Hot Tubs

Should You Add a Spa to your Pool? Pros and Cons

Published

3 years ago

May 28, 2022

Should You Add a Spa to your Pool? Pros and Cons of Adding a Spa

If you’re considering adding a spa to your swimming pool, you’re not alone. Many people are opting for this type of installation these days. But before you make any decisions, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most important factors to consider when making your decision.

Pros of Adding a Spa

If you’re considering adding on a spa, there are several things you should take into account. Here are some pros of adding a spa that will help you make your decision:

One pro is that spas can be very relaxing. Soaking in hot water can help to relieve muscle tension and pain. It can also be a great way to wind down after a long day.
Another pro is that hot tubs and spas can be used for social gatherings. They provide a great space for people to relax and chat. You can even host parties or events around your spa.
One of the best things about spas is that you can use them all year round. In the winter, they’re a great way to stay warm while you enjoy the outdoors. In the summer, they provide a refreshing way to cool down after a long day in the sun.
Finally, spas and hot tubs can add value to your home. If you ever decide to sell your home, adding a spa on to your pool may make it more attractive to potential buyers.

Cons of Adding a Spa

Conversely, if you’re on the fence and are wondering if there are any drawbacks to adding a spa, here is what you should know:

One con is the cost. Inground pools and spas can be very expensive, the price is going up and if you’re not careful, you can end up spending a lot of money on one.
Another con is the maintenance. Inground spas require a lot of upkeep and if you’re not prepared to do this, you’ll quickly become frustrated with your purchase.
Finally, inground spas can take up a lot of space and if you have a small yard, this may not be the best option for you.

What You Should Think About When Considering Adding On a Spa

Ultimately, one of the biggest considerations is cost. Spas are expensive, and pools are even more so. A jackhammer makes a poor eraser though, so if you are considering adding on a spa to your pool at so point, it’s often cheaper to add a spa at the same time. This is because the pool builder can do both installations at once, which saves on labor costs.

How much does a spa cost?

It really depends on the make and model of spa that you’re looking at. Inground spas are generally more expensive than hot tubs are. The price of a hot tub usually ranges from about $5,000 to $10,000. Usually, inground spas range anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 or more.

If you’re looking for a high-end spa with all the bells and whistles, you can expect to pay closer to $15,000. But if you’re just looking for something to relax in after a long day, you can find models for as little as $10,000.

Other Cost Considerations

Of course, the cost of a spa isn’t just the upfront cost itself. You also have to factor in things like installation costs and ongoing maintenance costs. So it’s important to do your research before you make any decisions.

Another important consideration is installation time. Most hot tubs can be installed in a single day while an inground spa is going to definitely take longer. If you don’t relish the thought of having a crew come back to install one at a later date and disrupt your yard, the most opportune time to install a spa is during your pool construction.

Finally, there’s the question of maintenance. Spas require just as much maintenance as pools do if not more. While they are a great way to relax and unwind, they also come with a few costs. Let’s take a look at what is involved with maintaining a spa.

Spas require some chemicals to keep the water clean and safe for soaking. These can include chlorine, bromine, and PH balancers. Depending on the size of your pool and spa, you may need to purchase these chemicals in bulk. You will also need to regularly clean your filters to prevent dirt and debris from clogging them. Depending on the type of filter you have, you may need to replace them every few months.

Spas vs Hot Tub? This is the question many home owners ultimately will ask themselves at some point.

Inground Spa vs Hot Tub – Which is Best?

For those pool owners wishing they had purchased a spa too, a hot tub becomes an appealing option. When it comes to choosing an inground spa or a hot tub, it can be difficult to decide which is the best choice to make. Both have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it really depends on your specific needs and wants. Let’s compare and contrast them for a moment so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you!

In-ground spas are generally larger and more luxurious than hot tubs. They are also inground, so they can be a great addition to your backyard landscape. However, inground spas are also more expensive to install and maintain than hot tubs.
Hot tubs are less expensive than inground spas and they are easier to install. Hot tubs are also portable, so you can take them with you if you move. However, hot tubs are not as large as inground spas and they don’t offer the same luxury features.

So, what’s the verdict? There’s no right or wrong answer, it all depends on your personal preferences and situation. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making your decision. Either way, you’ll end up with a beautiful backyard retreat that you can enjoy for years to come.

4.9/5 - (19 votes)

Hot Tubs

March 28th is National Hot Tub Day!

Published

4 months ago

March 28, 2025

Alise Everton

Every year on March 28th, hot tub lovers across the country unite for one glorious reason—National Hot Tub Day. It’s the one day a year where slipping into a bubbling spa isn’t just encouraged—it’s practically a public service. But where did this steamy celebration come from? And why is it making waves not just among backyard bathers but across the entire hot tub industry?

Let’s dive in.

A Brief Dip into the Origins of National Hot Tub Day

National Hot Tub Day isn’t a centuries-old tradition like New Year’s or Groundhog Day, but let’s be honest—it’s a lot more relaxing. The holiday popped up in the early 2000s, believed to have been created by a group of spa enthusiasts who wanted to draw attention to the wellness benefits of hot tubbing. What started as a quirky celebration has grown into a full-blown day of appreciation for warm water, hydrotherapy, and bubbly bliss.

Now, each year, hot tub owners fill their spas, cue up their playlists, and toast to the good life—preferably while soaking under the stars.

Why the Industry is Bubbly About It

For the hot tub and spa industry, National Hot Tub Day is more than just a hashtag. It’s a chance to highlight the therapeutic, social, and lifestyle benefits of owning a hot tub. Retailers run special promotions, manufacturers unveil new features, and wellness professionals remind us that soaking in hot water isn’t just indulgent—it’s good for you.

It’s also a prime opportunity for the industry to connect with consumers, launch spring sales, and showcase the latest tech and design innovations. Let’s just say, there are a lot of bubbles being popped on March 28th—and not all of them are in champagne glasses.

The Feel-Good Factor: Hot Tub Therapy 101

Sure, hot tubs are fun—but did you know they’re also medically magical? Okay, maybe not magical, but the health benefits are definitely real. Here’s what a good soak can do:

✔️ Relieve stress – Warm water + jets = instant relaxation
✔️ Ease muscle and joint pain – Say goodbye to post-workout soreness
✔️ Improve sleep – A soak before bed can help you drift off faster
✔️ Boost circulation – Heat helps blood flow and loosens tension
✔️ Promote mental wellness – Time in the tub gives your brain a chance to chill

By dedicating a day to hot tubs, we put the spotlight on hydrotherapy and its benefits—not just for your body, but for your overall well-being. It’s self-care in its coziest form.

Innovators Making a Splash

Let’s give a round of applause (or a round of rubber duckies) to the major players turning hot tubs into high-tech sanctuaries:

💧 Jacuzzi® – The OG. Still setting the standard in hydrotherapy and style.
💧 Hot Spring® Spas – Known for energy efficiency and cutting-edge comfort.
💧 Bullfrog Spas® – Customizable JetPaks™? Yes, please.
💧 Caldera® Spas – Elegance meets performance.
💧 Master Spas® – From Michael Phelps swim spas to ultra-luxury models.

These brands are pushing the boundaries with innovations like smart spa controls, UV-C water sanitizing systems, and ergonomic seating so good it feels like you never want to get out of the hot tub.

Time to Take the Plunge

Whether you’re already living the hot tub life or just dreaming of the day your backyard becomes a private spa oasis, National Hot Tub Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate the magic of the soak.

Hot tubs aren’t just for après-ski parties or luxury retreats anymore—they’re a lifestyle upgrade, a wellness tool, and a conversation starter. From romantic evenings to family hangouts or solo soaks with a side of serenity, a hot tub transforms any space into a sanctuary.

So light some candles, pour a glass of your favorite beverage, and raise a toast (from the comfort of your spa) to the most relaxing holiday of the year.

Happy National Hot Tub Day! 💦🛁🎉

5/5 - (2 votes)

Hot Tubs

Tourist Electrocuted In Hot Tub at Mexican Resort

An American tourist was electrocuted in a hot tub at a resort in Mexico, now authorities and the man’s family are looking for answers.

Published

1 year ago

June 19, 2024

Pool News

Tourist Electrocuted In Hot Tub at Mexican Resort

An American tourist lost his life and his wife sustained severe injuries in a tragic electrocution incident at a Mexican beach resort earlier this week. This calamity has prompted the family to file a wrongful death and negligence lawsuit against the resort operators, according to their lawyers.

Electrocuted in Hot Tub: Incident Details

The incident occurred at the Sonoran Sea Resort in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, a popular vacation destination roughly an hour south of the U.S. border. The couple, 43-year-old Jorge Guillen and 35-year-old Lizette Zambrano, were enjoying a relaxing evening in the hot tub when the tragedy unfolded.

According to the lawsuit, the couple had just arrived at the resort with several family members for their vacation. Guillen and Zambrano went to the hot tub to watch the sunset over the sea, unaware of the deadly electric current running through the water. As soon as Guillen dipped his foot into the hot tub, he was immediately electrocuted and trapped underwater. In a desperate attempt to save him, Zambrano jumped in but was also electrocuted.

Lawsuit Filed

Zambrano, who survived but was critically injured, filed a lawsuit seeking $1 million in damages against the U.S.-based resort operators, Casago International and High Desert Travel. Filed from her hometown of El Paso, Texas, the lawsuit claims that the resort’s faulty electrical wiring in the hot tub was responsible for Guillen’s death and her severe injuries.

The lawsuit also alleges that the resort management failed to warn guests about the hazards of the hot tub and did not respond swiftly to the emergency. The video footage from the incident shows chaotic scenes as other guests tried to help the couple, only to realize the danger posed by the electrified water. One guest managed to pull Zambrano from the water, but efforts to rescue Guillen with poles and metal tools resulted in more electric shocks to others.

Legal and Corporate Responses

Tej Paranjpe, an attorney at Houston-based PMR Law representing Zambrano, criticized the resort staff for their inaction during the critical moments when Guillen was continuously shocked underwater. He stated that it took ten minutes for the resort workers to respond, and by then, it was too late to save Guillen.

In response to the lawsuit, Jim Ringquist, sales director for Sonoran Resorts Inc., expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He also noted the unexpected death of the company’s CEO, Fernando Anaya, from a heart attack, further compounding the sadness surrounding the situation.

Investigation and Community Reaction

Mexican prosecutors in Sonora are investigating the cause of the electrical failure and plan to conduct field visits in the coming days. They aim to uncover the origin of the malfunction and ensure such a tragedy does not happen again.

A GoFundMe campaign launched to support Zambrano has raised over $55,000 as of June 19. The campaign describes Guillen as having “a heart of gold” and being a pillar of support for his family and friends. “The love they shared was one for ages,” the campaign states.

Hot Tub Electrocutions: Safety and Statistics

Electrocutions in hot tubs, while rare, are not unheard of and typically result from faulty underwater lighting or defective pumps. The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission reported 33 involving injuries or deaths in hot tubs, pools, and spas between 2002 and 2018. Last June, a man in Phoenix died from an apparent electrocution while repairing a hot tub in a fitness center.

Experts emphasize the importance of proper maintenance and vigilance to prevent such tragedies. Ensuring that all electrical equipment is properly installed and regularly inspected can significantly reduce the risk of electrocution in recreational water settings.

4.9/5 - (10 votes)

Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies

Polaris Spabot – World’s First Automatic Robotic Cleaner for Spas & Hot Tubs

Polaris, the foremost name in swimming pool cleaners, has done it again — introduced the world to a first-of-its-kind cleaner— this time for spas and hot tubs.

Published

1 year ago

April 29, 2024

Pool News

As the leading manufacturer of automatic pool cleaners, Polaris invented the pressure-side pool cleaner over 50 years ago and is known for continually innovating the newest technologies in pool cleaning. The Polaris Spabot carries on that legacy, and for the first time, gives homeowners an automatic option to keeping their spa clean.

“Before now, homeowners still had to clean their portable hot tub or in-ground spa manually,” said Sarah Martin, Polaris’ product manager for robotic cleaners. “With Spabot, they no longer need to stand there with a clunky cleaner in hand vacuuming up dirt and debris, they can just drop it in, walk away and return to a clean spa an hour later.”

Providing the ultimate hands-free convenience of automatic cleaning, Spabot is completely cordless. Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, it cleans the entire spa or hot tub in just 60 minutes — scrubbing surfaces and collecting debris like sand and silt, as well as leaves and pine needles within its Easy-Clean filter canister.

In order to navigate the small confines and curvature of spas and hot tubs, Polaris developed SpaNav™ Technology, a unique guidance system that enables Spabot to maneuver out of tight spaces by floating up and diving back down to resume cleaning. As Spabot dips, dives, crawls and climbs, it moves with ease over floors, walls, benches and concave seating to keep those warm water sanctuaries clean.

Easy to operate, Polaris Spabot can be turned on with the simple slide of a button and goes to work once it’s in the water. And, unlike cordless robotic pool cleaners that settle to the bottom awaiting retrieval after the cleaning cycle is complete, Spabot is engineered with Float Finish™ Retrieval, an innovative end-of-cycle buoyancy that allows users to grab it at water level.

Between cleaning, Spabot can be plugged into any indoor outlet where it charges in 4 hours.