There’s no better companion for a backyard pool than a luxurious spa. Whether your pool is already built and in use or you’re in the design phase, consider adding a spa that will help your backyard become a memorable destination. Here are two ideas for a luxurious spa to accompany a gunite pool in Southampton, Long Island, NY.
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Why add a spa? The summer pool season is relatively short, and it’s a shame to not use the space for most of the year. A spa changes all that. You can enjoy a warm soak on the coldest days, and really get your money’s worth out of your pool area even if the pool is closed up for the season.
First, here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons of attached (spillover) spas and detached spas.
Spillover spas integrate beautifully into the pool and extend the pool area. However, because the pool must be closed for the winter, if you want to use an attached spa throughout the year you’ll have to contend with a significant increase in water heating costs. Spillover spas are beautiful options for warmer climates, but they are generally not the best choice for the Long Island area.
Detached spas can be in very close proximity to the pool, essentially visually connected, yet with their own plumbing and water. They are easier to heat in winter, and you still have plenty of design options.
A Raised Spa
Put your spa on a pedestal next to your pool. Anyone soaking in the spa will get a gorgeous view of the pool area and surrounding landscape and still have plenty of interaction with anyone enjoying a cool swim in the pool. Using the same masonry as you would on an outdoor fireplace, outdoor kitchen, or retaining wall will integrate the spa into the entire patio.
Same-Level Spa
Another version of a visually integrated yet physically separate spa is a spa that’s at the same level as the pool. While there’s going to be splash over during the pool season (kids will splash cold water from the pool into the spa, and vice versa) you can still enjoy the spa year-round once the pool is closed up for the season. A generous walkway between the two will offer a safe space to walk between the pool and spa, as well as a comfortable place to sit.
Here are some additional design ideas for a spa to complement your gunite pool.
Illuminate the Night
Taking advantage of the refractive properties of water means you can use your spa, pool, and other water features as light sources for nighttime landscape illumination. Adding submersible color-changing lighting to your spa will allow you to create dazzling light shows from within your spa, matching the mood and keeping things lively.
A Comfortable Bench
Since staying in a spa for more than 15 minutes isn’t advisable, you’ll want somewhere to rest in the open air for a few minutes. Maybe you’ll also have some guests that choose not to get in the spa, but want to sit nearby. Permanent seating, such as a high-backed masonry seat wall will make the pool/spa area feel more comfortable.
A Mixture of Masonry and Wood
Masonry provides elegant durability that stands the test of time, but adding an exotic hardwood spa deck and bench will elevate your spa to luxurious levels.
Include Greenery
Plants contribute greatly to the serenity of the space. Include some ornamental grasses to soften the look of masonry. Choose plants that shed minimally, and be sure to place them far enough from the spa or pool to prevent leaves or flowers ending up in the water.
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