Increasingly popular, outdoor spas are flourishing in gardens and on terraces. Their growing popularity can be explained by the many benefits they offer, for both body and mind.
A spa is more than just a hot tub! It's a place where you can relax, relieve muscle tension and recharge your batteries after a stressful day.
Regular spa sessions help to reduce stress, of course, but less well known is the fact that they also improve sleep quality and promote physical recovery after exercise.
An outdoor spa creates an atmosphere of well-being that enriches your everyday life. This living space invites you to slow down and enjoy life's simple pleasures!
How do you choose your spa?
Each type of spa offers specific features and benefits to meet different needs.
The first step is to identify your needs. If you're mainly looking to relax after a day's work, a spa with massage jets might be the best option. On the other hand, if you plan to use the spa for exercise sessions, such as swimming against the current, a swim spa might be better suited to your needs.
The space available also plays a role in the choice of spa. If your garden or terrace has a lot of space, a rigid built-in spa can blend harmoniously into the landscape. It will offer both aesthetic appeal and comfort. On the other hand, if you have less space, a portable or inflatable spa may be more suitable, without the need for major work.
Finally, the crux of the matter, the budget... The cost of a spa is not limited to the initial purchase. You also have to take into account the costs of installation, maintenance and energy consumption. For example, a rigid built-in spa may represent a larger investment, but it will also add long-term value to your property. An inflatable spa, on the other hand, is more affordable and offers an ideal temporary solution for testing out the experience before investing further.
What is a portable spa and what materials are used in its construction (vinyl, reinforced PVC, etc.)?
A portable spa is designed to offer a complete relaxation experience while being easy to install and move around. Unlike rigid built-in spas, which are permanently fixed in the ground, portable spas simply rest on the ground.
Construction materials for portable spas
Portable spas are generally made from robust but lightweight materials: vinyl or reinforced PVC. These materials are resistant to the elements, yet flexible enough to allow quick and easy installation. Some higher-end models use more rigid composites to provide better thermal insulation and a longer life expectancy.
Advantages of portable spas
Affordable cost
One of the main advantages of portable spas is their affordability. Compared with rigid built-in spas or swim spas, portable spas are very affordable. Prices generally start at around €2,000 to €5,000, depending on the model and features chosen.
Easy to install and move
Portable spas are easy to install. Unlike rigid built-in spas, which require extensive work, a portable spa can be installed in just a few hours. Simply place it on a flat surface, fill it with water and plug it into a standard electrical socket. It's child's play.
Wide range of sizes and shapes
Portable spas are available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes
Disadvantages of portable spas
Lower life expectancy
One of the main disadvantages of portable spas is their shorter lifespan compared with rigid built-in spas. The materials used are not as robust as those used in permanent spas made of acrylic or concrete. Over time, these materials can show signs of wear and tear.
Fewer advanced features
Another disadvantage of portable spas is that they generally offer fewer features than built-in models or swim spas. For example, massage jets may be less powerful or fewer in number and customisation options, such as LED lighting or integrated audio systems, are often more limited.
Thermal insulation often inferior
The thermal insulation of portable spas is often inferior to that of rigid built-in spas. Water can lose heat more quickly. You'll see it on your energy bill!
What's the best portable spa?
We recommend N NETSPA - Spa - Octopus - Semi-Rigid
Introduction to inflatable spas
Advantages of inflatable spas
Extremely affordable prices
One of the greatest advantages of inflatable spas is their very affordable price. Compared with rigid or built-in spas, inflatable spas are a fraction of the cost, often between €300 and €1,000!
Easy to install and store
Installation takes just 3 steps. In general, they come with a pump that allows you to inflate them in just a few minutes. Once inflated, simply fill the spa with water and plug it into a standard electrical socket to heat the water. No special skills are required. These spas can be deflated and stored away when not in use, which is particularly handy if you're short of space.
Lightweight and portable
Inflatable spas are light enough to be carried by one or two people, so you can move them around your garden as you need them. C
Disadvantages of inflatable spas
Limited lifespan
One of the main disadvantages of inflatable spas is their relatively short lifespan. Although materials such as reinforced PVC are designed to withstand outdoor use, they are not as robust as those used in rigid built-in spas. Over time, and especially with frequent use, these materials can deteriorate, develop leaks or deflate more easily.
Less comfortable than rigid models
Due to their inflatable PVC construction, these spas offer less comfort than their rigid counterparts. The seats are integrated into the inflatable structure, which may not offer the same support or ergonomics as the moulded acrylic seats of rigid spas.
The absence of features such as comfortable headrests or powerful massage jets can make the relaxation experience less satisfying.
Regular maintenance to prevent leaks
Inflatable spas require regular maintenance to prevent leaks and air pressure problems. It's important to check the structure regularly for any perforations or weakened areas.
Which is the best inflatable spa?
We recommend Bestway, great value for money
Presentation of built-in rigid spas
Built-in spas represent the ultimate in luxury and personalisation in the world of spas. Unlike portable or inflatable spas, built-in spas are permanently integrated into the ground or into a specially designed structure.
Advantages of built-in rigid spas
Aesthetic and harmonious integration into the garden
One of the major advantages of built-in spas is their ability to blend almost invisibly into the outdoor environment. Unlike portable spas, which are often visible and can clash with the rest of the garden, a built-in spa can be perfectly integrated into a terrace, poolside or in the middle of landscaping.
The visual effect is often impressive, with the spa seemingly an integral part of the landscape.
High level of customisation options
Built-in spas offer a much greater level of customisation than other types of spa.
Unique shape, specific dimensions, special finishes... A built-in spa can be designed to meet your exact requirements.
You can choose upholstery materials, colours, patterns and even add custom features such as waterfalls, ergonomic seating or specific massage systems.
Long life and solidity
Made from high-quality materials such as reinforced acrylic or concrete, built-in rigid spas are built to last.
Their solid, durable structure withstands the elements, temperature changes and daily wear and tear.
Unlike portable or inflatable spas, which may require frequent replacement, a well-maintained in-wall spa can provide decades of service without losing any of its functionality or aesthetic appeal.
Disadvantages of built-in rigid spas
High installation costs
One of the major disadvantages of built-in spas is the high cost of installation. Unlike portable or inflatable spas, a rigid built-in spa requires digging, plumbing and electrical work.
The total price can easily reach several thousand or even tens of thousands of euros.
Complex installation requiring major work
Installing a rigid built-in spa often requires the involvement of several trades: earthworkers, bricklayers, plumbers and electricians.
This work can include excavating the ground, building a concrete base, installing filtration and heating systems and integrating lighting and jets.
This takes time and also requires careful planning to ensure that all the elements work together harmoniously.
What is the best semi-rigid spa?
We recommend the NetSpa Octopus an affordable spa that really pops!
Presentation of wooden spas
Wooden spas stand out for their natural aesthetics and their ability to blend harmoniously into an outdoor environment.
Made from durable, hard-wearing woods such as cedar or redwood, these spas add a warm, authentic touch that is particularly appealing to fans of traditional or rustic style.
Advantages of wooden spas
A warm, natural look
Wooden spas are prized for their natural aesthetic that blends harmoniously into gardens and outdoor spaces. Unlike spas made from synthetic materials, a wooden spa offers a warm, organic look that blends perfectly into a green environment or rustic setting.
Wood, with its warm tones and natural textures, adds a unique charm and soothing ambience.
Good thermal insulation
Another advantage of wooden spas is their ability to retain heat thanks to wood's natural insulating properties.
Wood, particularly cedar and redwood, is an excellent thermal insulator, so the water temperature can be maintained for longer without constant heating.
This natural insulation means lower energy consumption.
Pleasant wood fragrance
The wood used in spas gives off a pleasant natural fragrance that enriches the sensory experience.
The woody aroma is pleasant and helps to create an atmosphere of relaxation and well-being.
This natural fragrance often intensifies when the wood is exposed to hot water, enveloping the user in a soothing atmosphere that amplifies the relaxing effects of the bath.
Disadvantages of wooden spas
Regular maintenance to prevent wood deterioration
One of the main disadvantages of wooden spas is that they require regular maintenance to prevent the wood from deteriorating.
Wood is more susceptible to wear and tear, rot and insect attack than synthetic materials or acrylic.
To maintain the spa's appearance and durability, it is essential to treat the wood periodically with specific protective products.
These treatments protect the wood from humidity, UV rays and climatic variations, but they can be tedious and costly in the long term.
Fewer modern features (jets, lighting)
Another disadvantage of wooden spas is that they are often less equipped in terms of modern features than acrylic or fibreglass spas.
For example, massage jets, LED lighting systems or integrated audio systems may be more difficult to integrate into a wooden spa.
This can limit the spa experience. Wooden spas focus more on aesthetics and the natural experience.
Sensitive to the weather if poorly maintained
Wooden spas are more susceptible to the elements if maintenance is neglected.
Wood exposed to extreme weather conditions, such as rain, snow or high humidity, can swell, crack or warp if not properly protected.
Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to discolouration of the wood and premature ageing.
Comparative table of spas
| Type of spa | Cost | Service life | Installation | Maintenance | Who is it for? |
| Portable spa | 1000€ - 5000€ | Average | Very easy | Moderate | Beginners, limited budget |
| Inflatable Spa | < 1000€ | Low | Very easy | High | Tenants, a temporary solution |
| Built-in rigid spa | > 10000€ | Very high | Complex | Moderate | Owners and investors |
| Wooden spa | 5000€ - 10000€ | Medium to high | Medium to complex | High | Lovers of traditional style |
You now have all the information you need to choose the spa that's right for your daily relaxation!
