Pools Swim Spas Outdoor Furniture & More
We specialize in all things outdoor living related, so when it comes to your backyard, weve got everything you need to create the perfect outdoor oasis. We carry a large selection of above ground pools for those families looking to create a fun space for everyone to enjoy, as well as different swim spa options for those looking to have a place to exercise at home. To complete your backyard, be sure to browse our patio furniture and grill options!
Factor 4 Installation Time
Another factor that separates swim spas from other pools is the time it takes to install them.
Above ground pools typically take 1-3 days to install, fill and get running properly. In-ground pools generally take between 7-21 days to install, fill and get running properly depending on the finish and size of the pool. Both of these projects can also be delayed by weather, by permits, which usually take a week to be issued, and by final inspections, which can delay you another few days. Add to that the time it takes to complete your landscaping and most new pool owners lose half of their swimming season in the first year that they own the pool.
Swim spas, on the other hand, can be installed in as little as a few hours and are generally ready to use in under 24 hours.
Verdict: Swim spas are much faster and easier to install. They are also much easier to move if you dont plan on staying in the same house long term.
How Long Would It Take A Hot Tub Heater To Heat A Pool
So we already established a hot tub heater takes 6 hours from tap temperature to 100° in a hot tub.
BUT, most pool owners dont want their pools at 100°! In fact, most people who use pool heaters, keep their pools between 78° to 82°.
For math purposes, lets say you have an 18,000-gallon pool and want to get it to 80° from the 70° we said might be the average tap water temperature in your city.
Knowing a hot tub heater can do about 5 degrees an hour per every 500 gallons, it would take almost 3 days to heat your pool to 80°.
The next issue youll face, however, is that a lot of pool owners dont use pool covers the way hot tub owners do. So youll lose heat on the surface of the pool. For above-ground pool owners, youll also lose heat through the pool walls since they arent insulated like the underside of a hot tub.
The other issue youll likely face is that since a hot tub heater is designed for a much smaller system and far less water, and often not running 24/7, you would likely wear out the heating element inside your heater tube.
The average electric pool heater will probably only add about 60 cents an hour to your electric bill. So even if you run it 24/7, 365 days a year, youre looking at $438/month on top of your normal electric bill.
By comparison, a hot tub heater would probably use only about 75% of the electricity of a pool heater, so youd be looking at an extra $300/month on top of your bill.
Solar swimming pool heater!
Don’t Miss: Installing Pool Liner Above Ground
Hot Tub Experts In Orlando Jacksonville & Daytona Beach
Welcome to Unique Pools, Spas, & Billiards, Floridas largest hot tub dealer with stores in Orlando, Jacksonville, and Daytona Beach. When it comes to your backyard, no one does it better than the team at Unique Pools, Spas, & Billiards. Whether youre looking for a new hot tub, swim spa, or above ground pool, weve got everything you need at one of our convenient four locations throughout Florida to help bring your backyard dreams to life.
With over 30 years of experience in the pool, hot tub, and billiards industry, our team serves as a leading hot tub expert throughout Florida. We have hundreds of in-stock models from American-based manufacturers to choose from at our Orlando pool store so you can find exactly what youre looking for.
We make hot tub ownership easy and affordable to everyone, working closely with you to ensure your hot tub meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. Give us a call at any of our four convenient locations to set up a test soak to find your perfect fit today!
Add The Heating System
Since your above ground pool is already fitted by outflow and inflow nozzles for your pool pump, connecting a water heating system to these is pretty straightforward.
Ensure that you use the correct pipe diameter and you should be good to go.
Check out some of these awesome specials on Amazon and get your system today.
You May Like: How To Cool Your Pool
The Temporary Nature Of Above
For many residents considering semi in-ground pools, while partially in-ground , these are often still considered above-ground pools due to the temporary nature of them.
For many HOAs, it likely comes down to upkeep, and the assumption that regular maintenance and cleanliness of semi in-ground or above-ground pools isnt as likely to be on-par with in-ground pools. Since in-ground pool owners have invested tens of thousands in the pumps, chemicals, and the construction of them, neglect is likely to be far less common than something more temporary in nature.
Again, while this many not be the case 100% of the time, it really comes down to protecting home values, limiting complaints, and HOAs simply not wanting to police and enforce dozens of these types of pools or hot tubs.
How Many Gallons Are In An Average Pool
There are even more variations in swimming pools than there are hot tubs!
So for our purposes here, Im going to give an example of an average in-ground pool as well as an average above-ground pool.
The nice thing about above ground pools is they are a uniform height , so its easier to gauge how much water is in one. In-ground pools, by comparison, often grade from shallow to deep.
For an average above-ground pool, well go with a 48 high and 24 round pool. That pool holds approximately 14,000 gallons of water.
In-ground pools, by comparison, come in a lot more shapes other than round and rectangular. But for purposes of this article, lets say the average in-ground fiberglass pool is 12×24 ranging from 3 to 6 deep. That pool would hold about 20,000 gallons.
As you can see, the average pool holds about 34 times what the average hot tub holds. Thats a substantial difference.
Now to wait for the heater to turn it from kiddy pool to hot tub. I made a #Vlog of the whole setup!
Barnacules Nerdgasm
Also Check: How Much Is An Underground Pool Cost
Your Wisconsin Pool And Spa Experts
Whether you decide an above-ground pool or a swim spa is the right fit for you and your family, Juniper has you covered. We are proud to provide high-quality pool and spa products and services to our customers in Appleton and all of Wisconsin. You can contact us or stop by our store with any of your pool and spa questions. We can even set up a private test soak in one of our swim spas to try before you buy. With pool financing available and expert advice for all your needs, Juniper is your one-stop Wisconsin pool shop!
Factor 2 Purchase Cost
Maybe the largest factor when deciding what kind of pool to buy is the purchase cost. Depending on your budget. When deciding on your budget consider the two largest costs:
- The purchase cost of the pool.
- The installation costs of the pool.
When it comes to purchase price, swim spas are priced between above ground pools and in-ground pools selling for between $20,000-$35,000 on average.
When it comes to installation costs, in-ground pools are much more expensive than both above ground pools and swim spas. This is because they almost always require landscaping and fencing that complies with local pool regulations. We recommend budgeting at least 50% of the purchase of the pool to cover permits, installation and landscaping costs.
To install a swim spa only requires a simple electrical hook-up with a dedicated GFCI and a poured concrete pad , making them much closer to the install cost of above ground pools. While you can fully or partially bury a swim spa to get the in-ground pool look, this it totally optional and can be done later to spread costs out over a few years.
Verdict: For smaller budgets , an above ground pool makes the most sense. For mid sized budgets , a swim spa or small in-ground pool makes the most sense. For larger budgets you can really do whatever you want!
Recommended Reading: Is The Pool Open At Winstar
But What Is An Above Ground Pool
I get it, most of you on this site know this answer, but this search term is not 100% pool-related like the rest of the content on this website.
So for those who are literally only interested in having fun in a hot tub, then read on. The rest can skip to the next heading
An above ground pool is a type of pool that is constructed on top of the ground and usually has a protective cage or wall around it. Above-ground pools cannot be constructed semi-permanently or permanently in many areas because they might pose a safety risk for children and animals.
But that does not mean you cant have one for a few seasons in fact, it can actually be a cost-saving alternative to building an expensive permanent installation. And the best part is that when your pool season ends, tearing down your above ground pool really isnt much more difficult than setting it up!
Or, if your pool gets old, or if you want some warmer water, or if the kids left the house
then
yes, you can turn it into a hot tub.
Before we start the process, lets just look at one more crucial element.
What would be the best size above ground pool to turn into a hot tub?
In all fairness, above ground pools would struggle to keep their warmth for a longer duration. So, in general, the smaller the size of the pool the better your hot tub experience would be. Aim for 12 feet by 30 inches size and you should be good to go.
Flooding Potential And Property Management Risk Of Above
Pools can flood or damage property, especially in neighborhoods where houses are close together. The average 30-foot round above-ground pool holds approximately 18,500 gallons of water.
If a pool ruptures, it can also flood a neighbors property, damage expensive landscaping, and even damage a homes foundation Many HOA members dont want above-ground pools right on their property line for this very reason.
You May Like: How To Measure Inground Pool Liner
Can I Turn My Above Ground Pool Into A Hot Tub
If you want to turn your pool into a spa, its the best option. Installation of the spa wont break the bank because the plumbing and mechanical systems are the same. Adding a spa will allow you to use the pool longer in the summer. There is a chance that your pool will become a hot spring this fall.
Can You Use A Hot Water Heater To Heat A Pool
This is the million-dollar question.
The short answer is yes, you probably could. Like most hot tub heaters, the average pool heater uses 2 plumbing connectors.
As Ive already discussed, though, youd likely wear out the heater element much faster, and it would take a lot longer to heat your pool. If youre drawn to using a hot tub heater for your pool due to the much lower cost, I get it!
A few hundred is a whole lot better than a few thousand!
But you may find, over time, that the wear and tear on your hot tub heater and the replacing of the heating element with some frequency arent worth it.
If you live somewhere as I do, where its warm a lot of the year , you might get away with it since youre actual need to heat the pool would be only a few months out of the year.
Without any heating, your pool water is not likely to get much above 75 on blazing hot days. And in spring and fall, it could easily not go above 68. For a lot of folks, thats pretty chilly.
Also know that by adding a pool cover, you can reduce heat loss by about 50%.
So its worth looking into! Solar slat covers even help heat your pool while covered. While theyre pricy, they generally pay for themselves within 2-3 in the energy youll save.
So, can you use a hot tub heater on a pool? Yes. Would I recommend it? Probably not.
Don’t Miss: Can You Add Pool Into Mortgage
Understanding Hoa Rules For Installing Pools Or Hot Tubs
If you reside in a newer suburban community or planned development, you likely signed some documents at closing from your homeowners association . This likely included language regarding what kind of swimming pools are allowable.
While some are more lenient than others when it comes to pools/hot tubs, just know that there are roughly 351,000 HOAs currently operating in the U.S. with about 40 million housing units subject to them.
You and more than 100 million people in the country live in homes that are subject to an HOA.
Before installing a pool or hot tub, do your research to know what your HOA allows. If your HOA has strict rules, it may be worth relocating if this is something you really want to enjoy. After all, many HOAs do allow pools or provide them as an amenity.
In this post, I will cover a few things to keep in mind when it comes to HOAs and installing a pool or hot tub, and what to keep in mind as a homeowner.
Hot Tub Pros & Cons: In Ground Vs Above Ground
This content was previously featured on the Hot Tub Works website. Leslie’s is proud to partner with Hot Tub Works to bring you this helpful content on lesliespool.com.
Looking to buy a new spa or hot tub? There are two basic types to choose from – in ground hot tubs and above ground hot tubs. Each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and there are many styles to choose from within each category. To help decide which one will work best for you, weve put together a handy list of hot tub pros and cons.
You May Like: How To Remove Rust Stains From Vinyl Pool Liner
Factor 1 How Big Is Your Backyard
The size of your backyard is a big factor in determining what kind of pool you should buy. With lots getting smaller and smaller there is simply no room for traditional pools in some backyards. In these yards, a swim spa might be the only kind of pool that can fit.
For medium to large sized backyards, consider what other outdoor activities you would like to do. Do your kids have a play structure? Do you have a garden? Do you want to leave room for outdoor sports / games? Do you need room for pets to run around? Keep things like this in mind and make sure that a full sized pool can still fit in the space that remains. If they cant you might need to look at a smaller pool or swim spa.
Verdict: If you have a small backyard, swim spas make much more sense. If you have a large backyard, you could get either one.
Above Ground Hot Tub Vs In Ground Hot Tub
Hot tubs are great for cold nights and theyre also very soothing and relaxing year-round. If youre considering installing a hot tub at any time read further and decide which type is best for you.
- Initial cost of an above ground hot tub ranges from $3,000 to $12,000 with a monthly cost ranging from $20-$30 .
- 30-70 jets and ergonomic seating for maximum comfort.
- This style of hot tub is usually placed close to the home which means in states with mild weather, users are more likely to use it year round. Also, they are not uncommon for homes with small yard space .
- Warranties for parts and labor can last for up to 5 years.
- No preheating needed for most units.
- Covers are usually large and heavy, meaning some users may have trouble lifting on their own.
Overall, above ground hot tub are often chosen by clients wanting something to use year-round due to the lower initial cost and the lower monthly costs and greater default warranties. Those who choose the in ground units often just want an extra water feature to use periodically and are not interested in the large number of jets provided in above ground units. Those seeking therapeutic usage of a hot tub may want to consider an above ground unit.
Regardless of what type of hot tub you want, Pool Daddy can help you maintain it . If youre seeking assistance with weekly maintenance or youve got a problem with your hot tub, call us and well keep all of your pools, hot tubs, and Jacuzzis running smoothly.
Also Check: How To Balance Pool Water
The Backyard Oasis Mission
At Backyard Oasis, our primary objective is to offer you the highest quality product possible. A beautiful outdoor space where you can relax and entertain around one of the Hot tubs Austin TX area residents are looking for, or your above ground pool, or outdoor grill. We have continually lead the market with superior design concepts and products. As a result, we create a special environment for each customer where they may enjoy bonding with family and friends for years to come.
Backyard Oasis offers a range of new and used/refurbished hot tubs, above-ground pools Austin area residents want and outdoor grills. While the design and fabrication of our spas is our main emphasis, it is only the beginning!
