Poll: Would you prefer a pool or a spa?

The weather is finally starting to warm up across the country, leading many people to consider installing a pool. Meanwhile, those lucky enough to already own a pool are busy cleaning in readiness for the swimming season.

But spa owners don't need to wait until the sun is shining to take a dip - they can enjoy their spa all year round.

The latest Workshop poll asks whether you prefer a pool or a spa.

Let us know by voting in the poll on the front page of Workshop, and feel free to explain your preference by replying to the discussion below.

Thanks for joining in the conversation.

Jason

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Pools and Spas

Comments

maknilsin

For the last 15 years my family has had a lovely spa in our backyard. Surrounded by a wonderful deck and pergola that my old man put together, it's definitely a centerpiece of our yard.

I would give it up in a heartbeat for a pool. Now I understand that the ongoing costs of a pool can be strenuous and are not for everybody. But in an ideal world - having access to a pool whenever I wanted would be perfection. There is always a tinge of jealousy when I discover that someone I know has a pool of their own.

Although that being said if it's an above ground pool, you can keep that to yourself.

Jackson

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/2316#Comment_2316

Pool all the way!

To be honest, being in a spa with other people kinda grosses me out. It's like relaxing in human soup.

Andy_Mann

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/2316#Comment_2316

@maknilsin & @Jackson, I'm not going soft on my opinionated standards, but you've both gotten it right.

Honestly, anybody that thinks that lounging in an energy guzzling spa/jacuzzi/hot tub is a lifestyle buzz, is an urban whale in the making.

Point blank, why would anybody with a brain, think that waddling outside mid-winter, dolled in their stolen hotel bathrobe, call their sedentary spell of tubby bliss, worthwhile/meaningful/justified when they get hit with their energy bill????

That's dumbness that you'd be well advised to avoid.

I'll wait until the dust settles before I dump on swimming pools. 😉

Jackson

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/63450#Comment_63450

@Andy_Mann - come on mate, you can't tell me you don't like pools.

Andy_Mann

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/94238#Comment_94238

@Jackson, fair enough mate, I won't, because I love them. 😀

I'll post later today, but I've got a few things on the go at the moment.

DanB

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/113486#Comment_113486

Pool gets my vote. Nothing beats plunging into a pool on a hot summer afternoon, and in my opinion the lifestyle benefits are worth the regular cleaning.

Spas are great for relaxing, but when friends and family come over, cramming 10-12 people into the hot tub can get a little too cosy for comfort...

That being said, if I had the space I'd choose both!

Andy_Mann

I'm now able to pump up pools, it's been one of those days.

Swimming pools cop a lotta flak from greenies, there's evaporation, harsh chemicals, health issues, & energy concerns. Then there's the real estate industry, which nobody should take seriously, they flip & flop their opinion on each listing, depending on what side of the fence they're sitting on.

Here's the thing, swimming pools cost a lot of money, but if you go about it sensibly, it will be an investment in fun & wellbeing that you, & potential buyers will enjoy.

We had room for a pool & spa, but chose pool only. It wasn't the money, our self designed pool entry point (swimout) had steps & a flat area for parent supervised infants. Pools need effective water circulation, so by default, 2 were needed, & we opted for venturi jets (they're cheap) in that swimout.

With all pool inlet valves at the pump/filter manifold open, they were meagre aerated returns in the swimout, but shut off all other pool inlets, & they became fair dinkum unheated spa vets.

Cost, $25.

Savings, $6000 for a spa that didn't have heating, heating would be an extra cost, & I'm talk'n '81 prices.

Size matters, or so they say, but that comes at a cost, but if you want to swim for excercise/fitness, go for a simple, price effective rectangularish design.

I also think that wall to wall pools are ugly/a mistake, unless it's the only option, & poolside settings aren't your thing.

Quality against size is another juggle, but I lean toward a beautiful smaller pool that's well equipped, rather than a big one that's compromised with cheap equipment, but that's up to you.

Bespoke concrete v prefab fibre glass is another decision that's a personal thing. If the confines of prefab glass products isn't restrictive for you, & fits all of your needs, then it's your best deal, & you're the ultimate winner. If you happen to still have funds to spare, upgrading the running gear will be money well spent.

A lot of pool suppliers wil specify a cartridge filter by default, we didn't know better & accepted it, but we regretted it later. Don't get me wrong, they do a great job when new, but after time the pleated material clogs, as it's impossible to effectively clean it completely. The ongoing cost to you, is repeated cartridge replacement.

We replaced the cartridge filter with a Diatomaseous Earth (DE) filter, but backflushing was water wasteful, a new batch of DE had to be measured out & set in place, which I tolerated, but long story short, it didn't work out well.

Good thing is, you now can't buy a DE filter new.

Sand filters to the rescue then, but have it correctly sized to your pool & pump. Backwashing (reverse water flow flushing, to waste) is still an issue regarding water loss, but once it's done, the filter's as good as new, until the next back pressure builds up again, which eventually will happen.

OK, now we'll tackle chemical warfare on pool contaminates. Direct CHLORINE bombardment, or salt water treatment?

Let's think Chlorine, it comes in many forms, there're dry granuals, slow dissolve tablets, & also liquid form. I've tried them all, & I won't go back to powdered or tablet, for me, inhaling the vapours produced are physically uncomfortable.

Why is it so?

Enter Julius Sumner Miller, Chlorine (Cl) plus water (H2o), combines to produce Hydrochloric Acid (HCL) with biproducts, ingesting HCL isn't a good thing, or is it just me.

Others say, I won't swim in salt water, it'll wreck my hair, & saltwater (they're thinking seawater) if accidentall;y swallowed will make me vom. Manufacturers say that it's a very low soluble dilution, & drinkable, like tap water.

Time out, BOTH systems work on the basis of providing CHLORINE to sanitise/disinfect.

To pool blanket, or not pool blanket. I admit that I've fought it, but I'm turning around, a winter blanket that blocks light (algae needs light to survive), will have the added benefit of catching leaves, thereby saving on the hassle of vacuuming/raking to deter orgainic breakdown in the water, & pool floor staining.

Robotic pool cleaners serve their purpose, in that they draw less power to clean surfaces, than manually vacuuming with the regular vacuum head & running the pool pump. If you're time poor, the automated wizzes will save you time, but will cost you a minimum of $1000 to get a decent one. We don't have a robotic pool cleaner, & really, if you think you need one, remove nearby shrubs that drop leaves, or get the pool cover for off season.

There's more to tell, but I'm taking a well earnt breather for now. 😉

BibbyKat

A spa is ideal for me .. use all year round. One can heat it and maintain it. It is the right size for some excercises and easily cleaned.

Just edited .. I have to stress ... I am the ONLY one who would be allowed in the spa.

BibbyKat

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/63449#Comment_63449

I do agree with you in your sentiment .. but I would be the only one using mine!!!

Andy_Mann

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/2321#Comment_2321

Well done @BibbyKat, you made the perfect choice, your circumstances are unique, & you sized your spa for your needs, not a bigger party bath that can accommodate the occasional crowd.

It makes sense on every level.

A pool would've been overkill, way more expensive to buy & maintain, & you wouldn't have been able to do what you can comfortably do now, with an off the shelf pool.

Trying

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/2320#Comment_2320

Gee @Andy_Mann, I'm all hot and bothered after 'trying' to absorb all that tech info - guess I'll go for a swim to cool down. Cheers

Trying

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/63449#Comment_63449

Pool for me every time. Being in a spa with or without ( who knows who left their DNA in there - yuk ) others makes me feel like a crouton in a bowl of skin soup. No chemicals/cleaning systems could change that for me.

Andy_Mann

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/63459#Comment_63459

But @Trying, your absolutely authentic, natural Australian setting pool wouldn't be heated though, would it? 😆 😉

Trying

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/94243#Comment_94243

Too right @Andy_Mann ! Can you imagine the winter water temperature ?🤤

Andy_Mann

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/113490#Comment_113490

@Trying, I'm in thermal shock just thinking about it. 😉

Jason

Most Workshop members prefer having a dip in a pool compared to a spa.

Despite the attraction of warmer water and being able to enjoy it all year round, our recent poll found just 23 per cent of the community would prefer a spa to a pool.

Many thanks for joining in the conversation. Feel free to continue the discussion below, or click on the following links to other pool-related discussions on Workshop.

New pool - what should I ask?

Fiberglass or Concrete pool?

My fibreglass pool install

Thanks again,

Jason

Isobel

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/2357#Comment_2357

How's this for a spa with a view?

From http://www.domain.com.au/advice/ta-slice-of-paradise-the-most-beautiful-spas-in-australia/

Isobel

I see Hannah and Clint’s addition of a spa on The Block was ridiculed by the judges. I wasn't sure about the "above ground" plunge pool either...

ProjectPete

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/3586#Comment_3586

I didn't see the episode @Isobel but saw a preview with someone using a shipping container.

What was the criticism for? Just the fact is was above ground?

Isobel

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/64019#Comment_64019

@ProjectPete the spa got criticism for being really old fashioned.

Here's the "above ground" pools that I'm unsure about. I think I would rather in-ground so they are not so obtrusive and you get to look at the water not a wall.

OceanicPools

Definitely prefer pools! Especially because if you get a bit tired of the look of your pool you can do a pool renovation and completely change the look of your pool and outdoor area with a new vinyl pool liner.

Cassie

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/63450#Comment_63450

These anti spa posts remind me of when I was told Santa didn't exist.

I have lived in many apartment complexes where the pool/spa area was purely enjoyment. The spa was always much more popular than the pool, but obviously the cost was embedded into the accommodation. I am currently deciding on what water options to include in my brand new house.... After every ounce of drama that I have had to endure through the build I think I deserve a spa?!

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/4324#Comment_4324

Welcome to Workshop @OceanicPools.

I'm sure you have plenty of expertise and knowledge that can assist our community members in regards to pools. Just please be mindful of our rules of participation to only post information about products and services if relevant to a discussion. Advertising will be removed from the site.

Thanks,

Jason

Cassy5

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/64307#Comment_64307

Hi I am new to the group and I am wondering if any of you have a swim spa. I guess I want to combine both. Able to have the grand kids swim but exercise for me all year round. (have a bad back) I would like it built into my back deck not down the back yard. I would also like to have a Florida room built over it

_Marley_

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/95374#Comment_95374

I would recommend you try to swim in one first @Cassy5. Some people say swimming against the jets is not very relaxing - very choppy and unnatural.

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/95374#Comment_95374

Hi @Cassy5,

Great to see you make your first post and already receive a helpful reply. Welcome to the Workshop community. We're pleased you could join us and look forward to reading all about your projects and plans. Feel free to post whenever you need a hand or have something to share. And please let me know if you ever need a hand getting the most from the site.

Thanks,

Jason

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