Endless Pools vs Swimming Pools

We're breaking down the pros, cons and considerations of both Endless Pools Swim Spas and Conventional Swimming Pools so you can explore which option is ideal for your home.

Swimming pools have long been a desirable home addition, offering fitness, relaxation, and entertainment benefits. However, homeowners now face a variety of pool options, with two standout choices: Endless Pools and conventional swimming pools. Each comes with its unique set of features and considerations. In this guide, we’ll focus on Endless Pools’ swim spa offerings compared to conventional swimming pools and explore the pros, cons, and key considerations of both options to help you decide which is best suited for your home and lifestyle.

What is an Endless Pool?

An Endless Pool is a compact system designed to generate a powerful current, allowing swimmers to swim in place. Unlike conventional swimming pools, which require a larger space for laps, Endless Pools provide a space-saving solution while delivering a full swim experience. They are particularly popular in the UK due to their indoor installation options and year-round usability, making them ideal for climates with shorter summers.

In addition to swimming, many Endless Pools are designed as swim spas, combining hydrotherapy features with resistance-based swimming. This makes them a popular choice for homeowners looking to combine wellness, relaxation, and fitness. Learn more about the benefits of Endless Pools swim spas here

The Endless Pools Swim Spa Range

Endless Pools offers three distinct Swim Spa ranges: the E-Series, X-Series, and R-Series, each designed to cater to specific needs—whether for fitness, relaxation, or family-friendly activities. With adjustable currents and customisable features, each range delivers a personalised swimming and hydrotherapy experience.

E-Series

The Endless Pools E-Series offers a premium swimming experience that combines fitness and relaxation. Its smooth, adjustable current allows for a customised workout to help you reach your fitness goals. For post-workout relaxation, the E-Series features hydromassage seats, ideal for soothing sore muscles. Its elegant design integrates seamlessly into any garden or indoor space. Learn more about the E-Series here.

X-Series

Designed for all levels, the SwimCross (X-Series) features an innovative 4-jet system that provides a powerful, adjustable swim current for endurance and strength-building exercises. With hydromassage seats for post-swim relaxation, the X-Series is ideal for both fitness and comfort, catering to recreational swimmers and those in training. Learn more about the X-Series here.

R-Series

For those who want a balance of fun, relaxation, and fitness, the RecSport (R-Series) range is an ideal choice. This model features three airless jets, creating a gentle current that’s perfect for both recreational play and low-impact workouts. It offers versatility for family-friendly activities and aquatic fitness. Find out more about the R-Series here.

Endless Pools Swim Spa vs. Conventional Pool: Key Differences

Size

Endless Pools Swim Spas are compact, typically from 8 to 15 feet long, making them suitable for fitness, rehabilitation, and low-impact exercises. In contrast, conventional swimming pools, often over 25 feet, provide more open space for recreation, such as swimming laps or hosting gatherings.

Swim Experience

Endless Pools Swim Spas offer a continuous, adjustable swim current, ideal for endurance training or low-impact therapeutic exercise. In comparison, conventional pools provide open water space, which allows for various recreational activities, laps, and lounging.

Pros of Endless Pools Swim Spas

1. Space-Saving Solution

The compact design of Endless Pools Swim Spas is particularly advantageous for homes with limited outdoor or indoor space. Endless Pools Swim Spas can be installed indoors—such as in basements or garages—providing year-round use regardless of weather, a valuable feature given our climate.

2. Year-Round Use

With a relatively short outdoor swimming season here in Blighty, Endless Pools Swim Spas excel by offering year-round usability. They can be installed indoors or fitted with efficient heating systems, making swimming comfortable even during colder months. This flexibility is a major advantage over outdoor conventional pools, which may be limited to summer use. However, indoor conventional pools can also provide year-round swimming.

3. Customisable Resistance

A key feature of Endless Pools Swim Spas is their adjustable current. This feature allows you to tailor the swimming experience to your fitness level and goals, making it suitable for everyone, from beginners to seasoned athletes. Adjusting the current flow is particularly beneficial for rehabilitation or specific training routines.

4. Hydrotherapy Benefits

Endless Pools Swim Spas offer dual functionality, providing both swimming and hydrotherapy in one. Built-in therapeutic jets help ease muscle tension and promote relaxation, making them ideal for those seeking both fitness and therapeutic benefits.

5. Lower Water and Energy Usage

Endless Pools Swim Spas require less water and fewer chemicals due to their smaller size. This reduction in water volume means lower maintenance and operational costs, making them a more energy-efficient choice, particularly for those concerned with environmental impact and long-term costs.

Cons of Endless Pools Swim Spas

1. Less Space for Recreation

While Endless Pools Swim Spas are excellent for fitness and hydrotherapy, their compact size can be limiting for recreational use. They may not provide adequate space for larger gatherings or poolside social activities, which a conventional pool would offer.

2. Endless Pools Swim Spa Price

Endless Pools Swim Spas represent a significant investment, with prices generally ranging from £20,000 to £60,000, depending on the model and customisation options. Although the size may seem limiting for the price, the ability to use the pool year-round and its combined fitness and hydrotherapy benefits often justify the cost.

3. Installation Complexity

Endless Pools Swim Spas are space-efficient, but indoor installations may require home modifications, such as plumbing or electrical adjustments. These added requirements could increase the overall installation time and cost.

Pros of Conventional Swimming Pools

1. Ample Space for Recreation

Conventional swimming pools are designed with open space in mind, making them ideal for leisurely swims, social gatherings, and family activities. If you frequently entertain or have a large family, a traditional pool offers more room to relax and play.

2. Aesthetic Appeal and Property Value

A well-designed in-ground pool can enhance the aesthetic appeal and value of your property. Many homeowners consider a conventional pool a long-term investment, especially when integrated with landscaping features.

3. Customisation Options

With conventional pools, homeowners can choose from various shapes, sizes, and features, allowing for complete customisation. Adding elements like waterfalls, lighting, or tanning ledges enables homeowners to create a personal outdoor retreat.

Cons of Conventional Swimming Pools

1. Higher Maintenance and Operational Costs

Conventional pools require regular cleaning, chemical balancing, and general maintenance. Larger pools, particularly outdoor installations, incur higher operational costs for heating, water treatment, and energy, especially in cooler climates. This can add up to a significant financial commitment over time.

2. Seasonal Use

Outdoor conventional pools are usually limited to warmer months unless they have an advanced heating system. This restricts swim time to spring and summer unless an indoor installation is chosen, which can add considerable expense.

Key Considerations Before Making a Decision

When choosing between an Endless Pools Swim Spa and a conventional swimming pool, consider these factors:

• Space: How much space is available? Endless Pools Swim Spas fit into smaller spaces and can be installed indoors.
• Primary Usage: Are you focused on fitness and hydrotherapy, or looking for a pool for recreation? Endless Pools Swim Spas excel in fitness, while conventional pools provide more recreational space.
• Climate: Endless Pools Swim Spas or indoor pools can provide year-round access. Outdoor conventional pools may only be usable in warmer months.
• Budget: Consider both the installation cost and long-term maintenance expenses. Endless Pools Swim Spas are often more affordable to maintain, while conventional pools may incur higher operational costs over time.

Conclusion

Both Endless Pools Swim Spas and conventional swimming pools offer unique benefits. Endless Pools Swim Spas provide a compact, fitness-focused option with hydrotherapy features, ideal for year-round use. Conventional swimming pools, on the other hand, offer a larger recreational area and serve as a beautiful addition to any property.

By evaluating your space, budget, and usage needs, you can choose the pool option that best aligns with your lifestyle.