Having a spa in the backyard – What a way to relax! Imagine unwinding with a cold drink in hand while millions of bubbles massage and soothe tired and achy muscles, it doesn’t get much better than that. If you are considering a spa for your place, here is everything you need to know before you take the plunge.
Different types of spas
Above-ground spas
When you think of a spa, an above-ground portable spa may be the first thing that comes to mind. They are at the cheaper end of spas, and once delivered to site and set up, they are ready to soak in within a few hours which makes them an appealing choice for potential spa owners. Above-ground spas now come in a plethora of designs while still maintaining their iconic above ground spa look. They do come with some downfalls though; they tend to be a bit of an eyesore, and they can be tricky to tie in with the design of a home. Above-ground spas are not as durable and long-lasting as their in-ground counterparts, and if they are left outside in the elements, they can crack, and wear faster than they normally should. The other thing about portable spas is they are unlikely to add any value to your home.
Inground spas
Inground spas can create a stunning feature in your backyard. Rather than sitting on the ground, they are built into the ground, which can create a seamless finish. They are typically made from concrete or fibreglass and are a more permanent solution than an above ground spa. Inground spas come in a variety of styles, designs, and colours, and you also have the option to add several additional features to give it the wow factor. They are extremely long-lasting and durable and have the same lifespan as an inground swimming pool. Above-ground spas can also be installed partially above ground which is a great solution for those living on an awkward or sloping block. The only downfall to choosing an inground spa is that they are more expensive than an above ground spa, and the installation is far more extensive, however, if you’re looking for a spa for the long term, the extra money initially to install it makes them a worthwhile investment.
Spa choices
When it comes to spas, you are spoilt for choice! Here is a rundown of two of the most popular types:
Stand-alone spas
Stand-alone spas come in a huge variety of sizes and can usually fit anywhere from 4 to 6 people in them comfortably. They are an ideal solution for those with petite backyards as they can fit in the smallest of spaces. Spas usually have generous seating that is designed for sitting for extended periods, and they are often paired with spa jets and heating but can also have additional extras such as lighting and water features.
Swim spas
Swim spas combine the best of both worlds – swimming and relaxing. They are much larger than normal spas and generally have a dedicated area for swimming whilst the other end is reserved for relaxing. They are a great choice for those who won’t have a lot of people using the swim section at any one given time as they only have enough room for around 2-3 people to paddle comfortably. A swim spa allows you to float about on a hot summer’s day while still enjoying all the hydrotherapy benefits of a spa.
Spa and pool combination
Why choose just one when you can have both? A Fibreglass Swimming Pool and Spa combination is the ultimate luxury, and they are becoming an increasingly sought-after home addition here in Australia. This design generally has a full-size pool with a spa at one end. Both the spa and pool are the same colour and design to create a cohesive and stunning looking area. The spa is completely separated from the pool which means you can heat the spa only to gain maximum warmth and to save on energy costs. You can choose a spa with an overflow, the water from the spa cascades down into the swimming pool which can create a water feature like element, or you can choose a spa with no overflow, it’s up to you!
Benefits of owning a spa
Improved health – The biggest benefit to owning a spa has to be the health benefits it can provide. Did you know that being submerged in a warm spa can promote a better night’s sleep, boost mood, lower stress levels, alleviate pain, increase circulation, lower blood pressure, increase cardiovascular health, help with injuries and so much more?
Add value to your home – A well-designed spa in the backyard can add value to your home. Most people love spending time outdoors, and having something like a spa right at your backdoor step appeals to many.
It creates a place to catch up with those you care about most – Many of us are guilty of spending too much time on technology rather than with each other. A spa provides the perfect setting to debrief and catch up with those you care about most.
You can use it year-round – Most spas have heating, and this means you can use it comfortably throughout the year regardless of the weather.
Why choose a spa over a swimming pool?
- Most spas have heating whereas most pools don’t, and the heating costs of a spa are far less than that of a swimming pool.
- They are cheaper to install as the excavation is generally less than a full-size pool.
- Spas are more economical to maintain as they require fewer chemicals and less water. They are also more affordable to run. The equipment doesn’t need to be as powerful and it generally doesn’t need to run for as long which can save you money.
- They are great for any size site! There aren’t too many backyards that couldn’t fit a spa in it.
Remember
Regardless of what spa you choose, it is law that you have a compliant safety barrier in place, so you will need to factor this into your budget.
We hope this post has given you an insight into how great spas are! If you’re ready to dive into spa ownership, contact our friendly team here at The Fibreglass Pool Company, we have fibreglass spa options to suit every home and budget.
