Endless swimming · Year-round exercise · Small-yard fit
Swim Spas in Arizona
A swim spa gives you a current to swim against in place, so you get a full workout without turns, laps, or the footprint of a big pool. Built for Arizona yards and heat, it doubles as a warm, jetted spa — endless exercise and relaxation in one compact pool.
A swim spa is the best of both worlds: a continuous current to swim and exercise against, plus warm, jetted water to relax in when you are done. Because it fits where a full pool will not, it is an ideal answer for smaller Phoenix-metro yards and for anyone who wants to swim and stay fit year-round without driving to a gym or lap pool. We Fix Ugly Pools® has designed and built pools and spas across the Valley since 2001.
What is a swim spa?
A swim spa is a compact pool that generates a steady, adjustable water current you swim into, so you stay in one place and never hit a wall or have to turn around. It is sometimes called an endless-pool-style spa because the swimming is effectively endless — you set the current to your pace and keep going. Turn the current off and the same vessel becomes a heated spa with jets for recovery and relaxation.
That dual role is what sets a swim spa apart. In the footprint of a large spa, you get a lap-swimming workout, water aerobics, resistance exercise, and hydrotherapy — all in your own backyard. For a related compact option focused on cooling off and lounging rather than swimming, see our plunge pools.
Why Arizona homeowners choose a swim spa
Swim endlessly
Swim against an adjustable current with no turns, no walls, and no need for a long lap pool.
Year-round fitness
Swim laps, do water aerobics, or train with resistance in your own yard, any day of the year.
Fits a small yard
A swim spa goes where a full pool cannot, making it perfect for compact Phoenix-metro lots.
Spa & hydrotherapy
Switch off the current and relax in warm, jetted water that soothes muscles after a workout.
Faster to install
With a smaller footprint than a full pool, a swim spa is generally quicker to build and get swimming in.
Lower upkeep
Less water than a large pool means a more manageable surface and equipment to maintain.
A compact pool that does it all
Swim spas and plunge pools let us turn a small yard into a true backyard retreat — with room to swim, soak, and add water features. We build each one to match your home and finish it to the same standard as our full custom pools.
How does a swim spa work?
Swim spas create their current one of two ways. A jet-propulsion (pressure-driven) system uses a powerful motor — often around 4 horsepower — to push water through one or more jets. You can adjust the current speed to match your ability, which gives you a fully customizable workout, and the jets can also help direct your swim.
A paddlewheel system uses a rotating paddlewheel at one end to produce a smooth, wide current across the full width of the swim spa — sometimes as deep as about two feet — before circulating the water back to the wheel to keep it flowing. We will help you choose the system that fits how you plan to swim.
Who is a swim spa right for?
A swim spa suits homeowners who want to swim and exercise but do not have the space — or the desire — for a full-size pool. If your yard is small, if you want a dedicated lap-and-fitness pool, or if you would use a warm spa as much as the swimming, a swim spa is often the better fit than a large pool.
It is also a great match for anyone focused on health: endless swimming, water aerobics, and resistance training are low-impact and easy on the joints, and the spa side offers recovery right after. If you also want a stand-alone soaking option, explore our spas and hot tubs and custom hot tubs and spas.
Swim spa vs. a full pool: which is right for you?
A full custom pool is the right call when you have the yard and you want open water for the whole family to swim, play, and cool off, plus room for an attached spa, a sun shelf, and features. It is the backyard centerpiece most Arizona homeowners picture.
A swim spa makes more sense when space is tight or your priority is fitness and relaxation rather than open swimming. You get a current to swim against and a warm spa in a fraction of the footprint, usually for less than a full custom build and with easier upkeep. Not sure which fits your yard and goals? We will walk the space with you and give you an honest recommendation — sometimes that is a swim spa, sometimes a compact pool with a spa, and sometimes a full pool.
How we design and build your swim spa
Design consult
We measure your yard, talk through how you will swim and relax, and lay out the size, current system, and jets.
Written quote
A clear, written scope and price up front, so you know exactly what your swim spa includes before we start.
Build & plumb
We build the shell, install the current and heating equipment, and finish it to match your home and yard.
Startup & training
We set the current, heat, and jets, then show you how to run and maintain your new swim spa.
How much does a swim spa cost in Arizona?
Every swim spa is quoted after we see your yard, because the price depends on the size, the current system, the finish, and any features you add. As a point of reference, a swim spa is typically a smaller investment than a full custom pool build, which generally starts around $38,000 and rises with size, spa, and features. Because a swim spa uses a compact footprint, it can be a cost-effective way to get swimming and a spa in the same vessel. We will give you a clear, written quote once we understand your space and how you want to use it.
As seen in the news
Recognized across Arizona & national media
We Fix Ugly Pools and owner Brian Morris, “the Ugly Pool Guy,” hold a world record for the fastest pool build and have been featured by national and Arizona outlets, including as expert pool columnists for The Arizona Republic.
“They completely transformed our backyard. The crew was professional, the finish is gorgeous, and it’s held up beautifully in the Arizona heat. Worth every penny.”
Why homeowners trust us with their swim spa
- Licensed & insured. A licensed Arizona contractor (ROC KA5-275609 residential, KB2-304269 commercial, and KA5-353555).
- Built for small yards. Decades of fitting swim spas and compact pools into tight Valley lots.
- Swim & spa in one. Current system, heating, and jets designed around how you will use it.
- Honest, written quotes. You see the full scope and price before we break ground.
- 700+ renovations a year. Deep experience with pools and spas of every size.
- 4.9 stars from 305+ homeowners. Serving the Phoenix metro since 2001.
Thinking about a swim spa?
Get a free consultation and a clear, written quote for a swim spa built for your Arizona yard.