Is a In Ground Spa Better than an Above Ground Spa?

The Pros and Cons

Adding a spa to your backyard is an important decision. It’s an investment in your home as well as your health. Studies show there are many benefits to soaking in a spa, including the reduction of stress, lowering blood pressure, and improving sleep. So which is better – an in-ground gunite spa or an above-ground spa?

The answer really depends. Do you want to invest in your home, adding a feature that’s a permanent part of your backyard hardscaping? Or, do you plan on moving and want to transport the spa to your next home? While they basically perform the same function, there are pros and cons to each.

Property Value 

An in-ground spa becomes part of your property. A spa is just one of the many factors considered during a home appraisal. A spa is often a desirable feature to potential buyers, especially here in Southern California. Homeowners, who want to add to the value of their home and design a backyard so it’s an extension of their living space, find that in-ground spas are both attractive and functional.

Since above ground spas are portable, they are not considered a permanent fixture. Therefore, they do not necessarily add value to a home. However, moving a spa may be impractical, expensive and unwieldy.

Above Ground Vs. in-ground Spa Costs

An above ground or portable spa costs, on average, between $2,000 to $12,000. Price depends upon the size and features. To construct an in-ground spa, the price typically starts at $15,000. However, it can be more cost effective to add a spa as part of a pool construction project.

As to the cost to heating and maintaining a spa, it’s slightly less expensive for an above ground spa. However, the cost differential is small and therefore really shouldn’t be a major decision-making factor.

Comfort

An above ground spa is typically made of fiberglass. Spas are constructed in a factory and manufacturers make a variety of sizes and configurations.. Fiberglass offers more contoured seating with a very smooth surface and more jet action (30-70 jets).

in-ground spas are constructed with the same materials used for in-ground pools. Therefore, customized designs and colors are available. The number of jets range between 5 and 15 depending on size and configuration. Want a smooth surface? Then a spa with plaster/gunite may work best. If you’re looking for a more sophisticated look, then consider a custom tile design or a pebble finish.

Visual Appeal

Due to their portable and prefabricated nature, an above ground spa looks just like what it is: an additional piece of equipment that sits in your backyard or side yard. While designs have improved over the years, many homeowners end up spend more money with special decking or landscaping to mask the starkness of a portable spa.

One of the many benefits of an in-ground spa are the design elements such as surface finish, tile and coping. Your imagination is the limit, so your new spa is a part of your home’s overall hardscaping and backyard design. In addition, an in-ground spa can be made to match the look and feel of an existing pool, giving the backyard a more designed look. Another option to consider is that an in-ground spa can also be constructed inside the pool allowing for the benefits of a spa without sacrificing the additional square footage needed.

Maintenance

Both in-ground and above ground spas requires maintenance.

• Covers – covering a spa keeps the water clean longer as dirt and leaves can’t fall in between uses. Above ground spas usually have a cover lifter option (allowing one person to place/remove the spa cover). A removable cover for an in-ground spa is also available but may not be as easy to handle. Depending upon the cover material and thickness, covers also retain heat.
• Draining – portable spas have a quick-drain feature. Draining an in-ground spa is also feasible but really depends on its construction (e.g., an attached pool).
• Chemicals & Cleaning – both require the same amount of general maintenance in regard to balancing the chemicals. Some homeowners find an in-ground spa harder to clean.

Choosing an in-ground spa or a portable spa really depends upon your needs. There are many points to consider — from aesthetics to cost to usage — so there isn’t one right answer for all homeowners.