13 minute read //
Are you shopping around for a swim spa and wondering what brand is the best on the market? Whether you’ve started browsing online or visiting showrooms, you may have come across multiple claims that many swim spa brands are ‘the best’ and you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed.
I’m Anthony Shneikert, Managing Director of Spa Solutions which distributes hot tubs and swim spas in the UK.
With more than 20 years experience in the hot tub and swim spa industry, including selling, manufacturing and distribution, I’ve worked with multiple swim spa brands and retailers. With this background, I can identify for you which swim spa brands I believe make the top 5 list for the UK in 2024. This will help you work out which brand could be a good fit for you, as you make steps towards buying a swim spa.
Pinpointing the ‘best swim spa’ will be different for everyone. That’s because it depends on what your personal preferences are, as well as your budget.
By including – a brief history of each brand, key features, swim spa pricing, my personal thoughts on why I believe each brand makes the Top 5 – you should reach the end of this article feeling that you have a much clearer understanding about which swim spa brand could be an ideal option.
This article may include brands that are distributed by Spa Solutions, and listed in no particular order.
The swim spa brands I’ll be reviewing in this article are
Disclaimer – This article mentions brands not associated with Spa Solutions. You can view the list of brand owners at the end of this article. The price ranges mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of writing (May 13, 2024) and may change without notice.
How do swim spa brands fit into the ‘best’ category?
What defines a swim spa as the ‘best’ option will vary according to personal preference. However, I find that the following four factors are apparent across the brands I’ll be reviewing in this article, and contribute to a positive swimming, relaxing and maintenance experience.
Swim jets and training systems
A prominent feature for choosing a swim spa over a hot tub. I will summarise the type of jets used and if they’re equipped with a training system that caters for swimmers, aquafitness and/or play. Some brands offer a number of swim spa collections – those that are more designed for socialising or play, may have fewer swim jet and training features than those designed for advanced swimming and training.
Energy efficiency
A swim spa equipped with certain materials or systems that help reduce energy usage could contribute to higher upfront cost, and on the upside, lower running costs over the lifetime of the swim spa.
Watercare
A quality watercare system means healthy, clear water to swim in, and can also contribute to less maintenance and chemical usage over the lifetime of the swim spa.
Hydrotherapy and massage
Swim spas are generally fitted with at least two seats – this is where the combined benefits of a hot tub and pool come to play. The greater the quality of the swim spa, the better the quality of jets and hydrotherapy these seating areas are likely to be.
There are other factors you may want to consider while shopping around. You can learn more in a section further down this article – Other swim spa buying considerations
Best swim spa brands in the UK 2024
Artesian Spas™ swim spas
Artesian Spas was founded in Victorville, California in 1993.
They began distributing their products to the UK and Europe in 2002, before manufacturing swim spas started in 2007.
They offer 8 swim spa models, ranging from models for small spaces to dual zone swim spas in both linear and L-shape designs.
Artesian Spa Swim Spa Price
Artesian Swim Spas does not display pricing on their website.
One of their dealers Outdoor Living displays some of the TidalFit swim spa models on their website, along with pricing.
Artesian Spa Swim Spa models
TidalFit Active Plus EP-12 – £17,995.00
TidalFit Premium EP-14 – £19,995.00
TidalFit Core Swim 14 – Could not locate price online
TidalFit Pro EP-15 – £23,795.00
TidalFit DT-19 – Could not locate price online
TidalFit DT-21 – Could not locate price online
TidalFit DTL-6 – Could not locate price online
TidalFit DTL-8 – Could not locate price online
Artesian Spas™ Swim Spas – Key features
- Swim Jets and Training Systems: Many TidalFit swim spas are equipped with the Quad Swim System – made of 4 swim jets and 2 pumps. This system allows users to swim, run, walk, and row in the swim spa.
- Energy Efficiency: The Icyene™ full foam insulation and All Seasons Thermal Shield Cover helps retain heat and reduce swim spa energy consumption.
- Watercare: The optional Diamond AOP water treatment system uses ozone and UV light to maintain clean, clear water and reduce chemical usage.
- Hydrotherapy and Massage: Non-dual zone swim spas can be equipped with an optional hydrotherapy system, which includes Helix Jets. This system is designed to create a deep tissue massage for post-workout recovery and relaxation. Dual-zone swim spas come with this hydrotherapy system.
Artesian Spas™ Pricing
Artesian Spas™ does not display pricing on its website. You will need to request pricing by filling out a form online, or visiting one of their dealers. The pricing we have displayed is noted from retailer Outdoor Living.
Artesian Spas™ Pros
- 20+ years distributing
- Dual zone swim spas come in both linear and L-shaped designs
- Quality, versatile swim system
Artesian Spas Cons
- Full foam insulation can be challenging to work around, especially when navigating a leak or the source of a plumbing or electrical issue.
- Pricing not displayed on website. Only available on dealer sites.
- Diamond AOP water treatment system is optional
Master Spas®
Master Spas® was founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1996 and is one of the largest spa and swim spa manufacturers in the world.
They manufacture their spas in the United States and brought their first swim spa to the market in 2006. Master Spas® introduced swim spas to the UK in 2016.
Master Spas® has two swim spa collections, the H2X Fitness Swim Spas and the Michael Phelps Swim Spas.
You will find Master Spas® swim spas are available at a store in Bicester, Oxfordshire, as well as independent dealerships around the UK.
Master Spas® Pricing
Master Spas® does not display pricing on its website. However, pricing is available on dealer websites, including The Hot Tub Superstore.
Master Spas® swim spas range in price on their website from £21,995.00 to £45,995.00.
Master Spas® Swim Spa Models
Michael Phelps Swim Spas
MP Momentum Deep – £49,995.00
MP Signature Deep – £45,995.00
MP Force Deep – £41,995.00
H2X Fitness Swim Spas
H2X Trainer 19 – £36,995.00
H2X Trainer 12 – £25,995.00
H2X Therapool 15 – £24,995.00
H2X Trainer 15 – £28,995.00
H2X Therapool 13 – £21,995.00
Therapool D – £26,995.00
H2X Therapool SE – £23,495.00
H2X Challenger 15D – £32,995.00
H2X Challenger 18D – £36,495.00
H2X Challenger 19D – £39,995.00
Master Spas® Key Features
- Swim Jets and Training Systems
The H2X series features the VIP (Velocity Injector Plate) system, made of four air-injected jets. This creates a customisable swim experience for both casual swimmers and athletes.
The Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas Wave Propulsion™ Technology System features a propeller-based system to create a wide, deep and adjustable swim speed current. It mimics open water swimming and allows you to customise your workouts. - Energy Efficiency – Master Spas® Swim Spas are equipped with full foam insulation in the cabinetry as well as an Axis swim spa cover.
- Watercare – Master Spas® Mast3rPur™ water management system combines the use of ozone, UV-C light and a combination of copper and zinc in patent-pending EcoPur Charge filters to treat the water. This system can also reduce the use of chemicals.
- Hydrotherapy and Massage – Master Spas® swim spas include a range of hydrotherapy seats for massage relief to different parts of the body. They include jet configurations in seats that target the neck and shoulders, full body, as well as their patented Master Force™ bio-Magnetic Therapy system.
Master Spas® Pros
- Made in the USA
- Wave XP Propulsion System™, great for serious swimmers
- Offer x3 dual zone swim spa models
Master Spas® Pros
- Made in the USA
- Wave XP Propulsion System™, great for serious swimmers
- Offer x3 dual zone swim spa models
Master Spas® Cons
- Premium models are slightly higher priced compared to many brands
Hydropool
Hydropool is a Canadian hot tub and swim spa company that was founded in 1980. Before Hydropool, they started off as retailers of California Spa, Sauna and Fitness.
Hydropool is one of the earliest manufacturers of swim spas, bringing their AquaTrainer model to market in 1995 and entering the UK in 1997.
The company continues to manufacture products in Mississauga Ontario, Canada, and is now owned by Jacuzzi Brands LLC.
There are 11 Hydropool swim spa models across three collections – Executive Collection, Aquatic Collection and Play Collection.
Hydropool Swim Spa Pricing
Hydropool swim spas range in price on their website from £21,495.00 to £44,99.00.
Hydropool Swim Spa Models
Executive Collection
Executive Sport 16EX – from £35,295.00
Executive Sport 19EX – from £39,495.00
Executive Trainer 16EX – from £40,495.00
Executive Trainer 19EX – from £44,495.00
Aquatic Collection
AquaSport 14AX – from £28,795.00
AquaSport 17AX – from £32,995.00
AquaSport 19DTAX – from £39,495.00
AquaTrainer 14AX – from £33,995.00
AquaTrainer 17AX – from £37,995.00
AquaTrainer 19DTAX – from £44,995.00
AquaPlay Collection
AquaPlay 13FFP – from £21,495.00
Key Features
- Swim Jets and Training Systems
The Executive and Aquatic Collections are equipped with patented V-Twin swim jet technology. These jets shred the vortex of water ejected from them to create a wide, smooth swim current. Generating more than 5,300 litres per minute, Hydropool claims this to be the highest volume of water generated in the industry.
The Executive Collection also comes with VFX swim control. It includes treadmill technology and allows you to adjust the speed of the V-Twin jets. - Energy Efficiency
The Hydrowise Thermal Shield system uses materials including a NASA inspired technology to provide insulation within the cover, cabinet and floor. This system works to trap heat and reduce heat loss in the water. - Watercare
Hydropool is known for its patented self-cleaning system which has a 6 part process. It works to remove debris from the surface and bottom of the swim spa and can filter the water every 40 minutes.
The optional PureWater system combines UV and ozone to purify the water. - Hydrotherapy and Massage
Hydropool swim spas are equipped with Zone Therapy. These 4 zones combine jet type, placement seat design and duration spent in each seat to provide hydrotherapy to different parts of the body and muscle groups.
Hydropool Pros
- Time in industry – one of the world’s earliest manufacturers of swim spas
- Quality swim technology
- Pricing displayed on website
Hydropool Cons
- Many features are optional, even on the premium Executive Collection
- Pricing may not fit all budgets
Endless Pools®
Endless Pools® was founded in 1988 by James Murdoch and its first products included a modular, customisable pool with a water propulsion system. Their lineup now includes a range of swim spas.
Endless Pools® entered the UK market in 2001 and have since been installed in more than 100 countries.
There are three swim spa collections – E-Series, X-Series and R-Series.
Endless Pools® are available through HotSpring® and as well as independent dealerships in the UK.
If you’re familiar with Fastlane® Pools, this is a swim resistance system that can be placed in an existing pool
Endless Pools® Pricing
Pricing is not displayed on the Endless Pools® website. However you will find pricing on the Hot Spring® UK website. Endless Pools® swim spas have starting prices ranging from £20,495.00 to £55,995.00.
Endless Pools® Swim Spa Models
H3 Endless Pools® Fitness Systems
E2000 – from £55,995.00
E700 – from £45,595.00
E550 – from £45,595.00
E500 – £39,995.00
SwimCross® Exercise Systems
X2000 – £43,995.00
X500 – £29,595.00
RecSport® Recreation Systems
R500 – £25,595.00
R220 – £21,995.00
R200 – £20,495.00
Key Features
- Swim Jets and Training Systems – The swim spas are equipped with an Endless Pools® swim machine which according to the Hot Spring® website, moves a turbulent-free current of water at a rate of up to 19,000 litres per minute.
- Energy Efficiency – Endless Pools® meet certified California Energy Commission standards and are equipped with an insulative ABS base pan to prevent heat escaping from the bottom of the hot tub
- Watercare – Endless Pools® swim spas use a combination of UVC light and Ozone to purify the water.
- Hydrotherapy and Massage – Equipped with hydromassage jets including rotary and directional jets within seating placed around the corners of the swim spa.
Endless Pools® Pros
- Time and reputation in industry – One of the earliest swim spa manufacturers
- Optional underwater treadmill
- Offer dual zone swim spa models
- Endless Pools® Swim Machine has 52 variable speeds for different swim levels
Endless Pools® Cons
- Higher retail price than other brands mentioned in this article
- Less swim and recreation space with Hydrodrive Current and Underwater Treadmill feature
Vortex® Spas swim spas
Vortex® Spas are a quality brand of swim spas and hot tubs designed in Australia and New Zealand.
The swim spas are manufactured in China and sold in more than 20 countries. Vortex® Spas also manufactures other hot tub brands including Fisher Spas™, Sun & Soul® and Arcadia Spas®.
Spa Solutions is also a distributor of Vortex® Spas in the UK. Vortex® Spas is owned by Jacuzzi Group, which manufactures Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs.
Vortex® Spas offers 5 swim spa models, including one dual-zone option – Vortex Hydrozone™.
Key Features
- Swim Jets and Training Systems: Equipped with up to four Vortex™ swim jets. More advanced options will also have a varied swim resistance system. The variety of swim jet numbers makes the Vortex® Spas range suitable for swimmers of all levels.
- Energy Efficiency: The ThermoLock insulation system works to reduce heat loss by trapping heat within the inside of the cabinet. The optional SpaNet Hybrid Heat Pump can save you up to 75% on heating costs, and the circulation pump and variable output heater are also designed to reduce energy usage.
- Watercare: The Purezone™ Automatic Water Care system utilises a UV-C steriliser and ozone generator to keep water clean and clear. It’s also low maintenance and reduces chemical use.
- Hydrotherapy and Massage: Up to 5 seats featured at one end of the swim spa, depending on the model. This includes jets that provide effective shiatsu style, soft tissue and pressure point massage.
Vortex® Swim Spa Pricing
Vortex® Swim Spas range in price from £22,795.00 to £34,995.00
Some models are available in varying depths of 1.3 and 1.5m. The 1.5m option is a factor in the price ranges for some of the models listed.
Vortex® Swim Spa Models
Vortex Aqualounge™ Pro £22,495.00
Vortex Aqualounge™ Pro Plus £22,795.00
Vortex Aqualounge™ Extreme £23,995.00
Vortex Aquagym™ Pro – £22,395.00
Vortex Aquagym™ Pro Plus – £22,695.00
Vortex Aquagym™ Extreme – £23,595.00
Vortex Aquagym™ Max Pro Plus – £25,595.00 to £26,795.00
Vortex Aquagym™ Max Extreme – £26,795.00 to £27,295.00
Vortex Aqualap™ Pro – £29,895.00 to £30,895.00
Vortex Aqualap™ Pro Plus – £30,895.00 to £31,895.00
Vortex Aqualap™ Extreme – £31,895.00 to £32,895.00
Vortex Hydrozone™ Pro – £31,995.00 to £32,995.00
Vortex Hydrozone™ Pro Plus – £32,995.00 to £33,995.00
Vortex Hydrozone™ Extreme – £33,995.00 to £34,995.00
Vortex® Spas Pros
- Highly innovative
- High quality cost and energy saving features including – insulation and water care systems
- Range of models cater for different uses whether it’s swimming, fitness, play, relaxation, or a combination
- Good warranties
- Optional ClearLift automatic cover – First of its kind in industry
Vortex® Spas Cons
- ClearLift is only available when ordered at the same time as the swim spa. Also only available on certain Vortex® Swim Spa and Fisher™ Swim Spa models manufactured after 2023
- No option for a hydraulic driven treadmill
Other swim spa buying considerations
In this article I’ve kept key considerations to four – swim jets and training systems, energy efficiency, water care and hydrotherapy and massage.
There are of course other factors that you may want to weigh up as you browse options.
These include –
- Warranties – A swim spa manufacturer that offers good warranties is usually a good sign that they are confident in the quality of features and equipment including shell, frame and jets.
- Swim space – Some swim spas are equipped with more swim spa space than others. This is important to consider if you users of the swim spa are long-limbed, you plan to use it for swim strokes that require space, or you want to make sure there’s enough area to swim, if the model is equipped with training systems such as an underwater treadmill.
- Swim current – Swim jet placement, number and type of jets, as well as the design of the swim spa frame contribute to the flow of water around the swim spa, and how the water is ejected from the swim spa when these jets are activated. Some swim spas create a smoother swim spa than others. If you’re looking for a swim spa as a serious swimmer, this is an important point to keep in mind.
- Buoyancy jet – Some swim spas are equipped with a jet, beneath the core swim jets, which when activated, can help keep your body elevated in a horizontal position while swimming.
- Swim spa cover – Swim spas are longer than hot tubs, and therefore this means more cover to remove and replace. They can be heavy, particularly those that are equipped with quality insulation materials that prevent the swim spa from losing heat from the water. You may want to consider the type of insulated swim spa cover you go for – There are many designs on the market including a rolling cover, Covana cover, folding cover, or the Vortex® Spas automatic ClearLift™ cover .
- Accessibility – Depending on the swim spa brand and model, you will find some swim spas are equipped with walk-in steps, as well as optional swim spa steps. This may be an important consideration for you if you have younger people using the swim spa, it will be installed above ground, or you simply want ease of use and peace of mind when entering and exiting the swim spa.
- Accessories – There are many swim spa accessories on the market and depending on what you plan to use your swim spa for – swimming, aqua fitness, play, you may want to take a closer look at the accessories offered by different brands.
Is a swim spa worth it? What swim spa brand is best for me?
I hope this article has helped you better understand what swim spa brand may offer a model that could be the perfect swim spa for your needs, and you feel more confident as you continue or set out on your swim spa buying journey.
One of the best ways to determine what swim spa is the ultimate choice for you is to arrange a wet test. Depending on the showroom, you may even have the opportunity to test the waters in several swim spa brands.
This allows you to test the swim systems, get a feel for the swim space, hydrotherapy seating and answer any questions that come to mind with the sales person.
Interested in taking a closer look at Vortex® Spas? For more information you can browse our Spa Solutions product pages where you will learn all the key details, specific to each model.
You can also reach out to your nearest dealer. Their team of swim spa experts will be able to help guide you in the right buying direction, answer your questions and arrange a swim spa wet test.
Disclaimer: Vortex® Spas is a hot tub brand that Spa Solutions has exclusive distribution rights to in the UK.
Artesian Spas™ is a trademark owned by May Manufacturing LLC. Vortex® Spas, Vortex Aqualounge™, Vortex Aquagym™, Vortex Aqualap™, Vortex Hydrozone™ are trademarks owned by Vortex Leisure Pty Ltd. Master Spas® is a trademark owned by MasterSpas LLC. Endless Pools®, Hydrodrive™, Swim Cross®, RecSport® and Fastlane® are trademarks owned by Owl Acquisition Corp. Hydropool is a trademark owned by Hydropool Inc.