Vortex™ Hydrozone™ Swim Spa Review (Features, costs, pros, cons and more)

The Vortex™ Hydrozone combines a hydrotherapy spa pool at one end and a pool with swim jets at the other. If you’re deciding between a pool or a spa pool, or looking for a versatile pool with relaxation benefits – this could be a great option for you.

Keep reading to learn more about the Vortex™ Hydrozone™ including costs, pros, cons and more.

In this article, we’ve used brand names not affiliated with Spa World™ or Vortex Leisure Pty Ltd, the parent company of Spa World™. You can see the list of the brand owners at the bottom of this article. All information, including pricing and product details, was accurate at the time of writing and may change without notice.

This article covers:

• What is the Vortex Hydrozone™ Dual Zone Swim Spa?
• How much is the Vortex Hydrozone™ Swim Spa?
• What are the Pros and Cons of the Vortex™ Hydrozone™ Swim Spa?
• Plunge™, Pro™, Pro+™ and Extreme™ models: What's the Difference?
• Is the Vortex Hydrozone™ Dual Zone Swim Spa worth it?

What is the Vortex Hydrozone™ Dual Zone Swim Spa?

The Vortex Hydrozone™ “Dual Zone” Swim Spa combines the benefits of a swim spa and a spa pool in one unit.

The water in the two zones is kept completely separate by an internal wall and separate plumbing systems. This means that the two zones have different control systems so you can adjust the jet pressure, temperature and other in-spa functions separately - even when you are using both at the same time. You can even use different chemical sanitiser systems at each end.

How much is the Vortex Hydrozone™ Swim Spa?

The cost for the Vortex Hydrozone™ Swim Spa varies depending on the model. This dual zone swim comes in four variations and is available in two different depths. Each model has exactly the same seating layout and features.

Vortex Hydrozone™ Swim Spa prices 2023:

Important note: The above prices were accurate at the time of writing and may change without notice.

To view the most accurate pricing and full product information, please click the button.

Standard Package vs. Avanté™ Package: What's the Difference?

Please note: As of the 29th of August, 2024, Avante™ model spas and swim spas had a name change removing the word Avante from the model names. At the same time the standard model Vortex Spas™, without the Avante™ upgrades, are obsolete and can no longer be ordered.

Plunge™, Pro™, Pro+™ and Extreme™ models: What's the Difference?

At this point, you've probably noticed that the Vortex™ Hydrozone™ pool spa combo comes in a variety of options. But, what makes them different from each other? And, more importantly, which model is the perfect fit for you?

In this section, we'll break down the unique characteristics of each model and guide you towards making the best choice for your needs.

Vortex™ Hydrozone™ Plunge™

The Hydrozone Plunge™ is great for family fun and ideal for standing fitness and aquasize. This model can be a great choice if you want to stay fit or recover. For those interested in swimming, adding the Pro, Pro+, or Extreme models may be more suitable, depending on your swimming ability.

If swimming is your main focus, you may want to consider installing a swim tether or exploring the Pro, Pro+, or Extreme models, depending on your swimming ability.

Vortex™ Hydrozone Pro™

The Hydrozone Pro™ is an upgrade from the Plunge model, with two powerful 150mm swim jets that create a strong current for swimming, walking, or jogging.

This model can be a perfect choice for individuals at an intermediate level of swimming. For more advanced swimmers, the Pro+ or Extreme models might be a better fit.

Vortex™ Hydrozone Pro+™

The Pro+ model is equipped with three pumps and three 150mm swim jets, offering additional resistance to your workout. It is suitable for all levels of swimmers, from beginners to advanced, as well as water joggers and those who engage in aquatic fitness.

Vortex™ Hydrozone Extreme™

The Extreme model is the most powerful among the Hydrozone™ options, designed to offer substantial resistance for your swim training. It features four swim jets specifically for advanced fitness training. This model is designed with a variable Vortex™ swim resistance system, making it suitable for swimmers at all levels, from beginners to athletes.

If you are dedicated to your swim training and seeking a serious challenge, the Extreme model can be the perfect choice for you.

While these details can assist you in making a decision, it's recommended to try them out yourself. You can schedule a 'wet test' at a Spa World™ showroom near you through our website, allowing you to personally experience these models and make your own decision.

What’s ClearLift™ Spa Cover?

ClearLift™ is an automatic motorised system that opens and closes your swim spa cover at the turn of a key consisting of a cover and frame that are attached to the swim spa. ClearLift™ is connected to the swim spa's control system and can be easily operated using a key to turn it on and off.

You can purchase the ClearLift™ as an upgrade for $9990.

Important note: At this stage, ClearLift™ can only be used with select Vortex™ Swim Spas, and only on models manufactured after November 2023. You will also need to purchase the ClearLift™ with your swim spa. You cannot buy it separately or install it on a previously purchased Vortex™ swim spa.

Vortex Spas™ vs other swim spas – Pricing

With prices ranging from $34,990 to $57,980, the Vortex Hydrozone™ pool-spa combo is considered a mid-market swim spa.

If you want to know if the Vortex Hydrozone™ Swim Spa is a great buy, you could compare it to an expensive swim spa with similar features and specifications and see how they stack up.

For example, we compared the Vortex™ Hydrozone Swim Spa with Master Spas^® MP Momentum™ D swim spa.

We found that these two units have similar features and specifications, the MP model (at $69,995) costs about $27,000 more than the Vortex™ Hydrozone Swim Spa.

The MP Momentum D™ Swim Spa features a proprietary propeller-based swim system. Vortex™ Hydrozone™ Swim Spa uses a jetted swim system, ideal for general fitness and family fun.

Propulsion is one of the best options for professional swim training so in this respect, it is better than the Hydrozone™. However, the hydrotherapy performance of the two units is similar, as is the construction and quality.

If you’re purchasing a swim spa primarily for high-level swim training purposes, the MP Momentum D™ is an excellent choice. However, if you're looking for a swim spa that offers general fitness, relaxation, family recreation, and even extreme athletic training at a more affordable price, the Hydrozone Extreme™ can be a better option.

If you’re buying your swim spa primarily for swim training (as opposed to all the other benefits that a swim spa offers) then you can consider the MP Momentum D™.

However, If you’re after a swim spa for general fitness, relaxation and family recreation then we think that the Hydrozone™ might be a perfect fit.

If low-impact vertical aquatic fitness is what you prefer, then consider the Hydroxone Plunge model.

In summary, our advice is to shop around and compare features and brands as well as prices. You may find that the Vortex™ Hydrozone has the equivalent features as premium swim spas such as Master Spas^® MP Momentum™ D.

Learn more about Master Spas^® in our detailed review below.

Vortex Spas™ vs other swim spas – Running Costs

Most of the cost of running a swim spa has to do with heating the spa water.

To save on running costs, choose a swim spa with excellent insulation that retains heat well. The better the insulation, the less you'll spend on heating.

Vortex Spas™ might have a higher heating cost compared to premium spa brands such as Jacuzzi^® Spas and HotSpring^® Spas. Premium spa brands typically have lower running costs because they have ‘full foam’ insulation.

Although Vortex Swim Spas™, are compatible with integrated heat pumps which can reduce running costs by up to 75%.

This is just an estimate based on many years of customer feedback. Many factors could influence these costs such as climate, usage and the temperature the spa is set at.

Check out this article on spa and swim spa running costs and learn how to keep your power bills at a minimum.

If you want to achieve similarly low running costs with a less expensive swim spa, you could opt for an insulation upgrade and/or fit a heat pump.

Heat pumps cost approximately $3,000, but would bring the running cost of a mid-market swim spa down to that of a much more expensive swim spa model or even less.

Even in premium models with lower running costs, a heat pump would be a good long-term investment — bringing running costs down even further. Check to see if the swim spa you are looking at is compatible with a heat pump.

Vortex^® offers an insulation upgrade for swim spas ー the Arctic™ Pack. This upgrade increases the perimeter insulation to 50mm, providing a better level of insulation. It is commonly used on Vortex^® swim spas sold in regions with extreme climates like Scandinavia and Canada.

What are the Pros and Cons of the Vortex™ Hydrozone™ Swim Spa?

To help you decide if this product is right for you, here’s the list of pros and cons to consider.

Pros

• Reasonably priced - It’s affordable compared to other swim spas with similar features.
• Versatility - It’s a spa and swimming pool in one.
• Durability - Uses high-quality US-made acrylic shell and galvanised steel frame construction
• Water Care System- Uses Purezone™ Automatic Water Care System
• Heat pump-compatible - Can be fitted with an integrated heat pump to heat the water, saving you up to 75% on heating costs
• Variant options - Offers different choices for the number of swim jets, pumps, and depth
• Optional ClearLIft™ Automatic Cover This motorised system cover lifter opens and closes at the turn of a key.

Cons

• Higher running costs than some premium brands. Adding extra insulation and a heat pump can reduce the power required significantly.
• Has fewer hydrotherapy seats compared to other dual zone swim spas in the same price range.
• Does not provide a Hydraulic-driven treadmill option.
• Does not provide as long of a swim section as other models that are not dual zone.

Who is Vortex Spas™?

Vortex Spas™ are designed in Australia and New Zealand and their products are manufactured in China. Many spa pools and swim spas are made in China.

Unlike other companies that may rely on third-party manufacturers in China, Vortex Spas™ has an onsite quality assurance team that closely monitors every stage of the manufacturing process. This provides Vortex Spas™ with more control over quality and design decisions.

Vortex Spas™ are sold in over 20 countries worldwide and are possibly best known in the industry for the Vortex^® IKON™ spa which has won a number of international design awards including the Good Design™ Australia award.

On its website, Vortex Spas™ says it strives to match the quality of the premium US brands but at lower prices to offer better value. Vortex Spas™ is recognised for its innovative technologies including pioneering the use of UV sterilisation in spas and swim spas.

All Vortex Spas™ portable spas feature injection-moulded Permaframe™ framing with a lifetime guarantee along with a raft of other premium features. Vortex™ Swim Spas have heat-dipped galvanised steel frames.

Who owns Vortex Spas™?

The Vortex Spas™ Brand is owned by US-based Jaccuzzi Group^® – the same company that owns the Jacuzzi^® brand, the inventors of spas as we know them today.

Jacuzzi^® Spas first developed a spa pool for the mass market in 1956 and is now one of the world’s leading global manufacturers of hot tubs, swim spas, baths, showers, saunas, and pool equipment.

Vortex Spas™ was acquired by Jacuzzi Group^® in 2021. The company first struck up a relationship with Jacuzzi^® in 2019 as a supply partner.

Who sells Vortex Spas™ swim spas in Australia?

Vortex Spas™, Swim Spas and Saunas are available exclusively from Spa World™ – the largest spa retailer in Australasia.

You can buy Vortex Spas™ online via the Spa World™ website or by visiting Spa World™ showrooms in Australia.

Is the Vortex Hydrozone™ Dual Zone Swim Spa worth it?

The Vortex™ Hydrozone Dual Zone Swim Spa can be a great option for anyone wanting the benefits of a pool and spa combo at an affordable price.

With prices starting at $34,990, the Vortex™ Hydrozone™ is considered a mid-market spa. When you compare the features and dimensions of the Vortex Hydrozone™ with similar premium swim spas – it is around $25,000 cheaper, and potentially a lot better value for money.

As previously mentioned, the running costs of this model may be slightly higher than premium swim spas. However, investing in extra insulation and an external heat pump can significantly reduce the running costs of a mid-market swim spa.

Vortex Spas™ are distributed exclusively through Spa World™ which has showrooms throughout Australia and New Zealand. Spa World™ has been in the industry since 1985 and has an excellent reputation, with a 5-star TrustPilot^® rating. They also offer comprehensive warranties so you’ll have peace of mind should anything go wrong after purchase.

In summary

We hope this article has helped you decide if the Vortex Hydrozone™ pool spa combo is worth the investment.

To help you further with your decision-making, we invite you to try it out for yourself.

Most Spa World™ showrooms allow you to try out or ‘wet test’ a spa or swim spa in-store.

Got more questions? Our Ultimate Spa Buyers Guide is a helpful resource for anyone interested in purchasing a plunge pool or swim spa.

We are always here to help! Please feel free to click the button below for more information.

Disclaimer: The following registered trademarks are owned by companies not affiliated in any way with Spa World™ or Vortex Leisure Pty Ltd – the parent company of Spa World Ltd:

HotSpring^® Spas trademark is owned by Watkins Manufacturing Corporation (Watkins). Master Spas^® trademark and Master Spas^® MP Momentum™ D are owned by Master Spas^®.