backyard happy place

Small swim spas: Big wellness for any backyard

You want the benefits of a pool. But there’s one problem: You don’t have the space for a full-size pool or even a large swim spa.

Maybe your backyard is small. Maybe you live in a neighborhood where yards are measured in square feet, not acres. Or maybe you just want to keep things simple, with a low-maintenance way to stay active and unwind at home.

Whatever the reason, you’re looking for a small swim spa that fits your space. But you still want the benefits of a full-size swim spa: space for water exercise and family fun, massage jets for relaxation, and easy maintenance.

The smallest swim spas from H2X Fitness Swim Spas by Master Spas offer all of that but in a space-conscious design. Built with premium features and powerful performance, these spas are designed to fit your life, your goals, and your backyard.

small swim spas
Re-create this backyard with the Therapool D small swim spa

What to expect from a small swim spa

A swim spa is the perfect marriage of a home swimming pool and hot tub. It gives you a place to enjoy being in water, whether you want to walk against the current or sit back with the jets on.

While the space you need for a swim spa is much less than a pool, the largest swim spas can be more than 21 feet long. That footprint can feel like too much if you’re working with a small backyard.

If you’re searching for the smallest swim spa, you’re probably trying to answer one of two questions: Will it fit and will it do what I need it to do?

With a small swim spa, the answer is often yes. It’s just a matter of choosing the right model. The best compact swim spas are designed to deliver the same core benefits as larger models.

Designed for fitness and therapy

Even small spas feature jets that allow for water exercise and resistance training. Plus, with a depth of up to 51 inches, you can take advantage of water’s natural buoyancy for low-impact movement.

Hydrotherapy seating

All H2X models include jetted seats that provide massage-like relief for sore muscles and aching joints.

All-season usability

Because swim spas are heated and insulated, you can use them year-round, even in colder climates.

Simple installation

Swim spas don’t require the same excavation or permanent fencing that in-ground pools do, which can make them easier to install on a patio, concrete pad, or reinforced deck. Once your space is ready, a small swim spa can be installed and ready for fun in less than a day.

smallest swim spa
Get this backyard spa: H2X Trainer 12

The smallest swim spa from H2X

The most compact option in the H2X lineup is the Therapool SE. An 11-foot spa, it is one of the smallest swim spas available on the market. The complete swim spa dimensions are 132″ x 94″ x 51″.

The Therapool SE is ideal for people who want warm water therapy, gentle movement, or a place to unwind. It features therapy seating, flow jets for water-based fitness, and a design that’s easy to maintain. Some owners use it like a large hot tub, while others follow guided routines for rehab or range-of-motion work.

One H2X owner from Texas shared, “We have a small backyard so a pool was out of the question. This spa was perfect for our space. I already feel better — recovering from hip replacement and recurring muscle spasms in my back.”

Other small swim spas worth considering

If you need a small swim spa but want more depth or room to move, H2X has other options that still fall well below the size of a traditional pool.

H2X Therapool D

This model shares the same footprint as the Therapool SE but its complete dimensions are  132″ x 94″ x 60″. With an added water depth of 9 inches, the Therapool D is great for those who want to do standing exercises, use the H2Xercise equipment, or just enjoy the feel of more water around them.

H2X Therapool 13

Slightly longer than the previous models, the Therapool 13 gives you more space to move without adding too much to your backyard layout. It’s still just 13 feet long, with a spacious interior designed for therapy and recreation.

H2X Trainer 12

Looking for something that supports more active use? The Trainer 12 adds the VSP jet system and water fitness options in a compact, 12-foot spa. With included rowing equipment and resistance tubing, it’s a great choice for full-body workouts in limited space.

“We enjoy swimming and working out in this as much as we love relaxing. Plenty of room for floating or just lounging in the jets,” says Eddie, who has an H2X Trainer 12.

water cardio exercises
Featured swim spa: H2X Challenger 15 D

What if you actually want to swim?

Not every small swim spa is built for swimming. To stay afloat in place and engage with the current, you need a longer swim area and a propulsion system that provides steady, customizable resistance.

The H2X Trainer 15 D and Challenger 15 D are the smallest swim spas that are best for swimming in place, each measuring 180 inches (15 feet) long. While they are slightly larger than the most compact pool spas, they require just a fraction of the space you’d need for a traditional lap pool while offering far more versatility.

The Trainer 15 D is ideal for recreational swimmers, families, or anyone who wants a smooth, enjoyable swim experience at home. It’s well-suited for light to moderate swimming, aquatic fitness, and recovery.

With a more powerful jet system, the Challenger 15 D is a great option for faster swimmers, endurance athletes, or those looking to challenge themselves with higher-intensity training.

Both models feature spacious swim areas that accommodate swimmers of most heights, allowing for a comfortable, natural stroke. And because they’re self-contained systems, they’re easier to install and maintain than a full-size pool.

small swim spas

Which small swim spa is right for you?

If you’re focused on wellness and recovery, a model from the Therapool line is a smart place to start. These spas are designed with therapy in mind and give you flexibility in how you move and relax in the water.

If you want to be more active, the Trainer 12 offers a way to bring water fitness into your routine. It’s ideal for swimming in place, using rowing equipment, and doing low-impact strength work. Is swimming a must? The Trainer 15 D and Challenger 15 D are the smallest models that still deliver a quality swim experience.

A small swim spa can make a big difference. Whether you’re looking to improve your health, recover at your own pace, or spend more time outdoors, there’s an H2X swim spa that fits your backyard. Visit an H2X Fitness Swim Spa dealer near you to explore models, get expert sizing advice, and take the first step toward your own backyard upgrade.