As homeowners increasingly prioritize both wellness and environmental responsibility, swim spas have emerged as a surprisingly eco-friendly alternative to traditional swimming pools. At Great Bay Spa & Sauna, we’ve seen growing interest from environmentally conscious customers seeking aquatic fitness solutions that align with their sustainability values.
Modern swim spas like our Hydropool and Sundance® models offer remarkable efficiency advantages that not only benefit the planet but also reduce long-term ownership costs. Let’s explore how today’s swim spas deliver an impressive combination of wellness benefits and environmental stewardship.
Water Conservation: Doing More with Less
The most obvious environmental advantage of swim spas is their significantly reduced water consumption compared to traditional swimming pools. Consider these comparisons:
The AquaPlay 13FFP, one of our most popular family swim spas, holds just 1,345 gallons of water. A standard inground pool typically contains 15,000-30,000 gallons—that’s 10-20 times more water required for installation and maintenance.
This water efficiency extends throughout the lifecycle of your swim spa:
Reduced initial filling: Getting your swim spa ready for first use requires a fraction of the water needed for a traditional pool.
Less frequent draining: Most swim spas only need complete water changes 2-4 times per year, depending on usage and water care. With proper chemical maintenance, Hydropool’s Self-Cleaning system can extend water life significantly.
Minimal water loss: Quality covers like those included with our swim spas drastically reduce evaporation—the primary source of water loss in aquatic features. This means less frequent topping off and water waste.
Lower backwash requirements: Traditional pools often waste hundreds of gallons during backwash cycles. Hydropool’s patented Self-Clean system features efficient filtration that minimizes water waste during cleaning.
In drought-prone regions or areas with water restrictions, this efficiency isn’t just environmentally responsible—it may make the difference between having aquatic fitness options or none at all.
Energy Efficiency: Innovative Design Reduces Consumption
Modern swim spas incorporate multiple design elements specifically engineered to minimize energy consumption while maintaining optimal performance.
Superior Insulation Systems
Our premium swim spas feature advanced insulation technologies that dramatically reduce heating costs:
Hydropool’s Thermal Shield Technology: This comprehensive insulation system captures waste heat from the motors and returns it to the water while providing multiple layers of thermal protection. The system includes:
- Full-foam cabinet insulation
- Reflective thermal barrier
- Heat-lock cover design
- Insulated flooring system
Sundance® SunStrong® Insulation: The SD-13 Stream™ and other Sundance® swim spas utilize their proprietary insulation system with multiple thermal barriers to maintain water temperature efficiently in all seasons.
Independent testing has shown these insulation systems can reduce energy costs by up to 30% compared to standard swim spa designs.
Efficient Circulation and Filtration
Energy efficiency extends beyond just heating. Modern swim spas incorporate circulation systems designed for maximum efficiency:
Self-Cleaning Technology: Hydropool’s patented system cleans 100% of the water every 40 minutes using significantly less energy than traditional filtration systems.
Programmable Filtration Cycles: Both Hydropool and Sundance® models allow customized filtration scheduling, enabling you to optimize energy usage based on your specific needs and local electricity rates.
Variable-Speed Pumps: Unlike older single-speed designs, today’s pumps adjust to provide only the necessary power for current operations, substantially reducing electricity consumption during maintenance cycles.
Intelligent Controls for Optimized Performance
Smart technology has revolutionized swim spa energy management:
Automated Temperature Management: Advanced systems adjust heating cycles based on actual usage patterns, ambient temperature, and cover status.
Smart Device Integration: Many of our models offer smartphone control options, allowing owners to manage energy usage remotely and prepare their swim spa for use precisely when needed rather than maintaining constant temperatures.
Energy Usage Monitoring: Built-in systems track consumption, helping owners identify opportunities for increased efficiency.
Reduced Chemical Usage: Better for You and the Environment
Another significant environmental advantage of modern swim spas is their minimal chemical requirements compared to traditional pools.
Advanced Water Purification: Systems like Hydropool’s PureWater and Sundance®’s MicroClean® Ultra Filtration significantly reduce the need for harsh chemicals:
- UV-C sanitizing technology neutralizes microorganisms without chemical additives
- Ozone systems provide powerful oxidation with fewer chemical byproducts
- Mineral-based sanitizers complement traditional methods, reducing chlorine or bromine requirements
Smaller Water Volume: With less water to treat, swim spas naturally require fewer chemicals by volume. This means fewer chemicals produced, transported, and eventually entering the environment.
Precise Dosing: The controlled environment of a swim spa allows for more accurate chemical management, eliminating the over-treatment that commonly occurs in larger pools.
For customers with chemical sensitivities or those concerned about environmental impact, these advancements make swim spas an exceptionally appealing option.
Extended Season, Reduced Environmental Impact
In New England’s variable climate, traditional pools often sit unused for 6-8 months of the year while still requiring maintenance resources. Modern swim spas offer year-round usability without the environmental cost of heating a full-sized pool in colder weather.
Four-Season Design: Models like the Executive Trainer 19EX are engineered specifically for year-round use in northern climates, with insulation systems that maintain comfortable temperatures even during harsh winters.
Targeted Heating: Unlike heating an entire pool, swim spas warm only the water actively being used, dramatically reducing energy consumption.
Usage-Based Efficiency: The ability to quickly adjust temperatures for specific activities—cooler for intense workouts, warmer for therapeutic purposes—means energy is never wasted on unnecessarily heating unused water.
Many of our customers report using their swim spas 3-4 times more frequently than they used previous traditional pools, creating better value from the resources invested in manufacturing and maintaining the system.
Sustainable Manufacturing and Materials
Today’s premium swim spa manufacturers have made significant strides in sustainable production practices:
Recyclable Components: Sundance®’s SunStrong® Frame is constructed from environmentally responsible galvanized steel that’s fully recyclable at the end of its long service life.
Energy-Efficient Production: Leading manufacturers have implemented energy-saving technologies in their factories, reducing the carbon footprint associated with production.
Durable Construction: Perhaps the most sustainable product is one that doesn’t need replacement. Modern swim spas are engineered for exceptional longevity, with shells, frames, and components designed to provide years of reliable service.
Responsible Shipping: Manufacturers have optimized packaging and logistics to reduce transportation emissions when delivering swim spas to dealers like us.
Smaller Physical Footprint
The compact design of swim spas delivers environmental benefits beyond direct resource consumption:
Reduced Construction Impact: Installing a swim spa typically requires minimal excavation compared to in-ground pools, disturbing less soil and landscape.
Less Concrete: Traditional pools often require extensive concrete work, a material with significant environmental impact during production. Swim spas eliminate most of this requirement.
Smaller Deck Areas: With less surrounding hardscape needed, swim spas allow for more permeable surfaces and natural landscaping, improving groundwater recharge and reducing runoff.
Flexibility and Relocatability: Unlike permanent pools, swim spas can be moved if you relocate, eliminating the resource waste of abandoning a pool or the environmental impact of demolition.
Making the Sustainable Choice
When evaluating aquatic fitness and relaxation options, consider these questions to assess environmental impact:
- What is the total water usage throughout the year, including filling, backwashing, and evaporation?
- How much energy will be required to maintain comfortable temperatures during your planned usage season?
- What is the expected lifespan of the system, and what happens to the materials at end-of-life?
- How much chemical treatment is required, and what types?
- Will the installation disturb existing landscape and natural drainage patterns?
For most homeowners, a quality swim spa will score favorably on all these measures compared to traditional pools or separate hot tub and pool combinations.
Finding Your Eco-Friendly Swim Spa at Great Bay Spa & Sauna
At our Portsmouth showroom, we feature a range of environmentally responsible swim spa options to match different needs and spaces:
For families: The AquaPlay 13FFP offers exceptional water efficiency with capacity for 8-10 people in a compact footprint.
For serious fitness: The Executive Trainer 19EX provides professional-level swimming and exercise capabilities with advanced energy management systems.
For versatility: The AquaSport 17 AX delivers an excellent balance of fitness features and relaxation options with comprehensive insulation for year-round efficiency.
For premium features: The Sundance® SD-13 Stream™ combines luxury with responsibility through its advanced filtration and energy management systems.
We invite you to visit our showroom to discuss how these eco-friendly options align with both your wellness goals and environmental values. Our expert staff can provide detailed information about the efficiency features of each model and help you select the most sustainable option for your specific needs.
By choosing a modern, energy-efficient swim spa, you’re making a choice that benefits both your family’s wellness and the planet’s health—a truly winning combination.
