The short answer is yes, you can add a hot tub to an existing pool. If your pool is lined with concrete and built into the ground, it’ll be easier; if your pool has a liner or fiberglass, it’ll be a little more difficult but can be done. There are a number of things to consider when deciding to add a pool and hot tub into your yard including cost of materials, construction and what type of atmosphere you wish to create. 

Adding a Hot Tub to an Existing Pool

If you’re planning to renovate your pool it’s the perfect time to consider adding a hot tub as you’ll have to drain it in order to tackle the structural work. You may want to redesign the shape of your existing pool to accommodate the new hot tub or use the current one so you’ll want to work with someone to ensure the two elements will work together structurally and aesthetically. While this is the most expensive option, it’s durable, convenient, designed to match existing landscaping and will increase the value of your home. 

If you’d rather not redesign the structure of your existing pool, or have your hot tub located within your pool, you can add an in-ground hot tub adjacent to it. In this scenario, the hot tub would have its own plumbing and filtration system, would require some excavation to install and possibly additional paving, decking or landscaping. This option allows you to choose where to install the tub and keeps the two systems more separate mechanically.  

If an in-ground hot tub is too much work or exceeds your budget, you could add an above ground tub to your pool area. Although you will have to climb out of your tub to access the pool, a stand-alone spa with a wooden skirt and its own pump and electric system is the easiest and most affordable solution. With this option, your spa will be easier to run and maintain, can be installed anywhere on your property and is portable, so it could move with you in the future.

Additional Considerations Adding a Hot Tub to Your Pool

While both attached and stand-alone hot tubs provide a fun and relaxing addition to your backyard oasis, they are very different in terms of cost, materials and construction. A hot tub that is truly connected to your pool, in that they share the same water, will be easier to install as it taps into the existing circulation system, utilities, etc. The fact that the pool and tub share the same water also simplifies maintenance and water chemistry. This is likely the most expensive installation option though. 

Many customers adding a hot tub to their pool want it to overflow into the pool. This waterfall effect, called a spillover, is beautiful and easy to install. Its plumbing can be connected to your pool, and just requires a swimming pool return line to the tub, allowing the pool return line to fill up the hot tub from the water that’s displaced when people get in. Once the tub is full again, it will overflow naturally into the pool. Keep in mind your cooler pool water is being returned to your hot tub, so it’ll have to work harder to keep the water hot.

Another consideration is the jets in your hot tub. In order to have jets, especially many of them, you’ll need to put in a separate plumbing system for your jets. You don’t need to filter this as the pool filter will do that for you, but the mechanisms of the pool will not be able to power jets in your hot tub. Hot tub and pool chemical concentrations are different, and since the pool and tub will be sharing the same water, keeping chemicals at different levels isn’t possible. A simple chemical free solution is to add a UV light system to prevent bacteria. 

Owning and maintaining a hot tub and pool can seem overwhelming, but we’re here to help so you can enjoy all of the relaxing benefits of having them. Give us a call with questions at 970-879-4390 or contact us here.