Do integrated Gunite/concrete spas really suck?

[Billrush]

In another thread, I posted a concept drawing with a small pool and integrated spa. One guy replied by asking me if I have ever sat in a concrete spa and how less comfortable they are than a separate molded spa.

Several people chimed in saying saying they agreed that theirs was not that comfortable. I don’t think we have room for a separate spa. In fact, we have never owned any kind of spa, but thought it might be fun (and look cool).

Well he is right, I’ve never sat in one that I remember and not sure I will be able to.

i asked a friend who has one and he likes his.

To those of of you who have built one, do you use and like it? We are I. SW Florida, BTW.

PS. This forum has just been a wonderful place to ask newbie questions. Thanks to all.

Bill.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Bill,

A lot of people like their gunite spas... I only asked the question because many people have spent the money on their spas without trying one first and then have been disappointed in the results.

I suggest you simply ask your friend, who likes his spa, to allow you to take a quick dip and see how well you like it. I suspect that you will either like it or not within the first 15 minutes.

It is kind of like trying on a pair of pants before buying them.. Either they fit you or they don't...

I am not at all against gunite spas... I am against buying them based solely upon a picture...

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[ajw22]

We like ours. We sit in it at night looking at the stars until we are well pruned. There is lots of room to move around and stretch and get comfortable any way we want.

I have had a self contained fiberglass spa with molded seats and lots of jets. I didn't find it as comfortable nor as trouble free as my gunite spa.

There are pros and cons to both. Just be an educated consumer and know that what you are getting will meet your needs.

 

[SpringPool]

Our previous house had a pool/raised spa combo. We used the spa but it had a lot of straight edges. When we designed the pool at our new house I made sure to have rounded seats, a rounded top and 2 seats that sit about 2 in higher (you could call them kids seats). We also preferred a spa to be level with the pool. I didn’t like having to step up and then step back into the spa.

So yes I like our pool/spa combo and would do it again. I’ve actually seen a spa that has a lounge type chair molded into the gunite.

The second video in this post https://www.troublefreepool.com/thr...r-iPhone-Videos-of-pool?p=1465485#post1465485

shows the rounded edges of our spa.

 

[ajw22]

I agree. Rounded edges and different seating levels in a gunite spa are nice. I also prefer smooth plaster over tile or pebbles on spa seats.

 

[Billrush]

Makes total sense.

 

[Richard320]

My spa is comfortable enough to sit in. Getting into it is another thing, as it is flush with the deck and involves stepping down into it and the steps are a whole lot taller than the pool's steps. I would greatly prefer a raised spa, where I could sit on the edge, swing a leg over onto the seat, and then step down into it.

The spa is extremely popular with small children. I suspect it's because they can stand on the seat and stay well out of the water. Even the floor is shallower than the shallowest part of the pool.

 

[Billrush]

Jim,
im really glad you asked the question. Totally agree and it has caused us to slow down a bit

 

[FnC80]

My wife and I love our integrated spa. It’s our primary relaxing spot during the winter, or wanting to ease some tired muscles at other times. We have a rounded edge and glass beads in the plaster that make it quite comfortable to lounge in. The edge makes it comfortable to lean back with no coping edge digging into your back. The best part of an integrated spa is only one body of water to maintain chemistry instead of two. Below is a pic of our rounded edge.

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17.7k gal, 98 ft perimeter, IG quartz, 3HP EcoStar VSP, 1.5HP TriStar Dual Speed, 725 sq ft SwimClear Cartridge, Rainbow chlorinator, Paramount clear O3, Pro Logic controller, 500k BTU heater, AquaVac 500, Spillover Spa, 3 sheer waterfalls, 3 bubblers.

 

[toxdocar]

Oooh. Waiting on responses......

 

[Oly]

All hot tubs or spas are great when it is cold outside. Comfort and looks are important but more so for me is availability and immediate access. Spontaneity and immediate relief is not an option when you have to wait 20 - 30 minutes to heat the water to ideal soaking temp.

 

[Jwmote]

I like my integrated spa for relaxing in but for theraputic I think a standalone would be better. I wouldn't say the gunite one is uncomfortable though as it is easy to relax in.

My spa does not have a lot of jets though so that might be why I would prefer a standalone. you can see my spa in my profile pic.

 

[phonedave]

I have been in both kinds plenty of times (but own neither)

a integrated spa is more like a small pool - you can move around in it and it has bench seating, while a stand alone more or less has built in chairs. Integrated spas usually have less jets than a stand alone. Yes, some integrated spas have 'fancy' seating, but it does not seem to be the norm.

If you like quieter water, freedom to move around, and a large spa then go integrated. If you want more jet action and contoured seating then go with a stand alone.

As I said, I have never owner either, but from what I have been told, they both have pros and cons. a stand alone requires separate water balancing, etc. But most stand alone spas are kept hot (or at least warm) and are insulated. Integrated spas are the same temperature as your pool, and have to be brought up to temp when you want to use them. Depending on your heater and your water temperature, that could be a short time, or a long time (also depends on what you call short and long)


-dave