Landscaping Your Outdoor Spa: 10 Things You Should Know
More homeowners are using their outdoor space as an extended living area and a place of relaxation. It’s no wonder that the peace and tranquility come from having a well-landscaped outdoor area. Your outdoor area should be your oasis when you’re ready to relax.
Outdoor spas are a great home improvement project for those who love entertaining or relaxing. With the right spa, you and your family can have the ultimate experience of soaking away aches and pains. Nothing can beat the feeling of soaking in a hot tub after a long day. Whether you’re looking to unwind, relax, or getaway, it’s crucial that you create a space where you can do so.
But proper landscaping is essential if you want your spa to be delightful. After all, no one wants to feel like they’re on display when they’re trying to relax, and an outdoor spa that’s too close to the house can be an unwelcome noise distraction.
One of the best ways to transform your home into a functional and relaxing place is by landscaping your outdoor spa. From choosing the right plants to ensuring your privacy, here are ten things you should know before starting your landscaping project:
Landscaping Ideas for Outdoor Spas
So much of our daily life is lived indoors, so it’s no wonder that we seek fresh air and open spaces when we have the chance. A backyard hot tub is a great way to enjoy the outdoors even when you can’t get away from it all. But if you want to make the most of your outdoor spa, you’ll want to consider landscaping around your hot tub — just as carefully as you would with any other outdoor space.
1.Create a 'Relaxation' Sanctuary
What better way to escape from the day’s stress than by taking a dip in your outdoor spa, surrounded by nature? You can create a sanctuary that is as beautiful as it is relaxing so that you can unwind after a long day at work. If you have limited space in your backyard, it might be worth adding a few more details to have your spa getaway.
One of the best ways to create a serene environment is by having an area where you can shut out all noises to relax and unwind. A good idea would be to have a fence or wall around your pool and spa area. This will give you more privacy, but it will also keep unwanted noise out. If this doesn’t appeal to you, consider adding some plants or trees with thick foliage that can block out some sound.
2.Separate the Garden from the Pool and Patio Areas
If you want to make the most of your outdoor area, consider separating the garden from the pool and patio areas. For instance, add a decorative fence around your garden or the landscaped area next to your hot tub. This will create more definition between these areas and will allow you to decorate them differently, depending on their purpose.
3.Use Natural Elements to Light Up Your Outdoor Area
For instance, place large rocks around your spa or pool area to enhance its natural feel and provide extra light once the sun has set. Use solar lights to save money on energy bills and avoid excess wires in your yard.
4.Have a Roof or Covering
Whether you choose to have a roof over your spa, maybe in a gazebo or pergola, or another covering such as an umbrella or awning, it’s nice to have this option as it allows you more flexibility with your backyard layout, especially if you live in a warmer climate where shade is needed most of the time. If a roof isn’t enough coverage for your area, consider adding some lattice walls around your spa, too, so that you can add privacy at the same time.
5.Make Sure You Have Enough Seating
More than just a place to soak, an outdoor spa is a perfect opportunity to spend time with family and friends. One of the biggest mistakes people make is not having enough seating. Make sure you have enough seating for at least four people — more if you have a more oversized hot tub. You don’t want anyone to have to sit on the ground or on the edge of the spa, where it could be uncomfortable.
You’ll want to make sure all your guests have a comfortable place to sit and relax while enjoying the spa. Think about how many people you want to accommodate. Keep in mind that the average spa seats about six people, but some can seat as many as 10.
6.Create a Zen Rock Garden
Designing an area around your spa that is beautiful, functional, and peaceful can add even more enjoyment to your backyard retreat. A rock garden is a great way to do this. One of the most popular uses for rock gardens is in Japanese-style landscaping, known as zen gardens. Rocks are often used to symbolize mountains and waterfalls in zen gardens, and they can provide a beautiful backdrop for your spa or hot tub. Placing stones around your spa will also allow you to cover up some of the plumbing equipment underneath, making it look tidier and more attractive.
You can create a peaceful rock garden with stones and pebbles, which are beautiful and easy to care for. The rock garden will help keep dirt and debris from entering your spa—and it’s a great way to add color and interest to your yard.
7.Consider Placing the Spa in the Shade
Your spa won’t be used as often if it’s left out in the hot sun all day long. Consider putting it under a tree or covering it with an umbrella or other shade structure, like a pergola or gazebo. If covering your spa isn’t an option, consider adding some shade plants around it or placing them near the side of your house so that it gets some natural shade throughout the day.
8.Add Extra Privacy and Protection with Plants, Trees, and Fencing
As relaxing as soaking in your hot tub, you may want some privacy from neighbors or passersby. To achieve that, look into planting some shrubs and trees around the area or even building a fence to give you and your guests peace of mind.
This is a great place to start when landscaping around your outdoor spa. If you want to create an intimate setting for couples or block out the neighbors, your first step should be to add extra privacy with shrubs or trees.
You could also use fencing to protect your children from entering the area without supervision. Or, if you would like to keep pets away from the hot tub (especially if you have small children), a fence is an effective way of doing this safely.
9.Think About Noise Reduction
The sound of water is soothing, but a noisy pump can be a distraction. If you want to enjoy your hot tub without worrying about background noise, talk to your dealer about quiet pumps for maximum enjoyment.
If you live in an urban area or near a busy road, you may want to consider reducing noise pollution by adding some hedges or plants around the location of your hot tub. This will help create a calmer environment to relax in and block out all those annoying car horns!
10.Choose Your Plants Wisely
When landscaping around your spa, plan by choosing plants that won’t cause damage or get too big for the space (or block access). Your dealer can help you select plants that will help create the perfect outdoor oasis while being safe for your outdoor spa.
Landscaping the space for your outdoor spa can be much work, but the benefits are many, too. From creating a Zen-like atmosphere to enhancing relaxation, it’s all worth it when you can take a few minutes to refresh your mind and body inside your backyard spa.
The purpose of landscaping is to bring your patio, deck, or backyard a sense of balance and harmony. You should consciously design the space so that it is not just practical for your needs but also aesthetically pleasing to the eye. A good design will give off green vibes at every corner of your outdoor spa.
Hopefully, this blog has taken the mystery of landscaping your outdoor spa. It’s an activity that needs to be treated with respect and care for you and your family, and your pets. Make sure to hire a professional contractor who has experience with decks and hot tubs instead of starting from scratch with the landscaping. A spa day should be a relaxing experience, and stylish landscaping makes it even more enjoyable. Don’t forget to take notes and make a plan of attack.