Hydropool vs Jacuzzi swim spas

Hydropool uses jets in 9 models (Aquatic Collection, Executive Collection and Play Collection). Jacuzzi uses jets in 10 models (Flow Series, PowerActive Collection, PowerPlay Collection and PowerPro Collection).

A propeller turns behind a grate and pushes one wide column of water. Jets fire water through a few nozzles, often with air mixed in, so the current is narrower and more broken up. What you feel is the width and steadiness of the water, not the horsepower on the spec sheet. The guide to swim spa jets vs propeller explains the trade-offs.

Hydropool publishes the open swim area for all 9 models; the longest is 153 in, on the AquaTrainer 17AX. Jacuzzi publishes the open swim area for all 10 models; the longest is 148 in, on the J-19 PowerPro.

Outside lengths run 12 ft 6 in to 18 ft 10 in for Hydropool and 12 ft 4 in to 18 ft 5 in for Jacuzzi. By length class, Hydropool has 1 in the 12-foot class, 3 in the 14-foot class and 5 in the 16-foot class; Jacuzzi has 2 in the 12-foot class, 4 in the 14-foot class and 4 in the 16-foot class. At the dealer, lie out in an empty display of the model you would buy, arms overhead: your feet shouldn't reach the seats. See swim spa sizes, 12-foot swim spas, 14-foot swim spas and 16-foot swim spas, and best swim spas for lap swimming.

Water held runs 1,345 to 2,409 gallons for Hydropool and 1,345 to 2,432 for Jacuzzi. More water means more to heat, treat and carry: have a builder or engineer check the pad or deck for the filled weight.

Hydropool's models call for 50 to 100 A in total on 1 to 2 circuits; Jacuzzi's call for 50 to 110 A on 1 to 2 circuits. The top of each range is the AquaTrainer 19DTAX and the J-19DT PowerPro. A licensed electrician sizes the circuits for the model you buy. See swim spa electrical requirements.

Neither brand's models matched a filing in California's appliance database, so we have no measured standby figure for either. Ask each dealer for the model's California listing. The swim spa running cost guide explains what the number means.

Hydropool's structure warranty runs 10 years, equipment 3 years; coverage does not transfer. Jacuzzi's structure warranty runs 10 years, equipment 5 years; coverage does not transfer. Read the warranty card for labor and the swim system itself, which some makers cover for less time than the shell.

Neither brand posts prices, so a dealer's quote is the only figure. Swim spa cost covers delivery, the pad and the electrician.

Both brands belong to Investindustrial. Where each builds its swim spas, and who services them:

• Hydropool. Built in Mississauga, Ontario, and serviced by the selling retailer; Hydropool's site lists 178 US retailer locations across 41 states.
• Jacuzzi. Sold and serviced through Jacuzzi dealers; Jacuzzi says only 'North America and elsewhere', and its swim spa paperwork carries Hydropool's name and Mississauga address.

Every swim spa we track is listed by brand: Hydropool swim spas and Jacuzzi swim spas. Weighing one against a hot tub? Read swim spa vs hot tub, and for picks across brands, best swim spas.