Swim spa prices in New Zealand vary by size, range and features, so the sticker price is only part of the cost. What you pay across the life of the machine also includes running costs, water, chemicals, maintenance and trade-in value. A well-insulated, efficient swim spa often costs less to own over time than a cheaper model that uses more power and needs replacing sooner.
You’ve heard about swim spas. You may even know someone who owns one. You love the idea of having access to the ultimate aqua fitness machine – an infinite lap pool, cross trainer, hydrotherapist and tranquil escape – just steps from your backyard.
The good news is that by choosing a high-end swim spa, you not only get a stunning swimming and soaking experience, you also get a machine that can ultimately save you money compared to a cut price option.
Want to know the truth about swim spa cost? Read on to find out more.
What should I know before buying a swim spa?
The key thing to know is that the sticker price is only part of the cost. Running costs, maintenance, longevity and trade-in value mean a cheap swim spa can cost more over its life than a premium one. At Hot Spring we’re New Zealand’s oldest and most trusted spa pool brand, and the world’s largest importer of Endless Pools machines, the original swim spa. We know a thing or two about wise spa investments, and we enjoy using our knowledge and expertise to help prospective swim spa owners avoid buying mistakes.
To gain a better understanding of swim spa cost, let’s begin with a hypothetical. You’re considering two different swim spa models from two different brands:
- Swim spa #1: A seemingly cost-effective option, this model retails for $30,000, but the brand is new on the scene, the feature list is unimpressive, and build quality appears to be lacking.
- Swim spa #2: Similar in size and style, this is a more premium option at $50,000. Made by an established brand like Endless Pools swim spas, the cost is a noticeable step up, but one that is reflected in the specifications, features and build quality.
Choose option one and you’ll save $20,000, right? Sure… but only on the day that you pay for it because swim spa #1:
- Isn’t well insulated and uses cheaper components, which means you face higher power bills.
- Lacks smart water care technology, which means spending more time on water care and replacing your water more regularly.
- Is more likely to break down. Warranty only lasts 12 months, and doesn’t include labour for installing replacement parts.
- It isn’t designed with longevity in mind, so you may be forced to repair or replace your swim spa sooner.
- Depreciates quickly, so resale or trade-in value is low.
- Lacks the high-end swimming and soaking experience that ensures you use it regularly.
Sure, swim spa #1 appears to be a comparative bargain on the day you buy it, but this value for money begins to decline as soon as that purchase is made.
What are the four key costs of owning a swim spa?
Four costs make up the real price: the upfront investment, running costs, maintenance and repairs, and trade-in value. A low upfront price often signals higher costs across the other three. Now that we know that advertised swim spa prices only tell part of the story, what other costs should you consider when forming a budget? The average cost of a swim spa over its lifetime can be broken down into four main categories.
1. The upfront investment
When browsing swim spa sizes and prices, there’s no doubt that you should take note of the initial outlay, as this will be the most significant one-time cost you’ll face. But lower shouldn’t be seen as better. In fact, a cut-price bargain should perhaps set off alarm bells, as cheap spas tend to have far higher running costs. Speaking of which…
2. Running costs
The amount you spend on power, water and chemicals and general swim spa running costs will depend on the technology and build quality of your swim spa:
- Power: Swim spas have a lot of water to keep warm. High quality insulation makes a huge difference to the amount of power you use, keeping more heat in and reducing the demand on your heater. High quality, efficient internal machinery will also help.
- Chemicals: Cheaper swim spas usually rely heavily on chemicals for water cleanliness, while higher quality machines use technologies like ozone generators to minimise chemical use.
- Water: The right water care system won’t just reduce chemical use – it’ll make your water last far longer. Every swim spa needs to be drained and refilled from time to time, and with swim spas holding up to 9000L of H2O, this can make a huge difference to your water bill.
3. Maintenance and repairs
Swim spa maintenance, and the occasional repair and replacement of parts, is key to ensuring your machine lasts longer and continues to perform at its peak. High quality swim spas come with high quality service, and are designed to last. The same can’t usually be said for cost-effective swim spas.
4. Trade-in value
Buyers have confidence in quality products from proven brands, so they hold their value: think Toyota cars and Apple electronics. Swim spas are the same – when you buy a new swim spa from a trusted brand, you’ll enjoy far better resale or trade-in value if and when you choose to upgrade, whether in five, 10 or 15 years’ time.
All in all, an above-ground or in-ground swim spa cost is more than just the sticker price. In fact the price is perhaps the most deceptive of all costs, as a low upfront investment can actually mean spending far more over the lifetime of the machine.
The best rated swim spas, meanwhile, tend to pay off their higher upfront costs – and then some.
Key takeaways
- The four real costs are upfront price, running costs, maintenance and trade-in value.
- The sticker price is the most deceptive cost, since a low one often means higher lifetime spend.
- Swim spas hold up to 9,000 litres, so heat retention is the key to keeping running costs low.
What does a swim spa cost, installed?
The sticker price of a swim spa is just the beginning. To understand what you'll really pay, you need to factor in the full installed cost, which is everything it takes to get your machine up, running and ready for that first swim.
Because a swim spa arrives pre-built, you avoid the excavation and lengthy construction that come with a traditional pool. But there are still a few things to budget for:
- The swim spa itself, which varies depending on size, range and the features you choose.
- Delivery and professional installation, which Hot Spring handles for you, including trickier placements.
- Site preparation, such as a 150mm reinforced concrete pad or an engineer-certified deck strong enough to hold the filled weight.
- Electrical, water and drainage connection, carried out by qualified, licensed professionals.
- Optional extras like an underwater treadmill or upgraded jets, if you want to take your fitness up a notch.
The good news? Most of these are one-off costs, and a well-prepared site keeps installation smooth and affordable. Because every backyard is different, the most accurate way to understand your installed cost is to request a quote from your local dealer.
Key takeaways
- A swim spa's installed cost covers the machine, delivery, site prep and connection, not just the sticker price.
- Arriving pre-built, a swim spa skips the excavation and construction a traditional pool demands.
- A well-prepared site keeps installation smooth; a dealer quote gives you the real number.
How much does a swim spa cost to run each month?
So how much will a swim spa add to your monthly power bill? As with most things swim-spa related, it depends, mostly on insulation, your local climate, and how often you dip in. The biggest factor by far is heat retention. A swim spa holds up to 9,000 litres of water, and keeping all of that warm is where most of your running costs go. A well-insulated machine with efficient internal components will hold heat beautifully and keep your monthly costs low, while a cheaper, poorly insulated model can quietly chew through power all year round.
There are three running costs to keep in mind:
- Power: this mostly comes down to heating, and it's kept in check by quality insulation, a well-designed cover and efficient machinery.
- Chemicals: higher-end models use smart water care, like ozone systems, to keep chemical use and costs to a minimum.
- Water: the better your water care, the longer your water lasts between drains and refills.
Because every model, backyard and region is different, the best way to get an accurate monthly estimate is to run your details through our energy calculator.
How much maintenance does a swim spa need?
Worried a swim spa will become another chore on your weekend to-do list? The good news is that, despite their size, swim spas are surprisingly easy to look after, especially models fitted with smart, automated water care. Because they're more compact than a full swimming pool, there's less water to manage and fewer surprises. Here's roughly what you can expect:
- Water care: anywhere from 5 minutes a week to just 5 minutes a month, depending on your system.
- Filter care: around 15 minutes at a time, up to four times a month.
- Draining and refilling: as often as fortnightly, or as rarely as once a year if your water is properly cared for.
The secret to keeping maintenance low is the quality of your water care technology. Cheaper machines tend to rely heavily on manual testing and chemical top-ups, which eats into your time and your wallet. Higher-quality swim spas use automated systems that test and balance your water for you, minimise chemical use, and stretch out the time between refills. Look after your machine, and it'll look after you, delivering years of clean, clear, ready-to-swim water with minimal fuss.
What are the different backyard water wellness options?
A swim spa is just one of many ways to bring wellness into your backyard, and it helps to know how it fits alongside the alternatives. At the simplest end sits the cold plunge, a compact, lower-cost option built for cold-water recovery and that invigorating post-workout reset. Saunas offer the opposite sensation, using dry or infrared heat to ease tension, aid recovery and create a relaxing ritual, all in a footprint that suits most homes.
A spa pool is the classic choice for warm-water relaxation and hydrotherapy, perfect for unwinding with family or soothing tired muscles at the end of the day. Step up in size and versatility and you reach the swim spa, which cleverly combines a pool, spa and fitness machine in one, letting you swim, exercise and relax year-round without the space a full pool demands. And if you want the space of a full-size pool without the upheaval of traditional concrete construction, a modular pool offers large-volume swimming and entertaining, built from pre-engineered panels for a faster, more streamlined installation.
The right option comes down to your space, your budget and how you most want to use your backyard, whether that's fitness, recovery, relaxation or all three.
Key takeaways
- Backyard wellness runs from cold plunges and saunas to hot tubs, swim spas and modular pools.
- A swim spa uniquely combines a pool, spa and fitness system in one compact footprint.
- The right choice comes down to your space, budget and how you most want to use your backyard.
Frequently asked questions on swim spa prices
Is a swim spa worth the money?
For anyone who wants year-round swimming, fitness and relaxation in one machine, a swim spa earns its cost through frequent use and a compact footprint. Choosing an efficient, durable model is what makes it good long-term value.
What is the price difference between a swim spa and a hot tub?
A swim spa costs more than a standard hot tub or spa pool because it is larger and includes a propulsion system for swimming. A hot tub suits relaxation and hydrotherapy, while a swim spa adds fitness.
How long does a swim spa last?
A quality swim spa can last many years, with Endless Pools spare parts guaranteed for 20 years. A cheaper machine may need repairs or replacement far sooner.
Is a swim spa cheaper than an in-ground pool?
Often yes, once installation is included. A swim spa is pre-built and avoids excavation, consent and construction, and it usually costs less to run.
Why choose an Endless Pools swim spa?
With a history stretching back to 1984, Endless Pools are the original swim spas, and still the best. Over the course of four decades the name has become synonymous with quality, longevity and innovation, all of which are key to creating a swim spa ownership experience that costs you less in the long run.
At Hot Spring we are the world’s largest importer of Endless Pools swim spas. We also happen to offer the most energy efficient spa pools in New Zealand, which cost as little as $1 a day to run.
We’re here for the long haul. We guarantee the supply of spare parts for 20 years, and unlike other swim spa brands, Endless Pools machines can actually last that long. Kiwis know us and trust us, which also means our swim spas offer unmatched resale value.
Packed with technology that makes for easier maintenance, lower bills and a more immersive swim-in-place experience, there’s a reason why more and more Kiwis are choosing Endless Pools swim spas.
Head to your local dealer for a test swim today!
