Naive - Critique my sunshelf /spa / pool design- how can I make a better use for the space?

[Etituesday]

Hi! I love clean lines so I went for a rectangular pool.

Unfortunately, because of budget we chose a pool size of 29’ x 13’ (of water not coping).

We considered putting the spa completely outside but it’s too much $$.

Current size Sunshelf 8x6 and spa 8x6.

My question is - in this design is the spa too small? How can I make better use of this space?

Should I place the spa, slightly outside?

Any other recommendations?

Thanks!

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

I would get rid of those two posts with water features and use the money on a larger spa.

I would also save money with a smaller spa spillover requiring less tile.

What size is your sunshelf? Is it really usable for two chairs?

 

[Etituesday]

The sunshelf is 8x6 same size as the spa.

Would you keep the spa inside of the rectangle or do an in and out situation?

 

[ajw22]

Would you keep the spa inside of the rectangle or do an in and out situation?

What are you trying to gain by moving the spa out?

 

[ajw22]

What will the depth profile of the pool be?

 

[Etituesday]

3.5’ -6’ depth of the pool.

Wondering if it opens up more sunshelf real estate and if it’s worth it.

 

[ajw22]

Only you can decide if it is worth it.

I don't know how you intend to use that sunshelf.

I think your sunshelf is small to have two chairs on it and room for people to get in and out of the pool around the chairs.

If you are not going to have chairs on the sunshelf then just put steps in and use the rest of the space for the pool.

 

[Etituesday]

How would you advise / or how can I make a change that would allow for the sunshelf to be bigger?

 

[Jimrahbe]

et,

Have you ever been in a gunite spa before?? If so, great!! If not, you really, really should try one before you buy one.

I agree with Allen about the two water feature posts.. I really wanted a waterfall wall and now I just find it noisy and useless for how I use my pool. A waste of money, in my case...

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[ajw22]

How would you advise / or how can I make a change that would allow for the sunshelf to be bigger?

Does your setback limits allow you to move the spa to the right so it is half in and half out of the pool? That opens up more space for the sunshelf.

You can see the way my spa is positioned...

 

[RLP]

Agreed on the waterfall wall. I think I turned mine on twice this year.

 

[Etituesday]

Does your setback limits allow you to move the spa to the right so it is half in and half out of the pool? That opens up more space for the sunshelf.

You can see the way my spa is positioned...View attachment 532040

Ahhh I see! This looks great

 

[Etituesday]

et,

Have you ever been in a gunite spa before?? If so, great!! If not, you really, really should try one before you buy one.

I agree with Allen about the two water feature posts.. I really wanted a waterfall wall and now I just find it noisy and useless for how I use my pool. A waste of money, in my case...

Thanks,

Jim R.

I haven’t been in a gunite spa before. What’s your take on one?

 

[kellyfair]

Personally, I would much rather have a larger sun shelf. I doubt I would ever even use a spa, but I know many people love them.

Gunite - hard on the posterior!

 

[Etituesday]

Ahhh I see! This looks

 

[Etituesday]

Only you can decide if it is worth it.

I don't know how you intend to use that sunshelf.

I think your sunshelf is small to have two chairs on it and room for people to get in and out of the pool around the chairs.

If you are not going to have chairs on the sunshelf then just put steps in and use the rest of the space for the pool.

This has been extremely helpful. What’s a typical size for a sunshelf that’s made for two chairs?

 

[ajw22]

Gunite Spas - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[ajw22]

This has been extremely helpful. What’s a typical size for a sunshelf that’s made for two chairs?

Lay it out on your grass. Put two lounge chairs in an 8’x6’ space and put some cardboard boxes along the edges as walls and see how much room you have to move around the space.

 

[Jimrahbe]

I haven’t been in a gunite spa before. What’s your take on one?

E,

About 50% of the people that buy pools with Spas almost never use the spa after the first year. They are not at all like standalone spas for comfort or number of jets. You also have to plan to use them as they do not stay hot all the time. Pools with Spas almost always need an automation system, which is a good thing, but just more $$$$$.

That said, the other 50% seem to love them..

My point in asking the question is... how do you know which 50% you will be in??? Spas cost $20K or more than a standard pool. So why spend the money unless you are absolutely sure it will be used?

Keep in mind that I have no skin in the game here. It matters not to me if you have a spa or not. You asked for advice and my advice is... Buy a spa if you know for sure you will use it, and if not sure, buy a bigger pool. I have never heard anyone say their pool is too big, but I know plenty of owners that would not add the spa if they had a chance to do it over.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Lilypad]

A friend was building a pool and was undecided about adding a spa into the plans.
The builder asked “do you have a spa tub and if so, how much do you use it?"
They opted for more pool real estate and never looked back. I ended up doing
the same when I built mine. For some a spa is a must have, but I agree with the
comments about the lack of comfort with a gunite one.

Either way, it's good to be asking questions now and you came to the right place!
Come back soon and we’ll teach you to manage all aspects of the pool and for
less money and time! Welcome to TFP!