Thinking of installing a backyard spa? One of the first questions is whether to install an above-ground hot tub or an in-ground spa.
Both types can create a nice place to relax. However, the cost, installation, maintenance, flexibility and many other things can be quite different.
The above-ground hot tub is typically a self-contained acrylic spa with a shell, pumps, heater, plumbing, controls, insulation and hydrotherapy system all incorporated in one piece.
An in-ground spa is a spa which is designed and constructed in place among the surrounding patio or landscape elements. It can be either custom-built concrete or gunite structure or a manufactured shell buried below grade.
So, which of them should you choose?
For many homeowners an above-ground hot tub offers easier installation, more flexible access for service, better hydrotherapy system and cheaper installation. However, an in-ground spa allows achieving a completely integrated backyard look.
Let’s see how to compare them.
Quick Answer: Above-Ground or In-Ground Hot Tubs?
You should choose an above-ground hot tub if you need fast installation, good hydrotherapy, easy equipment access, plenty of choices and ability to replace or change the spa in future.
Choose an in-ground spa if the main task is to create a custom backyard design and integrate the spa with a swimming pool or patio.
However, appearance should not be the only factor to consider.
Think about the way you would like to use the spa, about the importance of massage jets, about your budget and other factors.
What Is an Above-Ground Hot Tub?
An above-ground hot tub is a complete spa system mounted on a prepared base.
Most portable premium hot tubs include all necessary equipment inside the cabinet.
It consists of pumps, heater, plumbing, controls, filters, insulation and hydrotherapy jets.
After preparation of a base and installation of electrical connections installation can be quite easy.
Despite the name, an above-ground spa cannot be moved easily from one place to another.
It is called in such a way simply because the whole spa system including shell, plumbing and controls are incorporated in one piece.
What Is an In-Ground Spa?
In-ground spa becomes a permanent part of a backyard.
Traditionally in-ground spas are constructed of concrete or gunite, like the swimming pools.
Another types of in-ground spas are manufactured spa shells installed below grade.
It is also possible to connect an in-ground spa with a swimming pool, which creates a beautiful integrated look.
However, installation of such spa requires quite complex planning.
Excavation, concrete works, plumbing, electrical connections, drainage, equipment installation and hardscape installation can be a part of the project.
Therefore, an in-ground spa is a full backyard renovation project rather than an easy hot tub installation.
Above-Ground Hot Tub Advantages
Above-ground hot tubs have many advantages.
Easy Installation
After the preparation of a base and electrical connections installation of a portable hot tub is usually quite simple.
It does not require any additional construction works.
Great Hydrotherapy System
Hydrotherapy is one of the main advantages of the above-ground spas.
Manufacturers can design individual seats for the best massage effects and for the preferred hydrotherapy style.
One seat can target shoulder and upper back area. The second can be designed to target the lower back. Loungers are great to add leg, calf and foot massage.
Easy Equipment Access
Equipment should be serviced periodically.
With the above-ground spa it is easy to remove the cabin panels and access the pumps, heater, plumbing and controls.
Many Options
There is a lot of portable hot tubs on the market in different sizes and designs.
It allows to pick up the best spa for a family of any size and with any preferences.
Easy to Change Later
Above-ground hot tub is not connected with the backyard structure.
If necessary, in few years you will be able to replace it with a new model without changing the backyard.
Above-Ground Hot Tub Disadvantages
The main disadvantage of the above-ground spas is their appearance.
A portable hot tub sits above the patio, which sometimes makes it impossible to create an integrated design.
However, there are some ways to improve the look of the hot tub.
You can use a deck, landscape, stairs, privacy screens, pergola or even partially bury the spa.
But in such case you have to make sure that the cabin can be accessed easily.
In-Ground Spa Advantages
The main advantage of the in-ground spa is its appearance.
Integrated Backyard Design
An in-ground spa can be integrated into the backyard design.
You can combine the shape, tiles, decking and even pool area with the spa.
Such approach is great for the high-end backyard projects.
Easy Entry
Due to the fact that the in-ground spa is lower than a portable hot tub, the entrance to the spa can be more comfortable.
But it depends on many factors.
Integration with a Pool Project
If you are building a custom pool, you can integrate the spa into the project.
It will be easier to coordinate the excavations, plumbing, hardscaping and other tasks related to both of the structures.
In-Ground Spa Disadvantages
However, the design of the in-ground spa has many trade-offs.
Higher Installation Costs
Building of the structure below grade requires more construction works.
Therefore, excavation, concrete, plumbing, electrical connections, hardscaping, drainage, permits and landscape works can significantly increase the total cost of the project.
Longer Installation Time
Portable hot tub comes completely assembled.
In-ground spa requires many stages of construction and several contractors. Therefore, the project takes more time.
Equipment Access Can Be Complicated
The equipment still needs to be serviced.
Poorly planned in-ground spa can make pumps, plumbing, valves and other components hard to access.
Do not sacrifice access for the nice look of the spa.
Which Type Provides Better Hydrotherapy?
For those customers who care about massage jets above-ground hot tub is a better choice.
Manufacturers of portable spas can design every seat to achieve the desired hydrotherapy effects.
Different jets can be installed in shoulder, back, legs, calves and feet. Seats can also have individual water controls and adjustable jet pressure.
Traditional in-ground spas offer less customizable bench seating with less targeted massage zones.
It does not mean that in-ground spa does not have any hydrotherapy effect.
But if it is your priority, you have to consider it carefully.
Which of Them Is Cheaper?
Usually, above-ground hot tub requires less budget.
You still have to pay for the spa itself, foundation, electrical connection, delivery and additional elements.
But you do not have to build anything yourself.
Installation of the in-ground spa can require a lot of additional expenses.
Total cost will vary a lot due to the differences of every backyard and design.
Therefore, you have to consider the total installed cost of the spa rather than the cost of the shell.
What About Maintenance?
Both types of spas need regular water treatment.
You still have to maintain proper sanitizer levels, test water balance, clean filters and clean the spa.
But access to the equipment is the key thing here.
Above-ground spa has the equipment in the cabin.
In-ground spa usually has pumps, plumbing and other equipment in the equipment room.
Well designed system works great. Poorly planned one can make even simple service difficult.
Can I Make an Above-Ground Hot Tub to Look Like Built-in?
Yes, it is possible.
It can become a nice compromise.
You can use a deck, pavers, landscape, privacy screens or even partially bury the spa in order to make it look like a built-in structure.
For example, you can make a deck around the spa with the possibility to access the cabin.
In this case you have more of a built-in look without the limitations of the in-ground spa.
Which Option Is Better for a Small Backyard?
Above-ground hot tub is more flexible option in small yards.
Compact models can be installed in yards and patios where construction works of in-ground spa would be inappropriate.
And you can choose the spa according to the size of the space available.
Think About Future
The backyard and your household can change in 10 years.
In-ground spa becomes a permanent structure which cannot be changed easily.
Above-ground spa can be replaced or upgraded easily in future.
Above-Ground vs. In-Ground Hot Tubs – Which Is Better for You?
There is no answer which would be applicable for every backyard.
If your priority is creating a custom backyard design, then you may choose an in-ground spa.
However, if you prefer good hydrotherapy, easy installation, easy access to the equipment, plenty of seats and the opportunity to change or upgrade the spa in future, you should consider an above-ground hot tub.
Not all portable spas look alike. Sit in different spas, compare seats depth, jet placements, foot wells, controls and comfort of the seats.
Then think about installation and long-term ownership.
Sunset Spas has a large selection of premium hot tubs and swim spas for homeowners in Arizona and Las Vegas areas.
We can help you to compare sizes, seating layouts, hydrotherapy systems, installation needs and backyard placement.
