturer or retailer will all mean a unique price, customized just for you.
Delivery & Installation Costs
Delivery and installation costs will vary depending on the scope of the job. Crane-delivery, electrical needs and landscaping considerations should all be included when considering cost of delivery and installation. At Buds, we provide detailed information and connect you with preferred suppliers to make delivery and installation a breeze.
Delivery and installation costs can include (but are not limited to):
- crane delivery
- site preparation
- landscaping and design
- electrical & plumbing work
Above ground delivery & install costs
$3,000 CAD to $5,000 CAD
* This price range is for an above ground install. If you install inground, your final price will be closer to a small inground pool.
How much does installation cost?
We recommend budgeting $3,000 to $5,000 for above-ground installation. Prices vary based on whether you need to have your swim spa craned into place, need a new concrete pad poured, or need electrical work done because the pool is located far from an outlet, or your electrical panel needs to be upgraded. This doesn’t include the price for decking around the pool to create a built-in look.
Installation of in-ground or partially-inground swim spas will be more expensive than above-ground installations because they require excavation, structural support, drainage and backfilling, along with the possibility of plumbing and electrical work. A site inspection is required to properly estimate the cost of an in-ground installation, but you'll be looking at a cost closer to a small inground pool.
Swim Spa Maintenance & Repair Costs
Compared to a full-sized pool, swim spa maintenance and repair costs are usually inexpensive. However, like appliances, cars, and other electronics, different models and manufacturers will have different maintenance and repair costs.
While an entry-level swim spa may be less expensive to purchase, lower quality parts and components can lead to costly repairs down the road.
You get what you pay for
Lower end swim spas and swim spa manufacturers keep their prices down by making you compromise on something. Maybe it’s the quality of the spa experience, with less effective massage jet and less comfortable seating. Or it could be the quality of the swimjets, meaning it’ll be harder to stay in your swim lane, there will be no wave pool experience and you can forget boogie boarding. Perhaps it’s the quality of the shell, the insulation, or the warranty, meaning you’ll be springing for costly repairs sooner than you’d like, and your monthly operating costs will be higher.
Premium swim spa manufacturers invest in research and development so there’s no compromise. The spa will include the features available in the most luxurious of hot tubs. The swim will be enjoyable for every member of the family. Innovation in filtration and insulation keep operating (and maintenance) costs down. They’ll be built to handle anything a Canadian winter can throw at them.
How To Save Money On A Swim Spa
Ask Questions
Your initial investment may be a one-time cost, but every swim spa owner will have ongoing costs for electricity, water, and chemicals. Ask specific questions about the insulation, whether the pool uses waste heat from the pump to minimize electricity costs, the quality of the filtration system, and the insulation value of the cover. If the retailer or manufacturer talks around your question or starts using confusing jargon, ask whether you can talk to customers about their electricity bills. Don’t forget to ask about summer and winter costs.
Purchase In The Off-Season
You may also receive more favourable pricing if you order during the offseason. Buy your swim spa in the fall, winter or early spring and get dollar discounts or optional add-ons for free. You’ll also increase the chances that a floor model or scratch ‘n’ dent model is available for purchase from the manufacturer.
Buy From A Dealer
Finally, buy from a reputable dealer and a local manufacturer. This will keep the price of parts and service to a minimum if they’re required after the warranty is no longer valid. A reputable dealer will also offer you money-saving tips and information to prolong the life of your equipment.
More swim spa questions to ask your retailer
- Why is this manufacturer less expensive (or more expensive) than the competition?
- Do you service your what you sell? If so, do you use factory-trained professionals or contract the work?
- What are the features in this swim spa that will save me money?
- How much does it cost a month to operate in the summer? The winter?
- What do you recommend to keep my installation costs down?
- Can you help me find reputable, affordable installers?
- What can you do to sweeten the deal for me?
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