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Designing Your Outdoor Spa

If there’s one thing better than a swimming pool…it’s a spa.  Outdoor spas are enjoyed by children and adults alike, and can often be used during both the winter and the summer.  If you’re thinking about constructing a backyard pool, you might also want to consider asking your pool builders to add an outdoor spa.  The addition of an outdoor spa to your backyard may be the finishing touch you’ve been looking for to complete your dream backyard.  As you move forward with designing your outdoor spa, there are several things you’ll want to consider.  There are a lot of decision to make when you consider getting a spa, such as whether you want an in-ground or above ground spa, what tiling you would like, and much more!  Luckily, we’ve compiled a few answers to these questions to help you design your outdoor spa!

Deciding on an In-Ground Spa or an Aboveground Spa

If you’re in the process of building a pool in your backyard, then it may make the most economic sense to add an in-ground spa. Since your yard will already be torn up, it will be easy for the pool builders to add the construction of a spa. In-ground spas correlate more directly with the pool.  You can customize your glass and tiling to make the spa as extravagant or as simple as you’d like.  Often times, people spice up their spa by connecting it to their pool via a waterfall or some other extravagant water feature.  Because of the many add ons, in-ground spas can end up being rather expensive.  However, it’s beauty and functionality often make it worth the price.

A cheaper alternative to an in-ground spa is an above ground spa.  Aboveground spas are easier to set up and can be transported if you ever decide to move.  It’s significantly easier to incorporate jets or other features into these free-standing tubs.  There are spas with customizable lighting and some others that allow you to add speakers.  To install an aboveground spa, you will need to find even, sturdy ground that can hold the weight of such an amenity.  Most decks and patios are not equipped to hold such weight.  Most pool builders recommend building an aboveground spa on solid concrete!

Maintenance

Whether you decide to build an in-ground or aboveground spa, you will want to ask your pool builders about maintenance.  Aboveground and in-ground spas will need to be treated and cleaned differently.  Since a spa includes high-temperature water, you will need to adamantly stay on top of chemical maintenance.  You must carefully and consistently check the pH.  Luckily, you will spend less money on chemicals since spas hold a smaller amount of water than pools.  Furthermore, spa water is easy to replace if you make a mistake.

Conclusion

Adding a spa to your yard can greatly enhance the aesthetic nature of your backyard.  Spas are enjoyed by people of all ages and could be the finishing touch that your backyard is missing.  As you move forward building a spa, be sure to ask your pool builders what kind of spa is best for you.  Aboveground and in-ground spas have different requirements and each gives a different look to your yard.  For help building and learning how to maintain a spa, contact the experts at Odyssey Pools.  We are eager to assist you in making your dream backyard a reality!