A swim spa really is the best of all worlds! I originally bought a large spa (Hotsprings Grandee)and loved it. I soon realized that I was using it more in the summer than in the winter. I really loved the whole pool aspect of the spa. Then I discovered swim spas. I can't tell you how wonderful these things are. Think about it you are getting exercise, a hot tub and a pool all in one! I have a 17' swim spa decked in and off of my screen porch. And it has changed my life. Friends who spent tens of thousands on in ground pools are jealous as hell. If you need any more info I'd be more than glad to share it with you. I often felt like I was going into this whole thing blind and no one really shared any of the big and little things about about swim spas. Oh, and YES they heat to the same degree and a regular size spa. In the summer I turn the heat off and use mine as a pool!?