Enjoy an outdoor hot spring bath in a classic wooden bathtub

Cover. A bathtub cover is also a priority. Safety is paramount, but covers help retain heat and keep debris out. You’ll find a variety of options to fit your personal style, including wood, aluminum, vinyl, and similar materials. Insulated or thermal covers are best for retaining heat and are recommended for cold winter climates.

Bonus features. As mentioned, wood hot tubs typically have far fewer bells and whistles than acrylic or fiberglass spas, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be decorated. A simple but useful addition is a shelf that surrounds part of the tub, making it a great place to place drinks or snacks. You can also find small jets to add to your bathtub. The spa does not produce bubbles, but aerates the water. For added convenience, look for controls with Wi-Fi connectivity so you can make adjustments without leaving the bathtub.

You can enjoy a distant view, like the view from a loft rooftop in Buffalo NY USA, or get closer to the bathtub. Some nice plants, soft lighting, or a nearby fire pit can add to the ambience, while you can also watch the game on TV or take in nature from further afield. Shop outdoor lighting at WNYTreescape

Planning and installation basics
Once you’ve decided on a hot tub, the next step is to decide where it’s going to go. You will also need to prepare a place to place the bathtub and accessories.

Where are you going? There are many options for where to place your hot tub. The ideal location for a hot tub is one where the surroundings and view are equally relaxing.

Think about when and how you will use the bathtub. Does it have to be close to home so you can come and go easily? Proximity may tempt you to use it more often. Do you imagine being separated from the rest of your family right outside your bedroom in the evening or early morning? You can even place it farther out in the yard to provide a view of the surrounding landscape or create a true retreat.

If you’re concerned about privacy, find a way to cover your bathtub. Shrubs, trees, or other plants
create a natural look. Walls, screens, or partial shelters can also provide privacy.

Stylish screens for hot tubs, swimming pools and outdoor showers. Wherever you place it, remember that even the smallest hot tub is heavy because it holds a lot of water. You need a sturdy, level base that can withstand the elements.

Concrete foundations are suitable for most installations. If you do not want concrete or another type of permanent, solid floor, place the tub on a flat, level surface and cover the floor with sand or fine gravel to prevent rotting.

Is it freestanding or underwater? Once you’ve found the right location, decide how you want tointegrate the tub into the surrounding space. Freestanding bathtubs are located directly on a surface such as the floor, patio, or deck. This makes installation very simple.

You should also add an easy and safe way to get in and out of the tub. You can add steps that reach directly into the bathtub or partially surround it. The seat inside the bathtub also acts as a step. If your bathtub is unusually deep, you can add extra support, such as grab bars, to make it easier to get in and out of.

The edge of a fully submerged hot tub is flush with the deck, patio, or floor. The surrounding surfaces have plenty of space to store towels, drinks, and snacks, and make it easy to chat with those around you. You need to make sure the cover is safe and strong enough to withstand unexpected weight.

A partially submerged hot tub sits slightly above the surrounding surface. The maximum suitable height is approximately 18 inches from the ground. Anything more than that and you may need to add additional steps.

Hot tubs installed directly into the ground have additional requirements. For the bathtub shown here, this meant adding material to separate the bathtub from the surrounding dirt. We rolled a piece of steel to make it look like the hot tub was in the ground, but we didn’t put dirt directly on the hot tub says designer at WNYTresscape in Buffalo NY USA. We also installed the hot tub on a 6-inch compacted floor to keep it structural and non-sinking he said.

One popular approach is to install and extend half of the hot tub at deck level at the edge of a raised patio or deck. This allows people to easily access the hot tub from one side and enjoy the view across the yard and beyond.

Mechanical equipment. Plan where you will place your mechanical equipment and whether you will camouflage it with covers or mount it on stairs or shelves. Another consideration is pipes. If you don’t enclose part of the bathtub, you’ll see PVC piping going into one wall.

Management and maintenance
Even the simplest hot tub requires some maintenance to keep it looking good and the water clean and fresh. Your hot tub supplier will have specific recommendations, but here are some basic guidelines:

Inside the bathtub. The first step is to remove any debris with the cover and filter. Taking a quick shower before getting in the bathtub or using a nearby foot bath will help remove a lot of dirt, debris and bacteria.

You can find eco-friendly, non-toxic disinfection options such as special hydrogen peroxide and ozone disinfectants. You can also find test strips to check your levels weekly. Remove dirt from exposed surfaces with soapy water and a soft brush and clean pipe ends once a week.

Outside the bathtub. Use mild soapy water and a soft brush to remove dirt and repair any problems immediately. If your bathtub develops stains, you will need to replace it regularly.

Water replacement. You don’t need to change the water every time you use your bathtub, but you should do so regularly. A lot depends on how often you use your bathtub and how clean the water stays. If you soak frequently, it is recommended to drain the water once every 6 to 10 weeks. For light usage, once every 4 to 6 months is sufficient.

Using eco-friendly care products allows you to recycle water. It can be used in ornamental landscaping but not in edible gardens. Another option, especially if it is part of a new landscaping installation, is to connect your hot tub to an underground drainage system.

Hot tubs are designed to be full of water at all times, but depending on the extremes of the climate or whether you are in a vacation home that is not used in the winter, you may not be able to use your tub in the winter. If this happens, drain the bathtub and follow the manufacturer’s winterization instructions.

Other considerations when adding a wooden hot tub

When should I do this project? When you can add a hot tub depends on the weather. People who live in warm winter climates can usually add year-round. In cold locations, you may have to wait for preparations to be completed.

How long will it take? Before you begin installing your bathtub, give the professional plenty of time to install new plumbing or electrical lines. You also need to make sure you have a solid foundation before you start.

Preparing your hot tub can take anywhere from a weekend to up to a week. Simple installation does not require much time. This is especially true if the bathtub does not require assembly. More complex installations may take longer. This is especially true if you are adding a feature or the bathtub is part of a larger project.

Rules and regulations. It’s always a good idea to check local building codes and homeowners’ association regulations before beginning any landscaping project, including installing a hot tub. There may be requirements for placement or security, as well as other considerations.