The amount of space required in your garden to install a swim spa will naturally be dictated by the overall size of the swim spa itself. It is best to test swim and decide on the right swim spa model for you before planning out the space for installation in your garden, unless you are lacking in space, then you will be limited to certain sizes.
Once you have selected the size that suits you and your family best, you will need to decide on how you want your swim spa installation to look and if you are going to sit the swim spa either above ground, semi recessed or completely recessed into the ground.
Above ground or recessed installation...
An above ground installation will generally take up the least amount of room, and give you access to all 4 cabinet panels, which when removed, exposes the equipment and plumbing for repairs and servicing. Steps can be made to be removable to provide comfortable access, plus the reinforced concrete slab base would be cast generally 50cm larger than the external dimensions of the swim spa on all four sides. This will also allow enough space for an engineer to work on the swim spa safely.
When a swim spa is either fully or partially recessed into the ground, a pit must be created that is fully drained, and also large enough for an engineer to be able to gain access to all four sides of the unit and carry out maintenance and repairs uninhibited. The further you go into the ground the more room is needed. Typically, a minimum of 75cm larger than the dimensions of the swim spa is required on all four sides to allow for sufficient space to remove panels and work effectively.
Is more space needed if a swim spa cover is installed?
Other considerations when planning out the space required for your swim spa installation is how you intend to store the covers when it is in use? Dependent on the size of the unit, the covers that come as standard will be in at least two sections that fold in half. The covers could potentially comprise of three or four pieces for larger swim spas.
The addition of a cover lifter will make removal of the two end covers, that fold in half, safe and easy, but different types of cover lifters require varying amounts of space to each end, for the cover to pivot over the back. This would usually fit within the 50cm to 75cm allowed for the base or pit for most installations. Consideration would need to be given for any further sections of cover that would need to be removed manually if a third of fourth section is used.
If the swim spa is installed either semi or fully recessed into the ground, traditional cover lifters may not work or leave a barrier that blocks the view at each end. Alternative cover options such as end to end roll up covers can solve this problem by condensing to just one end of the swim spa, but these will require a platform or shelf at that end for the cover to rest safely on when the swim spa is in use.
Using traditional covers in the same way is also possible with a platform at each end for the covers to rest on but this will require a shelf or platform suitable for the size of each section to rest on flat so as not to obscure the view. Further space would be needed for these dependent on the size of the covers, and the shelf would also need to be removable to allow access to the cabinetry panels and equipment for servicing and repairs.
The ultimate cover solution is the Covana Legend automatic cover. This rigid cover, when in the down position provides a perfect seal for optimal heat and moisture retention, but will gently rise up at the simple turn of a key to reveal the swim chamber and provide an overhead shelter. When installing the Covana Legend Automatic swim spa cover, space must be left for the legs of the cover to extend down each of the long sides of the swim spa and sit flat on the same level firm standing as the swim spa itself. Typically a minimum of 75cm free space all around the swim spa will allow enough room for installation and servicing of the Covana Legend Automatic Swim Spa Cover.
More information on swim spa space and installation requirements can be found in our Swim Spa Pre Delivery Guide....
View our Swimspa Pre-buyer's Guide
Interested in our swim spas, email MySpa on info@myspashop.co.uk, call us 0116 4645 870 or visit one of our showrooms!
MySpa Leicester, Dobbies Garden Centre, Loughborough Road, Leicestershire, LE7 7NL
MySpa Derbyshire, 37 Chequers Lane, Chaddesden, Derbyshire, DE21 6AW
MySpa Cheshire, Units 2&3, Old Mill Lane, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 7PA
