Spending time in your hot tub is a great way to relax and rejuvenate. Go the extra mile to make your deck more inviting. Maximize your relaxation with some incredible ideas that complement your outdoor living space and make you feel like you’re living on a movie set. Please scroll through below and see some of our favourite hot tub deck ideas and pick a theme that inspires you.
(Related reading: Backyard Patio Awning Ideas)
1. A Hot Tub Gazebo
When you want to be able to use your hot tub all year round, a gazebo is a way to go. It will protect you from the summer sun and the winter snow, keeping your hot tub sheltered and out of leaves and debris and free from prying eyes. It can be as simple as an awning or cover and a few redwood supports or as elaborate as a little cabana complete with an outdoor kitchen and a stage for entertainment. When making your gazebo, use an easy-to-clean material for your flooring instead of a carpet or a rug. That way, you won’t have to clean up a mess when it inevitably gets wet from splashing.
2. A natural scenic area goes a long way
If you want to create an oasis and make your hot tub the main attraction, build it into the natural scenery. You can use stones and boulders to create a naturalistic look or use plants and trees to frame the tub and make it seem like it’s part of the landscape. If you have a beautiful view, consider building your deck around the hot tub to enjoy the scenery while you soak. You can also use lighting to create a magical atmosphere in your naturalistic hot tub deck. A naturalistic theme can also be combined with a gazebo or a pergola to create an outdoor living room.
3. Surround your hot tub with a bar that has accentuated seating
With so much space to fill, why not give your deck a bar that is as fun and inviting as the hot tub itself? If you have a secluded spot, create a little oasis right on the deck by surrounding your hot tub with seating arrangements. If you have an open area and want to make the most of your space, consider using focal points like a carved stone or an archway. You can also use seating that matches your decor and can be moved around as needed.
4. A poolside hot tub is always nice
A combo hot tub and pool is a lovely idea for a hot tub deck. When you have a pool nearby, take advantage of the deck projects and match the theme. Design the hot tub area to compliment the pool and make them one cohesive space. Match up the colours, have a rock wall or stonewall behind the hot tub, or incorporate plant life that grows in water into your landscaping. Make sure there is an easy way to get from your deck around the pool to your hot tub so you can enjoy both places at once.
5. Create a seating area with an outdoor kitchen
Perhaps you want to use your hot tub to encourage interaction with your guests and family. Instead of creating a secluded space, make your hot tub the center of the action. Have an outdoor kitchen nearby that guests can use to make delicious snacks and meals, or have an indoor-outdoor connection so you can grill something next to the people you’re cooking for. This could also be a great place for parties like a clambake or a pig roast!
6. Add a pergola to create a peaceful atmosphere
A pergola is an ideal addition to any hot tub because it provides shade and privacy, especially with hanging plants and flower boxes. If you want to remove the curtain between your hot tub and the natural world, a pergola will help you achieve this transformation. It can also be decorated with flowers or lights to create a stunning atmosphere. If you want to make the most of your space, think of adding a small table or an area with chairs under the pergola. This will provide more room for guests and make it more convenient to get food and drinks while soaking on that warm day.
7. Be creative with fountains and water features
A hot tub deck is a great place to incorporate water features and fountains that create a relaxing atmosphere. You can turn a waterfall into a centrepiece that your guests will enjoy. If you want to add something more creative, like a fountain or a small stream, then surround the hot tub with plants for an organic look. You can also use lighting to create interesting effects in and around the water features. Adding water features throughout the deck is an easy way to convey this concept and make it distinct from other hot tub decks when playing with infinity pools.
8. Add a fire pit for outdoor entertainment
An outdoor setting is not complete without a fire pit, especially when you’re looking to entertain guests. Consider putting the fire pit in the center if you have a large deck. This will create an open and spacious area where guests can socialize. You can also use your fire pit as the focal point of your deck by designing a smaller space around it with seating and plants on either side. This will create an open area that your guests can enjoy as well.
9. Create a large deck for big gatherings
When you have a large hot tub, use your deck area for big parties. Designing a large deck space with plenty of seating and entertainment space will make entertaining groups much easier. Then you can fill the deck with games and activities that guests can play to keep them entertained while they wait for dinner to be ready or the sun goes down. If a large deck is not something you’re interested in, then you could also build another seating area smaller than your deck’s main area.
10. A simple deck can create a stunning effect on its own
For a hot tub deck, you can make a simple design that’s understated and still has an impact. To keep it simple and elegant:
- Use natural decor like rocks with plants or flowers.
- When you want to create something more elaborate, consider using wood or stone on your deck and adding branches from fruit trees or flowering plants around the hot tub to add colour.
- Consider using an organic material for your deck, so it transforms into something that complements nature.
11. You can use tiered designs to create multiple levels
No rules or limits exist for designing your deck, even when it is attached to a hot tub. If you want to maximize the space on your deck as much as possible, then you can create a tiered design that adds extra room and provides height for entertaining. You can also consider building a platform or additional seating area extending off one side of the deck to give people more room to sit or lounge between hot tubs.
12. Use outdoor lighting to accent your spa
You can use lighting to help illuminate the deck and make it more vibrant, especially when the sun goes down. If you want to create a completely illuminated deck, consider using lights around the hot tub area. You can also use lanterns and lights around the deck’s perimeter, creating a more open atmosphere. When adding lighting and accents, you can use different colours to help break up bulky shapes between clumps of plants and trees.
13. Include a healthy green roof
A green roof is a great way to include some sustainability and make your deck more environmentally friendly. Having a green roof will help retain the heat for your hot tub in the winter and will also help reduce interior air conditioning costs when you use it indoors. You could even consider planting plants on the roof to give your deck a more natural look while adding some greenery.
14. Utilize granite finishes to give the deck a unique look
One easy way to add an extra touch to your deck is by utilizing granite finishes. This will give your deck a unique look that will impress your guests. In addition, using granite will also make it easier to clean and maintain, as it is a non-porous material. Granite tops are also heat-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about them being damaged by the hot tub. When choosing granite for your deck, pick a colour that compliments your hot tub and other outdoor furniture. In a setting like this, darker colours tend to be more elegant and sophisticated, while lighter colours are more fun and festive.
15. Use a cantilever umbrella to provide shade
A pole or a wall-mount cantilever umbrella is a great way to provide shade for your hot tub deck. This will help protect guests from the sun and also help keep the deck cooler, so it’s more comfortable to walk on. The umbrella can be placed over the hot tub area or a seating area so guests can have some relief from the heat. You can even get creative with the design of the umbrella and use it to add some personality to the deck.
16. Add a seasonal element to your deck
You can bring the colours of the season into your deck by adding seasonal elements such as flowers around the hot tub area or on a nearby bench. You can also add seasonal elements to the hot tub by using plants, flowers, or shrubs around the body of the spas and on the deck. When you use any seasonal element, you can vary the plants and flowers used over time to give a more subtle effect.
17. A wooden deck can be a good alternative to concrete
Building a wooden hot tub deck will last for generations, especially if you include maintenance and care in your plan. If you want to make the deck more durable, select a wood-like cedar known for its strength and durability. It gives the deck an attractive glow and is naturally resistant to rot and decay.
18. Make a sunken hot tub deck
For different bathing experiences, consider building a hot tub deck that is sunken into the ground. This will create an even more luxurious bathing experience because it creates a more private area for people to relax and unwind. The deck will still help retain heat, but it can be made smaller so it won’t take up as much room. You can make a bench or a seating area around the deck so people can still enjoy the hot tub even when it’s sunken into the ground.
19. Add some privacy with a screen or fence
Privacy can become an issue when you have a hot tub in the middle of a deck. Installing a screen or flagging around the hot tub can help make your deck feel more private, even if it’s in the open with no walls. If you want privacy but not the screening, there are ways to block people’s views while allowing them to enjoy your hot tub. A deck railing can be installed on taller decks, and lattice is a great way to make your hot tub feel private.
20. Use tons of pillows for comfort
If you want your hot tub deck to be comfortable, use pillows! Lots and lots of pillows. You can create a raised bench or table from concrete blocks and cover it with cushions and pillows. This is a great way to add extra seating to your deck without too much space. You can also use pillows to create a soft surface for lounging around your hot tub. Just keep the hot tub size in mind when planning your deck so that you have enough space for everything.
21. Low maintenance is key: protect your tub with a protective cover
You want your hot tub to be something you look forward to using, not something you dread cleaning. To keep your maintenance down, use a hot tub cover or an inflatable pool enclosure to protect your water from debris and contaminants when it’s not being used. The cover will have to be taken off before you can use the hot tub, but they’re easy to clean and provide adequate protection during winter. If you’re worried about bugs in your tub, wrap it with mosquito netting. A foundation is also smart because it will allow you to situate your hot tub at the ideal height for comfort.
22. A chic downtown loft would look great with this setting
You can use a loft theme for your hot tub deck for a more urbane feel. This deck enclosure can be as simple as turning your existing deck into a loft or as sophisticated as building a structure that looks like an apartment atop your deck. This kind of design choice would work great for high-rise apartments, but if you have a house with no roof above the second floor, it will give you something interesting to look at while you relax in the tub.
23. A natural landscaping-style deck plan
For a more natural look, you can use the slope of your yard to your advantage and build a deck that is a part of the landscaping itself. Weave a path of stepping stones that lead to the deck and use living green plants as your fence so you feel like you’re entering a secret garden. Put in flowers, herbs, and greenery that naturally fit into your climate. This will save you money on landscapers because it’s one of the easiest DIY projects. Plus, it makes your hot tub feel like an extension of the outdoors and not a separate structure.
24. Add Aquatic Elements To Your Deck
Try adding aquatic elements to your deck for a beautiful and elegant look. You can use a stone feature or some small rocks to create an interesting focal point on your deck. You can also create a small waterfall or fountain to make your setting more serene. If you have access to a water source like a pond, check it out before you start designing. You have to ensure that the pond is healthy and has enough fish in it – if the fish are too small or insufficient in numbers, you could end up with a dead-looking feature and no real impact on the ambiance of your hot tub deck.
25. A stone facade
Another beauty that can complement your hot tub that goes a long way is a stone facade. This one is for you if you live in a rainy part of the country. Stone walls have a lot of texture and personality, allowing you to create features that stand out, like a built-in bar or sitting area. You can build up the stone walls with thicker slabs of stone like sandstone or limestone but also consider using different types and patterns of smaller stones to give your hot tub deck an interesting texture.
26. Add a bit of elegance to your hot tub deck
When creating a deck around your hot tub that looks more like an outdoor living room, you may want to add some pillows, lounge chairs, and tables with fine linens and glassware. A little fireplace can also add a welcoming touch to the ambiance, especially if you use it to roast marshmallows and tell ghost stories. You can even add table settings and candles for those feeling more in the mood for a dinner party. Make sure to keep everything safe from falling into the hot tub with a small railing around the deck.
27. Create a secluded and intimate setting
You don’t want to feel like you are on display for your neighbours to see. There’s nothing like having a relaxing soak in the tub when you’re suddenly interrupted by someone shouting through the back gate, “Hey, aren’t you going to work?” Instead, create an area that’s secluded and intimate. A hot tub with a view is great, but it can also lead to unwanted visitors. It’s also nice if you can make your little oasis feel more private by screening it off with trees or shrubbery.
28. A deck with a view
If you want to make your hot tub the star of the show, build it into a view from the deck. A waterfall, pond, or stream can be a beautiful centrepiece to deck plans in which your hot tub is centred. You can also create a beautiful landscape around your pool to frame it and give the impression that it’s part of a larger design. If you have an awesome view of the mountains, beach, or some other scenic area, consider building your deck around the view so you can enjoy it indoors and out. A deck with a view is perfect for outdoor entertainment and will be much more inviting than a boring wall of wooden planks.
29. Create a natural shade for your hot tub deck
You’ll want to enjoy your hot tub in all kinds of weather, so creating a space with natural shade is important. You can do this by planting trees or installing a pergola. If you have a lot of sun in your backyard, you may consider adding an umbrella to your deck. This will not only provide shade for your hot tub, but it will also protect you from the sun’s harmful rays.
30. Balcony hot tubs are perfect for city dwellers
For those who live in an apartment or condo, a balcony hot tub might be the only way to go. These hot tubs are small and can be placed on a deck or patio without taking up too much space. They’re perfect for city dwellers who want to enjoy the benefits of a hot tub without having to move to the suburbs. You can find portable hot tubs that come with their stand so that you don’t have to worry about drilling holes in your balcony, or you can get a more permanent model that’s installed by a professional. Either way, a balcony hot tub is a great way to relax and enjoy the city skyline.
Adding a hot tub to your deck is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors while relaxing in style. Whether you choose to go with a traditional wooden deck or something more modern and sleek, there are plenty of ideas out there to get you inspired. We’ve collected some of our favourite hot tub deck ideas for you here, so take a look and start planning your outdoor dream space today!
