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A hot tub or home spa is the perfect way to add a taste of luxury to your outdoor space, where relaxing jets and warm water can help you unwind whenever you need a little stress relief. Hot tubs have become more widely available in recent years, where the design possibilities for your garden are endless.
Whatever decor options you choose to complement your tub, you will need to install a sturdy base of hot tub decking. This vital foundation provides a safe and easy to clean surface for your hot tub, where decking boards allow water spills to effortlessly drain away.
The process of choosing and installing your decking and tub can be daunting, where this guide is here to demystify the entire process. Read on for a comprehensive insight into what kind of decking you will need, as well as some design and installation tips for your outdoor home spa.
When deciding on your decking requirements, it is important to consider what kind of tub or pool you are installing. A hot tub is a portable container situated above the ground on a raised platform, whilst a home spa more generally could refer to the overall area where the tub sits, or to an in-the-ground pool or hydrotherapy unit. These can include lots of relaxation features such as showers and saunas, or it can describe just the one hot tub.
It is recommended that you install your hot tub atop of raised decking planks, where this gives the space a tidy and attractive appearance whilst also providing a safe, practical surface. In general, composite decking provides the best hot tub base. This is made from a mixture of wood fibres and plastics, where its water-resistant and anti-slip properties make for an ideal hot tub platform.
To prepare for your hot tub installation, you need to make sure that your decking is properly reinforced and sturdy, so that it will support the weight of your new tub. The boards also need to be properly levelled to avoid water spillages or a problematic installation process.
Different decking layouts can be chosen depending on your site, where cabin or caravan decking can cover a small outdoor space up to your front door. In larger gardens, you can decide on the size and shape of your raised platform, where decking can be shaped around a tub or fitted underneath it. You can also decide if you want a raised area specifically shaped for your tub on top of your regular decking, or if you need additional step access to make the most of the space.
Before you install your decking, a substructure known as a decking frame needs to be fitted as a base. Usually made of timber or composite material, the frame structure allows the decking boards to be fitted securely, whilst also encouraging proper drainage.
When installing a new decking space you also need to think about where it will be situated, especially if you’re planning to add a hot tub. Points to consider may include:
Before you fit your hot tub you will also need to lay a hot tub padding. This is a plastic base which can be filled with a gravel layer, providing a secure foundation for your tub. Installing a proper base will also make it easier to move and relocate your tub at a later date.
Once you’ve set up your decking and hot tub area, you can then think about additional design features that can help to create an immersive spa atmosphere in your garden. Some options may include:
One way to add a bit of flair to your home hot tub space is to add a fire pit or wood burning stove. These can be built into your decking or positioned in a purpose built stone fireplace where they can provide year round warmth as well as an atmospheric boost. Barbequing equipment adds an extra dimension to your outdoor entertainment area, where outdoor ice boxes can help to keep beverages cool.
Lighting is a very powerful tool when it comes to improving the atmosphere of a space. Spotlights can be installed underneath your decking or tub to create a shadowy display, whilst the hot tub itself might have its own lighting features. Fairy lights or free-standing outdoor lamps can also make the space feel more relaxing as well as providing a boost to evening visibility.
If you have a sun-facing garden then you may wish to provide some much needed shade for your spa area. This could be in the form of a pergola or gazebo, where these can be designed to match your wooden decking. Other options include portable or retractable awnings which can be stored in winter, or a purpose-built hot tub garden umbrella which can be positioned according to the sun’s direction.
Make your outdoor spa feel more exotic by incorporating a selection of planters or palm trees. This can help provide extra shade whilst also softening the aesthetics of harsh-edged decking boards. Greenery is also proven to improve your overall mood and wellbeing, meaning natural accessories will help to further the ambience of your hot tub space.
Although a hot tub comes with its own in-built seating, you may wish to add additional cushioned sofas or chairs to your relaxing outdoor area. This gives you a space to cool off and enjoy the sun when you’re not in the tub, where it will also provide extra room for large groups and entertaining.
When trying to replicate the spa experience in the home, it’s important to get all your senses involved. Invest in a weather-proof speaker or gentle water features for some relaxing sounds, whilst scented candles or wax melts can add to the fragrance of the space. These can be modified for outdoor use with resilient holders and flame covers.
Once your hot tub and decking are all set up, you may wish to consider adding some extra spa features to really make the most of your space. This could include a wooden outdoor sauna, or a shower and wet room area to help you cool off after a dip in the tub. A massage station is another way you can bring the spa treatment to your home, where fresh towels and oils can be used to promote relaxation.
If you’re still on the fence about installing a hot tub, it may be worth considering the various health benefits of having this kind of feature available at home. Hot tubs have a range of hydrotherapy uses, such as
At Fitrite we’re a trusted hot tub supplier, where we also offer a reliable tub installation service. Our tubs can fit up to six people, and all our spa modes include a tub cover, filters, steps and a water care starter kit. We also offer interest-free hot tub financing to help you get your dream spa experience at home.
In addition to hot tubs, we supply and install a wide variety of decking products, including composite and caravan decking. We also sell a selection of upvc and composite fencing to complement any outdoor space.
Contact us now for more information about our comprehensive range of products, or request a free no-obligation quote today.
