Top three swim spa upgrades reviewed (Costs, pros, cons and more)

Want to make your swim spa experience even better? Check out our top 3 must-have upgrades for 2024 and find the perfect accessories to suit your spa, from audio and WiFi systems to convenient cover lifters and energy-efficient heat pumps.

What are the best swim spa upgrades | Top 3 must-have accessories

Swim spas have gained popularity since they were first introduced because they provide a great way to swim, exercise, and relax all year round in the comfort of your own home.

With more than three decades in the industry, Spa World understands swim spa owners want to make their spas better and more enjoyable. There are many swim spa upgrades available, from floating drink holders to fancy lighting features.

However, every swim spa owner has unique preferences, so not all upgrades may suit you. At Spa World, we aim to offer practical solutions that make a real difference in how our customers use and enjoy their swim spas.

In this article, we've picked out the top three swim spa accessories for you and explained why we think they're the best choices for savvy buyers.

SpaNet^® Heat Pump

First on the list is a heat pump.

One of the biggest considerations when purchasing a swim spa is the running costs.

Heat pumps help reduce energy consumption by up to 75%, making them our top pick for swim spa accessories. Depending on the heating capacity, heat pumps can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $12,000.

Although that might seem like a lot, the payback time can be as short as a few years meaning you are saving $1,000's over the life of your swim spa.

It’s important to keep in mind that not all swim spas are compatible with a heat pump. So, this is something you might want to consider when looking for a swim spa.

Try the Spa World Heat Pump Calculator now and find the right model for your spa!

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** This heat pump calculator is for general estimating only. Running costs will vary depending on use, installation, location, and climate.

Individual results may vary.**

The data used in this calculator may change without notice.

Savings are calculated based on replenishing 6°C of heat loss per day using the model's literage, local annual average temperatures, and a holding temperature of 37°C.

Swim spa water temperature is usually held at lower temperatures than 37°C, which will increase the ROI and reduce the payback time. This is not reflected in the calculator.

Watch: Does a spa heat pump save you money?

Why upgrade your swim spa with a SpaNet^® Heat Pump?

You’ll find several heat pump brands in the market, SpaNet^® SV Series™ and SpaNet^® PowerSmart™ are our top picks and here’s why.

Cost-effective. These heat pumps help cut your spa heating costs significantly, by up to 75%, which means it costs less to run your spa and you can use it more without worrying as much about the expense.
Compatible with leading spa brands in Australia. The SpaNet^® SV Series fits with major swim spa Australian brands that have SpaNet^® Controllers including Vortex™, Fisher™, and Sun&Soul™ Spas. The SpaNet^® PowerSmart is a universal heat pump that is compatible with most brands of spas and controllers and may be used even without the SV spa controller.
Installation is straightforward. These heat pumps connect easily to your swim spa, making the setup process simple.
User-friendly controls. You can manage the heat pump using your spa's SV controller, through the touchpad or even a mobile app, if you have one. It's fully integrated with your spa system, making it more energy-efficient thanks to the smart use of your controller’s features.
Effective heating and cooling. The heat pump works with your spa's built-in heater for quicker and more effective heating. It can also cool your spa during the hot months, doing so very efficiently.
Environmentally friendly. The heat pump is designed with eco-friendly technology, using low-carbon and safe refrigerant options that are better for the planet.

In summary, a heat pump is a wise investment for a swim spa. Although your swim spa can heat and cool on its own, it may not be as energy-efficient as it can be when paired with a heat pump.

Be aware that not all swim spas are compatible with heat pumps. At Spa World, all of our swim spas are compatible with a heat pump. In fact, 95% of our customers choose to add one when they buy a swim spa.

It'll cost you more upfront, but it saves you money in the long run. Plus, you can relax and enjoy your swim spa without stressing about high energy bills.

View SpaNet Heat Pumps

ClearLift™ Automatic Swim Spa Cover

Next on the list is the ClearLift™ automatic spa cover.

The cover is another vital accessory for your swim spa. Why? Because they protect it from debris, leaves, and other contaminants, as well as helping to maintain the water temperature and conserve energy.

However, swim spa covers can be heavy and awkward to lift. This is where an automated swim spa cover comes in. With a quick turn of a key or push of a button, they can lift the cover off in just 30 to 40 seconds.

In New Zealand, there are only two dedicated automatic covers available for swim spas 一 the ClearLift™, a fully retractable option, and the Covana^® Legend, which raises up and over the swim spa.

Click the button below and look for the ClearLift™ icon to identify which swim spas are ClearLift™ compatible.

Swim Spas compatible with ClearLift™

Watch: Why choose ClearLift™ for your swim spa?

Why upgrade your swim spa with a ClearLift™ automatic spa cover?

Here’s why the ClearLift™ is our top pick for an automatic swim spa cover.

The ClearLift™ is priced at $9,990 which is a cheaper option than Covana^® Legend which is priced at $25,000.
Comes pre-installed, saving you from the the lengthy set-up time and special foundation requirements of other automatic cover lifters.
No need for manual handling of the heavy 80kg cover or separate 20kg sections
The cover is securely handled and stored, ensuring its long-lasting durability
The key-operated system prevents children from accidentally opening the cover
The cover is taken off the spa entirely, keeping the view clear so you can have fun and jump into the water without any obstructions.
It takes only about a minute to lift the cover clear of the swim spa.

Please note that Clearlift™ can only be used with select Vortex™ and Fisher™ Swim Spas, and only on models manufactured after November 2023.

In summary, manually opening and closing a heavy swim spa cover can be a troublesome and time-consuming task, especially for those with limited mobility.

As a company with over 30 years of experience in the spa industry, we understand the challenges and pain points our customers face when it comes to maintaining and using their swim spas. That's why we can say with confidence that an automatic swim spa cover is an indispensable accessory for any swim spa owner.

Although it may seem like a big investment, the benefits of an automatic swim spa cover far outweigh the initial cost.

Vortex™ Spas Audio and WiFi Kit

Third on the list is the Audio and WiFi Kit.

The WiFi and audio kit is a modern technology upgrade that enables users to listen to music or podcasts on their smart devices while relaxing in the swim spa.

While not all swim spas are compatible with this audio and connectivity enhancement due to specific model requirements, some models come with this feature pre-installed.

Vortex™ Spas offers this as an optional upgrade and is priced at $1,499.00.

The SmartLink™ WiFi hardware module is the core of this upgrade, connecting smart devices to the spa's controls. Using the SmartLink™ app, users can also manage different spa settings, such as water temperature and lighting remotely.

Learn more about smart spa system upgrades for Vortex™ Spas.

Watch: What is the Vortex™ Spas Audio and WiFi Kit?

Why upgrade your swim spa with a Vortex™ Audio and WiFi Kit?

Here’s why Vortex™ Audio and WiFi Kit is one of the best swim spa upgrades.

Plug and Play. No need to order the spa with the audio Wi-Fi kit fitted from the factory. Simply purchase the kit and install it yourself.
Great Sound. The kit includes between three and four topside speakers, depending on the spa model, and a subwoofer for deep base sounds.
Remote Control. Wi-Fi connectivity allows remote control of the spa from an app on your phone.
Remote Technician Support. The Wi-Fi kit allows for remote diagnosis, enabling Vortex Spas technicians to check the spa's controller remotely in the event of issues.
Easy Maintenance. If a speaker needs to be replaced, it's a 30-second job. Simply twist off the cover plate, unplug the speaker, plug in a new one, and you're good to go.
Kit Inclusions. The kit includes instructions, a QR code link to further information, four separate speakers (three for portable spas and four for Vortex™ swim spas), an amplifier, and Wi-Fi unit, and all necessary connection wiring.
Quality Components. The kit uses high-quality components, including speakers and an amplifier from SpaNet^®, an Australian spa equipment manufacturer that Vortex™ Spas has been using for at least 15 years.

In summary, the Vortex™ Audio and WiFi Kit is a valuable upgrade that enhances the spa experience by providing remote control capabilities and high-quality audio integration, making it a desirable option for many Vortex Spas owners.

View Vortex Audio and WiFi Kit

If you’re leaning towards a Fisher™ Spa, they also offer an Audio and WiFi Kit upgrade. Learn more in our detailed article below.

What is the Fisher Spas™ Audio & Wi-Fi Kit?

What to consider when adding upgrades to my swim spa?

When you're thinking about upgrades for your swim spa, it's important to consider a few factors to make sure you choose the ones that will improve your experience the most.

Compatibility: Ensure that the upgrades you're considering are compatible with your specific swim spa model and design.
Budget: Determine how much you're willing to invest in upgrades and prioritise based on your budget.
Functionality: Assess how each upgrade will enhance the functionality and performance of your swim spa, whether it's improving heating efficiency, water quality, or entertainment features.
Maintenance: Consider the maintenance requirements of each upgrade to ensure that you can properly care for and sustain the enhancements over time.
Safety: Prioritise upgrades that contribute to the safety of your swim spa environment, such as covers, handrails, or non-slip surfaces.
Energy Efficiency: Look for upgrades that can help reduce energy consumption, such as energy-efficient pumps, heaters, or covers, to lower operating costs and minimise environmental impact.
Warranty and Support: Check the warranty coverage and availability of support services for the upgrades you're considering to ensure peace of mind and assistance if needed.

In summary

While a swim spa alone provides wellness and relaxation, selecting the right upgrades can truly enhance the experience and maximise the benefits of owning a swim spa.

By carefully choosing the upgrades that align with your lifestyle and priorities, you can transform your swim spa into a luxurious retreat that promotes well-being, relaxation, and enjoyment for years to come.

Got more questions? We’re here to help!

Talk to us on live chat, or email us your spa questions and we'll be happy to assist you.

DISCLAIMER: In this article, we’ve used brand names not affiliated with Spa World™ or Vortex Leisure Pty Ltd, the parent company of Spa World™. All information, including pricing and product details, was accurate at the time of writing and may change without notice. The following registered trademarks are owned by companies not affiliated in any way with Spa World™ or Vortex Leisure Pty Ltd:

Covana^® and Covana^® Legend trademark is owned by Canimex Group.

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