How much does a spa pool cost in New Zealand

WORDS: Libby Schultz

Fancy getting a spa pool, but not sure where to start? From choosing the right model, to creating the perfect ambience, your Zones landscaping specialist can help you create your own hot-pool heaven.  

They’ll also keep you out of financial hot water, by providing you with a fixed-price cost at the start of your project. Here’s an overview of the various costs involved.

How much will it cost to have a spa installed + the surrounding area landscaped?

For a typical mid-range spa pool installation, you’re probably looking at a ballpark budget of around $30,000 - $50,000. This would include the spa pool’s installation, along with some building work for decking, hard landscaping and/or planting.

The pools themselves start from a modest $5,000 for a basic entry-level spa; through to $40,000+ for deluxe versions that double as an exercise or swimming pool.

The first thing to decide – and perhaps the biggest impact on cost – is whether you want an in-ground or above-ground spa.

“There are pros and cons to both,” says a Tauranga-based Zones Landscaping specialist.

“A custom-designed in-ground spa offers the wow factor. It’s generally more expensive, because you’re essentially building a mini swimming pool, and you’ll also need to fence it.”

Above-ground spas are self-contained units which are filled from a hosepipe, and are powered by plugging or wiring into the property’s power supply. They can be portable, particularly the free-standing hot-tubs; giving you the option to take your spa with you when you move.

“The other advantage of above-ground models is that they’re usually easier to keep heated and insulated,” says the landscaping specialist.

“They also offer more of the bells-and-whistles, in terms of jets and lighting etc.”

Cost for a spa pool installation + landscaping

$30,000 - $50,000+

How much does it cost to create a structure for a spa pool? 

Most spa pool installations are part of a wider outdoor renovation project – incorporating decking, hard landscaping, lighting and planting.

“For maximum usability, it’s a good idea to locate the spa fairly close to the house; but then use clever design and planting to create the sense of privacy,” says the landscaping specialist.

“Aesthetically, the aim is to incorporate your pool as seamlessly as possible into your environment,” says the landscaping specialist.

“You don’t generally want to draw the eye to the structure itself, so things like choosing a dark-coloured exterior and spa cover will help it blend in.”

Creating a purpose-built deck space is the ideal scenario because it allows you to incorporate the pool in your preferred position and height. The cost to build an average-sized deck and pergola sits somewhere in the range of $20-$30,000.

If you’re placing your spa on top of your existing deck, you’ll need to ensure the deck is structurally sound and can carry the significant weight of the pool. (Your Zones consultant can organise an engineer’s report for you, which costs around $2,000).

Or, you may find it’s cheaper and easier to cut a space in your existing deck, and sit the spa pool on the ground underneath. Another tip, says the landscaping specialist, is that placing your spa on a concrete pad will help reduce motor noise.

Although spa pools are usually installed somewhere in the garden space, that’s not your only option. You could add some hotel-style glamour by creating a dedicated pool wing as an extension to the house; or a purpose-built outdoor room with the spa as the star feature.

Cost of hardscaping

$20,000 - $30,000+

How much does it cost to fence a spa pool?

As part of your renovation budget, you may need to factor in the cost of fencing your spa.

“Installing pool fencing used to be a strict requirement for spa owners, but the laws have changed a bit in recent years,” explains the landscaping specialist.

If your pool is higher than 760mm from the adjacent surface, having a lockable spa cover may be sufficient. But if it’s under that height, you will need to fence it. Your Zones consultant will help you comply with the Building (Pools) Amendment Act 2017, and the requirements of your local council.

For a typical-sized 8.5m fence and gate, prices start from around, $450 per linear metre installed. (If you know your perimeter dimensions, BelAire Designer Fencing offers an online cost calculator).

Depending on the size and material of your fencing, a full installation will likely start from $5,000+.

Pool fencing cost

$5,000+

Costs to keep in mind

• Getting your spa on-site: If it can’t be physically carried in to your backyard, you may need to crane it in from a neighbouring property. This could cost $1,000+.
• Building consents: Depending on your project, you may need building consent for the construction of the pool itself, or any surrounding structures. Your Zones consultant can advise on what’s needed, and organise all the paperwork for you.
• Planting & landscaping: Your Zones consultant will help you choose the right plants (e.g to avoid detritus in the pool), and other landscaping as required.
• Lighting: This can range from cost-effective solar lighting, to designer fittings at several hundred dollars each.
• Pool running costs: The electricity needed to heat a spa can add around $25 per week to your power bill, according to Consumer NZ - however this will depend on whether or not you keep the pump running all of the time. Other on-going costs include: treatment chemicals and consumables, repairs and parts, and replacement pool covers.

Get in touch with Zones to discuss your landscaping project

Keen to know more? Your Zones Landscaping consultant will be happy to guide you through your spa renovation.

Costs are rough estimates and are subject to change. For a fixed-quote accurate to your specific project, please consult your local Zones landscaping specialist. All Zones franchises are independently owned and operated.