For Bobby, a gym owner and father of four, staying active is more than just a part of his day-to-day life; it’s a passion. At the age of 43, the lifelong athlete is trying to make a comeback to return to collegiate athletics.
However, participating in competitive sports is a lot different than it was when he was younger. Recovery has become just as important — if not more important — than time in the gym and on the court. That need for recovery is what led Bobby to consider incorporating water exercise and hydrotherapy.
“I selfishly bought the swim spa for me to swim,” he says.
A pool-spa combination, their H2X Trainer offers the perfect combination of fitness and relaxation, featuring an adjustable swim current for swimming in place and a separate hot tub area for recovery.
However, Bobby and his wife Brandie quickly discovered that the swim spa became more than a place to support an active lifestyle. It transformed into the heart of their family’s daily routine, offering a space for relaxation, quality time, and a fun way to stay connected and active together.
“It quickly became our family hangout,” Bobby says. “Our kids are in it every day.”
A family on the move
Bobby and Brandie are an active couple. The pair, who have been together for more than 20 years, actually met in a gym when they were both in college.
“Fitness has always been a part of our lives,” they say.
It’s also something they want to be a part of their kids’ lives. By setting a good example and staying in shape, Brandie and Bobby are making sure their kids have the foundation to be active — all while knowing that they’ll be there for their kids as they grow.
“I’m trying to be a competitive college athlete again,” he says. “But more importantly, I want to stay active with my kids — whether it’s soccer, softball, or basketball. I want to be able to physically do those things with them.”
The H2X Trainer dual-zone swim spa plays a vital role in helping them stay fit. Bobby uses it regularly for low-impact workouts, especially those that boost his cardio health. Water running and swimming are gentle on his joints but still provide an excellent workout.
“The running in the Master Spa is great for me, especially with my left knee bothering me. It’s very low-impact, and I can run without feeling pain like I do on concrete,” Brandie says. “I can stay in there a lot longer, and it doesn’t hurt my knee. It’s amazing how much easier it is on my joints.”
The family’s favorite hangout spot
With kids, sports, travel leagues, and busy schedules, finding time to connect as a family can feel like a challenge. Between the demands of daily life and constant distractions, it often seems like everyone is being pulled in different directions. It can feel nearly impossible to carve out those moments to just be together.
What surprised Brandie and Bobby the most after purchasing the swim spa was how quickly it became the family’s favorite hangout spot. “I bought it initially just to swim against the current, but our family quickly adopted it as the place to be when we have downtime,” Brandie says. “It’s where we go to relax, unwind, and spend quality time together.”
The swim spa has also played an unexpected role in helping their children become better swimmers. “Our 6-year-old never had swim lessons, but she learned to swim in the Master Spa. The kids love swimming back and forth in the swim spa, and it’s been instrumental in their progress,” Bobby explains.
For families with younger children, the swim spa offers a safer, more manageable alternative to a traditional pool. “It’s safer for the younger kids. They can grab the handles on the side if they’re tired, and it’s super clear, so you can always see what’s going on,” says Brandie.
The easy-access steps also make it simpler for everyone, including her 75-year-old father, to enjoy the spa. “My dad, who doesn’t get around well, can still easily get in and out of the swim spa, which is another great feature.”
What is better: A pool or a swim spa?
Before purchasing the swim spa, Brandie and Bobby were debating between a traditional pool and something more versatile.
“I had been in a Master Spa one time, but it didn’t have the hot tub,” Brandie says. “When I inquired about the unit with the hot tub, I knew that was the one for us.”
They were sold on the idea of a dual-zone swim spa, which has separate recreation and hot tub areas. The recreation area features an endless water current for stationary swimming and water exercise while the hydrotherapy area features soothing jets for relaxation or family time.
This design allows the whole family to enjoy the benefits of both fitness and wellness in one space, making it a versatile addition to their active lifestyle. Whether it’s swimming against the current for a great workout or unwinding with a therapeutic soak, a dual-zone swim spa offers a range of benefits.
Bobby adds, “The care is super easy. The upkeep of the swim spa is so much easier than maintaining a pool. That’s for sure.”
Year-round swim spa
Snow, cold temperatures, even blustery winds: Northeast Indiana sees its fair share of winter conditions. However, the season has not stopped the family from enjoying their swim spa.
“Having the Master Spa here in the winter is my favorite,” Brandie says. “There’s nothing better than jumping in the hot tub with snow falling all around you and the heat from the spa rising up. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a cold, busy day.”
H2X Fitness Swim Spas are designed to be used year-round, in any climate. Swim spas feature full foam insulation, which helps keep in the heat and maintain water temperature — with less energy compared to other models. The covers are also designed for energy efficiency, helping to keep out the cold and retain heat.
Bobby recalls a memorable winter experience. “We had a crazy ice storm here in Fort Wayne two years ago. It was below zero, and we didn’t even think to put the cover on the swim spa. We woke up the next morning, and everything outside was frozen, but the swim spa was perfectly fine.”
This ability to enjoy the swim spa year-round is one of the key advantages it has over a traditional pool. “All of our friends with pools shut them down for the winter,” Bobby says. “But we can use ours every day, all year long.”
A lifestyle investment
For Brandie and Bobby, their H2X Challenger 19D has become more than just a place to exercise; it’s an investment in their family and lifestyle.
“Once you start using it regularly, it’s really hard to stop. You feel so much better when you do,” Brandie says. “Incorporating the swim spa into our routine has made us healthier and happier, and that’s something we want for ourselves and our kids.”
How to buy a swim spa
Are you ready to create a personal sanctuary in your backyard? Relax, unwind, and reinvent family time with a Master Spas swim spa. Click here to discover the secrets to creating a backyard oasis. Or, contact your local Master Spas retailer to learn more about spa ownership. How much does a swim spa cost? Request a quote here.