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No room for a swimming pool? An outdoor spa could be just the ticket. Space-efficient and also wonderfully portable, a high quality spa pool brings instant luxury to an outdoor space, creating a refreshing retreat. Here’s what you need to know before setting up a feel-good spa zone at your home.
Before slipping straight into ‘buy spa’ mode, Mark Rushton of Bestway Australia suggests considering your capacity requirements (how many people you want your swim spa to accommodate) as well as size and features such as massage systems and accessories. An affordable option, and one that’s ideal for renters, is an inflatable spa. These portable models are made from heavyweight PVC that is quick to set up and can travel with you when you move properties.
Spas don’t require a lot of space, making them a great option for a compact, flat outdoor area like a patio or deck – just ensure the chosen location has adequate weight-bearing capacity. “The surface, which must be on ground level, needs to be capable of supporting the weight of the filled spa and the weight of the users,” says Mark. You also need to ensure there’s a suitable spot for the water to drain and access to an outdoor power outlet.
Mark suggests placing the spa pool in the vicinity of a fence or wall that can act as a windbreak, which even help make things more energy efficient. “This helps retain more heat and in turn reduce running costs, but make sure the spa is at least one metre away from any fence or climbing zone,” he says.
For added peace of mind, plan how you’ll fence the area. For information on spa fencing regulations and permits in your area, get in touch with your local council.
For a resort-style swim spa setting, stylist Louise Roche of Villa Styling (thedesignvilla.com.au) suggests amping up the surrounding greenery. “To create a secluded, lush feel, cluster large pots filled with tropical plants such as palms, consider a decorative screen for privacy and add evening ambience with festoon lights and sparkling LED lights dotted around the deck or garden,” she says.
Most outdoor spas come with a cover, which not only helps keep debris out of the water, but also acts as insulation to help retain warmth and reduce the amount of power needed to get it up to temperature when you next take a dip. Mark says Lay-Z-Spa models have a power-saving timer, allowing you to set a heater start time and duration, so it doesn’t run longer than needed.
“Other ways to increase energy efficiency include filling the spa from the hot tap, maintaining a constant temperature [instead of reheating] and keeping up with spa maintenance,” says Mark.
A regular but simple spa cleaning and maintenance schedule is needed to keep a spa safe and sparkling. To maintain water quality, Stuart Bennett from Fluidra (suppliers of Baracuda pool and spa products), recommends partially or completely draining and refilling the water periodically, plus regularly wiping the spa shell and cover to prevent mould, algae and calcium build-up. Clean and replace the filter as required and use a spa pipe cleaner to prevent debris build-up in the jets.
To check the chemical balance, use spa test strips with the Baracuda SmartDose app. “This allows you to adjust the pH, alkalinity and sanitiser levels as recommended,” says Stuart.
Keep in mind:
Check out our guide to choosing an above-ground pool.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
