Are you looking forward to investing in a pool or a hot tub? Regardless of the reason, whether to improve your home’s value or for general wellbeing, a pool or a hot tub are great investments. To help you choose wisely between these two, here are some considerations to make:
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Energy Costs
A hot tub needs to be plugged into an energy source to function. Heating the water to the temperature of your liking can take a while, which means you’ll rack up your energy costs at home. To save on costs, it’s advisable to keep the hot tub heated 24/7.
Meanwhile, a pool needs electricity to run its water pumps and filters to keep the water flowing. You may also have lights or heaters installed in it. Both require electricity to function, so you must consider this in your budget.
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Size
Another consideration to make is the number of people who will enjoy the pool or the hot tub. If your family always entertains large crowds, you may want to choose a pool instead. If you enjoy intimate crowds and privacy more, a hot tub is perfect.
In choosing the perfect size of a hot tub, ask yourself: How many people will be enjoying it at a time? If you’re a large family and don’t want to enjoy the tub in shifts, it’s advisable to invest in a large hot tub with at least nine seats.
Aside from the number of people who will use your pool or tub, you must also consider the space you have for it. A large backyard is perfect for a pool, but if you just have a pocket-sized one, a hot tub would be a charming addition. For instance, Sproutwell offers traditional Ceder Hot Tubs made from high-quality Canadian Ceder, which will look perfect in a garden setup at home.
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Maintenance Costs
Both pools and hot tubs require regular maintenance to function. Pools, because of their size, require a lot of chemicals to keep fresh. Your maintenance costs will most likely be proportional to the size of your pool. Aside from its regular cleaning, you must also budget for the water pump and filter maintenance, not to mention deep-cleaning every time you decide to close off your pool for a while.
Hot tubs, albeit smaller in size, still need regular cleaning and maintenance to keep performing well. Chemicals such as chlorine aren’t enough to take care of your hot tub. You need a professional to ensure the tub is always in its peak condition. Given that the trained personnel will perform the routine inspection at a fee, the maintenance cost will likely go high. Nevertheless, routine checks are cheaper compared to replacing faulty parts that can be maintained to last longer.
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Installation Costs
While construction and installation costs of inground pools differ depending on various factors, the average ranges from USD$28,000 to USD$55,000, there are also other additional costs such as landscaping, excavation, and pool equipment.
For hot tub installation, you first need a solid foundation on which to set your tub. A concrete foundation can cost you around USD$3,000 to USD$5,000, depending on the size and logistics. Other things you need to budget for are crane delivery, actual installation cost, testing, and other miscellaneous costs.
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Safety
Generally, installing a significant water body in a private property requires a permit, with some states and cities requiring the property’s owner to put safety measures in place. Such measures might include security fencing to prevent neighboring children from falling into the pool while wandering around. This means an additional cost over the initial installation and maintenance cost. The same is required for hot tubs, especially if you opt for an inground one instead of an aboveground tub. Some neighborhoods also require you to cover your hot tub when not in use. Remember to check safety guidelines and requirements with your municipality or state before committing to one.
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Weather And Season
If you’re considering putting up a swimming pool or hot tub on your property, it is because you want your family and guests to enjoy it.
It doesn’t make sense to invest in something of high value like a pool only to use it for just a few months in a year. Therefore, it’s essential to consider how long you’ll be using the pool in a year. If you reside in areas experiencing all four seasons, you’re more likely to use the pool in summer, which lasts for only three months. Do the month and figure out if it’s worth investing in a pool in such a scenario.
On the other hand, if you live in a hot area, a hot tub might not make so much sense. If you experience warmer days more often, cooling off in a pool may be a better idea.
Conclusion
Both a hot tub and a pool are ideal investments. They can both enhance your home’s appearance and increase its value. However, if you want to choose one between both, the above factors will help you make an informed decision.
