Thinking about upgrading your swimming experience? Adding a spa to your existing pool is one of the most rewarding ways to enhance your outdoor space. Whether you want the relaxation of warm, bubbling water or the therapeutic benefits of hydrotherapy jets, integrating a spa into your current setup can completely transform how you use your pool area.
At Auckland Inground Pools, we specialise in pool renovations Auckland homeowners trust. Here’s everything you need to know about adding a spa to your existing concrete pool.
Why Add a Spa to Your Pool?
Adding a spa pool isn’t just a luxury; it’s a lifestyle upgrade that enhances how and when you use your outdoor space. A spa provides therapeutic benefits such as stress relief, muscle recovery, and improved circulation, all from the comfort of your own backyard. Whether you want a quiet soak after a long day or a warm place to gather during cooler months, a spa offers year-round enjoyment, making every season a reason to look forward to.
From a design perspective, a well-integrated spa adds elegance and dimension to your pool area. You can opt for features like waterfall spillovers, ambient lighting, or custom tiling to match your pool. When professionally designed, a pool-and-spa combo becomes a standout feature of your home, improving not only your quality of life but your property’s resale value.
Can You Add a Spa to an Existing Pool?
Yes, and concrete pools are particularly well-suited for this kind of upgrade. Unlike pre-formed fibreglass pools, concrete pools can be structurally modified, making it possible to add new components like spas, tanning ledges, or seating areas.
Adding a spa involves more than simply dropping in a new element; it requires precise planning to ensure the new addition blends seamlessly with your existing pool. Plumbing lines may need to be re-routed or extended, new heating systems may be installed, and structural reinforcements might be necessary.
At Auckland Inground Pools, we assess your pool’s condition, age, and layout to determine the best way to integrate a spa without compromising quality or safety. We’ll guide you through each step of the process, from initial assessment to final installation, to ensure a smooth and successful renovation.
Built-In vs. Standalone Spa Options
When considering a spa addition, one of the first decisions is whether to integrate the spa into your existing pool or install it as a separate, standalone unit. Both options offer benefits depending on your design goals, usage habits, and budget.
Built-In Spa
A built-in spa is constructed as part of the existing pool structure. This creates a seamless look and allows for shared systems such as pumps, filtration, and heating. Common designs include:
- Flush-level spas that blend into the pool’s perimeter.
- Raised spas with spillover features, creating a cascading water effect into the main pool.
- Corner integrations that use underutilised space efficiently.
Built-in spas are popular in modern designs due to their streamlined appearance and efficient functionality. Since concrete pools are fully customisable, you can design a spa that suits your exact preferences, whether you want custom tiling, inbuilt lighting, or ergonomic bench seating.
Standalone Spa
A standalone spa is installed next to the pool but operates independently. This may be a prefabricated acrylic spa or a custom concrete unit. Standalone spas are ideal if:
- You want a spa that can heat up quickly and run year-round.
- You’d prefer a lower-cost option without modifying your existing pool shell.
- You have limited space within the current pool layout.
Standalone spas also give you more control over water temperature, allowing one area for relaxing and another for swimming without the need to constantly adjust settings. This level of control and customisation ensures that your spa perfectly fits your needs and preferences.
Things to Consider Before Adding a Spa
Before installing a spa, it’s important to evaluate a range of practical and design considerations. These will ensure the spa addition is both functional and future-proof.
Pool Age and Structural Condition
Older concrete pools may need repairs or structural reinforcement before accommodating a new spa. If your pool is over 15 years old, it’s a good idea to assess for cracks, surface wear, or outdated plumbing during the renovation process. Adding a spa is the perfect opportunity to combine cosmetic upgrades with structural repairs, ensuring your pool is safe, efficient, and up to modern standards.
At Auckland Inground Pools, we often recommend resurfacing or retiling your pool as part of the spa integration. This not only improves aesthetics but ensures your new spa matches the pool’s finish.
Plumbing and Heating Systems
Adding a spa means additional plumbing for water supply, drainage, air lines for jets, and heating. If your current setup doesn’t have the capacity to support these systems, we may need to upgrade pumps, install new valves, or add a dedicated spa heater.
Many Auckland homeowners opt for heat pumps or gas heating systems to quickly warm their spas, independent of the main pool. Our team will advise on the most energy-efficient and cost-effective systems based on your setup.
Available Space and Spa Location
Where the spa is positioned is just as important as how it looks. You’ll want to ensure it’s easily accessible from the house, has adequate seating around it, and integrates naturally into the pool layout. We help clients explore various placement options, such as:
- Poolside corner installations
- Raised spillover features
- Standalone spa zones with decking or pavers
Space around the spa should also accommodate filtration equipment and access for maintenance, so we carefully plan layout options during the design phase.
Materials and Design Continuity
The beauty of working with concrete pools is that your spa can be completely customised to match your pool’s materials and finishes. Whether you’re using natural stone, glass mosaic tiles, or coloured plaster, we can create a cohesive visual connection between pool and spa.
Design features to consider:
- Matching coping and tiling
- Built-in lighting for night-time ambience
- Spa bench seating or custom jet placements
- Water features that connect the two elements
This continuity in materials ensures your renovation looks like a planned upgrade rather than a patchwork addition.
Ongoing Maintenance and Automation
Adding a spa will introduce some additional maintenance requirements, including water chemistry monitoring, heating control, and occasional cleaning. However, with modern automation systems, much of this can be simplified. At Auckland Inground Pools, we can integrate smart systems that allow you to control temperature, jets, and lighting via an app on your phone or a centralised touch panel. Alternatively, our sister service, The Pool Smith, can help with regular cleaning and maintenance.
By sharing filtration and sanitation systems between the pool and spa (in the case of built-in options), we reduce redundancy and improve efficiency. Our designs are always focused on creating low-maintenance luxury for your lifestyle.
Benefits of a Spa-Pool Combo
When designed and installed properly, a combined pool and spa setup offers a wide range of benefits:
- Year-Round Use: Enjoy warm spa sessions even in winter.
- Health & Wellness: Spa jets provide hydrotherapy and stress relief.
- Entertaining: Perfect for socialising or relaxing with family and friends.
- Resale Appeal: Adds value and desirability to your property.
- Aesthetic Upgrade: Enhances your pool with a modern, elegant touch.
Why Work with a Pool Renovation Expert?
Spa additions require more than just good ideas; they demand precision engineering, quality craftsmanship, and deep knowledge of pool systems. As specialists in pool renovations in Auckland, we make sure your new spa is beautifully integrated and built to last.
At Auckland Inground Pools, we manage the full process from consultation and design through to plumbing, concrete work, and finishing. Whether you’re after a sleek built-in spa or a standalone oasis, we’ll deliver a tailored solution that aligns with your space, budget, and vision.
Ready to Add a Spa to Your Pool?
If you’re ready to turn your backyard into a year-round haven, Auckland Inground Pools is here to help. With decades of experience in concrete pool renovations, we bring innovation, quality, and attention to detail to every project.
Contact us today to discuss your ideas or request a site visit. Let’s create a pool and spa space that brings comfort, luxury, and style to your outdoor living.
Ph: 0800 477 015
