The Great Swim Spa Test (Field Report)

Test subjects for our Swim Spas

We invited 6 couples who are currently looking to buy a swim spa. These couples all have one thing in common, they are a couple, middle aged and have looked into the subject before. Two of the 6 couples have also tried a swim spa before with another vendor. For one couple, it's their 4th try.

We interviewed the couple with the 4th attempt and the other couple that had also already done a Swim Spa test and they were told each time that the swimming behavior, intensity and various other characteristics were unique. Both couples could not properly reciprocate this sentiment. According to their testimony, many unique selling points were often just used by a different naming convention with other vendors. In conclusion, it is very difficult for these customers to recognize what really speaks for a provider and what will ultimately be standard.

The theoretical dry test before going into the water

We first opened all the models and put them through their paces. What matters here, especially for swim spas:

• A thick, hard plastic base, preferably ABS (it's inexpensive but very hard), it can also be other types of plastic that have a similar hardness.
• The framework made of stainless steel. You can feel the robustness.
• The lines should be glued and clamped at every point, from fitting to hose and vice versa.
• At full power, check all nozzles for leaks.
• Balboa or Gecko control unit - which systems are installed?
• What type of jets are used in the Swim Spa and do they have an effect on the float?
• What are the advantages of various floating nozzles and do they have any positive effect at all? (the test candidates had read a lot here and did not know whether there are now big differences).
• Topic energy costs and how to reduce them. Demonstration of the energy costs with a 3 KW heating element at 2 degrees Celsius outside temperature over 8 hours a day and conclusions. Also a Swim Spa with almost identical water volume with an Infinitas Power Heat air source heat pump (conditions identical in temperature).
• Inner shells material acrylic, how it looks in the state of purchase, what happens to it and the importance of the strength it must have once had. Furthermore, what layers were put on to change the thickness of the acrylic.
• Swim spa items (US, EU, CN standards)

All 6 pairs agreed that no savings were made on the materials. All individual parts and raw materials are from well-known manufacturers and can be easily procured within Europe, this was made clear by illustrating the many suppliers on the Internet. All components (valves, drains, fittings, pumps and technology) were examined. This makes it possible to replenish the equipment at any time and independently, should a supplier or manufacturer no longer exist.