what should i put around my hot tub?

If your backyard dreams include a hot tub, you may be asking what you should put around it. Here is some visual inspiration for everything from pergolas and stairs to privacy walls and lounging areas.

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Tile is a beautiful way to accent your hot tub and integrate it with the rest of your landscape design. Tile looks best with a fully or partially in-ground hot tub. If your hot tub is outdoors, choose tile that can withstand the elements. Regardless of the location, select a tile that won't be slippery when wet.

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Privacy walls create a feeling of intimacy, and the flat surface allows for different uses, such as an outdoor TV, fireplace or even a place to hang weather-friendly art. Put an outdoor shower around your hot tub for a luxurious and convenient way to rinse off before or after a dip.

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This hot tub has a glass privacy wall that creates a feeling of intimacy and protection for bathers without feeling heavy or closed-in—an excellent solution for small yards or where the hot tub is located near a property line. Decking is edged around the stairs for aesthetics and safety.

Create a seamless look to your hot tub by adding a wooden surround that coordinates with nearby decking. Place loungers beside the tub to create a luxurious “relax zone” that will please everyone, whether they prefer to soak up the rays or soak in the water.

Add a hot tub-height bar along one side to create a social gathering spot for everyone, whether they’re soaking or not. (The bar doubles as a place for bathers to set drinks, too.) An outdoor runner by the hot tub steps creates an “outdoor room” vibe and helps prevent slips.

A pergola adds privacy and makes sure the hot tub feels grounded in the landscape. It also adds some shade and protection from the elements while preserving air flow. Add a string or two of cafe or fairy lights for unmatched ambience at night.

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A solid roof keeps the hot tub (and bathers) from being exposed to the elements, including the hot sun. Add a subtle railing around the tub for hanging towels. Louvered shades look attractive and offer flexibility. Close them for privacy and a wind block; open them to let light and air in.

The most economical way to install a hot tub is on a firm, level surface such as a concrete pad. This design softens hard edges and makes the hot tub look like it’s part of the landscape by using large flat rocks as stairs. The simple pergola, with its slatted canopy, creates interesting lighting effects.

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This hot tub is partially submerged for easy access, and non-slip decking has been added on the entrance closest to the pool. The plantings around the hot tub mimic the geometry of the tub and discourage entry from two sides. The tile surround is a perfect place to sit your drink.

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Create an inground hot tub look for less by building a deck around a tub that’s been installed on a concrete pad or other properly prepared level surface. Add lighting for safety and ambience. A bed of rocks, rather than plants, offers a low maintenance and design-forward look.

A quick last word on the subject of what to put around your hot tub. To minimize your costs, remember to include an access point to the equipment bay in your plans. It's possible to dream up a design that doesn't require access—the more complex designs here probably don't—but it'll require remote equipment.

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