General Energy conservation question

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In problems involving both spring force and gravity, it is permissible to define different reference points for potential energy (U) for each force. Specifically, one can set the gravitational potential energy (Ugrav) to zero at the lowest point while defining the spring potential energy (Uspring) to be zero when the spring is relaxed, even if these points do not share the same height. This approach allows for easier calculations and does not require alignment of the two potential energies. The key is to maintain consistency in the chosen reference points for each type of energy throughout the problem. Thus, separate definitions for U are valid in such scenarios.
Rock32
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This isn't really a homework question, so I'm hoping I can just get a straight answer from someone (although it is related to questions).

I realize that you can choose U = 0 anywhere you want in a gravity-related problem, ideally choosing a place where it is easiest to manipulate mgy values.

However, in a problem where both a spring force and gravity are of concern (i.e. where a spring is at an angle or hanging vertically), can you choose two different U = 0 positions?

That is, can you choose the lowest point to be Ugrav = 0 and the point where the spring is relaxed to be Uspring = 0, even if the two places are not the same y value? Or, do both PE's have to align?

Thanks.
 
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Yes, choose the spring U to be zero when relaxed and the gravitational energy zero height entirely separately.
 

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