Although a hot tub provides an amazing aquatic experience, it’s not the most beautiful object when left to its own devices. However, you can change that and create a spectacular backyard environment with some forethought and decorating skills. For some ideas of how to decorate around your hot tub, we’ve put together this article.
Start With the Base
Hot tubs need a stable and level surface to sit on. Quite often this is composed of a simple concrete slab. Although a slab does nothing for the aesthetics of the surrounding environment, you can create a base that provides both function and form by installing a patio or a deck. Done correctly, patios can be a work of art in their own right. Differently colored and shaped stones arranged in a pattern can transform the floor into something that’s appealing to the eye as well. A deck can be used to provide easier access to the hot tub while also adding to the visual appeal of the space. You need a base for your hot tub anyway, so why not make it beautiful?
Add Some Plants
Plants are an easy way to add vibrancy to a space that’s mainly composed of non-living items. Greenery can be used to hide the less appealing aspects of your space while adding a lushness that only comes from plants or clever replications. If you don’t have the ground space to plant directly into the soil you can consider using planters, containers or raised garden beds. The materials used to hold the soil can also add to the vibrancy of the overall environment. Remember to choose plants that won’t interfere with the water chemistry of your hot tub or you may be spending more time cleaning than soaking.
Give Yourself Some Resting Space
Many hot tub owners find they spend more time hanging around their hot tub than they do soaking in it. For this reason, it’s important to have some seating areas to accommodate this hanging around. This can be as simple as a patio furniture set or you may want to construct your own seating and dining areas directly into the area. Furniture allows you to provide some contrast to the rest of the materials that are being used in the deck, patio and hot tub.
Shine Some Light
It’s very unlikely that you’ll only be using your hot tub during the day. You’ll probably find out that using it at night provides some of the more relaxing and comfortable moments of your hot tub-owning career. Rather than doing this in the dark or under the glare of a solitary porch light, invest in some lighting to create a seductive mood. This doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive. When it comes to lighting, sometimes less is more. Don’t forget to consider solar powered lanterns that come on automatically as the sun falls. The lights will be beckoning to you to leave the TV and phone behind.
Provide Some Refreshments
It’s important to stay hydrated when using a hot tub. To make this easier for yourself, you might want to consider an outdoor bar. Wrapping a bar around the edge of the hot tub will give users somewhere to safely store their drinks. It can also provide a space for others to hang out near the action without getting wet. An outdoor fridge or even a space for a cooler can ensure your drinks remain cold.
Eat Al Fresco
When the weather is cooperating, eating outdoors can be a great complement to a soak in the hot tub. A dining table can make this easier. The addition of a barbecue or fire pit can allow you to cook your meal outdoors as well. If you’re feeling especially extravagant, outdoor kitchens can provide all the amenities of their indoor counterparts, along with fresh air and sunshine.
Now that you have some ideas of how to decorate around a hot tub, download a free buyer’s guide for more information.