By keeping your swim spa above ground on a simple concrete pad, you'll save tens of thousands on installation. What's that you said? Above ground swim spas can't look good? These 6 stunners prove that choosing the right colour decking, using the perfect stone and using space and plantings can turn your swim spa into a backyard oasis that can be used all year round.

Idea #1: Blend it in
By having the deck from your house at the level of the swim spa on two sides, you create an inground appearance for much less money than it would cost to sink your swim spa in the ground. The elongated stairs give the impression of a slope down to the lowest level of the swim spa. The coordination of deck colour and swim spa cabinet create a seamless look.

Idea #2: keep it clean
The owners of this 12-foot Hydropool swim spa have invested in a custom glass wrap, a special base, and custom stairs for a rooftop application where it wouldn't be possible to recess the swimspa.

Idea #3: A view from above
These Hydropool swim spa customers have tucked their swim spa against a wall and stairs. The scale of the house and the height of the deck and stairs makes the walls of the swim spa seem shorter, and means many of the views of it will be from above. One side of the swim spa is built as a "bar," which gives the swim spa a functional reason to be elevated. Strategic lighting under the bar top emphasize this function and create visual drama at night.

Idea #4: Be noticed
Instead of trying to hide their swim spa, these owners put the focus on its vertical walls. A simple stained cedar surround and elegant matching stairs give it a rustic spa look. The vertical lines of the surround are a nice complement to the lines that delineate the gravel and turf areas of the yard and the lines of the cedar hedge.

Idea #5: Matchy match
The cabinet of this swim spa blends nicely with the deck, interlocking stone and rattan patio furniture. Ornamental grasses around the base of the swim spaadd visual interest and soften the vertical walls. Again, having the top of the swim spa at the height of the deck on two sides gives the impression of being inground without the cost. The sloped garden and dry stone walls are higher that both the swim spa and the deck, making them feel closer to ground level and giving a cozy, private feeling to the yard.

Idea #6: walk on up
Brick stairs that match the patio and extend the full length of this Hydropool swim spa give the impression that the pool is recessed into the patio, not sitting above it. The dark cabinet makes the walls of the swim spa appear to recede, and blend well with the dark bricks of the patio and stairs.
how much does a swim spa cost?
You might be surprised!
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