Replacing Your Hot Tub or Swim Spa — Above Ground, In Ground or Deck?

Written by Joe Stone on . Posted in Uncategorized

Upgrading your hot tub or swim spa, but can’t decide on an in-ground, above-ground or in-deck replacement? Consider the benefits and drawbacks of each.

In-Ground

0012In-ground swim spas and hot tubs take a long time and a lot of money to build. Installation requires excavation, plumbing, electrical and even gas hookups. An in-ground hot tub will generally run you at least $10,000-$15,000, and could easily cost $25,000.  

But …

They should last as long as your home. Really. They’re that durable. They are incredibly customizable and can be designed individually. They’re easy to use and are compatible with all kinds of jet configurations and add-ons, like lights and waterfalls. Finally, they are truly beautiful and designed to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding decor and landscaping.

Above Ground

Above-ground tubs and swim spas cost far less, generally between $3,000 and $12,000. They are also cheaper to run, usually less than $30 per month. They have individual, ergonomic seats, as opposed to the communal benches common in in-ground tubs. They require less maintenance and their parts are warrantied for longer. They don’t need to be preheated and they work with lift covers. Finally, they are portable, which is especially important in multi-season or colder climates.

The tradeoff? They can run the risk of looking like a big box of water in your backyard.

Built Into a Deck

Before building a swim spa or hot tub into a deck, you’ll have to consider the foundation and make sure it is strong enough to hold the weight of the tub plus water and people. Also, even on a small deck there has to be sufficient room for the cover lift to operate. That said, deck-in tubs and swim spas can be a more affordable, less permanent alternative to in-ground spas, but that look just as elegant. Building a deck, of course, requires a larger investment than an above ground spa or hot tub, and you will lose the benefits of portability.

Swim Fitness

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    MP Momentum Deep
  • H2X Challenger 15 “D”

    MP Momentum Deep
  • H2X Challenger 15 “D”

    MP Momentum Deep
  • Large Back Yard Ideas
  • Swim Spas With Decks
  • Indoor Swim Spas
  • In-ground Ideas
  • MP Momentum Deep
  • MP Momentum Deep
  • MP Momentum Deep
  • H2X Challenger 15 “D”
  • H2X Challenger 15 “D”
  • H2X Challenger 15 “D”

Our Testimonials

  • testimonials Hi, I’m Michael Phelps. I’ve been swimming just about my whole life and I know the benefits of swimming regularly.But sometimes access to a pool is limited and not every backyard or climate is right for a pool. That’s whyMaster Spas took my input and that of my coach,Bob Bowman,to create the perfect solution-the Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa by Master Spas. ”

    Michael Phelps

  • testimonials Thank for your great service! As a business owner in the pest control industry, customer service is a rare breed these days, and I appreciate your prompt response in my questions. "

    Robby
    Windsor, CA

  • testimonials Just a couple words re our terrific service from Swim Fitness with Joe and Ali – everything smoothly handled with care and gentle precision on a tight delivery and setup- may we swim happily ever after! "

    Jackie and Dennis, Millvale

  • testimonials Wow, that’s great news! I really appreciate all your wonderful service. Boy, this is what America was like in the 60′s and 70′s. Thanks! (He called to buy a new cover and we replaced his cover under warranty, which he didn’t realize was a possibility.)

    Robert
    San Ramon, CA

  • testimonials Ali, I have lost 5 lbs swimming 1/2 hr every other day for the last 3 weeks. Love my swim spa!!! "

    Laurie
    Sedona, Arizona

  • testimonials Joe Stone at Swim Fitness of Nor Cal was very helpful and tolerant of all my many questions during the research phase of shopping for my new Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa. He always answers phone calls and emails promptly and is never too busy to help out. The delivery and installation of my swim spa went smoothly. I am very happy with the product and the service, and would highly recommend Joe and his company. "

    John C. Lekas, MD

  • testimonials From our first call to get information about swim spas, through process of purchasing our MP Momentum and having it installed, and to this day, Joe has been extremely helpful and genuinely nice. He knows the products and answered every question we had. I would highly recommend Swim Fitness. ”

    Rob and Christie Hartman

  • testimonials We want to offer our thanks for a nice job in delivering our swim spa! Also thank you for the workout book! We are really looking forward to reading the book and applying the workout techniques in our swim spa! "

    Randy and Dana Coleman
    Columbus, MT

  • testimonials I simply desire to offer my gratitude and thanks for a job well done in selling and delivering our Michael Phelps swim spa! Your patience and assistance throughout the process was well worth our time. ”

    Carol Stracner
    Henderson, Nevada

  • testimonialsThank you for your kindness and support, with your assistance you added to a great experience. ”

    Kathy Harvey

  • testimonials Just a quick note to let you know how much I am enjoying my swim spa. I love it! I love doing my water aerobics workout in it every chance I get, and it’s great because that can be at 10 am, noon, 4 pm, or 8 pm! No more running to the gym for their classes! I can set it at the temperature that I like–not too hot or too cold. It’s so easy to maintain. My five grandkids love to play in it when they come over, too. I could go on and on, but just wanted to let you know — I LOVE IT! The delivery and service were great also. Thanks again! "

    Christine in Escalon, CA

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