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The backyard is a safe and private sanctuary, something that should be enjoyed in the evenings after a long day of work or in the morning before the kids are off to school. It’s a place where relaxation and luxury go hand in hand. Hot tubs can be fabulous additions to the home, but maximizing your backyard space to accommodate for it is key. Some deck designs can be built around a hot tub, depending on its size and capacity. Once you figure out how to make your deck and hot tub work together in harmony, you can choose how you want it to look.
Check out our quick hot tub design guide below, and then take a look at our favorite hot tub deck ideas that will help you enjoy your backyard in style.
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DECK WITH A VIEW
RYZE Development and Construction, Victoria BC
What an amazing view and with a pool like this, it makes it hard to leave.
WESTERN CEDAR
Simmonds & Associates, Inc.
This tub is made out off wood. Just like how they were made back in the day.
007 SPA DECK
Projects General Construction, Inc
Perfect place to sit back and relax.
MORE BAY
Dimension One Spas
Sitting pretty on the ridge.
URBAN OASIS
Frank & Grossman Landscape Contractors, Inc.
This tub looks like a perfect fit in this pool deck.
CEDAR HOT TUB
nellandjon
These tubs have become more and more popular.
How To Determine If A Deck Can Support A Hot Tub
Naturally, you want to inspect your deck to ensure it can hold a fair amount of weight. If it can’t, there are ways to add the proper amount of support. Decks are one of the most common (and most preferred) backyard locations for a hot tub, and there are ways to carefully plan for its structural integrity so that all is done safely.
The Formula
There is actually a specific formula that can help you determine the weight of your spa, and whether your deck is supported enough to hold it:
[Weight of Hot Tub + (Number of Gallons of Water in Your Tub x 8.34lbs) + (Number of Total People Hot Tub Can Seat x 175lbs)] / Number of Total Square Feet of Your Tub = Your Pounds Per Square Foot
There can be extra factors and variations added by the manufacturer, or by the professional contractor you’re speaking with. This is just a general mathematical formula to determine weight at the baseline, but other considerations are needed. This is especially true if your deck is already elevated, or if you plan on elevating it while installing a built-in hot tub.
ZEN SPACE
Hot Spring Spas
What an amazing pool deck that surrounds the tub.
BACKYARD OASIS
Georgian Hot Tubs & Swim Spas
Adding multiple levels to a deck give the space more dimension.
SPA STONE
Hot Spring Spas
Great use of stone for this tub deck.
HYDROPOOL
Georgian Hot Tubs & Swim Spas
Love how the wood is waxed and fits flush to the ledge.
The Rule of Thumb
It’s always recommended to check with the hot tub’s manufacturer for specific weight information first. It is also to speak with a renovation expert about the status of your deck before starting any projects on your own.
That being said, it is generally understood that decks situated just a few feet above the ground can hold roughly 100 pounds per square foot. If your hot tub’s manufacturer lets you know that the hot tub weighs less than 100 pounds per square foot (filled with water, of course), then you do not need to worry about adding extra reinforcements.
Extra Considerations
Of course, it’s important to consider extra weight factors such as yourself and your family while you enjoy the tub. Typically, the manufacturer takes this into account when giving you the numbers. But if you still aren’t feeling completely confident with how to reinforce a deck for a hot tub, you are encouraged to reach out to a contractor who can help you further your deck specifications for a safe – and stylish – spa construction.
PERGOLA
Hot Spring Spas
the pergola is super under rated and just makes sense.
STUNNING
Outdoor Living LLC
Absolutely stunning stone pergola that looks like something out of mid evil times.
SIMPLE SOLACE
Hot Spring Spas
It’s simple, a hot tub in a cold place.
REMARKABLE VIEW
Hot Spring Spas
This deck uses the elements to its advantage.
Deck Designs With Hot Tub
While a deck with a hot tub isn’t the rarest backyard build, there are certainly some designs that stand out more than others. Designing a deck around a hot tub – or vice versa – is a great way to incorporate natural with man-made landscaping. Many homeowners see it as a harmony of the elements, with water and wood completing each other as one extending backyard unit. It flows well with an open-concept style home, where each individual element comes together to be a part of the whole.
Here are some of the top backyard designs to complement your yard, no matter the size or style.
1. Small Space Deck Tub
Our first hot tub on deck design features a smaller backyard, to emphasize the importance of space optimization, rather than expansion. A lot can be done with vertical space, and an elevated spa on top of a small deck can add that sense of depth and dimension to completely transform the space.
Not only will this make your backyard space look larger, but it will also make the hot tub the focal point of the entire display. This is a great idea for deck corners as well. Built-in spas can be incorporated into the overall design of the deck, and elevated spas will add to its value without needing a deck redesign.
2. Big Yard, Small Deck
If you plan on building a deck along with your hot tub, you don’t necessarily need to dominate the space. Big backyards can incorporate a number of elements and themes at once, much like a home. You can build a smaller deck that exists on just one side or corner of your yard, while the rest is complete with your other landscaping ideas.
When this type of construction comes into play, it’s important to take a piece of wisdom from the previous image. Stack the hot tub on top of the deck to give it more visual size growth. Again, expanding vertically gives you a lot more to work with. These decks can also rest on the ground level, so you won’t have to worry about the specifics of weight per square foot.
ROMANTIC
Hot Spring Spas
One of a kind use of stone around the hot tub to give it that rough look.
ROOF DECK
Trace Kannel Architecture
A hot tub on the roof is a perfect place for privacy.
BRILLIANT
ndrew Hinman Architecture
Amazing use of architecture and design to make this hot tub design.
JACUZZI
Oregon Hot Tub
So satisfying to see how the hot tub sits flush with its exterior.
3. Raised Short Deck
Combine traditional and modern with a raised short deck and hot tub addition. Short decks are designed to elevate your backyard space while giving you all the luxury of a backyard retreat. One popular idea is to accent the space with seating and greenery while keeping your leisure area as the main focal point of the space. The deck can be built to accommodate the hot tub, or the hot tub can be measured and weighed for the perfect placement on your already-built backyard deck.
4. Rooftop Deck with Raised Spa
Even if you aren’t lucky enough to have a rooftop patio, this design might still be useful when it comes to planning out your space. Rooftop decks are not large, yet they can account for a lot of luxury. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in something more precious: privacy. Decks are meant to be an expression of privacy, especially when you can enjoy them in your own home.
Structurally-speaking, you may have special considerations to take into account if the deck is on the roof. Installing a spa might be easiest if you do so above-deck, creating the perfect space for privacy and relaxation – with a stunning view.
INVITING
Dimension One Spas
The perfect spot to relax and be one with nature.
WINTER NIGHT
Hot Spring Spas
Perfect looking winter night to relax in a hot tub.
IPE DECK
D-CRAIN Design and Construction
Great looking stone tub exterior sitting on a beautiful wood deck.
GORGEOUS DETAILS
Paul Lafrance Design
This deck definitely look good outside and could look just as nice inside.
5. Your Own Private Spa
Don’t have time to go to the spa? Don’t have time for weekly hot tub dips or sauna cleanses? Take matters into your own hands and build a backyard spa that treats your every need in the comfort of your home. You can transform your deck into a private spa area by adding fencing to close the space in. Design steps leading up to an elevated deck, or add a gate to make entry even more private.
Build your hot tub in the deck. Add some comfy chairs or even a massage table in the space to really make it your own. Turn on some relaxing music, enjoy the sights and smells of your thriving gardens, and stay warm in the bubbling hot tub all night long.
Sebring Tip: Add a few drops of natural essential oils into your bubbling hot tub to produce a variety of lovely and calming smells, such as lavender or orange.
6. A Four-Post Structure
Is your backyard a little too free from privacy for your tastes? You can accommodate for that by building your own walls and hedges to keep the neighbors’ eyes away. A creative trend that many homeowners are investing in is the four-post structure style, creating lattice walls and trellis around three sides of the hot tub. That way, you can have a more private space on your deck without having to pay for expensive landscaping costs.
Plus, you can control how much privacy you want. With a trellis, you can plant vines, or create a wall of bushes to block the neighbors’ view while keeping up with a natural garden look. Checkout these Spring Gardening Tips.
BEACH STYLE DECK
The Architecture Studio,inc
This deck gives you a perfect view the beach and water.
ELEVATED
Georgian Hot Tubs & Swim Spas
The way this deck looks it gives off the impression that it is curved, or is it just me?
WINE NIGHT
Nick Leith-Smith Architecture + Design
Great way to spend a night in the hot tub and a class of wine.
STONE WALL
Hot Spring Spas
Stunning stone work around the tub.
7. Wrap-Around Deck Stairs
There’s just as much opportunity with a real, built-in hot tub as there is with a hot tub stacked on top of the deck. If you want to go completely built-in, you can expand the design of your deck to offer something contemporary and unique. Wrap-around stairs are a popular and inexpensive addition to a deck that can blend the floor and deck levels together while also leading the eyes towards the prize: the hot tub.
Spas should always be a major focus of the backyard, one that suggests luxury and leisure. The hot tub can be made beautiful with all of the solid wood decking surrounding it. Wrap-around wooden deck stairs can frame the tub while adding more natural wood to your yard.
8. A Deck, With A Hot Tub On The Side
Maximizing your space to add a hot tub doesn’t mean you have to change anything about the way your deck currently looks. It’s always possible to add a side extension to your deck – perhaps even on an elevated level – to fit the hot tub while keeping the main area of your deck as the major focus that pulls the yard together. Add lots of greenery around the deck to blend natural and man-made in perfect unison.
Decks can hold a lot of important backyard pieces in its space. Make sure you have room for your table and chairs, fire pit, barbecue, or any other functional piece that makes your backyard experience complete.
CITY PENTHOUSE
Secret Gardens
An oasis overlooking a body of water close to a city.
COMPOSITE DECK
Tay-ky Developments
Perfect looking deck that is built strong and sturdy.
LIVING SPACES
Georgian Hot Tubs & Swim Spas
If you can’t go to the pool bring the pool to you!
CLOSE TO NATURE
Creative Nature Landscape Services
One of the prettiest looking hot tub decks in one of the nicest locations.
9. Backyard Gazebo Oasis
For those who have as little space as possible to make any additions or changes, there is still hope. You can add layers of privacy, beauty, and dimension by building a gazebo around your hot tub. Raised hot tubs can be an eyesore if they don’t have a lot surrounding them. But you can easily box them in with a beautifully-built wooden gazebo that extends the look of your deck upwards and completes your backyard as a cohesive style.
Plus, this will add a layer of privacy that can keep you feeling safe and secure in your backyard – even if it isn’t the most closed-off space to begin with. Adding trellises with vines, slatted fencing, or lots of greenery can give you all the privacy you need.
10. Maximum Elevation With Built-in Benches
You can easily build a wooden bench that matches the height of your hot tub while also providing additional seating space. Not only have you just added new levels to your deck, resulting in a look of height and depth, but you’ve also created more function out of a valuable backyard piece that already serves you so well. This is a great way to maximize your form, function, design, and style all into one.
This works well with elevated hot tubs that are placed on the side or in the corner of the deck area. Lifting the wood up to meet the top of the hot tub makes it all feel like a cohesive unit, rather than just having an ugly spa sitting on top of a wooden deck. Now you have somewhere to safely enter the hot tub, or take a seat, or store your towels. It’s a win-win situation for form and function.
Transform Your Backyard Deck Into The Hottest Spa In Your Home!
It doesn’t take much to turn your deck into a spa-friendly place for the ultimate luxury and leisure. However, it’s important to speak with a professional before moving on to any of the steps in your backyard plan. There are lot of factors that need to be taken into consideration before a hot tub can be safely elevated onto a deck – or built into one.
Depending on the shape, size, and weight per square foot of the hot tub, you will have a number of options to build it into your deck. And if you can only place it on top, you can build extra accommodations to make it look like the tub has existed there all along.
It’s easy to do this in an affordable and reliable way with Sebring Design Build. If you are looking to get started, but you still have more questions about the backyard deck and spa building process, you can start with our free eBook: Remodeling 101: A Free Homeowner’s Guide. It will set you up with everything you need to know about your backyard, kitchen, or bathroom remodeling project before you get your hands dirty. Reach out to one of our professional staff members with additional questions or concerns!
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