Benefits of Adding a Spa to a Swimming Pool
Adding a spa to an existing concrete pool in Auckland or anywhere in New Zealandisn’t just a luxury; it’s a lifestyle upgrade that brings a new level of comfort and enjoyment to your outdoor space. A spa provides therapeutic benefits such as stress relief, muscle recovery, and improved circulation, all from the comfort of your own backyard.
Whether you want a quiet soak after a long day or a warm place to gather during cooler months, a spa offers year-round enjoyment, making every season a reason to look forward to.
From a design perspective, a well-integrated spa adds elegance and dimension to any pool area. With features like waterfall spillovers, ambient lighting, or custom tiling to match your pool, a professionally designed pool-and-spa combo becomes a standout feature of your home, improving not only quality of life but the property’s resale value as well.
Feasibility of Adding a Spa to an Existing Pool
Yes, adding a spa to an existing pool is entirely feasible, especially with concrete pools which are particularly well-suited for this kind of upgrade. Unlike pre-formed fibreglass pools, concrete pools can be structurally modified, making it possible to add new components like spas, tanning ledges, or seating areas.
Adding a spa involves more than simply installing a new element; it requires precise planning to ensure the new addition blends seamlessly with the existing pool. Plumbing lines may need to be re-routed or extended, new heating systems installed, and structural reinforcements might be necessary.
Professional pool contractors can assess the pool’s condition, age, and layout to determine the best way to integrate a spa without compromising quality or safety.
Types of Spa Options: Built-In vs. Standalone
When considering a spa addition, one of the first decisions is whether to integrate the spa into the existing pool or install it as a separate, standalone unit. Both options offer benefits depending on design goals, usage habits, and budget.
Built-In Spa Options
A built-in spa is constructed as part of the existing pool structure. This creates a seamless look and allows for shared systems such as pumps, filtration, and heating. Common designs include:
- Flush-level spas that blend into the pool’s perimeter
- Raised spas with spillover features, creating a cascading water effect into the main pool
- Corner integrations that use underutilised space efficiently
Built-in spas are popular in modern designs due to their streamlined appearance and efficient functionality. Since concrete pools are fully customisable, homeowners can design a spa that suits their exact preferences, whether they want custom tiling, inbuilt lighting, or ergonomic bench seating.
Standalone Spa Options
A standalone spa is installed next to the pool but operates independently. This may be a prefabricated acrylic spa or a custom concrete unit. Standalone spas are ideal if:
- Homeowners want a spa that can heat up quickly and run year-round
- They prefer a lower-cost option without modifying the existing pool shell
- There is limited space within the current pool layout
Standalone spas also provide more control over water temperature, allowing one area for relaxing and another for swimming without the need to constantly adjust settings.
Important Considerations Before Adding a Spa
Before installing a spa, it’s important to evaluate a range of practical and design considerations. These will ensure the spa addition is both functional and future-proof.
Pool Structure and Age Assessment
Older concrete pools or spa pools may need repairs or structural reinforcement before accommodating a new spa. If a pool is over 15 years old, it’s a good idea to assess for cracks, surface wear, or outdated plumbing during the renovation process. Adding a spa is the perfect opportunity to combine cosmetic upgrades with structural repairs, ensuring the pool is safe, efficient, and up to modern standards.
Professional contractors often recommend resurfacing or retiling the pool as part of the spa integration. This not only improves aesthetics but ensures the new spa matches the pool’s finish.
Plumbing and Heating Requirements
Adding a spa means additional plumbing for water supply, drainage, air lines for jets, and heating. If the current setup doesn’t have the capacity to support these systems, homeowners may need to upgrade pumps, install new valves, or add a dedicated spa heater. A spa pool also requires maintenance to ensure it lasts you a long time.
Many homeowners opt for heat pumps or gas heating systems to quickly warm their spas independent of the main pool. Professional pool contractors can advise on the most energy-efficient and cost-effective systems based on each specific setup.
Location and Space Planning
Where the spa is positioned is just as important as how it looks. It should be easily accessible from the house, have adequate seating around it, and integrate naturally into the pool layout. Various placement options include:
- Poolside corner installations
- Raised spillover features
- Standalone spa zones with decking or pavers
Space around the spa should also accommodate filtration equipment and access for maintenance, so careful planning during the design phase is essential.
Material Selection and Design Integration
The advantage of working with concrete pools is that the spa can be completely customised to match the pool’s materials and finishes. Whether using natural stone, glass mosaic tiles, or coloured plaster, homeowners can create a cohesive visual connection between the pool and spa.
Design features to consider:
- Matching coping and tiling
- Built-in lighting for nighttime ambience
- Spa bench seating or custom jet placements
- Water features that connect the two elements
This continuity in materials ensures the renovation looks like a planned upgrade rather than a patchwork addition.
Maintenance Requirements and Automation Options
Adding a spa will introduce some additional maintenance requirements, including water chemistry monitoring, heating control, and occasional cleaning. However, with modern automation systems, much of this can be simplified. Smart systems allow homeowners to control temperature, jets, and lighting via an app on their phone or a centralised touch panel.
By sharing filtration and sanitation systems between the pool and spa (in the case of built-in options), redundancy is reduced, and efficiency is improved. Well-designed systems focus on creating low-maintenance luxury.
Advantages of Combined Pool-Spa Systems
When designed and installed properly, a combined pool and spa setup offers a wide range of benefits:
- Year-Round Use: Enjoy warm spa sessions even in winter
- Health & Wellness: Spa jets provide hydrotherapy and stress relief
- Entertainment Value: Perfect for socialising or relaxing with family and friends
- Increased Property Value: Adds value and desirability to the property
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Updates the pool area with a modern, elegant touch
The Importance of Professional Installation
Spa additions require more than just good ideas; they demand precision engineering, quality craftsmanship, and a deep knowledge of how pool systems work. Professional pool contractors are specialists in ensuring that new spas are beautifully integrated and built to last.
Their expertise is crucial in making sure the spa addition is not only aesthetically pleasing but also safe and functional.
Experienced pool renovation specialists manage the full process from consultation and design through to plumbing, concrete work, and finishing. Whether homeowners are interested in a sleek built-in spa or a standalone oasis, professional contractors can deliver tailored solutions that align with available space, budget, and vision.
Next Steps for Homeowners
For homeowners ready to transform their backyard into a year-round haven, consulting with experienced pool renovation professionals is the recommended first step. With expertise in concrete pool renovations, professional contractors can bring innovation, quality, and attention to detail to each project.
Homeowners should request site visits and consultations to discuss their ideas and explore options. A professionally designed and installed pool and spa space can bring comfort, luxury, and style to any outdoor living area for years to come.