backyard hot tub privacy ideas
Lots of people love their hot tub. But we don’t always want our neighbors watching us as we soak. So lots of hot tub owners ask how do I make my hot tub private.
Having owned 4 of them, these are some of my best solutions:
You can add privacy to your hot tub area by using retractable privacy walls, tall or bushy plants in planters, garden trellises with climbing ivy, privacy screens, or build an inexpensive fence from pallets. But pop up tens and gazebos on Amazon are also great and surprisingly affordable solutions.
But that’s just a small sample of the things you can do to increase the privacy around your hot tub.
So let’s dive in a little deeper.
Do you have a nosey neighbor? Are you just trying to relax, have a nice soak, but they keep on watching you from their window or yard? Don’t stress out!
Refreshing and relaxing, hot tubs are a phenomenal way to spend your free time. But maybe your backyard is a bit too open for your liking. Don’t worry, you can always create a more private environment for your hot tub soak.
There are a variety of accessories and features that can enhance your hot tub experience and make it more private. Items such as privacy screens and fences can help keep your privacy while you enjoy a cool, refreshing soak.
Keep on reading to find out how to successfully protect your privacy and enhance your hot tub experience.
Get a retractable privacy corner wall
A good way to enhance your privacy while enjoying a soak is to invest in a retractable privacy wall (click to see the best one on Amazon).
These are really easy to set up and will help your peace of mind if you have nosey neighbors.
The retractable privacy wall measures 10 feet long by 4.5 inches wide by 6 feet tall. It weighs forty-four pounds, and is great for blocking the view of neighbors, or keeping the hot sun off of you while you soak.
This privacy wall is made of an oxidized aluminum frame. It features a powder-coated steel support pole and a water-resistant PA coated polyester fabric. If purchased, you will get one double corner privacy wall.
The best part about this privacy wall is that you can use it for more than blocking out the sun or nosey neighbors! You can use it inside an office or home as a cubical wall. It can also be used on a deck or patio!
This item also comes with a one year warranty. Additionally, this item has to be bolted down, so it is best to use it on a deck or concrete surface.
Use a garden trellis
Another great item that can enhance both your privacy and your decor is a garden trellis (click to see my favorite one on Amazon).
The trellis is made from high-quality natural fir wood. The planter and trellis are built-in together, and the trellis allows space for climbing plants to grow.
Additionally, the trellis allows plants to be hanged, and features holes in the bottom to allow excess water to escape. The trellis has a large flower box, able to hold a substantial number of flowers and plants.
The trellis is easy to install and comes with all the necessary accessories.
This trellis is only four inches tall. Additionally, you must plant climbing plants to maximize the privacy you can get from this item.
Some flowers you can plant include climbing roses, clematis, English ivy, or wisteria.
While the garden trellis may not be a perfect fit for immediate privacy due to it only being four inches tall, the beautiful wood and flowers you plant will ensure your protected privacy in the future once these plants bloom. The trellis also adds a great garden flair to your hot tub relax zone.
What’s better than relaxing in the hot tub and eyeing the beautiful flowers you’ve planted?
Use tall plants in planters
Besides using the garden trellis, you can also plant outdoor plants that will add even more flair and style to your hot tub soaking area.
One great plant is clumping bamboo.
The stalks of the bamboo grow in only a few months, and there are thousands of different species growing all around the world. Depending on the species, clumping bamboo can reach up to one hundred and twenty feet tall!
This bamboo likes to grow in rich, moist, slightly acidic soil.
Another great plant to have are horsetail plants. Horsetail is a non-flowering evergreen perennial. It has vertical stems, similar in style to bamboo. It is commonly grown in large patio pots. You should be careful with planting this outside of a pot, as it can rapidly spread.
The horsetail plant grows between two and six feet tall and one to six feet wide.
A third plant that is great to use around your hot tub area is Italian Cypress. Italian Cypress are hardy evergreen trees. They are tall and narrow and bring a unique style and structure to your garden or yard.
These trees are perfect privacy screens, in addition to creating a great Italian atmosphere that you can enjoy while you soak. Plant them five feet apart for an effective privacy screen. Measure them trunk to trunk.
The Italian Cypress can reach up to sixty feet tall and ten feet wide.
Install a privacy screen
Another great way to ensure privacy is a privacy screen (click to see the best-selling one on Amazon).
This privacy screen is an Amazon’s choice product. It is a completely solid PVC vinyl wall. This set comes with two sections that come together that make a right angle.
This privacy screen stakes into the ground.
If you want to install on a concrete surface, purchase galvanized L brackets.
You will not need the stakes. It is suggested to use two L brackets for each post.
The privacy screen weighs twenty pounds. The dimensions of this privacy screen are 48 x 3.5 x 48 inches.
CLICK HERE to see it on Amazon and check the latest price.
If you want privacy for a party, but also need a speaker for music, look no further. Check out this recent article for the best floating speakers for hot tubs. Bluetooth, waterproof, and floating. Is there anything better?
Just click that link to read it on my site.
Build a pallet fence
Building your own fence is a great way of ensuring your privacy.
There are a ton of possible places where you can find pallets for this project. Remember, most pallets are 48” x 40”, so they won’t provide full privacy.
You should always ask the owner or store before taking any pallets.
Here’s a list of places you may find free pallets:
- Furniture stores
- Other small retail
- Construction sites
- Liquor stores
- Schools
- Flooring stores
- Stationery shops
- Bars and craft beer locations
- Pet food stores
- Feed & Tack stores
To find out if there are certain laws requiring you to have a fence around your hot tub, check out this recent article.
Some states do require a fence around your pool or hot tub, so it is a good idea to make sure you aren’t breaking any laws. My guide is a complete state-by-state guide, so I have you covered no matter where you live in the US.
Just click that link to read it on my site.
Put Your Hot Tub in a Gazebo
If you want ultimate privacy, you should think about getting a gazebo (click to see my favorite one on Amazon) for your hot tub.
The gazebo is 10 inches by 12 inches at the top and 10 by 12 inches at the base.
It’s perfectly designed to provide shade for any outdoor activity. It can fit up to twelve people (or a hot tub!).
The roof is made up of UPF 50+ water-resistant polyester. The corner joints have heavy-duty material sewn over them. Additionally, it has a dual-tiered vented canopy that allows stability against winds.
In fact, some reviews have said that it has withstood up to forty miles per hour winds. Reviews also say the gazebo can be put up in under an hour. It even comes with mosquito netting!
And it’s surprisingly affordable at well under $400 bucks!
CLICK HERE to see the current price on Amazon.
Portable Hot Tub Enclosures
An option similar to the gazebo, a portable hot tub enclosure (click to see all the color choices on Amazon) is another great way to ensure privacy while you soak.
This enclosure contains a 300D duty polyester fabric top. It is also fire retardant certified, PU lining, and 210D walls.
It is also 100% waterproof and 99% UV protected. It is rust-resistant and has a powder-coated steel frame. There are three available adjustment heights: 10.7 ft, 10.9 ft, and 11.1 ft. A high-quality wheeled carrying bag comes with the purchase.
Finally, it also includes a ten-by-ten rain canopy with sidewalls. It comes with four sandbags, three sidewalls, a middle door wall, stakes and ropes, and the wheeled bag.
The enclosure has eleven different colors to choose from. These include black, blue, green, purple, red, and white.
CLICK HERE to see the current price on Amazon.
Did I cover all you wanted to know about hot tub privacy?
There are a ton of great ways to ensure you have privacy for when you soak in your hot tub.
You can plant plants to enhance both your garden or backyard’s look, while also gaining privacy. Trees such as Italian Cypress are a smart way to create a natural privacy wall. This ensures nosy neighbors can’t see you.
Garden trellises are another great way to combine nature, privacy, and style. Plant climbing plants in the trellis and the beautiful high-quality wood and plants will ensure you soak with some discretion.
You can also create your own fence made out of pallets. There are a lot of places you can find free pallets, including construction sites and liquor stores.
Finally, you can also purchase portable enclosures, gazebos, or a privacy corner wall. These items can be found on Amazon, and each has a myriad of different features that ensure you will have all the privacy you desire.
Enjoy the privacy you deserve!
Hot tub accessories like these are great additions to your hot tub and can certainly make your soaks much more enjoyable. But the best accessory, by far for my family and me is our hot tub cover lifter.
Before, it would always be a struggle for my wife and daughters to get the cover off and getting back on was near impossible.
In a recent article, I break down all the best ones you can get on Amazon, including the one I bought and love. I only recommend products with great reviews, and I have some really affordable ones on the list too.
Just click that link to read it on my site.
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Because patios are usually at ground level, it is best to position your hot tub off to the side so that you have room for other activities such as dining, entertaining, and relaxing.
The beauty of having your hot tub off to the side of your deck is that you can easily place your privacy enclosure.
(If you’re new to this idea, we’ve got a couple great articles for you: can you put a hot tub on a deck, and how to determine if a deck can support a hot tub.)
These kinds of hot tub enclosures can also be great for blocking out rain and harsh sunlight.
Plus, they really bring a whole yard together in terms of aesthetics.
There are many patio coverings to choose from, including:
Pergolas
One of the most popular hot tub enclosures that you can enjoy year-round is the pergola.
Pergolas are hefty structures that make use of pillars or posts.
On the top of pergolas, you will find cross beams that form a slatted roof.
When you use a pergola as a hot tub enclosure, you get a combination of privacy, shade, and light.
You have the option of building your pergola attached to your house. Doing so will not only allow for the increased hot tub privacy that you are looking for, but you will also have your hot tub in close proximity for easy access.
Gazebos
For the best hot tub privacy possible, we highly recommend going with a gazebo. Hot tub gazebos are wonderful enclosures designed to create a sense of reprieve in just about any backyard setting. Most gazebos come with a combination of open sides and walls, allowing you to place shrubs, plants, or trees.
More often than not, the shape of a traditional gazebo is an octagon. Make sure that you include some form of ventilation if your gazebo is enclosed on the top end. Remember, your hot tub will emit steam. If you don’t have any sort of ventilation in your gazebo, you risk that steam puddling and making your hot tub enclosure moist, which can result in bacteria growth and mold.
A pavilion can either be a portable or permanent, freestanding structure that you can use for hot tub privacy.
The pavilion will also have open sides and an open roof, though it also depends entirely on the design.
Some pavilions are incredibly spacious, allowing you to place a large hot tub inside, though some are built in a more utilitarian fashion, much better for smaller hot tubs.
If you’re looking for a good hot tub enclosure structure that you can use to place a fire pit, a dining table, or a hangout area for entertaining guests, then a pavilion is a great choice.
The beauty of these three options is that they can act as permanent enclosures depending on the type of weather that you’re dealing with. Plus, you can design them in any way that you want to make the most out of your landscaping.
Portable Hot Tub Enclosures
If you don’t want to go with something that is permanent for hot tub privacy like a gazebo or a pergola, you may consider going with a more portable hot tub enclosure option. There are plenty of unique hot tub enclosure options to choose from, including:
- Inflatable Domes
- Retractable or Moveable Walls
- Decorative Folding Screens
- Pop-Up Gazebo
- A Canopy Tent
Some of the two most popular hot tub enclosure options include inflatable domes and inflatable canopy tents.
Inflatable Domes
Inflatable hot tub domes come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, meaning it is up to you to decide on the right one that makes the most sense for your backyard requirements.
These inflatable hot tub domes are incredibly popular nowadays, perfect for keeping the view in place while providing you with the necessary privacy.
Many hot tub privacy domes come with unique features, such as retractable blinds, sliding doors, and tinted glass panels.
These definitely have a futuristic look to them, so they may be the best choice for modern decor or backyard spaces.
Inflatable Canopy Tents
Inflatable canopy tents are very similar to camping tents. They come with anchors, ropes, and pumps, making them very easy to set up.
The one thing to note about these hot tub privacy tents is that you might need to pump them once every week to keep them in solid condition.
Use Blinds or Curtains
Blinds and curtains offer unique ways to create privacy for your hot tub experience. By hanging these up, you can enjoy a simple method of privacy. Blinds and curtains are also incredibly inexpensive. If you don’t want to spend a ton of money, we highly recommend using outdoor sheer, outdoor cloth curtains, or PVC curtains for privacy.
If you want to create more of a dramatic effect, you can hang privacy enclosures from your gazebo, pergola, or pavilion. When your curtains are not in use, you can use a tie to tie them back.
It is very important to consider the color of your blinds or curtains, as you want them to match your surroundings. For most outdoor spaces, earth tones work really nicely. If blinds or curtains aren’t really your thing, you might consider going with a privacy screen instead.
Use A Privacy Screen
If you don’t want to pay for fencing or go through the installation process, you might consider installing privacy screens instead. Privacy screens are excellent in that they are typically much smaller than fences. You can also purchase screens in a wide range of materials and designs. You can easily fold up hot tub privacy screens or fix them in place due to the fact that they are extremely portable.
Again, consider the materials that you choose to use for your privacy screens to mesh with the aesthetic.
We highly recommend going with rattan, wicker, or bamboo, as these materials provide tons of privacy, providing a tropical appearance thanks to their unique texture.
A privacy screen is a great option for your hot tub if you don’t want to spend a ton of money. Plus, there are many privacy screen options out there.
Enclosure Kits
You might not have a ton of time to spend on an enclosure around your hot tub. In that case, you might end up going with a hot tub enclosure kit. There are many different hot tub enclosure kits to pick from, including pavilion-style, solarium-style, gazebo, semi-permanent, and those that are attached to a house.
There are plenty of different manufacturers out there offering custom options depending on the type of hot tub enclosure that you are looking for. We highly recommend going with wood if you want something that is organic.
Umbrellas, Sails, or Shades
If you want to get a bit of privacy while blocking out the view from above, then we highly recommend going with a shade, sail, or umbrella.
The beauty of these types of coverings is that they are incredibly portable.
You can also use them to block out the sun from above.
Plus, you can easily adjust a shade, sail, or umbrella to get the kind of hot tub privacy that you need depending on where the sun is at during the day.
DIY Fences
One of the great things about DIY fences is that you can get as creative as you desire with them. Consider the height, color, and texture of your DIY fence. Remember, your fence can provide you with more than privacy, enhancing your overall hot tub experience.
If the idea of building a DIY fence seems like it is outside of the realm of your availability or skillset, you might consider custom fencing from a professional company. While plain wood is the standard option, you might consider using a combination of woven wood slats and brick to elevate your outdoor area.
Retractable Privacy Wall
One of the best ways to enjoy a soak in privacy without installing anything that is permanent is with a retractable privacy wall. A privacy wall is very easy to install and can protect you from nosy neighbors and onlookers. Plus, because a privacy wall is not a permanent structure, you don’t have to worry about the cost of construction.
Retractable privacy walls come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Your privacy wall will likely be made out of thick, strong materials that can protect you from the sun as well. Thanks to the fact that they are typically lightweight, you can easily move your privacy wall from place to place on your patio or in your backyard.
While the privacy wall you choose will likely have some sort of fabric acting as the enclosure panels, most privacy wall models come with powder-coated steel to keep things together.
Garden Trellis
If a privacy wall isn’t for you and you want to enhance your privacy, all while adding to the decor of your backyard, we highly recommend going with a garden trellis.
Garden trellises are made out of sturdy wood, giving you the ability to hang plants on them or put planters at the bottom so that any water you use to take care of your plants can drip down.
A garden trellis won’t provide immediate privacy without anything hanging on it, as there are open spots where people can peer through, though if you’re someone who likes the idea of decorating and customizing your own backyard, then the garden trellis is a wonderful option. Plus, the garden trellis can act as the center point of your outdoor living situation, perfect for those who want an enclosure that is more organic in nature.
Use Tall Plants
You might consider using tall plants as a hot tub enclosure if you want to add a bit of style and flair to your hot tub hangout.
One type of plant enclosure that we see pretty often is bamboo. The beauty of bamboo is that it grows extremely fast, allowing you to plant it and get it to a good height in a matter of months. There are many different species to pick from as well. Most bamboo is easy to grow in rich, moist soil.
We also recommend checking out horsetail plants. Horsetails are evergreen perennials that are non-flowering. Very similar to bamboo, horsetail plants have vertical stems. They grow really nicely in big patio pots, often growing anywhere from two to six feet in height.
Italian Cypress trees are another great option. These narrow, tall, hardy evergreens can bring a unique aesthetic into any yard or garden.
Final Thoughts – Optimizing Your Hot Tub Privacy In Your Outdoor Living Situation
As you can see, there are many ways to optimize your hot tub privacy. You might consider planting plants around your hot tub to enhance the look of your backyard, all while giving yourself the privacy that you’ve been after. On the other hand, you might consider going with DIY fencing that you can craft out of pallets for a cheaper, more customizable option.
Of course, you can also consider gazebos, portable enclosures, privacy walls, and much more for your outdoor living privacy. Look for outdoor living ideas on Pinterest if you don’t know how to arrange everything aesthetically.
A lawyer never retires. So I would just say that I am not as active as I used to be. Now I simply dedicate myself to fishing, my hobby, and my grandchildren. For Business Finance News I write about legal aspects of mortgage policies, mostly regarding the rights of policyholders. I also have articles about personal injuries.
