Swim Spa Buying Guide: Endless Pools in East Texas

A swim spa gives you the best of both worlds — a lap pool for exercise and a hot tub for relaxation, all in a single unit that fits in most backyards. No massive excavation, no $50,000+ pool installation, and no seasonal shutdowns. Here in East Texas, where the weather lets you enjoy outdoor living ten or eleven months out of the year, a swim spa makes more sense than almost anywhere in the country.

At East Texas Hot Tub Co., we carry Endless Pools — the industry leader in swim spa design and current technology. We have been helping families in Tyler and Longview choose the right model for over a decade. This guide covers everything you need to know before you buy.

Where Does It Go? Space Planning

Before you start comparing models, take a hard look at where the swim spa will actually live. This is the most important planning step, and getting it right up front saves headaches later.

Measure Your Space

Swim spas range from about 12 feet to 19 feet long and 7 to 8 feet wide. But you need more than just the footprint of the unit itself. Plan for:

• Access for delivery: The swim spa needs to get from the truck to its final location. Measure gates, side yards, and any tight spots along the path. Most swim spas are delivered by crane, but access still matters.
• Service clearance: Leave at least 2 to 3 feet on all sides for equipment access, cover removal, and air circulation.
• Accessories: Steps, handrails, a cover lifter, and any decking or patio furniture all need room. Account for these in your layout.

Check the Ground

A swim spa filled with water can weigh 10,000 to 20,000 pounds depending on the model. The surface needs to be level, stable, and rated for that weight. Options include:

• Reinforced concrete pad: The gold standard. A 4 to 6 inch thick concrete pad with proper grading is the most reliable foundation.
• Compacted gravel base: A more affordable alternative that works well when done correctly.
• Existing patio: May work if it is level and structurally sound. Have it evaluated first.

Check for Slope and Utilities

Your yard does not need to be perfectly flat — minor grading is normal. But significant slopes will require additional site work. Also, before you dig or pour concrete, call 811 (the national utility locator service) to identify underground gas, water, electric, and cable lines. This is free and required by law in Texas.

Electrical Requirements

Swim spas require a dedicated 240V, 50 to 60-amp electrical circuit. Some larger models need two circuits. A licensed electrician will need to install a disconnect panel near the swim spa and run wiring from your main breaker panel. Budget $800 to $2,000 for electrical depending on the distance and your panel's current capacity.

Choosing the Right Size: Endless Pools Families

Endless Pools offers three main product families, each designed for a different use case. Understanding the differences makes the decision much easier.

E-Series (Entry Level)

The E-Series is the most accessible Endless Pools lineup. These models are compact enough for smaller backyards while still delivering a genuine swimming experience. They feature the Endless Pools current system and comfortable spa seating. If you want to swim against a current, do aquatic exercise, and soak in warm water — all without a massive footprint — the E-Series is a smart starting point.

X-Series (Mid-Range)

The X-Series is where most of our customers land. These models offer more swim space, more powerful current systems, and a larger dedicated hot tub section with full hydrotherapy jets. The X-Series strikes the best balance between swim performance, relaxation features, and overall value. If you are a serious swimmer or want the flexibility to host family and friends, this is the sweet spot.

R-Series (Performance)

The R-Series is the flagship. The largest swim area, the most powerful current technology, premium materials, and a fully separated hot tub zone with independent temperature control. These are built for people who will use the swim side daily for fitness training and want a no-compromise spa experience on the other end. If swimming is your primary goal and budget is secondary, this is the line to consider.

Budgeting: What to Expect

Swim spas are a significant investment — but far less than a traditional in-ground pool. Here is a realistic range for what you will spend:

• Entry-level (E-Series): $20,000 to $28,000
• Mid-range (X-Series): $28,000 to $35,000
• Performance (R-Series): $35,000 to $45,000+

Beyond the purchase price, plan for:

• Site prep and foundation: $500 to $3,000
• Electrical installation: $800 to $2,000
• Delivery and crane (if needed): $500 to $1,500
• Monthly electricity: $50 to $100 depending on usage and temperature settings

For comparison, an in-ground pool in East Texas typically costs $50,000 to $100,000+ installed, takes months to build, requires seasonal opening and closing, and cannot be used as a therapy spa. A swim spa delivers exercise, relaxation, and year-round use for a fraction of the cost.

Key Features to Compare

Current System

The current system is the heart of any swim spa — it is what makes swimming in place possible. Endless Pools uses a proprietary current design that produces a smooth, wide, laminar flow of water. This matters because a choppy or turbulent current makes swimming uncomfortable and technique difficult. The Endless Pools current is smooth enough for recreational swimming and powerful enough for serious training.

Current speed is adjustable, so everyone in the family — from a beginner doing water walking to a competitive swimmer doing sprint intervals — can set the intensity to match their fitness level.

Temperature Control

One of the biggest advantages of a swim spa over a pool is precise temperature control. Most swim spas allow you to set the swim area and the spa area to different temperatures. You might keep the swim side at 82 to 85 degrees for exercise and the spa side at 100 to 104 degrees for relaxation. Dual-zone models maintain these temperatures independently, so one does not affect the other.

In East Texas, this means true year-round use. Our warm climate makes outdoor swim spas comfortable from March through November with minimal heating cost, and even in the cooler winter months, the insulated design keeps things efficient.

Fitness and Exercise Programs

Swim spas are not just for swimming. Endless Pools models support a wide range of aquatic fitness activities:

• Lap swimming: The obvious one. Swim against the current for as long as you want without ever reaching a wall.
• Aquatic jogging and walking: Lower impact than land-based exercise, excellent for rehabilitation and joint-friendly cardio.
• Resistance training: The current provides natural resistance for exercises that build strength and endurance.
• Physical therapy: Warm water plus adjustable resistance makes swim spas ideal for rehab after injuries or surgeries.
• Family fun: Kids love them. Adjustable current means the whole family can enjoy it safely.

Why Buy from a Dealer?

You might see swim spas advertised online or at home shows. Here is why buying from an authorized local dealer like East Texas Hot Tub Co. makes a real difference:

• You try before you buy. We have models on display in our showrooms. You can sit in them, feel the jets, see the build quality, and ask questions in person. A swim spa is too significant a purchase to make based on photos alone.
• Professional delivery and setup. We deliver with our own team, handle the placement, fill the unit, set up the electrical connection, and walk you through everything. You do not have to figure it out from a manual.
• Ongoing service and parts. When something needs attention — and over 15 to 20 years, something eventually will — we are local. We stock parts, we have trained service technicians, and we stand behind what we sell. You are not calling an 800 number and hoping for the best.
• We know East Texas. We understand the soil conditions, the electrical infrastructure, the climate, and the local regulations. We have installed swim spas in backyards across Tyler, Longview, and the surrounding area for years.

The East Texas Advantage

Living in East Texas gives you a natural advantage when it comes to swim spa ownership. Our mild winters and long, warm seasons mean you will get more use out of a swim spa here than almost anywhere else in the country. Most of our swim spa customers use theirs 10 to 12 months per year. When your neighbors up north are winterizing their pools in October, you are still swimming in comfortable water.

The warm climate also means lower heating costs. During the summer months, a swim spa in East Texas requires very little energy to maintain a comfortable swim temperature — the sun does most of the work.