Can't decide between a swim spa and a swimming pool? Our guide compares features, prices, and regulations to help you choose the right one for your needs.
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Swim spa or swimming pool? Detailed comparison and French regulations
The swim spa attracts more and more families in France every year, offering a perfect balance between the pleasure of swimming and moments of relaxation like a jacuzzi . Faced with the classic swimming pool and this multifunctional pool, the choice is not always easy, especially when you are looking to meet specific desires. In this article, we offer you a complete comparison between swim spas and swimming pools : sporting aspects, relaxation, French regulatory framework, selection criteria, and budget to consider. The key is a practical guide to help you determine the installation best suited to your needs and your lifestyle .
Swim spa or swimming pool? Detailed comparison and French regulations
The swim spa attracts more and more families in France every year, offering a perfect balance between the pleasure of swimming and moments of relaxation like a jacuzzi . Faced with the classic swimming pool and this multifunctional pool, the choice is not always easy, especially when you are looking to meet specific desires. In this article, we offer you a complete comparison between swim spas and swimming pools : sporting aspects, relaxation, French regulatory framework, selection criteria, and budget to consider. The key is a practical guide to help you determine the installation best suited to your needs and your lifestyle .
The swim spa is a hybrid device that combines the benefits of a swimming pool and a jacuzzi, providing a space dedicated to both exercise and relaxation. This compact pool is suitable for both outdoor and indoor use. Let's take a look at how it works, its technical features, and the main models available today.
The principle of the swim spa is based on counter-current swimming, created by powerful jets of water or a turbine, allowing you to swim in place, regardless of your level. You can thus adjust the intensity of the jets according to your desires, whether for a sports session or a more intense workout.
In addition, the swim spa incorporates relaxation areas, with ergonomic seats and massage jets to enjoy the benefits of hydrotherapy. The water is generally maintained between 27°C and 35°C, making it a year-round pool, unlike a traditional swimming pool.
To remember about its characteristics:
There are two categories of swim spas , to suit all desires and every space:
There are also smaller versions for indoor use, or larger models designed for family use, in the home or garden. These swimming spas can be installed above ground or in ground, depending on your space or style constraints. The high-end versions offer advanced equipment: LED lighting, integrated audio systems, and accessories for aquagym or swimming.
In summary, the swim spa appeals due to its versatility , meeting both the desire for sport and relaxation, and the search for an aesthetic pool that is easy to install at home.
The swim spa is attractive for its great versatility . It is aimed at both sports enthusiasts and wellness lovers, while providing real health benefits, both physical and mental.
One of the swim spa's strong points is its athletic appeal. Its counter-current swimming system allows users to swim on the spot, regardless of pool size. Users can adjust the jet intensity to replicate different levels of exertion and train effectively, right in the comfort of their own home.
The swim spa also offers other disciplines, such as aquagym and aquabiking , which are known for strengthening muscles and promoting rehabilitation. Thanks to the heated water, the risk of injury is reduced, accelerating recovery after exercise. Numerous pieces of equipment, such as water bikes, elastic bands, and grab bars, enhance the experience and transform this type of pool into a friendly sports space for young and old.
What makes the difference for physical activity:
The swim spa not only pleases athletes: it also offers a real relaxation space . Many models have dedicated areas with ergonomic seats, hydromassage jets and, sometimes, waterfalls. These features help release tension, boost circulation and provide an immediate feeling of relaxation.
The adjustable jets provide a variety of massage options, depending on your needs: gentle for overall relaxation, or powerful for targeting the back or legs. The combination of hot water and massage creates a soothing effect, similar to that experienced in a traditional hot tub.
The main benefits for physical and mental well-being:
In addition, the positive effects of hydrotherapy are scientifically established (source: French Hydrotherapy Federation). With a swim spa, it becomes easy to integrate all the benefits of water into your daily routine, to take care of both body and mind.
When choosing between a swim spa and a traditional pool, it's important to consider usage, cost, installation, and comfort to help you make the right decision. We've broken down the key differences into a clear table, followed by an analysis to better understand the benefits and limitations of each option.
| Critère | Spa de nage | Piscine traditionnelle |
|---|---|---|
| Espace requis | 12 à 20 m² | 20 à 80 m² |
| Usage sportif | Nage sur place, aquagym, contre courant | Nage libre, jeux, plongeon |
| Détente/massage | Oui, jets hydrothérapie | Non (sauf spa à côté) |
| Température de l’eau | Réglable (10°C à 40°C) | Température ambiante, peu réglable |
| Saison d’utilisation | Toute l’année (eau chauffée) | Principalement de avril à septembre |
| Entretien | Simple, rapide (faible volume) | Plus complexe, gestion du volume |
| Installation | Rapide, souvent sans gros travaux | Travaux importants, permis requis |
| Coût d’achat | 18 000 à 40 000 €* | 20 000 à 50 000 €* |
| Consommation d’eau | Faible (10 à 20 m³) | Élevée (40 à 80 m³) |
| Personnalisation | Jets, accessoires, LED, audio | Forme, fond, revêtement |
| Aspect convivial | 2 à 6 personnes (relaxation) | Jusqu’à 20 personnes |
*Prices vary depending on brand, quality, and options. Sources: Fédération des Professionnels de la Piscine (FPP) , 2023 manufacturer data.
Before deciding, it is essential to think about your uses, your comfort needs, your budget, and the time you want to devote to maintenance.
The advantages of the swim spa:
Points to consider:
The strengths of the traditional swimming pool:
Its limits:
The advantages of the swim spa:
Points to consider:
The strengths of the traditional swimming pool:
Its limits:
Installing a swim spa at home requires compliance with French regulations, which vary depending on the size of the pool, its location (indoor or outdoor), and the type of installation chosen. We'll review the key points you need to know to install a swim spa with complete peace of mind and avoid unpleasant surprises during the purchase or installation process.
The law makes a distinction based on the surface area of the swim spa and how it is integrated into the property. For a swim spa less than 10 m² installed above ground, it is generally not necessary to apply for a permit. As soon as the pool is buried or exceeds 10 m², certain administrative procedures are required.
We recommend that you always consult your local council for a list of applicable regulations, as regulations may vary from one municipality to another. Regarding safety, equipping a pool accessible to children (alarm, cover, barrier) is not systematically mandatory for swim spas, unlike in-ground or semi-inground pools, but remains highly recommended (source: Fédération des Professionnels de la Piscine).
Installing a swim spa indoors , in an existing room, does not in principle require any declaration, as long as the structure of the house is not modified (no extension, no raising). Priority will be given to compliance with electrical, waterproofing and ventilation standards.
For an outdoor swim spa , the situation differs:
Finally, the development tax generally applies to any pool larger than 10 m², particularly when it is fixed or built outdoors. This does not apply to the models we offer on our website.
In short, installing a swim spa at home is much more affordable than a standard pool, but it's essential to check the regulations with your local authorities. We recommend getting a detailed quote and consulting a qualified professional to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements in force in France.
Finding the perfect swim spa for your home depends on several important factors: the space you have available, how you'll use it, technical constraints, and of course, your style preferences. Here's what to consider to make your purchase a success and ensure the installation is perfectly suited to your needs.
The size of your swim spa pool should be carefully chosen based on your space and what you expect from your equipment. A small swim spa (4 to 5 m) fits easily into an urban garden or indoors, while a larger model (6 to 8 m) offers more space for swimming or enjoying with others. Don't forget to consider depth and width to ensure the swimming space truly meets your expectations.
Regarding installation, it all depends on the model. Some swim spas are simply installed above ground, which limits the work. Others require a semi-buried or buried installation, with excavation and specific connections (electricity, drainage). The choice will also be influenced by the layout of your land and the available access.
For amenities, choose swim spas with powerful jets, precise massage options , and an efficient filtration system. High-end models often offer:
Design also plays an important role. Some designer swim spas have a contemporary look, with clean lines, different colors, or a mirror-effect overflow. Your swim spa pool should blend harmoniously into your exterior or interior.
A determining factor is energy consumption and ease of maintenance . Choose a swim spa with reinforced insulation, such as polyurethane foam or triple insulation: this ensures a stable water temperature and controlled bills, even in winter.
The amount of water required remains modest: depending on the size chosen, a swim spa uses between 10 and 20 m³ of water, while a traditional swimming pool uses 40 to 80 m³. It remains essential to provide effective water treatment: suitable filtration, disinfection with UV or ozone, thermal cover to limit evaporation and impurities.
Daily maintenance is simplified thanks to modern technologies: self-cleaning filters, easy access to the technical circuit (pumps, filters, heating). This allows you to enjoy your swim spa all year round, without spending a lot of time maintaining it, while reducing associated costs.
By taking the time to determine your needs in terms of size, installation type, equipment, design, insulation, and maintenance, you can choose a swim spa that truly fits your lifestyle. Don't hesitate to consult experts like Quality Spa to compare different swim spa models and find the one that perfectly suits your project.
The budget for a swim spa varies depending on several criteria: pool size, range, onboard technology, equipment and installation costs . To organize your project, let's detail the different expenditure items to anticipate.
Swim spa prices range widely, depending on the model and manufacturer . Compact models, ideal for an indoor space or small garden, start at around €15,000 to €18,000 . At this level, you get a counter-current swimming system, a few hydromassage jets, and basic insulation.
As you move upmarket – with more space, sophisticated jets, a powerful turbine, or options such as LEDs or an audio system – prices generally range between €22,000 and €35,000 for a dual-zone swim spa or an infinity-edge model with a sophisticated design. Premium versions, designed for intensive sports use or the relaxation of a large family, often reach more than €40,000 .
The main elements that influence price include:
In addition to the purchase price of a swim spa, there are installation and operating costs . An above-ground installation is often the simplest and most economical solution (between €1,000 and €3,000 ), while a semi-buried or buried spa requires earthworks, electrical connections and sometimes the intervention of a specialist to ensure waterproofing: this can represent €3,000 to €8,000 depending on the complexity of the project.
Daily use of the swim spa involves other expenses:
In terms of water consumption, a swim spa often proves to be more economical than a large swimming pool, with an average of 10 to 20 m³ per year . Modern filtration systems also reduce cleaning time and maintenance costs.
Ultimately, the total cost will depend on the model chosen and the necessary fittings . To refine your budget and choose a swim spa that meets your needs, it is best to request a detailed quote from a professional such as Quality Spa, who will be able to guide you through each step of the project.
It all depends on your desires, the space you have available, and the budget you want to dedicate to your project.The swim spa appeals for its versatility, perfect for practicing swimming at home, treating yourself to moments of relaxation, and enjoying a wellness space accessible all year round, even indoors or on small plots. Its ability to combine sport, relaxation thanks to hydromassage jets, and temperature control meets a variety of daily needs. The swimming pool, meanwhile, remains a safe bet for large families, lovers of shared swimming, and those looking for a large, convivial space in the summer. Before taking the plunge, take the time to define your priorities, compare each solution, and to ensure a result adapted to your lifestyle as well as French standards, don't hesitate to consult a professional like Quality Spa.
The swim spa has a few limitations to be aware of: its purchase price remains high, its swimming space is smaller than a traditional pool, and it consumes more electricity, particularly for heating the water. Its capacity, often reduced compared to a large pool, can also be a barrier for large gatherings of loved ones.
The budget for a swim spa starts at around €15,000 and can exceed €40,000 for high-end or highly equipped models. Also to consider: installation costs (between €1,000 and €8,000 depending on the configuration) and annual maintenance, electricity, and water costs that generally range between €500 and €1,300.
Installing a swim spa sometimes requires a prior declaration of work , especially when the surface area exceeds 10 m². For pools larger than 100 m² (very rare cases), a building permit is required. It is also advisable to consult the local urban planning plan (PLU) at your town hall to ensure compliance with local regulations.
