Hot Tub vs Pool: What Should I Know Before I Buy?
Are you considering upgrading your home with a hot tub or pool?
Whether your goal is to add value to your home, spend more time with family, or increase your overall health, a pool or hot tub can help you out. Hot tubs and pools offer all of these things but in different ways. We lined out the benefits and considerations to help you make your decision.
Benefits of Purchasing a Pool
Exercise
Owning an in-ground pool has a lot of benefits. One of the benefits is being able to swim and do low-impact exercise. Instead of going to the gym, you can take a dip in the pool and swim a few laps or do water aerobics.
Boost Home Value
If you are planning on moving in the future, adding a pool can dramatically increase the value of your home. When adding a pool to your backyard you automatically create a unique selling feature that invites a luxurious atmosphere.
Even if you are not looking to sell your home, there is no reason you can’t add value to your home in the future.
Family Time and Social Life
Pool parties are a big plus to owning a pool. Inviting neighbors and friends to come and hang out around the pool can be a boost to your social life. Owning a pool can also bring your family together without electronics. With pool accessories and games, your family won’t ever get bored playing in the pool.
Size
Compared to hot tubs, pools are significantly larger. The bigger the pool, the more people can swim and enjoy the benefits of being in the pool. Bigger splashes, deeper dives, and the ability to swim laps and/or do low-impact exercises for fitness are a huge benefit.
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Pool
Size Requirements
Fitting a swimming pool in your yard requires a large amount of space. With yard sizes continuing to shrink, this is not always an economic use of what little space your yard does provide. In addition, the cost of maintenance and upkeep on a larger body of water can be pricey, especially during times when certain products—like chlorine—are experiencing manufacturing shortages. And let’s not even talk about the initial cost of installation on a pool.
Safety Requirements
In most states, installing a large body of water in a private yard requires a permit, and as part of the requirements, some states and/or cities require safety measures, such as security fencing, to ensure no neighborhood children can wander into your yard and fall in. This means that on top of the cost of installing and maintaining your pool, you will also need to factor in the price of whatever safety measures your area requires.
Swimming Season
When purchasing a pool, you need to consider how long the swim season is where you are located. If you live in a climate where you experience all four seasons, you will only be able to use your pool in the short three months of the summer.
Installation Costs
The cost of an inground pool varies, but on average you can expect to spend anywhere from $28,000 – $55,000. The price all depends on the size of the pool and the material used such as vinyl, fiberglass, or concrete.
You also need to consider additional costs:
- Landscaping
- Permits
- Excavation
- Equipment and Crane Rental
- Dirt Disposal
- Pool Equipment
- Maintenance
Pools require a lot of attention. When owning a pool, you need to keep up on the cleaning, filtration, as well as chemistry. If you don’t have time to check pH levels, skim the pool’s surface or clean filters often, owning a pool may not be the best fit.
Hot Tub Benefits and Considerations
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is the use of water for healing and is a practice that has been used for hundreds of years. It is proven to assist in widening blood vessels, bring down swelling, improving anxiety, reducing headaches, and in some cases, burning calories.
No Seasonal Limitations
While most pool covers are thin and made to keep out debris, hot tub covers are heavier and made well-insulated, you can set the temperature to cool or hot, according to the season. Unless you live in a climate that remains the same year-round, your pool is likely limited to one or two seasons of usage, while your hot tub can be used year-round.
Relaxation
Soaking in warm water is good for your body. When you get massaging jets involved, it makes it all the better. Soaking in a hot tub can increase stress, physical, emotional, and mental relief. Soaking also eases bodily aches and pains, improves circulation, encourages better sleep, relieves pain, and benefits cardiovascular health.
Family Time
Similar to a pool, your hot tub can be a place where your entire family can gather. And because it’s smaller, this creates a more intimate setting, encouraging familial discussions and other relationship-building banter.
Lower Cost
The prices of hot tubs are significantly lower than pools. Most hot tub prices fall between $8,000-$30,000, depending on brand and add-on options. The installation time for a hot tub is significantly faster, and therefore, more cost-efficient, both initially, and long term for maintenance and energy.
Why Not Both?
Why not both? Imagine stepping into your backyard and being greeted by the sight of a sparkling pool and a bubbling hot tub. The allure of such a private oasis is undeniable, promising a blend of relaxation, entertainment, and health benefits. Whether you’re considering adding these features to your home or simply dreaming about the possibilities, here are the compelling perks of having a hot tub and pool.
Benefits of Having a Hot Tub and Pool
Ultimate Relaxation
A hot tub is synonymous with relaxation. The warm, soothing water and massaging jets provide immediate relief from stress and tension. Whether after a long day at work or an intense workout, soaking in a hot tub can melt away your worries and relax your muscles. A pool offers a refreshing escape from the heat, allowing you to cool off and unwind. Floating or swimming leisurely in a pool can have a meditative effect, helping to clear your mind and reduce stress levels.
Both hot tubs and pools promote mindfulness and relaxation. The act of soaking in warm water or swimming can be meditative, helping to reduce anxiety and improve mental clarity. These activities encourage you to slow down, focus on the present moment, and connect with yourself.
Health and Wellness Benefits
Hot tubs are known for their therapeutic benefits. The heat and jets can improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain from conditions such as arthritis or chronic back pain. Regular use can enhance overall physical health and well-being.
Swimming is one of the best low-impact exercises, providing a full-body workout without putting stress on your joints. It improves cardiovascular health, builds endurance, and strengthens muscles. A pool allows for various forms of exercise, from swimming laps to water aerobics, catering to all fitness levels.
Social Hub
A hot tub and pool can transform your home into a social hub. These amenities provide the perfect setting for family gatherings, parties, and casual get-togethers. Whether it’s a summer pool party or a relaxing evening soak with friends, these features encourage quality time and create lasting memories.
The nice thing about a hot tub is that it can be enjoyed year-round, even in colder climates. Imagine soaking in the warm water while snowflakes gently fall around you. Pools, too, can be used in various weather conditions, especially if you have a heated pool, extending the swimming season beyond the summer months.
Enhanced Property Value
A well-maintained hot tub and pool can significantly enhance your property’s value and appeal. These features are often seen as luxurious additions, making your home more attractive to potential buyers. They can set your property apart in a competitive real estate market, offering a unique selling point.
Aesthetic Appeal
A hot tub and pool can transform your backyard into a stunning retreat. With thoughtful landscaping, lighting, and design elements, these features can elevate the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space. Imagine a beautifully designed pool area with lush greenery, ambient lighting, and comfortable lounging areas—a perfect sanctuary right at home. />
Personal Convenience
Having a hot tub and pool at home means you can enjoy these amenities anytime you want, without the need to travel to a spa or public pool. This convenience allows for spontaneous relaxation and exercise, fitting seamlessly into your daily routine.
Pros and Cons of Having a Hot Tub and Pool
Pros
Having both a pool and a hot tub offers a range of recreational and therapeutic options.
Increased Property Value: A well-maintained pool and hot tub can enhance the aesthetic appeal and value of your property, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
Entertainment: They provide a focal point for social gatherings, parties, and family events.
Health Benefits: Swimming is an excellent form of low-impact exercise, beneficial for cardiovascular health and muscle toning. Hot tubs offer therapeutic benefits.
Year-Round Enjoyment: While a pool is typically used in warmer months, a hot tub can be enjoyed year-round, providing a cozy retreat even in cooler weather.
Cons
Maintenance: Both pools and hot tubs require regular maintenance, including cleaning, chemical balancing, and equipment checks.
Cost: The initial installation cost for a pool and hot tub can be high. Ongoing expenses can add up over time.
Space Requirements: Pools and hot tubs take up outdoor space, which might not be ideal for smaller properties.
Seasonal Limitations: Depending on the climate, a pool might only be usable for part of the year, unless it is heated.
Swim Spa
If you’re looking to enjoy the benefits of both a pool and a hot tub but don’t have the space or desire for both, a swim spa offers the perfect solution. A swim spa combines the features of a swimming pool and a hot tub into a single compact unit, providing a versatile and efficient option for homeowners. With adjustable currents, a swim spa allows for swimming in place, making it ideal for exercise and training, while the built-in jets offer the relaxation and hydrotherapy benefits of a hot tub. This all-in-one system not only saves space but also reduces maintenance and operating costs compared to having separate installations. Whether you’re looking to swim, relax, or entertain, a swim spa delivers the best of both worlds, enhancing your outdoor living experience without the need for a full-sized pool and hot tub.
Now, let’s go back to our first question: should you get a hot tub and pool? The perks of having a hot tub and pool extend far beyond mere luxury. They offer tangible health benefits, enhance social interactions, increase property value, and provide a beautiful, convenient space for relaxation and exercise. Whether you’re looking to improve your physical health, create a social haven, or simply indulge in some well-deserved self-care, a hot tub and pool can be the perfect addition to your home. So, dive in and soak up the endless benefits of your private backyard setup!
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