Building a Pool with a Spa: Design Ideas & Cost Considerations

The pool and spa combination

A spa attached to a pool is a common request in South Florida. It gives you a warm soak on a cool winter evening, a place to relax, and often a waterfall into the pool. EDX Pools has built custom gunite pools with integrated spas. This guide covers the main design choices. Costs depend on design and site, so we describe what drives price rather than quote numbers. We give free on-site estimates.

Attached vs. detached spa

Attached (integrated) spa

An attached spa shares a wall with the pool. It is the most common arrangement because it looks cohesive and can share plumbing and equipment.

• Shared plumbing and equipment usually costs less.
• Blends with the pool design.
• Spillover is possible.
• Uses space well in smaller yards.

Detached spa

A detached spa is a separate structure near the pool. It can be heated without heating the pool and can have its own look.

• Independent temperature control.
• More freedom in placement.
• Separate plumbing and equipment, which typically costs more.

Spillover spa designs

A raised spa can overflow into the pool. The sight and sound of falling water is a big part of the appeal, and the spillover also circulates water between the two. Common styles:

• Vanishing-edge spillover: Water flows over a hidden edge for a sleek look.
• Rock waterfall: Natural stone with water cascading over boulders.
• Sheet flow: A smooth sheet of water from the spa edge.
• Multi-level: Water steps down through several raised walls.

Raised spas

A raised spa sits above the pool water level. Benefits include:

• Better views from the spa.
• Easier entry and exit from the wall.
• More visual depth in the design.
• Walls that double as seating.
• A surface for decorative tile, stone or coping.

See pool tile and coping for finishing choices.

What drives the cost

• Size and shape: A larger or custom spa takes more concrete, tile and equipment.
• Raised or flush: Raised walls and spillovers add construction and finishing.
• Jets and equipment: Jet count, pumps and controls.
• Heater: The type and size of heater.
• Tile and stone: Finishing materials on the spa walls.
• New build or retrofit: Adding a spa during new pool construction is generally much easier and cheaper than adding one to an existing pool, which involves significant construction. If you think you might want one later, plan for it in the first design.

For help pricing options, request a free estimate. If you already have a pool and want to add a spa, ask about pool renovation.

Heating the spa

Spas are usually kept warmer than a pool, so heating matters.

Gas heater

Heats water quickly, which suits on-demand use. Operating costs are higher for long runs.

Heat pump

Very efficient but slower. Better for keeping a spa warm over long periods.

A heat pump for the pool and a gas heater for the spa is a common pairing. Our equipment guide compares them.

Jet layouts

The jet layout decides how the spa feels. Typical options include:

• Back jets at mid and upper back height.
• Neck jets along the top of the wall.
• Foot jets in the footwell.
• Bench jets along the seating.
• Rotating jets for a kneading effect.

The right number of jets depends on spa size and your preferences. Tell us how you want to use the spa, and we will lay it out to match. We build in Davie, Boca Raton and across Broward and Palm Beach counties.