Creating the perfect hot tub or portable spa retreat

Buying a hot tub is more than purchasing a luxury item. It is buying a lifestyle that allows you to entice your senses, pamper your soul
and escape from the everyday cares and worries of the world. For this reason, many homeowners today are not just installing a hot tub,
but they are also creating a spa environment that makes their hot tub a perfect backyard retreat.

But how do you transform your spa into the ultimate escape, the place to entertain or the ideal mini-vacation spot? With a little vision, a
lot of imagination and our insider tips, you can easily convert your backyard into a hot tub haven.

Location, Location, Location

As with many things in life, location is key when planning a hot tub retreat. First, decide on the positioning. For those who live in a
climate where the temperatures can get quite cold, installing your hot tub closer to the home or inside the house is a smart idea. The
shorter the distance between that warm, bubbly water and your home, the more you will enjoy your spa. If cold weather is not an issue
for you, consider making your spa a focal point by placing it in the center of the backyard or in a secluded area. Wherever you decide,
make sure you consider how much privacy the selected location provides so that your spa becomes a true sanctuary.

Second, choose if you would like your spa placed aboveground, partially recessed or in ground. Hot tubs that are placed aboveground
are frequently called portable spas because they can be moved relatively easily to another location. Therefore, if you relocate, your spa
can move with you. On the other hand, in ground hot tubs provide a seamless look and may offer more privacy from neighbors. In the
past, they were often more difficult to repair than aboveground spas, but new techniques have diminished these issues. By partially
recessing the hot tub or building a hidden trench around the spa, repairs are less complicated. Some contractors have ingeniously
installed an aboveground hot tub within a raised deck so that the hot tub appears to be in ground, but the equipment is easily accessed
by going underneath the deck.

Third, you will need to determine how your hot tub will be supported. With an average four-person hot tub weighing 4,000 pounds
when filled with water, it is critical to install the proper foundation. The options to consider include a concrete slab, spa pads, a patio or
deck.

A concrete slab is simply concrete poured in your selected location, and while it may not be as aesthetically pleasing as the other
options, it will do the trick quickly and inexpensively. Spa pads, made of thermoplastic, offer an alternative to concrete with the same
strength and durability. These pads can be locked together and installed in minutes.

For a natural ambiance, consider a patio or deck made of wood, simulated wood, brick or cement. Make sure a licensed contractor or
spa professional confirms that your deck or patio can sustain the filled weight of the hot tub.

Color Does Matter

The color scheme can make a significant difference in your outdoor room, even if it is defined by only a few subtle accents. Many
manufacturers now offer shells that have the look of marble or granite in a variety of hues. Choose from vibrant blues and greens,
neutral tans and blacks, and subtle pinks and reds. For a truly customized appearance, accessorize your hot tub with a tile interior or
backsplash along the waterline.

Hot tub cabinetry typically comes in a red cedar or a gray teak color and should be chosen to coordinate with the exterior environment,
your home, deck and outdoor furniture.

Exterior Elements

As your spa environment becomes the most lived-in area of your home, you will want to furnish it accordingly. Select exterior furniture
that matches your spa’s cabinetry and further extends your living space outdoors. Adirondack chairs, loveseats and lounge chairs
provide room for relaxing between soaks. Cabinets and storage benches house towels and hide chemicals when not in use. Towel
warmers not only heat up your towels, but also spruce up your décor with their refined wooden cabinetry. Even entertainment centers
are available for full-time outdoor use in any weather conditions.

As with the hot tub cabinetry, some of these outdoor furnishings come in both real wood or simulated wood. For a cohesive look, like
that of an upscale kitchen or bath, choose matching cabinetry in the same grain and stain.

Alfresco Dining

Whether your hot tub is located on the deck or in a sunroom, your backyard is a great place for outdoor dining. Besides the outdoor
grill, specially built wraparound bars can be designed to match seamlessly with your hot tub, and bar stools provide seating outside the
hot tub. These allow people in the water to enjoy refreshments along with those who are sitting spa-side. Encased in a matching wood
cabinet, a mini refrigerator that is wired to the spa offers the convenience of grabbing a cool drink after a hot soak.

An Outdoor Living Room

To truly make your hot tub the heart of your outdoor room, look into adding an open air enclosure. A gazebo or pergola can add drama,
as well as some shade and privacy to your retreat. A pergola is a structure made of pillars that support crossbeams and a sturdy open
lattice. Often, vines or climbing flowers, like roses, grow on pergolas for spectacular adornment. With the addition of tie-back curtains, a
pergola has all the comforts of home with a warm, beach feel.

While a pergola has an open latticework-type roof, a gazebo has a solid roof to keep out rain and snow. As a freestanding pavilion
structure, a gazebo is open on all sides. Most gazebos have decorative filigree, which add ornamentation to your yard. Some gazebos
designed for hot tubs even offer private changing areas, skylights and screens to keep insects out.