Thinking About a Pool? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Skip the Spa!
One of the most common questions we get is: Should I add a spa when building my pool? The short answer? Absolutely! If you think you might want one, now is the time.
A spa isn’t just a luxury add-on; it’s a game-changer for relaxation, aesthetics, and even property value. Adding one during the initial pool construction phase makes it far easier (and more cost-effective) than trying to retrofit it later.
But is it the right choice for you? Follow along as we explore all the pros and cons so you can make the best decision for your outdoor living space.
Enhance Your Swimming Pool With a Custom Spa
Before you start building your dream pool, it’s essential to consider whether or not you want to add a spa to your pool area. While it might seem like just an extra feature, a spa can take your pool experience to the next level—here’s how.
Save Money By Adding Your Spa Now
If a spa is on your wish list, there’s one smart move you don’t want to miss—add it during your initial pool construction! Why? Because building a spa now is far more cost-effective than adding one later.
Retrofitting a spa after your pool is already built requires extra construction, significant design changes, and higher costs. By planning ahead, you’ll save money, avoid unnecessary headaches, and create a seamless, stunning pool-spa combo from the start.
Create a Seamless Look From the Start
Adding a spa before beginning your pool construction isn’t just a smart financial move—it’s the key to a cohesive, well-planned design. When you plan for a spa from the start, you can seamlessly integrate it into your pool design, ensuring the perfect size, placement, and flow. This means a more functional, visually stunning backyard retreat that feels intentional rather than an afterthought. A well-designed pool-spa combo doesn’t just look better—it works better.
Enjoy a More Efficient System
Retrofitting a spa after your pool is built can lead to a messy, inefficient setup that requires workarounds and extra energy to keep things running. By planning for a spa from the start, your installers can design a streamlined system that efficiently powers both your pool and spa. This means better performance, lower energy costs, and a hassle-free experience from day one.
Why settle for a patchwork system when you can build it right the first time?
Skip the Engineering Headaches
Adding to existing pool systems can lead to some serious engineering challenges. Depending on the age of your pool or the methods used to originally construct it, retrofitting a spa might be difficult, expensive, or even impossible. Many contractors hesitate to take on these complex jobs because they often require tearing into the existing pool, modifying plumbing and electrical systems, and reinforcing the structure to ensure stability.
Adding a spa during the initial pool construction prevents these potential nightmares. Designers can create a blueprint that ensures both your pool and the spa are built to last—no costly surprises, no structural worries, just a seamless, well-planned backyard retreat right from the get-go.
Pros of Adding a Spa
Thinking about adding a spa? Here’s why it might be the best decision you make for your backyard oasis:
Unmatched Relaxation
A spa isn’t just an add-on—it’s your personal retreat. Whether you need to unwind after a long day or soothe sore muscles after a hard workout, a spa provides the perfect therapeutic escape.
With a custom spa, you can design every detail for your comfort. Choose the perfect seating configuration, add hydrotherapy jets targeted to specific muscles, and create a space that melts stress away—relaxation tailored precisely to you.
Year-Round Use
Why limit your outdoor enjoyment to just the summer months? With a spa, you can transform your backyard into a cozy retreat any time of year. Even on chilly evenings, the soothing warmth of a spa invites you to relax, making every season spa season. Whether a crisp winter night or a breezy summer evening, your personalized spa becomes the perfect spot to unwind, recharge, and connect with loved ones—no matter the weather!
Boost in Home Value
A spa isn’t just about relaxation—it’s an investment in your home’s beauty and value. A well-designed spa can become a stunning focal point in your backyard, enhancing its overall appeal and creating a true luxury escape.
And if you ever decide to sell? A pool can boost your home’s value by 7% or more, attracting buyers who appreciate the added comfort and sophistication. Plus, with a beautifully designed spa integrated into the pool system, that number could climb even higher.
The Ultimate Social Hub
A custom spa can be a great place to bring people together. Hosting a spa-themed party or unwinding with family and friends after a long day can foster beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.
From casual evenings to special celebrations, your spa can be the heart of your backyard, making it the go-to spot for relaxation, laughter, and quality time with loved ones.
Cons of Adding a Spa
While a spa can be a fantastic investment, it’s valuable to weigh the potential drawbacks. Depending on your budget, maintenance preferences, and space, there may be factors that could make you think twice. Here’s what to keep in mind before taking the plunge:
Higher Upfront Costs
Adding a spa to your pool project comes with an extra price tag. Beyond the basic pool construction, integrating a spa requires advanced engineering, additional materials, and specialized labor. With multiple jets, a heater, and extra plumbing and electrical components, these costs can add up quickly. While the long-term benefits may outweigh the expense, it’s necessary to factor this into your budget before making a decision.
Additional Maintenance
A spa can be a relaxing retreat, but it also comes with extra upkeep. Just like your pool, it requires regular cleaning, water chemistry balancing, and periodic draining and refilling to stay in top shape. Plus, you’ll need to inspect it for wear and tear and keep it covered to prevent debris buildup. Though the added maintenance is manageable, it’s something to consider before committing to a spa.
Limited Space
When space is at a premium, adding a spa could mean sacrificing room for other backyard features. A spa takes up part of your pool area, which might impact the size of your swimming space, deck, or landscaping. Before making a decision, consider what is most important to you—do you want a larger pool for swimming and exercise, more space for entertaining, or is the ability to relax in a spa the top priority?
Limited Layout Options
Adding a spa isn’t just about extra space—it can also impact your pool’s overall layout. To keep it accessible, especially in colder months, you’ll likely want the spa positioned closer to your home, which could affect the placement of pool stairs, ladders, or other features. These design constraints might limit your options, so planning ahead is vital to ensure both functionality and aesthetics work in your favor.
Increased Energy Costs
Keeping your spa consistently warm requires a lot more energy, which can add a significant amount to your utility bills. According to Energy.gov, heating a pool with electric resistance heating can cost around $1,000 annually, and adding a spa only increases that expense, especially if you plan to use it during colder months. If energy efficiency and cost savings are a priority, it’s worth considering alternative heating options or limiting usage to manage expenses.
Why Add On a Spa?
Overall, adding a spa to your pool project is something worth considering. It can provide additional relaxation and year-round use of your pool area while also increasing the overall value of your property. However, weighing the pros and cons and considering the additional cost and maintenance required is important.
It’s also important to note that adding a custom spa after the pool is built is possible but much more expensive than doing it as part of the initial construction. If there’s even a chance you’ll want a spa in the future, the smart move is to add it now. Doing so will save you money, simplify construction, and ensure a seamless, well-integrated design—no costly headaches down the line.
Create Your Dream Pool and Spa with Lonestar Pool & Spa Design
A custom spa can extend the usable season for your pool area, while offering health and relaxation benefits and potentially increasing your home’s value. But spas also require higher upfront costs, in addition to operational and maintenance expenses. A spa can take your pool experience to the next level, but it’s essential to consider both the benefits and the extra costs and maintenance involved.
Ready to bring your vision to life? Our pool design experts are here for you. We’ve been serving Texan homeowners in Frisco, Celina, Prosper, Little Elm, McKinney and beyond for decades. Contact us today to explore your options and create the perfect backyard oasis.
