Making the right choice for your backyard starts with understanding your options. Our buying guides and articles are written by our team at Platinum Pool, Spa & Sauna—with over 20 years of experience helping Central Minnesota homeowners find the perfect hot tubs, pools, swim spas, and saunas for their needs.
Whether you're comparing fiberglass pools to vinyl liners, learning what makes a hot tub perform well in Minnesota winters, or deciding between a traditional barrel sauna and an infrared model, you'll find honest, practical advice based on real installations and customer feedback from our St. Cloud showroom.
Hot Tub Buying Guides
Minnesota's harsh winters require hot tubs engineered for extreme cold. Our guides help you understand insulation systems, heater requirements, freeze protection, and how to compare brands like American Whirlpool and Viking Spas.
- Best Hot Tubs for Minnesota Winters – Comprehensive guide to cold-climate insulation (Northern Exposure® vs foam), heater sizing, freeze protection, American Whirlpool vs Viking comparison, and operating costs
- Hot Tub Maintenance Guide – Water chemistry basics, cleaning schedules, filter care, seasonal maintenance, and troubleshooting common issues
Swimming Pool Buying Guides
Choosing between fiberglass, vinyl liner, and concrete pools affects installation time, maintenance requirements, and lifetime costs. Our pool guides focus on what matters most for Minnesota homeowners: freeze-thaw durability, installation timing, and realistic pricing.
- Fiberglass vs. Vinyl vs. Concrete Pools – Side-by-side comparison of installation time, maintenance, durability, and 20-year cost of ownership
- Fiberglass vs. Vinyl Liner Pools in Minnesota – Detailed comparison focused on Minnesota's climate and conditions
- Fiberglass vs. Concrete Pools in Minnesota – Why fiberglass outperforms concrete in freeze-thaw cycles
- What Pool Is Right for You? – Interactive guide to matching pool types with your lifestyle and property
- Fiberglass Pool Cost in Minnesota – Realistic pricing breakdown: shell, installation, decking, electrical, and ongoing costs
- Fiberglass Pools in Minnesota – Complete guide to fiberglass pool ownership, brands, installation, and maintenance
- Fiberglass Pool Installation in Minnesota – Step-by-step process, timeline, and what to expect
- Fiberglass Pool Installers in Minnesota – What to look for when choosing an installer
- Best Fiberglass Pools for Cold Climates – Top models engineered for freeze-thaw durability
- Leisure Pools in Minnesota – Brand guide to Leisure Pools fiberglass models
- Carvin Above Ground Pools for Minnesota – Why rust-free resin-frame pools outperform steel in our climate
Sauna Buying Guides
Saunas offer year-round relaxation and health benefits. Our guides explain the differences between traditional Finnish barrel saunas and modern infrared technology to help you choose the right experience.
- Barrel Sauna vs. Infrared Sauna – Compare heating methods, temperature ranges, health benefits, installation, and operating costs
About Platinum Pool, Spa & Sauna
Learn about our company, values, and why Central Minnesota homeowners choose us for their backyard investments.
- Why Buy From Platinum – Our story since 2005, factory-authorized dealer status, service commitment, and what sets us apart
- Financing Options – 0% APR for qualified buyers, plus long-term financing through Lyon Financial (pools) and Upgrade (hot tubs)
- Service Areas – Cities we serve across Central Minnesota, Minneapolis metro, and Lake Minnetonka area
Brand Information
We're factory-authorized dealers for leading brands in hot tubs, pools, swim spas, and saunas. Learn more about each brand we carry:
Hot Tubs
- American Whirlpool Hot Tubs – Premium hydrotherapy since 1976. Northern Exposure® insulation, 40-96 jets, titanium heaters
- Viking Spas – Quality hot tubs at exceptional value. Elite, Element, X-Series, and Heirloom lines
Swimming Pools
- Leisure Pools – Award-winning fiberglass pool designs. Composite Armour® technology, lifetime structural warranty
- Carvin Above Ground Pools – Rust-free resin construction. Downtown, Redwood, Whitewood, and Bellini models
- Above Ground & Semi-Inground Pools – Little Pool Co fiberglass plunge pools for smaller spaces
Swim Spas
- PowerPool Swim Spas – Year-round swimming, aquatic exercise, and hydrotherapy in one unit
Saunas
- Setri Barrel Saunas – Finnish thermowood craftsmanship. 4-10 person capacities, electric heaters, outdoor-rated
- MAAX Infrared Saunas – Low-EMF carbon fiber heaters, 1-4 person models, indoor installation
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose between a hot tub, swim spa, and pool?
Hot tubs are ideal for relaxation and hydrotherapy in a compact footprint. Most fit on existing patios and require minimal site prep. Swim spas combine swimming lanes with hot tub seating—perfect for year-round exercise without a full pool. Pools offer maximum swimming space and entertainment value but require more significant installation. Visit our showroom to experience all three.
What's the best pool type for Minnesota?
Fiberglass pools are our top recommendation for Minnesota. They flex with freeze-thaw cycles rather than cracking, install in 3-5 days vs months for concrete, and require less maintenance than vinyl liners. Our comparison guide covers the details.
How much does a hot tub cost in Minnesota?
Quality hot tubs range from $8,000-$20,000+ depending on size, features, and brand. American Whirlpool represents our premium line; Viking Spas offers excellent value. Both perform well in Minnesota winters. Contact us for current pricing.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. We offer 0% APR for qualified buyers, plus extended financing through Lyon Financial (pools, up to 30-year terms) and Upgrade (hot tubs). Most customers qualify for competitive rates.
Do you deliver and install?
We provide free delivery within 90 miles of our St. Cloud showroom for hot tubs and swim spas. Fiberglass pool installation is handled by our experienced crew. Sauna delivery and placement is included for most models.
What areas do you serve?
We serve all of Central Minnesota including St. Cloud, Sartell, Sauk Rapids, Waite Park, Monticello, Elk River, and surrounding communities. We also serve the Minneapolis metro area and Lake Minnetonka region. See our complete service area list.
Have Questions?
Our team is happy to help you find the right product for your backyard and budget. Visit our showroom at 2178 Quebecor Rd NE, St. Cloud, MN 56304. We're open Monday-Friday 10AM-5PM and Saturday 11AM-4PM.
Call (763) 250-1333 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.