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A GUIDE TO PLANNING YOUR BACKYARD SPA RETREAT


Having a home spa is a fantastic way to add value to your home and enjoy personal pampering without leaving the house. This guide helps you address issues you'll need to consider before installing your home spa:


COUNCIL REQUIREMENTS

Your first step would be to understand local council requirements. You can usually find this out by logging onto your local council website and searching key words. In this instance, for example, search “Residential Spa Requirements”.


DESIGN PLANNING

Lists are a great way to manage your thoughts and project planning steps. For this type of project, you should include considerations such as colour, style and what material your spa is made from. You will also want to consider size, shape, location. Will you be installing a privacy fence, wall or trees? Will you be adding a roof cover (fixed or retractable). Or, will your spa outdoor spa retreat be a private enclosed space? Pathways, extra lighting and fence as part of your spa oasis? Does your spa require extra plumbing?


SPA FEATURE OPTIONS


LUXURY

  • JETS DESIGNED FOR HYDROTHERAPY

  • MOULDED SEATS

  • HEAT TIMER

  • LIGHTING EFFECTS

  • DUAL ZONE SELECTION

  • MOBILE PHONE CONTROL/ SMART CONTROLS

  • TRANSDUCER SOUND SYSTEM

  • HEATING & COOLING PUMP


MAINTENANCE

  • AUTOMATED SANITISING SYSTEM

  • GOOD INSULATION LEVEL

  • HEAVY DUTY COVER WITH TAPERED SIDES

  • CIRCULATION PUMP. Not every spa has a circulation pump. Some have 2-speed pumps instead. These are noisy, less reliable and use a lot more power than quality circulation pumps.

  • RECOGNISED & RELIABLE BRAND. Do your research, read Google Reviews. Consider warranties and after sales service.


RESEARCH PROS AND CONS. Equip yourself with as much information as possible before committing to the purchase of your spa. Read forums, and guides from reputable manufacturers to assist you in making the best-informed decision which is right for you.


SHOULD I GET AN ABOVE-GROUND OR IN-GROUND SPA?

Considerations to factor include:

  • COSTS. Up-front purchase cost comparisons, installation (excavation/electrical/concrete). Electrical running cost comparisons. How often you'll need to change your hot tub water – this will vary from system to system depending on whether or not it has a built-in filtration system.

  • FEATURE OPTIONS. Do both styles offer the inclusions you’re looking for?

  • STYLE & DESIGN. Do your market research and consider what works best for your budget, home and lifestyle needs.

SITE PREPARATION CONSIDERATIONS

  • Council regulations

  • Is excavation required? If so, both you and your contractor should check site plans and location of utilities such as underground water and power lines before moving forward with the contract.

  • In most cases, a level base such as a cement slab is essential. A level foundation not only ensures the water stays in your tub, it's also critical for the safe operation and longevity of your spa.

  • Do you require additional plumbing, or drainage installed?


INSURANCE

Contact your home insurance provider to enquire as to whether or not your insurance will be affected by the installation of a spa.


ONGOING COSTS

  • ELECTRICITY

  • EXCESS WATER USAGE

  • CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

  • WARRANTY & PART REPLACEMENT

Budgeting for future costs is a real factor to consider when making this type of purchase. The impact of your future bills can vary depending on energy rating and water replacement frequency (various factors impact this including the in-built filtration system of the unit), warranty periods, and accessibility to parts in Australia for the brand/spa you select.


MANAGING YOUR PROJECT BUDGET

This article has provided a range of cost considerations (install and ongoing). To best manage your project budget, make a list of the potential costs and start obtaining quotes.


QUOTES.


SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS ONCE YOUR SPA IS INSTALLED


WATER HYGINE

  • You will have to maintain the water regularly to keep the pH level balanced.

  • Always rinse off with water before soaking

KEEP HYDRATED.

  • Soaking in hot tubs can increase your risk for dehydration.


AVOID ALCOHOL

  • In addition to altering your capacity and increasing your drowning risk, drinking alcohol expands blood vessels and rises the temperature of your body, as does hot spas. The combination, plus dehydration can cause heat exhaustion.


CHILD SAFETY

  • Our recommendation: Cover hot tubs with a lock-and-key top. Sit within reaching distance of children while they are in the hot tub.

  • A core requirement in the Swimming Pools Act 1992 is for all spa pools in NSW to be surrounded by a child-resistant barrier. This law applies regardless if children are living on the property or not



 

For quote requests and enquiries E: admin@piercretegroup.com.au



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