Adding a spa to your swimming pool creates the perfect combination of relaxation and entertainment in your backyard oasis. With several spa options available, understanding the differences between connected, spillover, and freestanding designs helps you make the best choice for your property, lifestyle, and budget.
In this blog post, pool expert Jay Taylor discusses our spa add-on options and explains which design might work best for your custom pool project.
Spa additions typically range from $8,000 to $12,500 or more, depending on the type and complexity of the design. Gunite swimming pools with integrated spas provide seamless transitions between pool and spa areas, while elevated spillover designs create water features that serve as stunning focal points.
Key Takeaways
- In-pool connected spas offer the most economical option, starting at approximately $8,000.
- Raised spillover spas provide dramatic visual appeal and independent heating, starting at $12,500.
- Freestanding leisure spas deliver maximum flexibility and year-round use, starting at $10,000.
- Pool size, existing layout, and intended use significantly impact the best spa choice for your property.
- Professional 3D design services help visualize spa placement and water flow before construction begins.
3 Spa Add-On Options
In-Pool Connected Spa
The in-pool connected spa represents the most straightforward approach to adding hydrotherapy to your swimming pool. This design places the spa directly within the main pool structure, typically separated by a low wall or bench that allows easy transition between areas.
Water circulation systems are shared between the pool and spa, creating operational efficiency and simplified maintenance routines.
Connected spas are a great fit for compact yards where optimizing space is crucial. The shared water level with the main pool creates a cohesive appearance that flows naturally with the overall pool design.
In addition, installation costs remain lower compared to other spa options, since the construction process integrates with the existing pool shell.
Pool expert Jay Taylor from Custom Pools of Lubbock notes,
“Connected spas provide the most economical way to add a spa to your pool project while maintaining that seamless, unified look that many homeowners prefer for their backyard design.”
Raised Spillover Spa
Raised spillover spas create stunning visual centerpieces that elevate both the aesthetics and functionality of your pool area. Positioned 12-18 inches above the main pool level, these spas allow heated water to cascade over edges or through specially designed spillways into the pool below. The elevation provides natural privacy for spa users while creating the soothing sounds of moving water.
The independent heating capability of spillover spas allows precise temperature control separate from the main pool. This feature proves especially valuable during cooler months when you want to enjoy the spa without heating the entire pool.
The elevated position also creates opportunities for enhanced lighting effects, custom tile work, and architectural details that serve as focal points.
Spillover spas work particularly well in luxury pool designs where visual impact and entertainment value are priorities. The waterfall effect also adds movement and sound that enhances the overall ambiance of your outdoor space.
Freestanding Leisure Spa
Freestanding spas are the ultimate choice for placement flexibility and independent operation. These self-contained units can be positioned anywhere on your property, whether adjacent to the pool or in a completely separate location.
Independent filtration, heating, and control systems allow year-round operation, regardless of pool status. The separation between pool and spa water provides better temperature retention and chemical management.
During winter months, you can enjoy the spa while the main pool remains covered and dormant. This independence also allows for more precise water chemistry control and reduced operational costs when only the spa is in use.
Jay Taylor explains,
“Freestanding spas give homeowners the flexibility to create separate relaxation zones while having the option to use the spa year-round, even when the pool is closed for the season.”
Installation flexibility makes freestanding spas ideal for retrofitting existing pools or working around challenging site conditions. The self-contained nature also simplifies future maintenance and potential upgrades.
Choosing the Right Spa for Your Project
Several factors influence the best spa choice for your custom pool project. Factors that play a role in the decision-making process include:
- Available space
- Intended use patterns
- Budget considerations
- Aesthetic preferences
For example, families with young children might prefer connected spas for easier supervision, while those seeking relaxation and entertainment might gravitate toward spillover designs.
Consider how you plan to use the spa throughout the year. If year-round enjoyment is important, freestanding options provide the most flexibility. If you’re primarily interested in summer use, connected or spillover designs might integrate better with your overall pool usage patterns.
Site conditions, including slope, access, and existing utilities, can also influence spa placement and which type is best. A design consultation with professional pool builders can help you evaluate these factors and recommend the best option for your specific situation.
Why Choose Custom Pools of Lubbock for Your Spa Addition
Custom Pools of Lubbock specializes in creating seamless spa integrations that enhance your outdoor living experience. Our expertise in gunite construction allows us to build durable, long-lasting spa additions that withstand TX weather conditions while providing years of reliable operation.
Whether you’re considering a connected, spillover, or freestanding spa design, our team has the experience to guide you through the selection process and create the perfect addition to your backyard oasis.
Why Call Custom Pools of Lubbock?
This business is owned and operated by Jay & Hillary Taylor
Jay Taylor is a TX Tech School of Business graduate who brings extensive experience in custom pool design and construction to every project. Together with his wife and business partner Hillary Taylor, they founded Custom Pools of Lubbock to fill a need in the Lubbock community for quality, unique, custom in-ground gunite swimming pools. As longtime members of the Lubbock community, they are committed to providing top-notch service and one-of-a-kind pool design and construction.
Our Expertise
This content reflects our team’s knowledge gained through:
- Years of successful custom pool installations throughout Lubbock
- Continuous professional development and industry best practices
- Direct field experience with regional conditions, materials, and construction challenges
- Owner-operated and supervised projects, ensuring quality control
Why Trust Us
At Custom Pools of Lubbock, our reputation speaks for itself:
- 3D Design Renderings: We provide detailed 3D design renderings to ensure you’re satisfied with the pool design before construction begins
- Superior Workmanship: We pride ourselves on attention to detail and excellent craftsmanship in every project
- Owner-Operated: All projects are personally supervised by Jay Taylor, ensuring consistent quality and communication
- Industry-Leading Satisfaction: Our mission is to provide industry-leading customer satisfaction through exceptional service
- Strong Communication: We believe strong customer communication is one of the keys to a successful project
- Professional Staff: We maintain a highly professional staff that understands and responds to customers’ needs in a friendly, personal manner
We’re committed to creating a “sense of place” — an environment where you and your family can entertain, play, or simply relax. Our goal is to complete your installation on time and with minimal inconvenience while turning your dreams of a backyard oasis into reality.
Have questions about your next pool project? We’re here to help!
Get In Touch
- Address: Custom Pools of Lubbock, 11702 Frankford Ave, Lubbock, TX 79424
- Phone: 806-260-7665
- Serving: Lubbock and surrounding areas
Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation where you will work one-on-one with our pool designer. Our designer will learn about your vision, your backyard space, your budget, and your timeline. Then we will create a unique 3D plan to make your dream a reality.
