Above Ground VS Inground Spa Pros and Cons

Above Ground VS Inground Spa Pros and Cons Even though the weather stays relatively warm most of the year here in the valley, investing in a spa for the backyard to enjoy on cool nights is becoming seemingly more popular. Whether you have a pool and are looking to add an inground spa to it or you are thinking about purchasing an above ground jacuzzi, there are pros and cons to both. While price can play a significant role in your decision process, consider the pros and cons listed below for above ground vs inground spas before making your deciding the option best fit for your personal preferences.

Above Ground Spa

An above ground spa or jacuzzi is great for many reasons and is the perfect option for people looking for an immediate purchase with the luxury of same-day delivery so you can be enjoying your spa almost instantly. Listed below are the pros and cons for above ground jacuzzis.

Pros:

Instant Gratification – Many times above ground spas can be delivered the day you order them which means you can be enjoying it just a few hours after purchase.
Budget Friendly – Typically purchasing an above ground spa is going to be the more affordable option rather than hiring an entire team to install an inground spa.
Endless Options – Above ground jacuzzis have so many options in terms of size, style, colors, jets, seating, and various add-ons to make it feel as luxurious as you want it to.
The Cover – The easy to lift cover is a great element that comes with an above ground spa. It holds many purposes including keeping debris out of the spa while also keeping it relatively warm so that the preheating of the spa before you decide to use it is minimal.
Comfortable Seating – Unlike inground spas which usually have bench style seating, above ground spas have lounge-style seating options that truly make the spa experience luxurious.
Easy To Use – Above ground spas offer an easy to use system with all functionality accessible at the push of a button located on the edge of the spa. There is no need to leave the spa to turn the temperature up or down, or start the jets back up if they are on a timer.

Cons:

Sight for Sore Eyes – Above ground pools are not always the most appealing to look at. Unless you have a nice cabana for your above ground jacuzzi, they sometimes can look clunky or out of place in your backyard.
Hard to climb in and out of – Unlike inground pools that have descending steps into the water, above ground spas can be slightly more difficult. They typically do not have steps on the inside of the spa which could lead to issues for people who may be handicapped or limit leg and lower body mobility.

Inground Spas

Inground spas are a great addition for anyone with an inground pool currently or looking to get one installed. They offer both pros and cons that should be considered before you take the plunge and decide to get the spa you have always dreamed of.

Pros:

Added Property Value – Inground spas can add value to your overall property value as well as added an attractive feature to your backyard.
Sleek Look – Because you get to design the inground spa with your pool contractor you have more freedom to create a design that has special features like a waterfall, varying levels for the seating, step design, tile design, and different lighting options.
Easy Entrance – Inground spas are extremely easy to get in and out of because of the descending staircase.
Pool add-on – Most of the time an inground spa is an add on to a pool which is great because if you get cold in the pool, or hot in the spa, you can easily go back and forth between the two which many people really enjoy.
If you have a pool cleaning company, they will take care of your spa as well

Cons:

Limited Jets – Inground spas have a limit on how many jets can be installed and it is usually significantly smaller than that of an above ground spa.
Less Comfortable – Because the seating options are limited with inground spas, they are much less comfortable that an above ground spa. It is rare that an inground spa has a lounge option.
No Cover – You can buy a cover for any pool or spa that is inground or above, but it is rare for people in the Valley to cover their pools and spas because realistically you can use it all winter long here. Without a cover though, you run the risk of constant debris making its way into you spa.
Pre-heating – Unlike above ground spas, inground spas must be preheated. Most people do not keep their spa heated at all times, so the preheat process may take longer than expected.
More expensive – Because you have to hire a team of people to install the inground spa, it will undoubtedly cost you more than an above ground spa.