ABOVE GROUND SPAS

The short answer is yes! If you are considering purchasing an above ground hot tub, there are several factors that you should take into account to ensure that you are making a wise investment. Here at Just Spas, we have been helping our customers find the perfect spa for their needs for over 15 years, so we know a thing or two about what to look for when choosing an above-ground spa. 

When deciding if an above-ground spa is worth the investment, one thing you’ll be considering is how often you will use it. If you are only planning on using your spa on the rare occasion, then sure, maybe an inflatable or portable model may be more suited to your needs. But many people tend to start looking for the more permanent above-ground spa option after they realise that the home spa life really is for them. And trust us, once you’ve had a go in a proper above-ground spa, you won’t settle for anything less than the best in spa technology ever again.

If you are looking to use your spa on a regular basis the fact is that an inflatable spa will never offer the same features, performance or durability as a properly installed above ground model. This is where you really start to see the value in an above ground spa. Even with regular use, an above-ground spa will last you for many years with very little maintenance required, whereas an inflatable model will only last for a couple of seasons at best before it starts to show signs of wear and tear. 

In terms of features and performance, an above-ground spa will always come out on top. With better circulation systems, stronger jets and more powerful pumps, you can be sure that you are getting a superior spa experience with an above-ground model. 

When most people think of spas, they picture the luxury, in-ground models that are often found in high-end hotels and resorts. However, these types of spas are not always practical or affordable for the average person. This is where above ground spas come in, as they offer all the same features and benefits of an in-ground model but without the hefty setup costs associated with built-in models.

To state the obvious, above-ground spas are just ones that sit atop the floor, whereas a built-in model goes into the floor. But beyond that, there are several key differences between above-ground and built-in spas that you should be aware of before making your purchase. 

Firstly, above-ground spas are much easier to install than their built-in counterparts. In most cases, you will be able to have your new spa up and running within a matter of hours sometimes even less, whereas with built-in models, once you account for the need to dig foundations and acquire a number of external parts, they can take weeks or even months to properly install. 

Secondly, above-ground spas are generally less expensive than built-in models, both in terms of the initial purchase price and ongoing running costs. This is because they don’t require the same level of excavation and construction work as a built-in model, making them a more cost-effective option for most people. 

Finally, above-ground spas are also more versatile than built-in models as they can be moved if you need to change the location of your spa. This is not always possible with a built-in model, which can often be quite difficult and expensive to move once it has been installed. 

A common question that people ask about above-ground spas is whether or not they need to be fenced in. The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the location of your spa and local laws and regulations.

In Australia, if your spa is lower than 1200mm from finished ground level then it is necessary to have a fence around it in order to comply with local laws. However, there are ways in which your spa can still comply with local laws without the need for a full fence.

If your spa is higher than 1200mm from finished ground level, the need for a full fence is negated. However, you are still required to include a fence around the normal entry point of the spa, eg if you have steps leading up to the entrance, these must be gated. 

In response to this, you can install a SpaRiser & StepGuard to raise the sides of your spa above the legal requirement, as well as only needing a small amount of fencing around the front steps. This can be a handy cost and space saver, get in touch with your local dealer to find out more.