How to Create Your Own Backyard Spa
Relax with your own outdoor retreat.
What is a staycation without some spa-style relaxation? Lucky for you, creating your own backyard spa means you don't need to book an appointment and you can stay as long as you'd like. We've rounded up a few tips for building a spa-like experience in your own backyard. From choosing the right hot tub to adding cozy ambience, you'll find ways you can achieve the right amount of R & R without having to leave home.
1. Start With a Hot Tub
Hot tubs are known for their health benefits – muscle relaxation, stress relief, improved sleep – so it makes sense that it'll serve as the focal point for your backyard spa experience. The warm water and soothing jets are an at-home luxury that you can experience all year long. Whether you prefer to entertain friends and family or relax solo, you'll need to find a hot tub that meets your needs and suits your budget. Read our Hot Tub Buying Guide to find tips that'll help you choose the right hot tub.
Installing a pergola above your hot tub can elevate your space and boost your backyard's privacy. A pergola can also add much-needed shade above your hot tub as well as protect it from the elements, excess leaves, or UV rays. Some pergola designs even include built-in shelves that are the perfect spot to hold drinks or towels – plus they can double up as outdoor bar seating with a couple of bar stools.
Tip!
If you need help getting the size right, check out our guide How to Pick the Right Size Pergola or Gazebo for simple tips.
3. Set the Ambience With Lighting
Extend your at-home spa hours by hanging up a few sets of outdoor string lights. These string lights are made from outdoor-approved materials that can withstand the elements and are easy to install on the edge of the pergola or fence. From vintage-inspired bulbs to novelty shades, you can add the right amount of flair for a style-making statement.
No backyard spa is complete without cool refreshments. Opt for a portable patio cooler to keep your favorite drinks on ice and within close reach. The upright design comes with built-in features like a lower shelf and bottle opener for optimal entertaining, while the heavy-duty casters allow you to easily wheel the cooler from one spot to another.
Cool down after your trip to the hot tub or sauna with a refreshing rinse in an outdoor shower. Whether you opt for a freestanding shower enclosure or a wall-mounted faucet, an outdoor shower could be just what your backyard spa needs to feel complete. Choose a teak shower stool or caddy to add a natural feel to your shower that blends seamlessly with the outdoor surroundings.
Tip!
Ready to enhance your backyard spa with an outdoor shower? Read How to Build an Outdoor Shower for tips to help you get started.
6. Fill a Basket With Fresh Towels
Treat yourself to the little luxury of a fresh fluffy towel after a soak in the hot tub. A wicker basket makes it easy to transport clean towels outside and keep them in a convenient spot for picking one up when you're climbing out of the hot tub. Then you can also toss used towels in the basket to take them back inside once you're finished relaxing in the hot tub.
Adding cozy seating near the hot tub can extend the relaxation zone. Whether you're taking a break or cooling off after a long soak, nearby seating can be a great addition to your backyard spa. Nearby seating areas are also great for including people who want to hang out but prefer to not go in.
Tip!
Looking for more hot tub ideas? Read our guide 11 Patio & Deck Hot Tub Ideas: Create a Relaxing Backyard Environment for outdoor inspo.
