What To Consider If You Want A Pool + Spa Combo
If you’re planning a new pool for your Sydney home and love the idea of year-round comfort, a pool and spa combo might be the perfect solution. Whether it’s a quick dip on a summer afternoon or a long soak after work in winter, combining a swimming pool with an integrated spa gives you the best of both worlds. But while the benefits are obvious, there are a few things to think about before committing. From layout and heating to ongoing maintenance and council rules, here’s what you should consider when planning a pool and spa combo that works for your family and block—especially if you're building in Sydney.
1. How You’ll Use the Space Year-Round
A pool and spa combo isn’t just about luxury—it’s about making your outdoor space work harder for your lifestyle. Think beyond summer. How do you want to use your backyard in the cooler months?
Some common reasons families in Sydney go for a combo:
- Swimming and exercise in summer, soaking and relaxing in winter
- Space for the kids to play plus a spot for the adults to unwind
- Health benefits: muscle recovery, stress relief, and hydrotherapy
- Year-round entertainment area for friends and family
When done right, a pool + spa combo makes your backyard functional 12 months of the year—not just during the holidays.
2. Your Available Space and Layout Options
Sydney backyards come in all shapes and sizes. Some have tight urban boundaries, others sit on sloping blocks or oddly shaped sites. Luckily, fibreglass pool and spa combinations come in a wide variety of designs to suit most layouts.
Design tips to keep in mind:
- Look for compact pool designs with integrated spa zones for smaller blocks
- Choose a side-by-side or connected layout to save space
- Consider separate pool and spa shells if you want more flexibility
- Think about how the pool aligns with your home, entertaining area and sun exposure
Fibreglass Pools Sydney can assess your site and help you find a layout that maximises function without crowding your yard.
3. Heating and Energy Efficiency
A big part of a spa’s appeal is the warm water—especially during Sydney’s mild winters. But heating a spa (and possibly the pool) efficiently is key if you want to avoid bill shock.
Heating options to consider:
- Electric heat pumps: energy efficient and reliable year-round
- Gas heaters: faster heating for spas used on-demand
- Solar heating: great for pools, cost-effective, but less reliable for spas
- Combination systems: best for integrated pool-spa combos
Make sure your pool builder accounts for insulation, size, and use frequency when recommending a system. A quality fibreglass shell retains heat better than concrete, making it ideal for spa integration.
4. Filtration and Plumbing Systems
A pool and spa combo can either share a filtration system or run independently. Both approaches have pros and cons depending on your priorities.
Shared system:
- More cost-effective upfront
- Simpler plumbing setup
- Spa may need to run on pool cycle timing
Separate systems:
- Greater flexibility (heat spa without heating pool)
- Higher upfront cost, more parts to maintain
- Useful if you want to run spa all year, pool seasonally
Talk to your installer about which setup makes the most sense for your usage and budget.
5. Regulations, Approvals and Pool Fencing
Sydney councils have strict regulations when it comes to pools and spas, especially in terms of fencing and safety barriers. The same rules apply whether it’s a spa or a full-size pool.
Key things to consider:
- Your spa will need to be fenced if it holds more than 300mm of water
- You may need development approval, depending on your site and the system you choose
- Access points, like gates and windows, need to comply with NSW pool safety laws
- You’ll require a certificate of compliance to register your pool and spa legally
Fibreglass Pools Sydney stays up to date with council regulations and can walk you through the approval process so there are no surprises.
6. Maintenance and Upkeep
While it may seem like a pool and spa would double your workload, modern fibreglass options make maintenance simple—especially when paired with smart upgrades.
Easy-to-manage upgrades include:
- Robotic cleaners
- Self-dosing sanitisation systems
- Saltwater chlorinators
- Automatic covers for spas
A fibreglass surface is naturally smooth and non-porous, meaning fewer algae and less chemical use over time. And because you’re installing both at once, it’s easier to build in automation and efficient design from the start.
7. Your Budget and What to Prioritise
Adding a spa to your pool project will increase the overall cost—but not as much as building one separately down the line. If you know you’ll want a spa eventually, it makes sense to include it in the original install.
Ways to keep costs down:
- Choose a combo unit (pool with built-in spa) instead of two separate structures
- Prioritise essentials now (shell, heating, access), and add features like water features later
- Use off-peak energy settings for heating
- Look for packages that include filtration, lighting, and spa plumbing in the price
Fibreglass Pools Sydney offers a range of affordable pool and spa options to suit different family budgets—without compromising on quality.
Work With a Pool Builder Who Gets It Right the First Time
Choosing a pool and spa combo is a smart move if you want flexibility, comfort and long-term value—but it’s not something to leave to chance. The design, heating, plumbing and layout all need to work together from day one.
That’s where Fibreglass Pools Sydney can help. We specialise in designing and installing high-quality fibreglass pools with integrated spas that are built to last, easy to maintain, and designed to suit your lifestyle.
Request Your Free, No-Obligation Pool Quote Today
Thinking about a pool and spa combo for your Sydney home? The team at Fibreglass Pools Sydney can provide a free, no-obligation quote along with expert advice tailored to your property, family and future plans.
We’ll walk you through all the key considerations—so you can feel confident about your choices and excited about your new outdoor space.
Contact us today to get started or request a free consultation with a pool specialist.
