You’re serious about your training. You like the idea of getting a solid swim in — without driving to the gym or circling a crowded lap lane. Maybe you’re a triathlete. Maybe swimming is your go-to form of cardio. Or maybe you just want to move with more purpose.
Whatever your reason, you’re probably searching for the best way to actually swim at home. And that search often starts with one phrase: Endless Pool.
But are you thinking about the brand? Or the concept?
There’s a good chance what you’re really looking for is a way to swim in place. Featuring a compact design and continuous water current, the endless pool gives you access to water without the expense or hassle of installing a full-size home swimming pool.
While Endless Pools is a recognizable name, it’s not your only option. There are alternatives, like H2X Fitness Swim Spas, that might be a better fit for your backyard, your training routine, and your lifestyle.
Why do they call it an “endless pool”?
How many times have you hopped in a “jacuzzi”? It might be fewer than you think.
That hot tub at the vacation rental, hotel, or your friend’s house probably isn’t a Jacuzzi. Just like that facial tissue in your pocket might not be a Kleenex. Or your slow cooker might not be a Crock-Pot.
These are brand names that became part of our everyday language. And the same thing has happened with Endless Pools.
Endless Pool is a specific brand that became associated with the idea of swimming in place using a steady current. Over time, the term “endless pool” has become shorthand for any small, powerful pool that lets you swim without turning around. So when people say “endless pool,” they often mean a machine for swimming — not necessarily that specific brand.
What is an Endless Pool alternative?
If you’re looking for a way to swim at home, you’ve probably come across a few different options. But one of the most effective and most versatile alternatives to an Endless Pool is a swim spa.
Swim spas are self-contained systems that create a continuous water current so you can swim in place. But unlike traditional home lap pools or custom-built systems, swim spas combine performance, recreation, and recovery in one unit.
Endless Pools, though, is not just one product. In fact, the company has a range of systems:
- Swim machines that are installed into an in-ground pool
- Modular pools that require assembly, often indoors
- A swim spa-style model that functions more like a traditional portable spa
Because of these variations, it can be difficult to figure out how Endless Pools compare to other options. That’s why we’ve broken it down in a simple side-by-side format so you can see how an H2X Fitness Swim Spa measures up in real-world use.
How H2X compares to Endless Pools
| Feature | Endless Pools | H2X Fitness Swim Spas |
| Installation | Modular pools or in-ground swim machines; may require framing or custom space | Self-contained unit; can be installed above-ground or recessed |
| Swim current | Propeller-based or hydraulic (varies by model) | Jetted system; Challenger spas have airless swim jets |
| Use case | Primarily for swimming; some models for therapy | Built for swimming, fitness, hydrotherapy, and family use |
| Seating | Minimal or optional | Ergonomic hot tub seating included |
| Space needed | May require deck modifications | Designed for patios, backyards, or in-ground vaults |
| Maintenance | Varies by system; may use traditional pool systems | Energy-efficient insulation and advanced water care built in |
| Year-round use | Most models are seasonal | Fully insulated for year-round outdoor use |
| Design | Industrial/modular aesthetic | Modern, backyard-friendly look |
If you’re comparing a swim spa to an Endless Pool, think about how you’ll actually use the system day to day. Swim spas like H2X are built for both performance and recovery, without the complexity of a modular or in-ground setup.
Why people look for alternatives to endless pools
Choosing a swim system is a big decision, and it’s not just about brand recognition. Many people who start by searching for “Endless Pool” are really looking for something more practical, more versatile, and better suited to real life.
Function beyond laps: You want to swim, sure. However, you may also want the option to do more: stretch, strength train, recover, or relax. H2X Swim Spas have a flat, open floor that makes it easy to use resistance bands, row bars, or even do aquatic yoga. Plus, there is built-in seating with hydromassage jets that can be adjusted for targeted relief.
Flexible installation: Not everyone has the space or budget for a custom indoor setup. Swim spas like H2X are self-contained and designed to fit into more backyards. Once your site is ready, a swim spa can be installed and ready for swimming in less than a day.
Total value: A quality swim spa combines swimming performance with the recovery benefits of hydrotherapy in one system that’s built for year-round use.
Endless Pool swim machines are typically added to traditional pools, which means you’re limited to pool season. Modular pool kits, while functional, often lack full insulation and require assembly. Their industrial appearance also may not complement your backyard the way you’d like.
H2X Swim Spas are designed to perform and look like they belong. With full foam insulation, an energy-efficient build, and a clean, modern design, you can swim, train, and recover any time of year.
H2X Swim Spas: A smart alternative to Endless Pools
Engineered by Master Spas, H2X Fitness Swim Spas deliver a smooth, adjustable current for swimming in place — paired with hydromassage seating and a fully insulated design for year-round performance. You don’t need a dedicated room, complicated framing, or months of construction. Just a concrete pad, an electrical connection, and a commitment to your training.
Why athletes and active homeowners choose a swim spa:
- Swim, train, and recover in one space
- Adjustable current for interval work, endurance swims, or light recovery
- Built-in features for resistance training, rowing, and aqua jogging
- Heated water and insulation for year-round use, even in cold climates
- Comfortable hydromassage seating to support recovery and relaxation
- Range of sizes and features to fit your backyard, whether it’s a small space or you have room to spare.
Still deciding? Ask yourself:
- Do I want a system that’s just for swimming, or one that can do more?
- Is brand recognition more important — or overall value and versatility?
- Am I ready for a custom indoor installation, or would I prefer something easier to manage?
- How much do recovery and comfort matter in my daily routine?
Ready to swim smarter at home?
An H2X Fitness Swim Spa gives you the freedom to swim, train, and recover — all in one. Designed for performance, built for comfort, and backed by Master Spas’ reputation for quality, it’s the smarter way to bring the water to you.
Explore H2X Fitness Swim Spas and find your perfect fit.