Garden Design Ideas & Planning Tools

Hot Tub Deck Design & Custom Spa Installation Guide

Enjoy spa resort living in your own garden! For the price of a weeklong spa getaway, you can create a custom-designed retreat providing year-round enjoyment with a HotSpring spa.

Whether you're simply adding a hot tub to your existing garden design or planning a built-in deck design complete with hardscape and landscape, your local HotSpring hot tub dealer can help.

One of the most important features of all hot tub decks is the way they coordinate with your outdoor surroundings. Now you can enjoy the many benefits of a HotSpring spa and give your garden hot tub a look as unique as your own personal style.

Simply consult the HotSpring Custom Hot Tub Installation Guide available exclusively from your local HotSpring Dealer.

To give your spa a stone-like appearance, explore our SpaStone^™ surround options. These low-maintenance surrounds are an elegant way to add the beauty of stone to your outdoor environment.

To assist you in the design of your garden, spa specification renderings are available for download.

These renderings are drawn to scale, and can help you determine how best to integrate your HotSpring spa into your garden design for optimum enjoyment.

Also, be sure to check out our photo album of award-winning hot tub installation ideas and garden design pictures.

Build a Dream Deck!

Customise all the details of your garden deck design. Select from different woods, stairs, railings, and HotSpring hot tub options. Finished specs in downloadable PDF file with a FREE materials list and 3D deck design plan.

Setting the Mood

Choosing a site for your garden spa is a personal decision based on your intended spa use and on the existing features of your home and property. When choosing an outdoor location, consider that the closer to the home the spa is located, the easier it will be to go back and forth when it is used. Also, think about how you plan to use your spa. Is it a strictly adults-only relaxation environment, or will you also use it for family gatherings and social entertainment?

You'll want to consider things like accessibility - is it convenient to get to? Garden privacy - will you have to screen your neighbours? And general aesthetics - will the spa look good in the location you are considering? Also, where will users change? How is the location of your spa in relation to the entertainment area of your home? If your home has a scenic view or a secluded grove of trees, you many want to create a special area so that your spa makes the most of this environment. Be sure to check out our line of Spa Accessories. These are the perfect complement to your spa and garden design.

A Solid Foundation

Whether you choose to set up your spa on an existing patio or deck, or want to conquer unexplored terrain in your garden, you will need a firm, level surface that is strong enough to support it. The size of your spa will determine the exact amount of space required. Keep in mind that you'll need a source of electricity to run the spa. If electrical power is being brought from your house, this is a good opportunity to consider other retreat features such as hot tub lighting and music. You'll also need access to a hose to fill your spa.

For more information on how to prepare for the delivery of your HotSpring spa, download our Pre-Delivery Instructions.

 

Hot Tub Decks & Garden Patios

A garden deck or patio is an ideal spot to set up your hot tub retreat. Whether you have an existing deck/patio or are planning to design and build one from scratch, planning ahead will produce a built-in, integrated look. Check with your HotSpring spa dealer as they may be able to suggest a reliable contractor.

There are three ways to install a hot tub on your deck: flush-mounted with the deck surface, partially mounted in the deck surface so that a portion of the hot tub is exposed, or free-standing. Free-standing spas rest directly on top of the deck. The advantage to this type of setup is that should you ever remove the spa, there won't be a hole in your deck. Remember that deck materials are not limited to wood. Alternative surface options include ceramic tile, slate, brick and stone. Don't be afraid to mix and match!

A Room With a View

Professional landscaping around your outdoor spa can complete the transformation of your garden into a permanent retreat. Often, a new spa is placed in an existing lawn area or on a deck. Trees, shrubs and flowers surrounding your spa can create many different atmospheres. Be aware of the location of any tree limbs, as you do not want them hanging over your spa. Landscaping is not possible in every environment. For these situations there are many ways to create an inviting atmosphere. Some garden ideas include: gazebo, arbours, built-in planter boxes, free-standing planters, potted plants, hanging baskets, and additional water features such as fountains and waterfalls.

Built-in planter boxes grouped in tiers are an effective way to create depth in areas of limited space. Hanging baskets offer a variety of elements like colour, fragrance, texture and interest. If you have a wall, lattice or screen of any kind, hang several half baskets.

Garden Privacy

Patio coverings range from very simple to complex. You can create different environments by selecting a particular type of wood, posts and lattice design, sealant, stain or paint. The amount of sunlight and privacy can be controlled by how close the spacing of the lattice is. Growing flowering and fragrant vines on the covering produces a very cozy atmosphere.

Enclosing your spa with a decorative hot tub gazebo is a great way to enhance the sense of a getaway and increase privacy.

Sliding windows allow for the option of an open-air feeling or privacy. They are also beneficial for year-round use. Pitched roofs keep the elements out of the hot tub. Combination roofs keep most of the snow out, while allowing you to enjoy some of the outdoors.

We'd like to thank our trade organisation, the APSP for providing some of the garden planning information contained within this section.

* These images are for reference purposes only. Please build according to actual spa dimensions. Manufacturing tolerances are not represented in the renderings.