{"id":4140,"date":"2022-06-09T08:00:51","date_gmt":"2022-06-09T08:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.masterspas.com\/blog\/?p=4140"},"modified":"2026-01-08T21:54:19","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T21:54:19","slug":"recessed-swim-spa-backyard-makeover","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.masterspas.com\/blog\/recessed-swim-spa-backyard-makeover\/","title":{"rendered":"Backyard makeover: A personal retreat in Tennessee"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Tennessee homeowner Chris grew up swimming and loved to get in the water. But when it came time to add a swimming pool to his backyard, the space was not ideal. The yard was small and sloped, and there was a road nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But even without an in-ground swimming pool, Chris and wife Leigh have created a backyard oasis that is just as much about spending time together as it is about fitness.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe were looking for something that would give us the ability to swim, relax, have a good time, and the swim spa is the perfect solution to that,\u201d Chris says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After spending more than a year researching eight different brands, the couple chose an H2X Challenger 19D<\/a>. The dual-zone swim spa by Master Spas has a swim area and separate hot tub. The swim area can be kept at a \u201cpool\u201d temperature, while the hot tub side is set to a soothing 102 degrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part of MasterSpas\u2019 Summer Backyard tours, Ben and Mari take a tour of the space to see what makes it so special.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"recessed<\/a>
An H2X Challenger 19D is lowered into a custom concrete vault. The recessed swim spa provides the look and fun of an in-ground pool.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Recessed swim spa: Behind the build<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It wasn\u2019t the kitchen or the size of the master bedroom that sold Chris and Leigh on their house.  It was the backyard and the patio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While they live in a tightly knit community, the concrete patio had a sense of privacy and plenty of room for entertaining. It stretched along the entirety of the home, and it was easy to access from the patio door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, it wasn\u2019t their dream backyard \u2014 a place to swim, hang out, and relax. They needed the swim spa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before it was craned in, though, Chris and Leigh did a lot of planning. First, they had to work with the HOA and have the pool-spa approved. The community limited the surface area of the water and how far above ground the spa could be. The limit was 25 inches above the deck, and H2X Challenger series spas are 60 inches tall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The solution: A partially-recessed swim spa.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Working with a landscaper, they created a custom swim spa installation complete with vault, trap door, and advanced drainage system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA big concern for him and us was drainage,\u201d Chris says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Swim spas are self-contained but heavy rains and flash flooding can back up into the vault. The homeowners chose to install a French drain system, which goes all around the swim spa. There\u2019s a sump pump, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the remarkable part about the recessed spa design is the attention to detail. The spa was installed at a height so that the top step is even with the deck, making it easy to get in and out. The vault beams are installed so that cabinet panels can be easily removed if they ever needed to service the spa. A hinged trap door makes access convenient, and there is ample room to move around the vault.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"inground<\/a>
With an outdoor projector system, the homeowners can stream movies as they soak.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Favorite spa features<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Leigh works in the medical field, and her job is not only stressful but physical. For her owning a swim spa is just as much about recovery as it is fitness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Xtreme Therapy Cove is fantastic,\u201d she says. \u201cWhen I come home in the afternoon, this is perfect. I get in there, enjoy the massage of the therapy cove, and get in the hot tub with the Master Blaster foot jets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is so easy to relax in the spa,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chris appreciates the recovery and relaxation features of the spa but he does a lot of swimming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI love the current on the Challenger,\u201d he says, adding that he swims at least three times a week. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

H2X Challenger series swim spas have a variable speed current, which allows Chris and other swimmers to set the pace of the workout. The system can be set between zero and 25, and it has a top speed of about 1:20 per 100-meter pace. Six airless jets produce the current of water, which provides a smoother swim experience compared to other brands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The spa is just about 10 steps away from the patio, allowing to swim when it\u2019s most convenient for his schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, he uses water fitness equipment to complement his swim training. Aquatic dumbbells, rowing bars, and resistance bands create a low-impact but effective workout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And when he\u2019s done? He\u2019s making full use of the Xtreme Therapy cove and even using the swim jets to relieve discomfort in his shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt just comes in so handy,\u201d Chris says. \u201cI have a lot of fun with this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"partially
Shade sails protect the pool-spa combo from the elements while adding dimension to the backyard.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Backyard ideas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The recessed swim spa is the focal point of the homeowners\u2019 backyard. However, it is the patio design and other features that make it a true backyard oasis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Papasan chairs that swivel and rock are made for cozying up with a book, while a wicker-style set offers additional seating. Colorful outdoor cushions brighten up the space and complement an outdoor rug, which softens up the space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strategically placed shade sails help maintain an even water temperature and prevent pine needles and other elements from falling into the spa. Chris and Leigh mixed shapes and sizes so that they had coverage where they wanted it most. A patio umbrella provides additional coverage over the seating area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They were intentional to make sure that the hot tub side was not covered. \u201cShade during the day,\u201d Chris says, \u201cand stars at night.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the newest additions to the space is an outdoor projector that allows the couple to watch movies, using the swim spa cover as a screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe used to have a projection system and wanted to do movies for the longest time,\u201d Chris says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The projector has a four-way keystone, which allows you to almost draw the shape of the screen so that it fits the spa cover. A streaming stick is hooked up to the projector, allowing Chris and Leigh to watch their favorite shows while soaking in the hot tub side of the dual-zone swim spa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The couple also has plans to install an outdoor shower. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to buy a swim spa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do you want to be able swim, exercise, and relax at home? Having a MasterSpas swim spa allows you to swim on your schedule while adding a fun factor to your backyard. Contact your local MasterSpas retailer<\/a> to learn more about swim spa ownership. Wondering how much a swim spa costs? You can request a quote<\/a> here.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Tennessee homeowner Chris grew up swimming and loved to get in the water. But when it came time to add a swimming pool to his backyard, the space was not ideal. The yard was small and sloped, and there was a road nearby. But even without an in-ground swimming pool, Chris and wife Leigh have Continue Reading<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":4143,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4140","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-backyard-planning"],"yoast_head":"\nBackyard makeover: A personal retreat in Tennessee | Backyard Planning<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Without space for an in-ground pool, a Tennessee couple found a way to build the backyard of their dreams \u2014\u00a0a recessed swim spa.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.masterspas.com\/blog\/recessed-swim-spa-backyard-makeover\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Backyard makeover: A personal retreat in Tennessee | Backyard Planning\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Without space for an in-ground pool, a Tennessee couple found a way to build the backyard of their dreams \u2014\u00a0a recessed swim spa.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.masterspas.com\/blog\/recessed-swim-spa-backyard-makeover\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Master Spas Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-06-09T08:00:51+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-01-08T21:54:19+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.masterspas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Hoopes-hero.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"630\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Kim\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Kim\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.masterspas.com\/blog\/recessed-swim-spa-backyard-makeover\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.masterspas.com\/blog\/recessed-swim-spa-backyard-makeover\/\",\"name\":\"Backyard makeover: A personal retreat in Tennessee | Backyard Planning\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.masterspas.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.masterspas.com\/blog\/recessed-swim-spa-backyard-makeover\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.masterspas.com\/blog\/recessed-swim-spa-backyard-makeover\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.masterspas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Hoopes-hero.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-06-09T08:00:51+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-01-08T21:54:19+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.masterspas.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/a773dc88f8fb1c82398f796814947648\"},\"description\":\"Without space for an in-ground pool, a Tennessee couple found a way to build the backyard of their dreams \u2014\u00a0a recessed swim spa.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.masterspas.com\/blog\/recessed-swim-spa-backyard-makeover\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.masterspas.com\/blog\/recessed-swim-spa-backyard-makeover\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.masterspas.com\/blog\/recessed-swim-spa-backyard-makeover\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.masterspas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Hoopes-hero.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.masterspas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Hoopes-hero.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":630,\"caption\":\"A Tennessee couple created a dream-worthy backyard with a recessed swim spa. 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