13 New Ways to Make a Splash With a Hot Tub
Check out the modern options and custom features that are making outdoor spa tubs hot again
Houzz Editorial Staff
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When the weather is chilly and the snow has been falling, there are few better places to be than in a toasty hot tub. Although they've always had their fans, spas have come a long way and can now accommodate almost every special request. Looking to target a specific ache or pain? Some hot tubs have programmable seats that focus on individual muscle groups. Want to get a workout? Swim spas are the new thing, and they're just the right size for high-resistance exercise.
Entertainment fanatics have something to enjoy, too: Many hot tubs now come equipped with large flat-screen TVs and surround sound — for a pretty penny, of course. And designers are always coming up with new ways to tailor outdoor hot tubs to their clients' dreams of the perfect backyard retreat.
While store-bought hot tubs are well stocked with extra features, true customization can make one even more heavenly. At Red Rock Contractors and Red Rock Pools and Spas, co-owner Rick Chafey says clients are individually measured to ensure appropriately shaped seating and the right jet placement. Clients can even pinpoint their jet preferences. The personalization doesn't end there. With a customized hot tub, you can pick out your material; natural, neutral materials, such as stone or even polished concrete, are popular options, as is colored glass tile, if you're looking for a more dramatic, high-end look.
Chafey often suggests adding some kind of water fountain for added movement and optimal use all year round. "Since you will not swim in your spa that often, making it a visual and audio feature will turn it into something you can always enjoy," he says. "You will always be benefiting from the investment."
Whether you're looking for a flashy new toy, a better-designed pool or a serene escape, there are many ways to dip into new ideas for hot tubs.
Entertainment fanatics have something to enjoy, too: Many hot tubs now come equipped with large flat-screen TVs and surround sound — for a pretty penny, of course. And designers are always coming up with new ways to tailor outdoor hot tubs to their clients' dreams of the perfect backyard retreat.
While store-bought hot tubs are well stocked with extra features, true customization can make one even more heavenly. At Red Rock Contractors and Red Rock Pools and Spas, co-owner Rick Chafey says clients are individually measured to ensure appropriately shaped seating and the right jet placement. Clients can even pinpoint their jet preferences. The personalization doesn't end there. With a customized hot tub, you can pick out your material; natural, neutral materials, such as stone or even polished concrete, are popular options, as is colored glass tile, if you're looking for a more dramatic, high-end look.
Chafey often suggests adding some kind of water fountain for added movement and optimal use all year round. "Since you will not swim in your spa that often, making it a visual and audio feature will turn it into something you can always enjoy," he says. "You will always be benefiting from the investment."
Whether you're looking for a flashy new toy, a better-designed pool or a serene escape, there are many ways to dip into new ideas for hot tubs.
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| 1. Create an outdoor retreat. Outdoor living spaces are all the rage, so make good use of your backyard by creating your own day spa. Pair a one-person tub like this one from Duravit with chaise longues and a contemporary awning for a much-needed escape from real life. |
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by Spas and Stuff
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| 2. Turn your tub into a movie theater. Make your movie experience heavenly by splurging on this well-stocked hot tub, which comes equipped with a pop-up TV, built-in speakers and a floatable remote. If you can take the heat, it might just be worth the big bucks. |
by Caldera Spas
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3. Massage every muscle. With this unique hot tub, you can get a foot massage, leg massage or lower back massage merely by playing a game of musical chairs. Just swap spots to target an entirely different muscle group.
by Arctic Spas
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4. Make it a workout. For those looking to get in shape, this is the ultimate exercise tool. Its high-powered jets emit a strong current that will give even the most seasoned swimmers a workout. And best of all, it takes up much less space than a traditional pool.
5. Choose a material that works with your setting. If you're in the market for a new purchase, opt for a contemporary material, such as wood, concrete, tile or stone. Here, this wood tub blends in well with the landscape, especially with the built-in benches and sound of falling water.
6. Enjoy a little water music. A mini waterfall can add movement and a soothing sound to your space, and your kids will think of it as free entertainment.
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7. Snuggle up next to the fire. Combine fire and ice (or in this case, water) by adding a fireplace nearby.
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by Tracy Stone AIA
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| If you're a bit of a daredevil, bring the flames to you by including a cleverly placed fire pit. |
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| 8. Integrate your hot tub and pool. Easily transition from hot to cold by combining two units in one. The handy pool stepping stones provide a clever shortcut, which makes walking from one side to the other a breeze. |
| 9. Add a unique element. Test out new waters by getting a little creative. Elevate your hot tub for added visual interest, and bring in personalized touches, like these floating stepping stones and multicolored glass tiles, to ensure your spa is unlike any other. |
10. Think vertical. If you have a good view, take advantage of it. This elevated spa takes in the surroundings but feels private and secluded above the pool. A spa on a well-placed deck can have the same effect.
11. Add mood lighting. Although it might not seem like much, slightly colored lights can help melt away your stress. If you're relaxing with a group, ramp up the color to add some flavor to the party.
12. Create easy access. Be kind to your bad back or shot knee by opting for an inground hot tub. It makes it easier to slip in and out, and it has a seamless, clean look.
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13. Host the ultimate pool party. Throw the mother of all fiestas with this huge double-decker spa from SPAmbient, a Slovenia-based company. Although this international sensation might be tricky to get a hold of in the U.S., it shows how a stereo system, TV and built-in bar can be included in a hot tub. Who needs a pool, anyway?
Ideabook published on Jan. 26, 2013.
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I love the Duravit 'Blue Moon' spa, très chique and expensive. More likely, though, is the purchase of a comparatively affordable Dutchtub which uses a unique concept to heat the water.
I've tried to get my husband to agree to get rid of the eyesore.
Can you put a screen around your hot tub to give yourselves more privacy?
And, ime keeping it running 24/7 isn't expensive - and we live WAY up north.
You can even get it auto shipped to your house at a discount, that way it's there when you need it. No more running to the store to buy chlorine. http://bonsallpool.com/products-page/category/spa-chemicals/
As for the chemicals, I've found that less is more. Once you get the hang of your equipment, you don't need to check chemicals every day, in fact it's best not to. If you use the hot tub regularly, you find a certain level of adding (bromine is what we use), and do it once a week on the same day each week so you don't forget to do it.