Get More Enjoyment From Your Hot Tub With These 10 Surround Ideas

After a long day, sinking into a warm, bubbling hot tub can be pure bliss. But a basic hot tub situated on a boring patio or surrounded by drab landscaping doesn't provide the full experience. By designing an inviting hot tub surround, you can enhance your enjoyment and create a spa-like oasis right at home.

With the right combination of features, materials, lighting, and accessories, your hot tub can become a backyard showcase that delights your senses. Read on for 10 fantastic ideas to elevate your hot tub surround.

Add Decking for Convenient Access

Decking around a hot tub provides a slip-resistant, elevated surface for safely entering and exiting the water. Composite or PVC deck boards are low maintenance options that won't rot or splinter like real wood. For wood decks, use textured, grooved planks and apply sealant regularly to protect against moisture damage.

Building a deck creates a sturdy foundation for placing your hot tub while allowing extra space to walk around it. After a soak, having a dry place to stand while removing your wet swimsuit is a bonus.

Design Ideas for Hot Tub Decks

• Include built-in benches or steps on the deck for convenience.
• Extend the deck to surround a patio area to seamlessly connect spaces.
• Opt for a wraparound deck to provide access from any side.

Complement With Patio Pavers

The area directly around your hot tub will endure a lot of moisture. Placing porous patio pavers like concrete, stone, brick, or tile helps protect the ground below from damage.

Textured pavers also prevent slips and falls on wet feet. Low maintenance concrete may be the most affordable option, while natural stone and brick lend timeless elegance.

Choosing Hot Tub Paver Materials

• Seek out permeable, non-slip pavers for safety.
• Match the style to your home; flagstone for rustic or sleek porcelain for modern.
• Incorporate geometric patterns or colors for visual interest.

Screen With Strategic Landscaping

No hot tub surround is complete without some greenery. Flowering shrubs, palms, and ornamental grasses help camouflage the tub while softening the whole space visually.

Evergreen shrubs or tall bamboo planted around the perimeter create a living privacy screen. Vining jasmine or bougainvillea on a trellis infuse vertical greenery overhead.

Landscaping Tips for Hot Tubs

• Choose plants suited for your climate that thrive with regular moisture.
• Plant low-maintenance succulents in pots to accent the space.
• Allow ample space between plants and tub for easy access and maintenance.

Add Overhead Shelter With Patio Covers

Why limit hot tub time to sunny days? A covered pergola, gazebo or trellis lets you soak rain or shine. The shelter blocks UV rays, rain showers and other elements from interrupting your relaxation.

For the greatest flexibility, look for waterproof retractable awnings that allow you to control sunlight exposure. Or install bamboo or lattice panels overhead for natural coverage.

Benefits of Hot Tub Patio Covers

• Allow use of your hot tub during inclement weather.
• Provide UV protection from the harsh sun.
• Help regulate temperature by offering shade.

Set the Scene With Lighting

The right lighting transforms a basic hot tub into an inviting, spa-like retreat. During the day, overhead cafe string lights add a whimsical touch. As the sun sets, lighting takes on a more atmospheric mood-setting role.

Path lights illuminate walkways for safe nighttime access. Flameless candles and lanterns stationed around the hot tub exude coziness. Underwater lights highlight the soothing bubbles and tub design.

Lighting Tips for Hot Tubs

• Look for solar-powered options to cut down on wiring.
• Install dimmer switches to control brightness.
• Stick to low-voltage LED lights for safety around water.

Add Nearby Storage

Stashing pool towels, chemicals, and other supplies out of sight but within arm's reach enhances functionality. Benches with hidden storage inside offer prime real estate around the hot tub perimeter.

Freestanding cabinets or shelving units also work well, as long as you safeguard contents from moisture. For small items, a plastic bin does the trick. Having necessities close by makes maintenance and cleanup easier.

Storage Tips for Hot Tubs

• Opt for storage that lifts up and off the ground to prevent water damage.
• Label contents clearly and keep chemicals in secure containers.
• Use breathable, water-resistant covers on cushions between uses.

Achieve Privacy With Screens

Relaxing in a hot tub often involves minimal clothing. Strategically placed privacy screens allow you to soak in peace without worrying about prying eyes.

Attractive screens can be created from materials like latticework, louvers, bamboo, canvas, or acrylic panels. Hinged screens offer customizable access and views. For a discreet look, vines on a garden trellis or fence work beautifully.

Privacy Screen Tips

• Match the height to block standing sightlines from neighboring yards.
• Allow space between plants and screens for airflow to prevent mold.
• If using bamboo or vines, keep growth trimmed back from touching the hot tub.

Add Hot Tub Steps for Safe Access

Navigating slippery hot tub walls can be tricky. Permanent or removable hot tub steps provide safe, convenient access for all ages and mobility levels.

Look for sturdy steps designed just for spas with non-slip tread and stable handrails. Top-quality composite steps resist moisture damage. Some steps double as lockable storage benches when not in use.

Benefits of Custom Hot Tub Steps

• Prevent slips and falls in and out of the hot tub.
• Provide easy access for children, seniors and those with mobility issues.
• Can be positioned where needed most.

Add Shade With an Umbrella

Not in the mood for full sun? Jumbo umbrellas create instant shade for daytime hot tubbing. Cantilevered ortelescoping bases allow the umbrella to extend right over the water.

Waterproof canopy fabric is essential for durability. For windy spots, choose a market style umbrella with side flaps. Rotate or tilt bases to optimize coverage as the sun moves.

Umbrella Tips for Hot Tubs

• Look for at least 9-foot diameter coverage for ample shade.
• Seek a tilting umbrella base for easy adjustments.
• Secure with heavy ballast or bolts if using in windy conditions.

Stay Cool With a Misting System

On sweltering days, a misting system can instantly cool down an outdoor hot tub oasis by up to 30 degrees. High pressure misters mounted around the perimeter create a fine spray that evaporates on contact.

Automated systems allow you to adjust flow rate and timers. Run the misters a few minutes before getting in the hot tub for the best effect. Oscillating heads provide optimal coverage.

• Provide natural cooling without chemicals.
• Make hot tubs more comfortable in warmer weather.
• Low-flow options help conserve water.

Make your backyard hot tub the highlight it deserves to be. With the right combination of accessories and amenities ranging from decking to misters, you can create an inviting, spa-inspired space perfect for relaxation.

Which of these fantastic hot tub surround ideas resonate with your vision? Blend and match elements to design a custom oasis that enhances your enjoyment while fitting your lifestyle.