True. “Above-ground” portable spas are more cost-friendly than custom in-ground ones. Plus, there’s the portable Bullfrog Spas envied inter-changeable massage jets — JetPaks. And, of course, there’s the energy efficiencies of a Bullfrog portable hot tub.
But, oh, how we love the look of an “in-ground” custom spa!
Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be an “either-or.” The Bullfrog Spas’ “Spa Vault,” for example, was created precisely for this reason. It is a kit made of galvanized steel that surrounds your portable hot tub so it won’t corrode, but will remain safe and secure when installed in the ground.
“A portable hot tub is completely self-contained, which is partly why they are economical,” says Bill Renter, owner of Long Island Hot Tub. “But to install one in the ground, partially or completely, or to surround it in some other material, you want to be sure the plumbing etc. doesn’t corrode or get damaged, and can also be easily accessed.”
For one set of Long Island Hot Tub clients, the husband and wife couldn’t decide if they wanted a pond or a custom-built spa. We were happy to show them they didn’t have to choose. They could afford both. By beginning with a portable hot tub and using a spa vault, we recessed it next to the pond and their Bullfrog Spa became part of a lovely new backyard retreat (see 4th photo below).
If you’d like to watch a Spa Vault being installed in a yard, a YouTube video follows at the end of this post.
Caption: Recessed Portable Spa:
Installing a Bullfrog Spas’ Spa Vault inside a cutout in the deck, safeguards the hot tub while giving it the appearance of a traditional in-ground spa. Photo: Bullfrog Spas
Adding Spa After a Swimming Pool:
If you already have a pool and don’t want all the headaches of linking a custom in-ground spa to the functions of the pool, recessing a portable hot tub allows you to have the in-ground look — as well as use your spa all year round without having to heat up the pool. Photo: Bullfrog Spas
Recessing Portable Hot Tubs:
Sometimes what you want to do is match your spa installation to the style and materials already existing in your backyard. In this case, an above-ground surround was fitted over a Spa Vault in order to complement the beautiful fire pit and seat walls. This method is also a great option for those who prefer to step up — rather than down — into their spa. Photo: Bullfrog Spas
Backyard Pond and Spa:
This is the pond and spa we mentioned in the introduction. Placing the spa entirely in-ground (in a Spa Vault) was a truly inspired idea. These Long Island Hot Tub clients can actually feed their pond fish while soaking in their rejuvenating spa waters. Talk about “Ahhhhh.”
Portable Spa Plumbing:
Being self-contained, a spa unit has all it needs inside itself. However, the rain needs to be able to drain away from the tub. If not, plumbing could be damaged. Plus, any plumbing needs to be accessible for any future repairs; we removed the plumbing (an easy job for Bullfrog Spas) and ran the equipment to an above-ground location where it wouldn’t get damaged.
If you’d like to watch a Spa Vault being installed in a yard, aYouTube video follows at the end of this post.
