A hot tub is no doubt one of the finest outdoor luxuries one can purchase for the home.  It’s a personal and intimate space, a place where people can interact and create happy memories. A deck should be not just an extension of your home but also an extension of your personality.

So now it’s time to make your modern new hot tub compliment its natural surroundings.

Put some thought into the type of decking that you are going to use. Bear in mind that hot tubs include a few things that can affect both your decking and the use of the area, with water and moisture constantly hitting and splashing the deck, and the fact that you’re often barefoot when using it. 

Below are some recommendations to consider when planning your decking design:

  • The space around the spa – is there space for the cover lift to function properly and for air to circulate? Consider the flow of people around this area.
  • Where is the sun / shade in your outdoor space? Do you have trees located that may shade the spa area?
  • Are there any prevailing cross winds?
  • Consider your neighbours; Do you need a privacy screen, pergola or design feature to shield your spa area and ensure maximum privacy?
  • Is there a nearby door or well-lit walkway for easy access on those cold evenings?
  • Have you situated the spa area where you have maximised the garden scenery?

Consider what kind of look and functionality you want. The possibilities are endless if you have a good design. There are many different decking designs that can compliment your new tub.

A hot tub decking area

Hot tubs can appear sunken into a deck, with just the top few inches exposed, with winding layers of decking around it. This kind of spa deck can be a simple square around your spa area. Alternatively, you can get into some pretty elaborate designs with benches, steps, planters, outdoor lighting and all kinds of features.

You may not want the decking to completely surround your new spa area. It may only connect with one, two, or three sides of it, or just part of a round hot tub. The top of the deck may also be a little lower than the top of the spa area, or possibly even a couple of inches higher.

SAFETY FIRST:

It is important that who-ever takes up your project that weight considerations are not neglected when planning the design, as safety must be the primary concern.

When combining water and electricity, you will need to include how to create a safe tub area in your decking design, as well as an enjoyable one. Whenever electricity is installed near water, an outlet is necessary; it will shut the power supply to the hot tub down if it senses any fluctuations in the current, helping to prevent any dangerous situations. 

Here at HOBEN Decking Specialists we always consider the structural, placement, and safety issues when planning for your new hot tub. We highly recommend you invest in a decking material like modified wood or hardwood timber with its amazing natural resistance to the elements, ensuring the area holds up well to the years of use that your hot tub and deck are going to get.

Surrounding your hot tub with a decking area is such a great way to increase its value and your enjoyment. So, with the above in mind, get planning!