Outdoor Spa Ideas

• Installing a spa within a surrounding deck makes the spa a more accessible extension of your outdoor living space. Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images

  An outdoor spa is an attractive addition to any backyard and it provides a tranquil retreat ideal for relaxation. Several different options are available in the types of spas that you can purchase, from commercial portable spas to in-ground spas poured to your own design specifications. While a spa is relaxing on its own, you can add landscaping features to enhance the overall spa experience. Remember to fence in your spa to decrease debris and prevent drowning accidents.

In-Ground Spas

• Design an in-ground spa to your specifications. This can be made in any shape and it is lined with poured concrete so that the spa's position is fixed. In-ground spas are ideal for blending in with an in-ground pool, creating a total outdoor aquatic experience. In-ground spas are level with the ground and open when not in use, so a safety fence is usually required around your spa area. Landscape around your in-ground spa to make the area seem more natural and give you additional privacy. Plant hedges around it to make it invisible to your neighbors and place potted flowers at each corner of the spa to complete the landscaping.

Portable Spas

• A portable spa unit can be moved if you decide you don't like the location that you choose for it. These spas usually have a wooden exterior frame, which is ideal for blending in with decks and contributes to the natural feel of your landscape. Portable spas are elevated off the ground and are easy to cover and lock when not in use. They require a firm, level surface for proper function and a surrounding walkway to decrease the risk of debris entering your spa. You can install the spa on an existing deck or patio, a poured concrete pad or a level gravel base. The best option for moving the spa later is to purchase prefabricated spa pads. These consist of several interlocking tiles that are easy to assemble and can be moved easily. When landscaping, choose taller plants or structures to compensate for the height of the elevated spa. Open-air pergolas with climbing vines and tall potted plants will extend over the spa and provide a more organic environment.

Deck Spas

• While many people simply install portable spas onto existing decks, another spa idea is to build a deck around the spa. You may choose to build it so that the floor is level with the entry to the spa or simply build steps and a platform to surround it. If building a platform, choose a wood or wood finish that matches the spa's exterior. The color and size of the wood should match to create a more uniform design between your deck and spa. Built-in deck planters and large flower pots make beautiful additions to your landscape. Try tropical plants to make your deck seem more like a tropical oasis. Open-air pergolas with climbing plants provide privacy and aesthetic interest to complete the outdoor spa.