Are Swim Spas Noisy?

Swim spas are rapidly gaining in popularity as urban backyards are shrinking and people have less time to want to maintain a traditional swimming pool. One question that people often have when considering buying a swim spa is if swim spas are noisy due to their motorized current. In the article below, we will explain how a swim spa works and what you can expect the noise level to be.

Swim Spa Current

Swim spas are equipped with a stationary current (think of a jet stream) that keeps bathers in place as they swim against the force. This enables people to swim as long as they want, in place, without having to do laps and turn around. Not only are swim spas great for their space-saving design, but they are an excellent way to get a challenging and low impact workout. As the intensity can be adjusted, swim spas can be programmed to deliver a wide range of resistance suitable for users of all fitness levels, and can also be used for walking, jogging, and aquacise.

Swim Spa Noise Level

If you have spent time in a hot tub before, the noise level of a swim spa is similar. Most swim spas are self-contained, portable units with insulation which wraps around the cabinet panels which will muffle most of the noise from the motor.  Additionally, when you are using the swim spa the sound of the current will also deaden the noise produced from the pump.

If you are concerned by a swim spas noise level, typically by choosing a high-quality model will ensure a quiet unit. One reason for this is that quality models typically offer full foam insulation which will mask most of the sound produced when the unit is running.

Consider Your Installation

Sometimes what material you install your swim spa on may influence the level of noise that you hear. For example, outdoor wooden decking can act similar to a drum and resonate a low frequency which can sound like a constant droning. To avoid this scenario, there are a couple of options.

The first would be to cut out the decking so that the spa can fit inside and pour a 4” concrete pad as the base to place it on. Another option is to place thick rubber mats between the wood decking and bottom of the space to create a barrier. Just make sure that with this option that the base is perfectly level, or your swim spa can become warped and damaged.

Paying Attention to Noise

Once you have become a swim spa owner, you will become accustomed to the sound that it makes. If at some point, it starts sounding different or making a strange noise, this can indicate that there is a problem with the unit.

Clicking - a clicking noise may sound innocent but if you are hearing a clicking noise and your pump is also not turning up to high speed, there may be an internal issue with the relays or contractors.

Squealing - If your swim spa is making a squealing noise, it is likely that there is an issue with the pump and it may need to be replaced. Typically, this type of noise will get louder over time and eventually lead to motor failure if it is not corrected.

Buzzing or Humming - can be an indication of the popping of a circuit breaker or that the pump or motor are having difficulty starting.

If your swim spa is making any of these noises, check to see if any error codes are being displayed on the console.

If you are particularly sensitive to noise, look for a whisper quiet swim spa model. While swim spas are not really noisy to begin with, there can be some differences between models and manufacturers.

Now that you know the answer to whether or not a swim spa is noisy, download a buyer’s guide to learn more about their features and benefits.