DH and I have spring fever. The new-to-us 70 year old long neglected house and yard will be our 'vacation' for a few years! One of the first discussions on the exterior landscaping was on whether to have a hot tub or a small pool. Arguments: Hot tub is less expensive to operate, and can be used year round and does not need the homeowner to erect a fence around the unit if it has a hard top locking cover. Pool: given where we live, the pool would be used ONLY June - Sept, more expensive to purchase, maintain, and the law requires a 6foot fence to be erected around the structure (pool and any deck). BUT (and there is always a but) the pool offers the potential for exercise, and more people/visitors can enjoy it. A hot tub (as we would not be getting a huge 12 person one) would be limited to maybe 3 or 4 people. And finances do NOT allow for both!

So, hot tub versus pool...which would you suggest?

Hot Tub hands down ...

We bought a house with both and I can tell you- hot tub all the way.

I would choose the hot tub! My sister has a pool, so we can go there anytime and swim during the summer months, and like you said, the pool would be seasonal. I have always wanted a hot tub, it looks so relaxing and soothing. Great, now I want one...

I have both and we use the hot tub so much more. I did see something interesting this weekend in Palm Springs at some model home they called them spools and they are small pools but one corner had extra jets and heat so you can sit in that corner and get the benefits of the spa but still have a pool....just a thought. If you live in a cold climate go with the tub!

I say hot tub, they are more enjoyable year round.. they are good if you ever have aches/pains.. and they're a lot easier on maintenance than a small pool.

Laura beautiful picture and I noticed you are doing so well with your weight loss keep up the great work!!!!!!!!

I have both and we use the hot tub a lot more. A hot tub is way less expensive to run year round. Go for the hot tub.

We have both and I use the pool way more. :-D

POOL !!!!!!

I just got my dream, 12x24 above ground, sunk halfway in ground, with a salt system. I have wanted a pool for 20 yrs.

I'm a swimmer, always was.

If you like swimming go with the pool. You can get a heater,

If you enjoy sitting in water go with the spa.

I don't get the lure of spas, but some enjoy them.

Even though our pool season is very short too I vote pool, we even had those above ground 3 1/2 foot high ones and put in an air mattress and on a great day it's really relaxing and can be fun to share with your DH! brandyII

I have a pool and live in Aus, so get to use it for more months than most but still not all year round, and I still say go for the hot tub, hands down, no question about it. I've been seriously contemplating ripping out the pool and building a hot tub instead (house came with pool when I bought it). Pools are a bloody great money pit and damned hard work!

Thanks to all. We looked at one of the 'spools'...fabulous idea! And there are two types - one in which the Water force keeps you in place while you swim, the other type in which you wear (in essence) a harness so that you stay in place while swimming or jogging or doing your water aerobics. A great idea but just WAY too expensive.:thumbdown:

We think the hot tub wins...now begins the discussions on WHERE to put it! For some reason DH believes that a garage is not meant to house a vehicle but is there as a storage room, or now potentially, a spa room. Me, silly girl, thinks a garage is a structure erected to keep a car out of the elements!:w00t: