Your backyard should be a place you look forward to spending time. A space to relax after work, recharge on the weekends, and enjoy time with family. It should support the lifestyle you want, whether that’s staying active, swimming at home, or simply having a place to unwind.
And a swim spa can bring all of that together in one space.
As you start exploring models and features, it’s easy to get caught up in the details such as LED lighting, waterfalls, and cover lifts. One factor you might not have considered yet? Swim spa depth.
Should you choose a standard-depth model or a deep one? What’s the real difference in how each feels, how you can use it, and how it fits into your backyard?
If you’re considering buying a swim spa, here’s what you need to know to feel confident choosing the right depth for your space and your goals.
What is the water depth of a swim spa?
Just like in-ground pools, swim spas come in a variety of sizes and depths. There’s no single standard across manufacturers — one model might be 53 inches tall; another 58. But it’s important to know that the height of the swim spa refers to the outside wall dimension. The actual water depth will always be a few inches less.
H2X Fitness Swim Spas offers two options: a standard-depth model and a deep model, so you can choose the one that fits your goals and backyard.
Standard-depth H2X swim spas are 51 inches tall, with a water depth of about 42 inches. These models offer an approachable option for families, new swimmers, and anyone looking for a more compact fit.
Deep swim spas are 60 inches tall, with a water depth of approximately 51 inches. That extra depth gives you more buoyancy and freedom of movement, which can be especially helpful for aquatic therapy, low-impact exercise, or taller users.
Standard vs. deep: What’s the real difference?
| Feature | Standard Model | Deep Model |
| Height | 51 inches | 60 inches |
| Water depth | ~42 inches | ~51 inches |
| Water capacity (15-foot swim spa) | 1,380 gallon | 1,595 gallons |
| Ideal for | Families, casual users, smaller spaces | Aquatic therapy, taller users, deeper water |
| Backyard fit | Lower profile in backyard | May require additional planning |
| Child-friendly? | Yes — kids can often touch the bottom | Yes — but deeper water can be intimidating for small children |
Does a deeper swim spa mean more maintenance?
When you’re comparing swim spa depths, the added water might seem like it could affect everything from maintenance and energy use to how often you need to balance the water.
But the difference is likely smaller than you’d expect.
Take the H2X Trainer 15 and Trainer 15 D, for example. The deep model holds 1,595 gallons of water, which is just 215 more gallons than the standard-depth version. That’s about the volume of a small hot tub, or about a 14.45% increase in water capacity. In real-world use, that difference typically has minimal impact on water quality or chemical balancing, especially if you’re keeping the temperature in the 80s or low 90s for exercise.
And with H2X’s energy-efficient design, both depths are built to operate efficiently year-round:
- Full-foam insulation minimizes heat loss
- Locking covers help retain heat and keep out debris
- Mineral filtration system makes daily upkeep simple
Worried about the added height of a deep model in your backyard? H2X swim spas can be partially recessed or even installed in-ground for a more integrated look and easier entry.
When is a deep swim spa a better choice?
Water is naturally relaxing. Even lounging in the shallow end of a pool can help you unwind. But if you’re swimming or exercising, depth matters. You don’t want to scrape your fingers along the bottom during a stroke or feel your knees break the surface while aqua jogging.
If your goal is to swim or stay active at home, a deep swim spa might be the better fit. The additional depth provides more buoyancy, which reduces impact on your joints — a valuable benefit for anyone recovering from an injury or managing chronic pain.
A deeper model also creates a more comfortable experience for taller users and those who want to swim against the jets.
Why choose a standard-depth swim spa?
Just like a tall person doesn’t want to feel like they’re standing in a kiddie pool, a shorter person may not want to feel like they’re bobbing in the deep end.
But the benefits of a standard-depth swim spa go beyond personal comfort.
With a water depth of about 42 inches, a standard model still offers plenty of space for swimming, soaking, and exercising.
In fact, its slightly smaller size offers key advantages.
Easier installation: A lower profile can make it easier to place the spa in tighter backyard spaces.
Family-friendly: Shallower water can feel more approachable for younger children or those new to water-based fitness.
Fewer HOA concerns: Some HOA regulations may favor lower-profile installations, making approval simpler.
What stays the same, no matter the depth?
While the water depth of your swim spa can influence how you use it, many of the standout features are consistent across the H2X Fitness Swim Spa lineup.
Hydrotherapy seats: Each swim spa includes contoured seating and hydrotherapy jets, so you can enjoy a relaxing massage after a workout or a long day, regardless of water depth.
Swim system performance: Whether you choose a Trainer 15 or Trainer 15D, you’ll get an adjustable current that’s ideal for swimming in place, resistance training, and aquatic exercise.
LED lighting and water features: Set the mood with adjustable LED lighting and enjoy the soothing sounds of the built-in water features.
Fitness-friendly design: Built with wellness in mind, H2X models include features like grab bars, optional rowing kits, and resistance band anchors to support your fitness goals.
How to choose the right swim spa depth
Not sure whether to choose a standard or deep model? These swim spa buying considerations can help guide your decision.
Who will be using the swim spa?
If young children or older adults will use the swim spa regularly, a standard-depth model can offer more comfort and confidence, especially for standing and moving around safely.
What are your wellness goals?
If you plan to use the swim spa for aquatic therapy, resistance training, or low-impact workouts, the added buoyancy of a deep model can provide better support and a more effective exercise environment.
What does your backyard allow?
Space constraints, raised decks, or HOA regulations may make a lower-profile model a better fit — and more likely to be approved.
How do you want the water to feel?
Deeper water creates a more immersive experience, especially for taller users or dedicated swimmers. It also gives you more room for full strokes and comfortable movement.
Find the right swim spa for your backyard goals
Swim spa depth matters, but there’s no wrong choice. Whether you opt for a standard-depth model or go with the added benefits of a deep swim spa, you’ll still enjoy the performance, comfort, and versatility of an H2X Fitness Swim Spa.
What matters most is choosing the one that suits your lifestyle, your goals, and your backyard.
Explore the full lineup of H2X Fitness Swim Spas and find your perfect fit, no matter the depth.