How Do You Get a Swim Spa Delivered? Your COMPLETE Guide

If you’re considering a swim spa, one of the main aspects is figuring out how to get it into your backyard, or basement or wherever you’re putting it. In this article, we’re taking on that topic and we hope to answer all your questions on swim spa delivery.

This is a standard conversation with anyone looking at purchasing swim spas, because they are obviously large enough that they require some effort. At Hydropool, we explain this regularly in our stores, and that’s why we wanted to do it here, so you could easily get your questions answered.

In this article, we will cover:

• How a swim spa is delivered to a backyard
• How a swim spa is delivered if it’s going indoors
• How to measure your area for your swim spa delivery
• Why we recommend using a local retailer to ensure your delivery comes off well

Hopefully by the end, you’ll know what to expect when you get your swim spa delivered.

How Are Most Swim Spas Delivered?

Most swim spas are delivered by crane. At Hydropool, we deliver 99.9% of our swim spas by crane. It’s the safest way for people and for the swim spa.

You can in some instances put the swim spa on rollers or dollies and roll it into place (this is how hot tub delivery is often done). This is if you have an extreme amount of wide-open space.

But with the larger size of the swim spa, we find that access issues and the maneuverability required to deliver necessitate a crane. The other issue is concern over the swim spa shell cracking. You don’t want anything like that to happen.

What’s the Cost of a Crane Delivery for a Swim Spa?

In general, swim spa delivery costs can range significantly, depending on your area and the availability of cranes. In Toronto, a crane can be had for around $1500. But that number will fluctuate depending on where you are. 

How is a Swim Spa Delivered if it is Placed Indoors?

There are two ways here: You either need to have it placed indoors and the room built around it or you need to ensure that there is sufficient space to place the swim spa inside the room.

Most swim spas are about 8 feet wide and more than 5 feet tall, so you’ll want to give yourself at least 10 feet and 7 feet – at least – of a gap to gain entry. That’s larger than a typical double-set of doors. This is why it’s best to build the room around the swim spa, rather than hoping to add one in a renovation (this is somewhat easier with a hot tub, incidentally, as they are considerably smaller).

If an indoor swim spa is part of a renovation you’re considering, you’re best off talking to a local retailer and choosing your model so you know exactly the space requirements you’re facing. Your local retailer can then work with the delivery service to ensure that the swim spa makes its way inside.

What Are the Initial Steps to Take with Any Swim Spa Delivery?

• The first step in getting a swim spa delivered to your backyard is deciding where to place it. Consider factors like sunlight, wind exposure, and proximity to your home.
• Think about how the swim spa will fit into your existing landscaping and whether you need to make any modifications. We find that most people who buy a swim spa do significant landscaping around them.
• Views matter! You don’t want to be looking at the broad side of a garage while trying to soak.
• Watch for overhead trees, which can drop leaves or buds on your swim spa. It’s often a nuisance worth avoiding.
• Think about how far away the swim spa will be from your electrical box. The further it is, the more the electrical will cost you as part of the installation.
• If you live in an area with cold winters, you’re going to want to make sure you have easy access to indoors. It might look dramatic to have the swim spa at the end of your yard, but you’ll use it more if it’s closer to inside.

Delivery day for a swim spa is often a great way to meet your neighbours, as people will come out to watch the show. Here triathlete Jodi Becker celebrates the arrival of her Hydropool 14-foot AquaTrainer.

What Are the Secondary Steps to Take with Any Swim Spa Delivery?

• Measure the available space to ensure it can accommodate the swim spa. Note: you need to leave at least two feet on each side of the swim spa for access down the road, in case of servicing. This holds true whether your swim spa is inside, in the ground or on top.
• Choose your swim spa. The sooner you choose it in the process, the better, because then you’ll know the size of the concrete pad you need for it to sit on and just how much room you need in your yard for it.
• Consider the path for delivery, ensuring it is free from obstacles, including trees. If you have any doubts, have your site pre-inspected by your retailer.
• Working with your retailer, have a concrete pad or otherwise prepare the required surface for your swim spa. Hydropool’s swim spas cannot be installed on anything other than a concrete pad, over the warranty is voided. This is to ensure the swim spa doesn’t shift on the ground, which would damage the shell over time. Some other companies may recommend that the swim spa can sit on something other than a concrete pad. If you’re going that route, we encourage you to work with your retailer or delivery crew as best as possible to get the swim spa actually placed on an extremely sturdy flat surface or whatever they suggest. In other cases, delivery companies will only leave the swim spa on your front yard, leaving you to figure out the rest. We don’t support that method and don’t deliver swim spas that way.

Is Permitting Necessary When Installing a Swim Spa?

In some areas, installing a swim spa requires permits. Your local swim spa retailer will know what is required in your area, if anything. Many areas don’t regulate swim spas at all or regulate them much less than swimming pools, but either way, it’s best to know what is expected so you don’t get stuck in a tricky situation later on.

What Should You Expect on Delivery Day?

This is how Hydropool does it: Expect a crane to show up and pluck the swim spa off a flatbed truck which arrives shortly after the crane does, before delicately placing it on your concrete pad (the crane arrives first because it needs to be set up in advance).

The delivery crew will remove any packaging and install your swim spa cover.  

Once the swim spa is delivered, installation begins. This step involves connecting the electrical system, as well as filling the swim spa with water. Ideally, your electrician is available the same day as delivery and gets you hooked up.

Give the swim spa time to heat the water overnight, and in most cases, you’re enjoying your swim spa the next day.

Not everyone delivers this way. Big box stores and online orders often aren’t done like this. Watch for any delivery that says “front yard drop only.” In those cases, the store will take a forklift and leave the swim spa in your front yard, leaving you to figure out the rest, which often means hiring another service. It’s a hassle that we think is best avoided.

What Are the Post-Installation Steps?

After installation, there are a few final steps to take before you can fully enjoy your swim spa. These steps ensure your swim spa is safe and ready for use.

• Balance the water chemistry to ensure it is safe for swimming.
• Set the temperature and test all features, including jets and lighting.
• Review the owner’s manual and become familiar with maintenance routines.

How to Get a Swim Spa Delivered

Getting a swim spa delivered to your backyard may seem like a bit of effort, but with proper planning and preparation, it can be a smooth and enjoyable process. In most cases, we find that it’s an exciting event and the neighbours come out to watch!

Remember to start by choosing the perfect location, preparing your backyard, and being ready for delivery and installation.

We covered all that in this article, but you may still have questions. If so, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Hydropool dealer closest to you.