Posted by Alex Clamp in
Hot Tub Installation Guides, Blog post
on 4th May 2023
Are you dreaming of relaxing in a hot tub after a long day, surrounded by lush landscaping? You’ll be pleased to know that you don’t have to break the bank to make it a reality!
With some creativity and DIY skills, you can create a stunning garden landscape on a tight budget.
Read on for our top tips for keeping your hot tub landscaping costs down – as well as our favourite examples of hot tub installations and landscaping across the UK.
A hot tub is a great addition to any garden landscape, providing relaxation, hydrotherapy, and entertainment for the whole family! Adding landscaping around your hot tub enhances its visual appeal, creates a sense of privacy, and blends it seamlessly into your outdoor living space.
Well-designed hot tub landscaping can also increase your home’s monetary value and make it more attractive to potential buyers. When it comes to hot tub landscaping, the sky’s the limit. You can go for a natural, organic look with plants, rocks or pebbles, or create a more modern look with a minimalist vibe that takes advantage of clean lines and geometric shapes.
The key is choosing a style that reflects your personal taste, as well as complements your home’s architecture overall.
Make sure your hot tub landscaping project doesn’t break the bank by sticking to these simple tips:
Getting your heart set on a hot tub design idea that will require extensive landscaping work is an easy way to make short work of your savings.
Work with what you’ve got to keep costs to a minimum. Remember, a fresh lick of paint and refreshing your borders with some new plants can go a long way.
Your hot tub dealership has been there, done that, and got the T-shirt when it comes to any hot tub installation. Any Whatspa?-approved hot tub dealer will be able to help you plan the perfect landscaping for your budget – and recommend trusted and affordable contractors too.
Speaking to your dealer before choosing your landscaping could save you thousands – and give you a better result.
Installing a hot tub without a sturdy enough base, easy maintenance access, or the proper electrical connection and your landscaping costs will skyrocket. So, be sure to get the hot tub installation basics right to avoid making a very costly mistake (something your hot tub dealer will be invaluable with).
Spend a few minutes scrolling through Pinterest or Instagram and you’ll see dozens of breathtaking hot tub landscaping ideas. But if you’re working with a tight budget, it will pay to be realistic rather than start planning out your sunken hot tub.
That isn’t to say that your home spa can’t look spectacular. In fact, let’s dive into our favourite hot tub landscaping tips that won’t break the bank:
To make the most of your hot tub landscaping, divide your garden area into zones that serve different purposes. For example:
By creating zones, you can maximise your hot tub landscaping’s functionality and appeal while keeping the costs under control.
Plants are an essential element of hot tub landscaping, adding colour, texture, and fragrance to your space. However, they can also be a source of headaches if you choose high-maintenance species that require frequent watering, pruning, or fertilising.
To keep your landscaping maintenance costs to a minimum, choose low-maintenance plants that can thrive in your climate and soil conditions, such as:
After hot tub landscaping ideas that look fantastic but don’t cost the world? Look no further…
Already got a patio? This will be strong and steady enough to support a hot tub on its own – no landscaping needed.
Surround it with garden furniture to make it the stylish focal point of your outdoor space (go for rattan chairs and you won’t have to worry about them getting ruined if they ever get splashed).
Need to create a hot tub base for your spa to sit on? Composite decking is non-slip, low-maintenance, and incredibly long-lasting, making it the perfect budget platform to sit under your spa.
Plus, it makes for a particularly fetching foundation for a hot tub if you match – or complement – its colour with your tub’s cladding.
If you already have decking within your garden space, ensure that you take the necessary steps to ensure your decking can support your hot tub!
A simple and affordable way to tie your hot tub in with the rest of your space is to sit different elements on the same stretch of decking. This makes your garden feel cohesive rather than cobbled together without you having to break the bank.
For a more in-depth guide covering the ins and outs of outdoor decking and hot tub deck ideas, be sure to check out our dedicated hot tub decking blog post!
Surrounding your spa with some carefully chosen plants is an affordable hot tub landscaping idea that packs a serious style punch. This will not only help obscure your new hot tub but also make for a natural and eye-catching privacy screen that protects you from the worst of the weather.
Bamboo makes for a great choice to surround a hot tub with since it’s elegant, evergreen, and incredibly fast-growing.
Want your hot tub tucked out of sight? Fencing is a simple and affordable way to obscure your home spa when you’re not using it – as well as instantly transform it into a private retreat.
Fence panels are affordable and easy to install, while a trellis is an equally affordable alternative for growing climbers to turn your spa into your private slice of paradise.
If you’ve got a bit more budget to play with, hot tub housing can transform even a tired, old hot tub into a luxurious retreat that’s protected from the elements and provides year-round enjoyment indoors!
A simple spa pergola is the most affordable kind of hot tub housing – if you’re a dab hand at DIY, you can erect one in a weekend for a few hundred pounds.
This will provide plenty of privacy to your home spa soaking sessions – without leaving you feeling too enclosed or blocking too much of the sun.
If your garden is on a hill, you can use your space’s levels to create the illusion of a sunken hot tub without having to go through the hassle and expense of having it sunk.
If this is how your space is laid out, this is an easy and affordable way to blend it in with your outdoor space rather than leave it sticking out like a sore thumb.
If you’re looking for a way to elevate the ambience of your backyard design, semi-sinking your hot tub into decking is a fantastic way to add sophistication and style to your outdoor space.
This method of hot tub installation not only brings a sleek natural look to your hot tub but also creates a more seamless flow between the decking and your patio area. By blending your hot tub into decking, you can create a unique and unified look for your outdoor oasis.
The most affordable hot tub landscaping ideas make use of what you’ve got.
If your garden has a nook or alcove you can tuck your spa into or a wall or fence you can slot it up against, that’s an easy way to make it look the part at no extra cost, especially if you own a relatively small hot tub.
Want a simple and affordable way to make your hot tub feel at home in your garden?
Match its cladding up with a fence panel or decking that complements its cladding.
If you’ve got a bit more of a budget to play with, surrounding your home spa with steps is a smart way to draw the eyes upwards, creating a sense of height.
This transforms your hot tub into a style statement without eating into your budget nearly as much as sinking it would.
Not only do Trellis provide a stunning visual, but they can also create some much-needed shade and privacy.
Whether you choose to go with wood or metal, a trellis is a low-cost and versatile option that can be customised to fit your unique style with an array of climbing plants.
One of the most popular and inspiring choices for hot tub landscaping is to surround the space with gorgeous flowers. Not only does it add visual appeal, but it also helps create a calming, natural environment that is perfect for relaxation.
You can add a variety of textures and heights to create interest and depth in your space, and remember when choosing flowers, consider the size of the area, the colours you want to use, and the maintenance requirements as discussed previously.
When it comes to creating a relaxing oasis around your hot tub, privacy is key. And what better way to achieve that than with natural evergreen hedging? Tall and dense, these hedges provide not only a practical privacy solution but also beautify your hot tub area with their verdant beauty.
By integrating the right evergreens, including popular varieties such as Emerald Green Arborvitae, English Laurel, Cherry Laurel and American Arborvitae, you can create a secluded atmosphere that feels like a peaceful retreat.
One way to elevate your hot tub area is by creating a garden pathway from your patio area to the hot tub itself. This not only adds dimension and interest to your landscape design but also creates a natural flow from one area to the next.
To achieve this look, consider using stone pavers or natural flagstones as your stepping stones, and you can even surround them with low-lying plants like creeping thyme or sedum to add some natural beauty.
Choosing outdoor patio furniture that complements your hot tub can make a big difference in the overall aesthetic. It’s all about finding the right balance between function and style.
Consider the colour and texture of your hot tub’s cabinet and acrylic shell and use that as inspiration when selecting your patio furniture.
Opt for colours that harmonise or contrast nicely, and choose materials that offer durability and weather resistance. With the right furniture pieces selected, you can create a cohesive and inviting space that brings your hot tub landscaping design to life.
While a hot tub alone is fantastic, adding a firepit close by is the cherry on top.
The flickering flames and crackling sounds can bring warmth and comfort to any backyard oasis, and a fire pit can easily be incorporated into any garden landscape by combining natural stone and earthy elements.
Not only does elevated decking provide a beautiful and functional platform for your hot tub, but it also adds a layer of sophistication and elegance to your outdoor space.
Elevated decking can be designed in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit your specific needs, and can be made from a range of materials, including wood, composite, and concrete.
Elevating a portion of your patio area and installing some built-in steps is a fantastic way to enhance the aesthetic of your garden, especially when it comes to creating a stunning featured spot for your hot tub.
It’s an ambitious project that requires the right tools and a DIY guide, but it’s doable with the right attitude, approach and experience.
Create your sanctuary where you can enjoy the soothing benefits of hydrotherapy no matter the weather outside.
From double-glazed windows and fully insulated walls, these specialty hot tub enclosures provide sheltered hydrotherapy all year round – no matter how heavy the wind or rain is in the winter months!
Specialist companies can even create a bespoke building for your garden that will shield your hot tub from the elements in style, allowing for easy entry with cantilevered or bi-folding doors, and soaking up views of the starry night sky through reinforced glass atrium roofs.
Maximising your hot tub experience is now easier than ever! Whether you’re a die-hard football fan who never wants to miss a second of the action, or you simply love the latest movies and TV shows, installing a big-screen TV near your hot tub can take your relaxation time to the next level.
Get ready to soak up the excitement with built-in or mounted screens to keep you entertained.
Not only does sinking your hot tub provide a sleek, modern look, but it also creates a seamless transition from your deck to your hot tub.
This technique is becoming increasingly popular and offers endless possibilities for hot tub landscaping designs, such as incorporating surrounding plants and foliage, to adding exterior outdoor lighting.
Sinking your hot tub also provides added safety, as there is no longer a need to climb in and out of the tub, however, be sure that you take precautions to ensure your pets cannot join you in your sunken tub, as we have published previously that this can be extremely dangerous for many of your furry friends.
For more expert advice covering everything you need to consider when sinking your hot tub, check out of latest ‘Meet the Expert’ video with Duncan Ross covering all things sunken hot tubs!
Calling all golf fanatics! Have you been seeking a unique way to spruce up your garden while also refining your putting skills?
Look no further! The key to creating a successful golf putting green is to make sure the area is level and has good drainage.
Once you’ve prepared the area, you can start building the green. Consider using synthetic turf for a low-maintenance option, and don’t forget to include obstacles and hazards to make it more exciting and challenging!
If the exterior of your hot tub doesn’t quite fit with the natural surrounding of your outdoor space, you might want to consider incorporating the materials and beauty of your garden around the cabinet of your hot tub itself.
Just remember, it is essential to still keep at least one or two sides of the cabinet accessible, just in case any maintenance is required down the line. This will not only enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor area but also keep the tub easily maintainable while serving its luxurious purpose.
Go with one of these landscaping ideas to make sure your hot tub looks the part without having to break the bank.
And be sure to pick up your free copy of WhatSpa? magazine for more expert advice on buying, installing, and maintaining a hot tub on a budget.
Installing a new hot tub requires some technical knowledge, such as electrical wiring and plumbing, so WhatSpa? recommends consulting a professional. However, if you do have some DIY skills, you can do some of the preparation work, such as digging the landscape, levelling the ground, and building the base or surround.
To create privacy around your own hot tub, you can use tall plants, such as bamboo, arborvitae, or boxwood, or install a privacy screen, such as a privacy fence or a trellis with climbing vines.
To add lighting to your landscaping, you can use string lights, lanterns, or candles for a soft, warm glow. You can also install LED lights under the hot tub, around the surround, or in the planters for a dramatic effect. Make sure to use outdoor-rated fixtures and consult a professionally licensed electrician if needed.
To maintain your landscaping, you should regularly clean the hot tub, remove debris and dead leaves from the planters and ground, and prune the plants as needed. You should also check the hot tub cover and water chemistry and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance and repair.
Yes, using recycled materials such as old pallets or wine barrels can add a unique touch to your landscape while being budget-friendly and environmentally conscious.
Find the best hot tubs across every price range with the WhatSpa? Hot Tub Buyer’s Magazine. The latest edition includes the latest WhatSpa? Hot Tub Best Buy Awards. Request your free magazine now!
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About the author
I am the Content Writer and Marketing Officer at WhatSpa? Magazine. I have worked at WhatSpa? for over 8 years, and I recently graduated with Distinction from Northumbria University with a Master's degree in Occupational and Organizational Psychology. My role at WhatSpa? is to ensure that all hot tub lovers can easily access the highest quality and most up-to-date content, news and information from within the UK wet leisure industry.
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