What is the Best Temperature for Your Swim Spa?

It’s a head scratcher initially. You purchase a swim spa, place it in your yard and then … where do I start? 

You want to set the temperature. Your fingers sit on the keypad, but you don’t know what number to put in. 

What do most people do? We get asked this often when people are shopping at our Hydropool stores, which is why we wanted to answer it here. 

What we find is that it varies, mostly depending on how you intend to use the swim spa. There is no one set temperature that people use, because a swim spa can be used for several different things. 

• If people are swimming in their swim spa or doing extensive workouts? Most people set their swim spas around 80 to 84-degrees Fahrenheit. 
• If they are using the swim spa for lounging or recreationally? The temperature can go higher, more like 95 to 102F. You can feel the warmth a bit more that way.   
• You can go even higher: Up to 104 degrees is where it maxes out. People in hot tubs usually do go higher. But keep in mind the movement in a hot tub is much, much less than in a swim spa. 
• You can also go lower. Down to 80 if you want, or at least down to ambient temperatures. (You’ll have a tough time getting it lower than the air around your swim spa). 

That’s your range of temperatures for your swim spa and what most Hydropool swim spa customers say they do. 

In this article, we’re going to talk about all sorts of temperatures and explain why the ones we just explained are commonly used. By the end, our hope is that you have a solid understanding of what temperature makes sense for you in your swim spa. 

 

 

What Temperature Should You Keep Your Swim Spa At? 

The ideal swim spa temperature depends on three core factors. 

• A lot depends on how you’re going to use it. 
• And a lot depends on where you’re located. 
• And a lot depends on what time of year it is. 

Let’s quickly go through each in turn. 

How Are You Going to Use Your Swim Spa? 

If you’re going to swim in it or work out in it extensively, then you’re going to want to keep the temperature lower than if you’re going to lounge in it. This is because while working out, you’re going to generate sweat, even in the water. It’s an odd effect, but to be aware you’re sweating while surrounded by water can happen!

That’s why we suggest starting lower, around 80F and working your way up from there if your plan is heavy workouts or swimming. Working out in a hot swim spa will only make you more tired. 

You might find that a tad on the chilly side at first, but it will warm up as you work out. Also, it will cost you less: the less you need your heater, the less your swim spa costs to operate. 

Swimming in your swim spa means you’re going to want to use a lower temperature so that you don’t overheat. This is a Hydropool Aquatic Sport. 

How Does Location Affect Your Swim Spa Temperature? 

This is a big change. If you’re in Arizona, cooler waters may be just what you’re looking for. If you’re in Calgary, Alta. or Boston, Mass., you may want something warmer, whether you’re working out or not. 

A swim spa will not get lower than ambient temperatures: it doesn’t have a refrigeration component to make it become colder than the air around it. That may mean you just want to click your heater right off in a warmer climate, to try and keep it lower (the heater will shut off if the water temperature is above it anyway).

How Does the Season Change the Temperature of Your Swim Spa? 

In the winter, do you want to swim in the cold? Maybe, if you’re training for a cold-water exercise. You can turn your swim spa down then (just keep it above 70 to keep your chemicals working properly to sanitize your swim spa).

On the other hand, if it’s cold out, you may prefer working out in a warmer swim spa. So we’d suggest starting at 85 in the winter and seeing if that works for you. 

A lot will depend on how hard you’re working out in the swim spa. 

What if I’m Not Working Out in the Swim Spa But Using it for Lounging? 

Then you may want to go as hot as you like – up to 104F is as high as your swim spa can go. We find most people don’t keep it that high however. Most people find that the mid-90s is warm enough for them to be able to use the seats and get a massage and feel comfortable. The slightly lower temperature also allows you to stay in the swim spa longer. 

There are those who like the high heat though! And you can always go up to 100F or higher. The cost is not that much of a factor here, so long as you’re keeping the heat stable. It’s easy to maintain a set temperature than it is to be adjusting frequently. 

Kids enjoy playing in swim spas. Given that they tend to be quite active, a temperature in the 80s is not unreasonable. The model here is a Hydropool Aquatic Trainer.

What is the Role Insulation Plays in Your Swim Spa Temperature? 

This is an area that a salesperson may want to talk your ear off. Insulation is one of the key differences between swim spa brands, and every company thinks theirs is best. In truth, different insulation methods have advantages and disadvantages. 

• One form of insulation is full foam, which sees every nook and cranny of your cabinet jammed with insulation. It has a few advantages, such as providing support for your plumbing and offering the most possible insulation. But it is also overkill: you’re paying for insulation you don’t require. It’s also a nightmare to repair: Trying to find a leak in a full-foam swim spa cabinet makes a heckuva mess, as you must pull all the foam out. 
• Mixed systems offer a compromise. Full foam in the middle of your swim spa, but with an insulation blanket on the outside provides support for the plumbing while allowing much greater access for repairs. 
• Additionally, perimeter insulation (essentially insulating the cabinet’s walls) is another method that traps heat in the swim spa. This is how your home is insulated and the method is highly adaptable to swim spas. 

What you want to confirm with any swim spa is that it can be sold in California. The U.S. state has the most strict regulations on swim spa efficiency, and as a result any swim spa must pass considerable testing to be sold there (all of Hydropool's swim spas can be sold in California). If your swim spa can be sold in California, that’s your first checkmark that is insulated okay and that it will actually hold the temperature you want it to. 

What is the Best Temperature for Your Swim Spa? 

The ideal temperature for your swim spa will depend almost entirely on how you use it. If you’re working out extensively then you may want it to be in around 80F. If you’re lounging or using hydrotherapy – the massage functions – then you’re going to want it higher, such as the mid-90s (and potentially going up from there). 

While some people have concerns about “what is the best swim spa temperature” in truth, this is an area that can be part of the fun of owning one. You’re able to change the swim spa temperature because people like the ability to customize or adjust the temperature to their liking. 

We hope this article answered all your questions about swim spa temperatures, but if we missed anything, don’t hesitate to reach out to a local Hydropool retailer.