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How Long Does a Swim Spa Last?

When it comes to making investments in your home, swim spas can be on the pricey side of the road, but in general, swim spas are built to last. They’re not a small item to build, and at some point, it’s hard to cut too many corners in the interest of lowering prices. However, it’s important that you invest wisely and choose a reputable brand that is known for quality materials, construction, and service since these things will directly impact the lifespan of your swim spa.
 
Typically, swim spas should last between five and twenty years, but the way you care for your spa also makes a difference. Let’s look at some of the important components to consider when choosing a reliable swim spa that will last as long as possible and some ways you can extend that time frame.
 

 

Frame and Construction

 
Most companies still build the frame and base of their swim spas out of wood or metal. These materials might save costs on the manufacturing end, but they both have the potential to rot or corrode over time. Look for a company that uses ABS for construction of the base and frame of their spas.
 
Each Bullfrog Spa is built on our patented EnduraFrame™ support structure, a sturdy molded ABS spa frame made with no wood or metal so it will never rot or corrode. The molded ABS EnduraBase™, EnduraBeam™ structural columns and other EnduraFrame™ components are precision aligned the exact same way every time with no human error. Extra supports are added in high-usage areas to strengthen overall spa integrity and support the thousands of pounds of water the spa will hold.

 

Warranty

 
Whenever a company is confident in the quality of what they’re building, they’ll offer a warranty for that part or feature. Be sure to take a look at the product’s warranty to get an idea of how confident the company is in each part. At a minimum, this will give you a basic idea of how long you can expect each component to last. For instance, Bullfrog Spas warrants the EnduraFrame™ for the lifetime of the swim spa owner. That’s not a small amount of time and says a lot about Bullfrog Spas’ confidence in our product.

 

Plumbing

 
Let’s face it. Nobody wants a leak in their spa, especially a swim spa, which holds so much more water than the average hot tub. Make sure to choose a company with an advanced plumbing system that helps eliminate leaks and makes them easier to find and fix if they do happen, and that has a top-notch service department who can get out to look at your spa without a months-long wait.

 

Pumps & Heaters

 
Most hot tub pumps and heaters will last roughly 7-10 years in well-maintained, well-balanced water. In poorly balanced water, however, their lifespan can be drastically reduced as key components break down.
 
If your water is consistently acidic or your sanitizer levels always high, water will being to seep into the motor, causing it to rust and eventually seize. Hot tub heater elements are also very sensitive to water balance issues. Basic (high PH or alkalinity) or hard (high calcium hardness) water can also cause scale to build up on the heater; greatly reducing its ability to function.

 

Covers

 
Insulating your hot tub is always great, but it’s kind of pointless without a high-quality Hot tub cover. This is another area where it’s important to regularly clean and maintain it in order to give it a longer life average. When your cover becomes waterlogged and heavy, or it begins to cup, it can no longer effectively do its job of insulating the hot tub and should be replaced.

 

Shell & Cabinet

 
The shell, structure and outer cabinet of a hot tub can last up to 20-30 years. Simply clean off the cabinet periodically with a hose and ensure that any minor leaks are quickly repaired and you should never have an issue with the structural components of your hot tub (unless they are wood or metal).

 

Pillows

 
Hot tub pillows typically last anywhere from three to five years in a well-maintained spa. Follow the instructions that come with your owners manual to make them last even longer than average.

 

Tips to Make Your Swim Spa Last Longer

 

• Keep up with a consistent maintenance and cleaning schedule.
• Follow the guidelines listed in your owner’s manual for using any features and accessories.
• Make sure to supervise when guests or children use the spa who may not be as familiar with how it works and could be more likely to break something.
• Think of your swim spa the same way you might view a car. Regular maintenance and care will go a long way.

 

Personalize Your Swim Spa

 
Purchasing a swim spa isn’t just an investment; it’s a lifestyle change that will benefit your entire family. Only you can decide on the best swim spa for you. Use our online Design Studio tool to select your model, JetPaks, and accessories. Once you’re done, you’ll receive an instant price quote.