Pool Versus Spa

So you’ve decided you want some sort of water immersion system for your backyard only you can’t decide between a pool or a spa. But besides the money factor, there’s a lot to consider before choosing either one. And it may not be as straightforward as you first thought because there are several choices in each category. Take a look at the following choices:

1. In-Ground Pool
2. In-Ground Pool and Spa
3. Above-Ground Pool
4. Above-Ground Spa
5. In-Ground Spa
6. Above-Ground Swim Spa

Is your head spinning yet? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each one.

Choices #1 and #2: In-Ground Pool With or Without Spa

This is what most people imagine when they think about cooling off in the backyard. But it is also one of the most expensive choices, especially if you include an in-ground spa and other features such as a fountain. For the serious swimmer or if you have kids, this choice may be worth it to you. Building a pool is also the most time-consuming and what many people think of as frustrating process, dealing with the sub-contractors. But it probably has the biggest payoff. If you choose to build a pool, you must be prepared for the maintenance costs and effort on your part, unless you hire a pool man and that’s also a more expensive choice.

Choice #3: Above-Ground Pool

Not as popular as it once was due to many communities restricting its use. And you may agree that it really isn’t that attractive in your backyard.

Choice #4: Above-Ground Spa

An above-ground jetted spa is a great choice if you want to keep your purchase and maintenance expenses and effort on the lower end. It’s also a great choice if you have a smaller backyard or want or need the water therapy. Older people especially may want to consider this choice.

Choice #5: In-Ground Spa

If you like the look of an in-ground pool but don’t want to spend that amount of money and you’d like to have jets and hot water to soak in year-round, you may choose to build an in-ground spa. But it has some of the problems that building a pool does—dealing with subcontractors, digging, and building permit issues. And maintenance can be tricky with the jets built in the ground.

Choice #6: Above-Ground Swim Spa

But if you have your heart on swimming, don’t want to have a digger dig up your backyard, and you’d like warm water and year-round soaking, the swim spa may be for you. But it is about as expensive as building an in-ground pool and maybe even more so if you choose to have it installed partly underground for a more attractive look.

It can be a daunting decision so you may want to visit your local pool and spa dealer to talk it over with them and maybe even sample a few of the choices.