You've decided to build a relaxation area in your garden. He's leaning towards a Jacuzzi spa, she's leaning towards a swimming pool. So how do you choose between a swimming pool and a spa jacuzzi ? Normand's answer: each option has its own advantages. Your choice will depend on your specific needs and how you like to spend your free time.
Why choosing a pool rather than a jacuzzi spa?
The swimming pool provides a place for the whole family to play and relax
It's July, the sky is blue and the sun is shining brightly. Your children are splashing and splashing, playing with pool chips and balls, while you, with your feet in the water, are soaking up the sun with a good book. A swimming pool is a blue delight for everyone, with children inventing games while you bask in the sun. It's the centrepiece of your garden, where everyone loves to gather and enjoy the sunny days. It's here, in your own space, that you create lasting memories, from bursts of laughter to relaxing afternoons. The pool becomes a favourite meeting place, where family and friends gather for unforgettable moments.
The swimming pool, a complete sporting activity
Having a swimming pool is like having your own private water gym. You can swim laps every morning to wake up feeling refreshed, or do some aqua aerobics after work to unwind. Swimming is a complete workout that tones your body without stressing your joints. An hour's swimming can burn up to 500 calories while improving your cardio and muscular strength. It's the ideal activity for keeping fit, relaxing and even helping you to sleep better, thanks to the soothing effect of the water. Whether you're an experienced swimmer or just like to float, the pool offers undeniable health benefits, accessible just by opening your back door.
A swimming pool increases the value of your property
Adding a swimming pool to your home is a real boost to its market value. A swimming pool is a leisure and relaxation facility, but it's also a smart investment. According to several real estate studies, a swimming pool can increase the value of a property by between 5 % and 15 %, especially in regions where the climate is warm for most of the year. If you decide to sell your home, a well-maintained swimming pool can attract potential buyers and make your property a rare gem on the market. As well as the financial aspect, a swimming pool can transform your garden into an attractive and functional outdoor living space, increasing the overall appeal of your home and encouraging people to buy.
The swimming pool will also appeal to your friends and family!
A swimming pool is both a place to swim and a place to socialise. It's the perfect excuse to organise a summer party where your friends and family can cool off, play, or simply stroll along the water's edge. A swimming pool can comfortably accommodate a large number of people, facilitating gatherings of all kinds, from birthdays to simple relaxing afternoons. It's the perfect place for social gatherings, where guests can enjoy an open, welcoming space. What's more, there's always something for the kids to do, giving parents a bit of a break too. A swimming pool enriches your social life and turns your home into a special meeting place for your loved ones.
Why choose a Jacuzzi spa rather than a swimming pool?
A jacuzzi spa is more than just a whirlpool bath; it's a relaxation area just a stone's throw from your home. After a long day at work, plunging into a hot tub with its massaging jets offers an instant escape from everyday stress. The hydrotherapy jets target tense areas, helping to relieve muscle aches and relax the mind. It's a spa experience in the comfort of your own garden, perfect for intimate moments or relaxing evenings alone or with a partner. A jacuzzi requires less space than a swimming pool and can be used all year round. You can enjoy it whatever the season, which is no small advantage!
Enjoy your Jacuzzi spa all year round
One of the greatest advantages of a Jacuzzi spa is that you can enjoy it at any time of the year. The same cannot be said for swimming pools. Even in the middle of winter, surrounded by snow, you can be cosy in your jacuzzi and enjoy the comforting warmth of the water. The built-in heating systems keep the water at a perfect temperature even when the outside temperatures are freezing.
Low installation and maintenance costs
The installation and maintenance of a Jacuzzi spa is considerably less expensive than that of a swimming pool. Generally speaking, installing a jacuzzi requires less preparation and fewer expensive materials. Jacuzzis use less water than swimming pools and the energy cost of heating them is also lower. In terms of maintenance, jacuzzis require fewer chemicals and less frequent servicing.
Less space required for a jacuzzi spa
A jacuzzi is ideal for small spaces. Unlike a swimming pool, which requires a large perimeter, a jacuzzi can fit into even the smallest corners of your garden or terrace. A standard Jacuzzi can even fit on a small terrace. Its practical size allows you to create a relaxation area, perfect for quiet evenings or moments of relaxation after work.
Therapeutic benefits of a jacuzzi spa
A jacuzzi has real therapeutic benefits that can improve your quality of life. Hot water jets and bubbles create a hydrotherapy experience that soothes aching muscles, reduces tension and promotes deep relaxation. This immersion in warm water stimulates blood circulation and can help reduce inflammation and ease joint pain. This is particularly beneficial if you suffer from chronic conditions such as arthritis or back pain. After a session in your spa jacuzzi, you may experience a significant reduction in stress and improved sleep, thanks to the relaxation provided by the hot water.
Swimming pool / spa / jacuzzi battle, recap
| Features | Swimming pool | Jacuzzi |
| Use | Seasonal (especially in summer) | All year round |
| Benefits | Physical exercise Family entertainment Increases property value Large reception capacity | Relaxing and unwinding Can be used in all weathers Lower installation and maintenance costs Therapeutic benefits |
| Disadvantages | High installation costs Requires a lot of space Intensive maintenance | Limited capacity Less suitable for physical exercise |
| Maintenance | More intensive and costly | Less frequent and less costly |
| Space required | Important | Modest |
| Initial cost | Higher | Generally lower |
| Impact on property value | Generally increases the value | Less significant impact |
Swimming pool / spa / jacuzzi battle, a decision-making tool
Instructions :
- Answer the following questions by choosing the option that best suits your situation.
- Each answer will be awarded a point value.
- Add up your points to see which option (pool or jacuzzi) is best for you.
| Question | Answer for Swimming pool | Pool points | Reply for Jacuzzi | Points for Jacuzzi |
| How big is your outdoor space? | Large (> 50 m²) | 2 | Small (< 50 m²) | 1 |
| What is your budget for installation and maintenance? | High | 2 | Moderate | 1 |
| How often do you plan to use this facility? | Occasionally | 1 | Regularly | 2 |
| What is your main objective? | Activities/Leisure | 2 | Relaxation/Health | 1 |
| How important is maintenance to you? | It doesn't matter | 1 | Very important | 2 |
| How many people will use it most? | More than 4 | 2 | 1 à 4 | 1 |
| How do you assess the importance of environmental impact? | Not important | 1 | Very important | 2 |
| How often do friends and family visit? | Frequent | 2 | Occasional | 1 |
| Do you have children or do you plan to have any? | Yes | 2 | No | 1 |
| Do you prefer professional or DIY maintenance? | Professional | 1 | DIY | 2 |
| Does your local climate favour year-round outdoor use? | No (cold climate) | 1 | Yes (mild climate) | 2 |
| Are you planning any outdoor evenings? | Yes | 2 | No | 1 |
| Do you need a therapeutic solution for a specific health condition? | No | 1 | Yes | 2 |
| Would you also like the installation to be an aesthetic feature? | Yes | 2 | No | 1 |
| Do you live in an area subject to water restrictions? | No | 1 | Yes | 2 |
| Is discretion a priority for you (opposite)? | No | 1 | Yes | 2 |
| Is speed of installation crucial? | No | 1 | Yes | 2 |
| Do you plan to use the facility mainly for sport? | Yes | 2 | No | 1 |
| Are you looking for a solution that can accommodate frequent social events? | Yes | 2 | No | 1 |
Now you have all the information you need to decide whether a swimming pool or jacuzzi spa best suits your outdoor space and lifestyle. If you're a keen sportsman or have a family that loves the water, a pool offers the space and flexibility for aquatic and social activities. On the other hand, if you're looking for a relaxing sanctuary that's accessible all year round and requires less space and maintenance, a jacuzzi is likely to be your ideal choice. It's up to you!
