My husband has back issues and, for one of his birthdays, I booked us a cabin in the woods with a hot tub. I won’t lie, it was one of the most relaxing little vacations we ever had, which also offered a small respite from his back pain. Who wouldn’t want that on a daily basis? We have definitely considered getting our own hot tub on many occasions. Are you looking at getting a hot tub for your outdoor space? It can be a costly investment, but also something that you [and possibly your family and friends *hint, hint, me*] could benefit from for many years to come. In my research, I have learned that there are lots of things to consider when purchasing a hot tub. So, I wanted to share some of those with you here today.
5 Outdoor Hot Tub Preparation Tips
Pick a spot in the garden – First and foremost, consider picking a spot within the garden. This will help to beautify the area, as well as provide come privacy. Ideally, I want my hot tub surrounded by lovely trees and plants that do not attract too many bugs. I do want some flowering bushes, but I would most likely put them further away from the mini oasis. Evergreens might also be the best option, as they will provide privacy all year long, with minimal leaf drop [to potentially clog up the hot tub].
It might also be best to put the hot tub in an area where the sun will shine on it all day. I feel like this would help warm it naturally, while saving on electricity costs. For sun worshippers, this will also help with that tan you are seeking. For pale people like me who burn at the slightest hint of the sun, I will most likely be using mine at night for a majority of the time.
Add a decking and/or pergola – Oh, I want a pergola so bad. I am envisioning my hot tub under a beautiful pergola, wrapped in colorful, lush, climbing vines. In my mind it is magical and tropical. I have the perfect spot picked out, too, at the side of my house at the end of the driveway. You would think it could be seen from the road, but since my driveway slopes, it’s actually, naturally, a pretty private spot. The pergola would also provide my vampire complexion [minus the sparkles] some much needed shade should I decide to venture out during the day after all. I’ve also been trying to decide between some nice decking or a patio as a landing for this little piece of heaven on Earth.
Find ways to add privacy – As discussed, landscaping is a great way to add privacy to your outdoor oasis. I am considering lots of leafy foliage and greenery. Other great choices could include fencing or tall hedges. We don’t all have the luxury of private, secluded mountain getaways, but we can create the illusion of this in our own yards with careful planning.
Choose a hot tub provider – Once you’ve prepped the space, you’ll then want to choose a hot tub provider. Many places will set up and install your hot tub for you for an extra fee. If you are lucky, you might even be able to find a deal that offers these services for free with hot tub purchase. I haven’t done too much comparison shopping yet, but I have run across some deals at Sam’s Club and Costco, so be sure to check them out if you have a membership. If not, perhaps it might be worth purchasing one if your savings cover the membership fee. For the budget minded of us, check online at places like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. You might even be able to find a hot tub local, and cheap, from people who will help you load your new find and/or deliver for a small fee or some pizza!
Be prepared for maintenance – It’s all fun and games until you remember that owning a hot tub is also a responsibility. Your mini vacation doesn’t have to be another chore for you though. When you own a hot tub, consider getting a good hot tub cleaning service in place. That way, you can enjoy your hot tub without needing to worry about the hassle of keeping it pristine and in good, working order. I mean, it’s meant for relaxation, am I right?
Now who’s ready to enjoy the summer in a hot tub? If you have more hot tub preparation tips, please share them in the comments below!