Swim spas are a wonderful cross between a backyard swimming pool and a relaxing hot tub. Starting at a length of four to six metres, these compact yet spacious spa pools require careful planning and installation.
Sapphire Spas, home of high-quality Australian-made spas, has outlined the ten key steps for a successful swim spa installation.
1. Choose a Swim Spa2. Get Planning Approvals3. Prepare and Excavate The Site4. Install The Concrete Slab5. Prep Electricals6. Organise Your Swim Spa Delivery7. Install Your Swim Spa8. Add Decking And Steps9. Get Final Council Approval10. Plan Structural Landscape Design As Required
The first step is understanding which swim spa best fits you and your lifestyle. Since a swim spa is a significant commitment, carefully consider size, features, and budget.
Size and space: Check the available space in your backyard, deck, patio or balcony to figure out what spa dimensions will fit comfortably.
Sapphire Spas is here to assist you in finding the perfect swim spa that aligns with your budget, space availability and required features. Follow this guide to choosing a swim spa for more detailed instructions.
A Sapphire swim spa is a great way to enjoy all the benefits of a spa and a pool in the comfort of your own home. Swim Spas offer many benefits over traditional pools, they are portable and self-contained, so there’s no need for excavation or plumbing work. They can replace a gym membership, with your choice of swim jet configurations to ensure you can walk, run or competitively swim in your own backyard. They also replace your masseuse, make the most of your free time sitting back and enjoying the hydrotherapy massage jets as they wash away your muscle aches and pains. Plus, with their integral heating, a Sapphire Spas swim spa is a true all-seasons swimming pool solution. Make the most of your time with a Sapphire Spas swim spa, the perfect way to work out, relax or play.
Once you’ve purchased a swim spa that fits your lifestyle needs, space considerations, and budget, the next step is getting planning approval from the council.
Spa pool regulations can vary depending on your state and council, so we recommend getting in touch with a local, certified builder or construction engineer to design a compliant slab and produce technical drawings to the council’s required standard.
Above is an example of a technical drawing of a myWorkout4.5m swim spa for a Gold Coast customer.
Caption: Excavation of a Manawatu site for installing a myWorkout5.0m swim spa.
Once the planning has been approved, the next important step is preparing the area for your swim spa.
This involves preparing a level space, putting up a retaining wall (if necessary), and ensuring the foundations are just right.
Concrete slab preparation for installing a myWorkout4.5m swim spa.
A swim spa needs a solid, concrete base to sit on, making sure it's secure and level.
For this installation of myWorkout4.5m swim spa in the Gold Coast, the owner wisely connected with a certified concrete contractor who was a pro at handling the concrete work. This ensured a sturdy and well-done foundation for the swim spa.
Electrical work should always be done before the concrete slab preparation stage. Swim spas need a specific power setup, so planning this out in advance is crucial.
For example, the premium myWorkout4.5m swim spa features three hydro jet boost pumps for a powerful swim stream. You'll need wiring rated to a minimum 45 Amp load to run this model.
You'll receive all the necessary technical documents and specifications with your spa purchase. These are for your electrician to use when setting up the correct circuit and power supply.
It’s time to bring your swim spa home! Before it arrives, make sure there's a clear path for the delivery vehicle, like a crane or truck, from the driveway to where you want your spa.
Your Sapphire Spas dealer can guide you on the space needed. The driver will try to get as close as possible for unloading, but you'll need to be there to help and have enough people to move the spa into place.
Check your spa's dimensions and consider whether it needs tilting to fit through small spaces. Always choose a reliable delivery company with insurance.
If access to the site is a bit tricky, chat with your local Sapphire Spas store to explore any extra steps needed, like using a crane, which might not be included in the standard delivery.
The Sapphire Spas team has experience delivering spas to the most difficult sites, like apartment balconies and rooftop terraces. We'll work with you to find the best solution for a smooth and stress-free delivery, ensuring your spa reaches its destination, no matter how unique the setting.
Once the spa is delivered, we can finish the electrical and plumbing connections and start filling the spa.
The Sapphire Spas team is happy to guide you on using your new spa, but we also suggest checking out our online resources for more info and tips to make the most of your spa experience!
It’s time to accessorise and add the finishing touches to your swim spa haven! Given the elevated height of our swim spas, we highly recommend considering a deck or exploring our stair options to guarantee safe and comfortable access to your spa.
Our swim spa access stairs are designed for safety and to complement the spa's style and enhance the overall aesthetic of your chosen space.
We suggest incorporating a shade cloth into your spa area during the design phase to ensure year-round use and provide extra protection. This adds a stylish touch to your backyard and completes the entire spa setup.
Once the spa is installed and connected and all safety measures are in place, including obtaining certificates of compliance from the involved tradespeople, you'll be ready to apply for final approval from the council.
Many councils in Australia require swimming pools and spas to be registered before use. That's why enlisting qualified and registered tradespeople for your spa installation is crucial to ensure a smooth process from start to finish.
Consider landscaping around the swim spa to create a cohesive and visually appealing outdoor space. This could be anything from a simple waterfall to an elaborate fountain.
If you don't have the space for a water feature, you could always add some plants or shrubs around the spa pool. This will make it more of a private space that you and your family can enjoy together.
With these ten steps, you're well on your way to enjoying the benefits of a swim spa in your backyard. Getting your swim spa installed might take some time, but it's all worth it for the fantastic results!
Whether coordinating with the local council or picking out the perfect accessories, having a spa from Sapphire Spas installed means years of pure enjoyment. Browse our collection of premium, Australian-made swim spas and get in touch with your local Sapphire Spas distributor for more details on installation.
