Spa or pool? What’s best for you?

Who doesn’t want to come home and enjoy a relaxing moment in the water?

The spa, more commonly known as a Jacuzzi, is a symbol of relaxation, well-being and unwinding, in warm water with numerous hydromassage jets to complete the relaxation experience.

On the other hand, there’s the timeless swimming pool with its cool water that’s such a delight in summer. It can be in-ground, above-ground, custom-built or in a shell… Having a swimming pool at home adds a touch of fun and conviviality to your leisure time. The pool is often the star of the garden, with the terrace and barbecue built around the water… everything is done to make the most of the view whenever you go outside.

 

So, spa or pool for your outdoor living space? The choice is sometimes complicated. Before making your choice, it’s best to weigh up your needs, prices, and the advantages and disadvantages of a Jacuzzi spa on the one hand, and a swimming pool on the other, to make the most informed choice possible, based on your intended uses.

The essentials: the terrain

The first thing to consider is your land! Do you have enough space to accommodate a pool? On average, a custom-built pool in a private space measures 10x4m. In the case of shell pools, the average size is 4.5×2.5m.

Would you like to bury your pool, have part of it exposed, or have it completely above ground with a wooden liner? A wide range of solutions are available to meet your needs and ensure that your pool blends in perfectly with your exterior.

A spa can be installed even in a small space, often even directly on a terrace. In fact, in terms of size, there are small 3-seater spas measuring 2.10m x 1.70m, and more family-friendly spas often measuring 2.3m x 2.3m. To install a spa at home, you’ll need a site with a reinforced slab that can support the weight of the filled spa and guests.

Looking for sport or relaxation?

A swimming pool is a great way to exercise, swim and play sports on a daily basis. It’s also a fun, relaxing space for young and old alike, where you can take a farniente break and polish your tan on an inflatable mattress. The spa’s primary objective is to relax you, recover from a sports session and often share a convivial moment.

 

The pool is for you if you like :

• Playing sports
• Playing in the water
• Refresh yourself
• Relaxing
• Get together to play and have fun

 

A spa is more appropriate if you like :

• Get a massage
• Relaxing
• Selecting water temperature
• Relieve joint pain
• Outdoor enjoyment in summer and winter
• Drinking a glass of champagne in water

Administrative formalities to comply with.

If you choose to install an outdoor spa, you don’t need to fill out a declaration form, as the spa is less than 10m² in size. However, if the spa is totally built-in, you’ll need to install anti-drowning safety equipment.

To protect your spa, if you wish to build an enclosure over 1.80 m high, you’ll need to file a declaration with your local town planning office. Note also that such a construction may increase your local taxes.

 

Conversely, the construction of a swimming pool is more often subject to a declaration or building permit and higher taxes.

There are several possible cases:

• Pool less than 10m² no formalities required
• Above-ground pool over 10m² :
  • If installed for less than 3 months per year, no declaration is required.
  • If it is installed for more than 3 months per year, a declaration must be made to your town hall using the “Cerfa n°13703*06 déclaration préalable de travaux” form.)
• In-ground pool without cover and less than 100m²: prior declaration of works
• In-ground pool with enclosure over 1.80m high: building permit
• Swimming pool with or without cover over 100m²: planning permission

 

Note that building a swimming pool or shelter will increase the rental value used to calculate property and council tax. Expect higher local taxes. But it’s also clearly an added value the day you sell your home.

A question of price.

Budget is an important consideration when choosing your wellness project. Generally speaking, a spa will cost less than a swimming pool, because it’s a totally factory-built product, and when it’s delivered, it’s ready to be installed.

The price of a spa depends on many factors:

• Spa size
• Seating capacity
• Extended seating
• Number of jets
• Types of massage
• Water purification
• Aromatherapy
• Chromatherapy …

 

Of course, there’s always the Intex inflatable spa option, where for a few hundred euros you’ll get a product with hot water and blowers that will whirl up the water. For a good-quality spa like the Viskan brand, you’ll need to budget between €8,000 and €15,000 on average. Unlike an Intex spa, your Jacuzzi will last for years.

 

Pools, like spas, come in all qualities and prices. From the Intex pool that will cost several hundred euros, but won’t necessarily be of the highest quality and won’t last over time.

Then there are the “pre-constructed” pools, which cost between €3,000 and €8,000 for a quality installation, not counting the work involved.

Finally, for fully in-ground/recreated pools, which are the most durable, you need to budget between €15,000 and €50,000, as the work involved can be substantial.

What about maintenance?

Maintenance is also a factor. Keeping a pool or spa clean doesn’t require the same amount of work, especially as the sizes are so different. For a spa, you need 1m3 of water, whereas for a swimming pool you’ll need several dozen.

To maintain your spa, most often you’ll need to check the PH and add a little chlorine or bromine to complement the action of the UV lamp and/or ozonator. You’ll need to clean the filters every 15 days and drain your spa 2 or 3 times a year to renew the water. After that, there’s nothing to worry about.

 

As for the pool, its size means you’ll have to spend proportionately more time on it. The use of a robotic cleaner is recommended. The same goes for a cover that prevents heat loss at night and protects the water from environmental pollution, animals, leaves, etc.

And during the winter, you’ll need a specially designed cover to protect the pool from the elements and dirt.

The robot needs to be activated regularly, especially during the summer months when pool use is at its peak. It’s also important to maintain the water’s PH level, and to clean the filters and pump.

 

In the end, with all these elements, it’s up to you to decide what you prefer and what best suits your space and budget. But one thing’s for sure: you’ll have fun and relax every time!