Who needs a destination resort or spa? For the price of a week-long spa getaway, you can create a custom-designed retreat for year-round enjoyment right in your own backyard with a Hot Spring^® spa. We've provided some important considerations within this section to help guide you through the process.

To assist you in the design of your backyard, spa specification renderings are available for download. These renderings are drawn to scale, and can help you determine how to integrate your Hot Spring spa into your backyard design for optimum enjoyment^*.

Setting the Mood
Choosing a site for your spa is a personal decision based on your intended use and 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's used. Also, think about how you plan to use your spa. Is it strictly an 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? Privacy—will you have to screen your neighbors? 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.

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 backyard, you're going to need a firm, level surface that is strong enough to support it. The size of your spa will determine the exact amount of space you'll need. Keep in mind 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 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 Hot Spring spa, download our Pre-Delivery Instructions.

Decks
A 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.

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 freestanding. Freestanding spas rest directly on top of the deck. The advantage to this type of setup is that if you ever remove the spa, there won't be a hole in your deck. Remember that deck materials aren't 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 spa can complete the transformation of yourbackyard into a permanent retreat. Many times a new spa is placed in anexisting 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 ideas include: gazebo, arbors, built-in planter boxes, freestanding 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 color, fragrance, texture and interest. If you have a wall, lattice or screen of any kind, hang several half baskets.

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 gazebo is a great way to enhance the sense of a getaway and increase privacy. Gazebo options include:

Sliding windows allow 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, but enable you to enjoy some of the outdoors.

We'd like to thank our trade organization, the National Spa and Pool Institute, for providing some of the 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.