simple hot tub deck ideas
Nothing makes having a hot tub in your backyard more luxurious than a beautiful deck to accompany it. A high-quality deck can complete the atmosphere of your backyard oasis. However, with near-endless options, building the best hot tub deck for your backyard can be difficult.
Come with us as we explore some of the best hot tub deck design ideas around so that you can make the most of your outdoor space.
Simple Hot Tub Deck Ideas
Small Hot Tub Deck
Just because you have a small outdoor hot tub does not mean you can’t build a deck around it. With a wrap-around deck around your small hot tub, you can create a particular hot tub area in your backyard, making it look much more integrated than it would stand alone.
This kind of hot tub deck can give the illusion of more space as well.
Simple Hot Tub Deck With Pergola
If you want to add a structure to sit atop your hot tub deck, then you have a few options. However, we believe pergolas are best for two reasons:
- First, building one yourself is easy as long as you have the right tools.
- Second, pergolas do not have closed tops like some structures, allowing for ventilation.
Pergolas can add a stylish design to your hot tub deck, allowing you to hang lighting for ambiance or curtains for privacy. However, it’s important to remember that pergolas require solid foundations. If you don’t have a solid foundation to build your pergola on, you could end up damaging it.
Elevated Two-Stepper
If you want to have an elevated deck without putting too much effort into your deck design, then you can create a simple two-step deck design to give your spa deck a more modern feel.
Not only does this hot tub design look luxurious, but it also makes getting in and out of your hot tub
much more effortless. If you have a drink or a towel that you want to keep with you while you’re soaking, having these extra steps around your hot tub can be super convenient.
The important thing here is to choose your hot tub deck location carefully. We recommend this kind of design for the corner, as it’ll provide easy access throughout the year without getting in the way of other parts of your yard.
Raised Short Deck
Another outstanding deck design for your outdoor space is a raised-short deck with accented seating. The beauty of having a short raised deck is that you can put other backyard accessories atop your deck.
Some fantastic deck features you might add include outdoor furniture, greenery, or a fire pit. You can separate your outdoor space with a deck like this, perfect for entertaining guests.
You can even add bench seating around the perimeter for better functionality.
Rooftop Deck
If you live in an apartment building or a home with a flat roof, you might consider installing a hot tub deck on the roof. Of course, you’ll need to make sure that your building is up to code and can handle a hot tub deck on the roof first. In addition, there might be special structural considerations that you have to take into account before building this kind of deck space.
If it is, having a hot tub deck and rooftop patio can provide privacy and a view. Plus, it’s a great way to utilize space if you don’t have a backyard.
Pool Integration
If you already have a pool in your backyard, you might try and figure out a way to incorporate your hot tub deck into your pool design. Not only will this make the most of your space in your backyard, leaving enough room for other features, but it’ll also allow you to switch back forth from the hot tub to the pool, taking a refreshing plunge when you’re all done with your soak.
Japanese Soaking Tub Deck
Japanese hot tubs are often round, and the minimalist design they use to incorporate their hot tubs into their spaces is unique.
To build a simple deck for a traditional round hot tub, you can use two large stairs and small stones around the outside.
Not only do the stairs elevate your backyard design with multiple levels, but they also make getting in and out of your hot tub much easier. Plus, if you build the steps high enough, you could use them as a bench as well.
Stone-Wrapped Hot Tub
If you decide to build your hot tub deck so that your hot tub sits on top of the deck, you might feel like it lacks incorporation. If so, we recommend going with a stone-wrapped deck design. This contemporary design is all the rage these days, helping to put your spa center stage in your backyard.
One great thing about this hot tub deck design is that it can sit at ground level. So if you’re worried about how heavy your
hot tub is and you don’t want to deal with the potential that your hot tub deck material could crack or warp under the weight, then this is a beautiful design!
A stone-wrapped spa stands out while blending into your yard space. It gives your hot tub a natural look, which you’ll probably appreciate if you’re trying to create an urban oasis.
The deck can be a simple minimalist design, as the stone will give it the added edge needed to elevate your design.
Sunken Hot Tub Deck Ideas
Contemporary Sunken Deck
The great thing about modern hot tub design is that it’s very minimalist. A sunken deck is a great way to give your backyard a modern look while keeping it clean and clear.
To get this modern look, you shouldn’t incorporate much in terms of features. For example, you don’t need ornate seating or railings. Instead, all you need is a simple platform, which can double as seating space.
We recommend placing your hot tub so that the top half sticks out of the deck. This way, you can build modern, casual seating around the top half, creating a more functional, usable space.
The beauty of modern deck designs is that they aren’t distracting in any way. You can create your own unique patio area with more ornate design ideas to stand out atop your minimalist deck space.
Multi-Tier Sunken Hot Tub Deck
A hot tub deck with multiple tiers is a great way to create space for parties and get together. You can put space for seating on the top tier, allowing your family and guests to relax while enjoying the view of the yard.
If your kids are enjoying the hot tub, you can keep an eye on them from this higher tier as well.
You can create a sunken deck for your recessed hot tub to sit on the lower level. Having a recessed hot
tub makes entry and exit much easier. In addition, if you choose to keep your hot tub elevated off the ground, then it’ll be much easier to access the components for future maintenance.
Three-Quarter Sunken Hot Tub
If you have a round hot tub, then a sunken tub deck is a great idea! With a three-quarter deck design that stretches a foot around the outside perimeter of your hot tub, you can have a small sunken deck while leaving enough room in your backyard for other things.
We recommend using composite material or natural wood for this type of build, as you’ll have more flexibility. You can even incorporate your wide ledge with low shelves on the underside, which you can use to store towels, beverage holders, etc.
The good thing about having this round deck only move three-quarters around the hot tub is that you can leave enough room to get into the hot tub cabinet for future maintenance.
This hot tub deck design is perfect for small spaces, especially if you’re trying to create a small zen space or urban oasis. See our Hot Tub Placement Rules article for more tips.
Choosing The Right Deck Materials
Composite Decking
Most modern decks use the composite deck design. A composite deck is an excellent choice if looking for longevity and durability. Plus, composite decking looks great! Some of the best manufacturers for composite decking include Maryland, Fine Decks, and Clemens Jellema.
If you’re trying to determine what kind of composite deck to use for your backyard space, you should look at the differences between capped and uncapped composite. Capped composite is more expensive, though it’ll protect your deck against harmful UV rays and harsh weather. The material found atop capped composite is very similar to what you find wrapped around a golf ball.
Pool deck resurfacing costs vary based on the material you choose. You could save money going with uncapped composite but expect to have more maintenance down the road.
Natural Wood
Wood is a great option to give your backyard retreat added warmth. There’s no question that wood looks great. However, you’ll spend the most money on wood and will have to perform more maintenance throughout the lifetime of your deck.
If you want to use wood, though you don’t want to pay as much, you can mix wood with bricks to create a more industrial look. The blend of wood and stone still retains a natural feel, though it’s a much more durable choice for longevity. Even if you choose to go with brick in full, you can build a wood trellis to get that warmth and privacy.
Travertine
If you’re building a sunken hot tub deck, we recommend looking into travertine stone for your siding.
Unfortunately, stone and wood can be costly. The cool thing about travertine is that you can still create a luxurious hot tub design without spending tons of money.
Plus, travertine is very customizable, great for those who are very particular about the look of their hot tub deck.
Some of the most elegant hot tub looks we’ve seen have come from a mixture of black stone veneer panels and travertine.
Making Your Hot Tub Deck Functional
If you’re looking to add more functionality and style to your hot tub deck, then consider these hot tub deck design ideas.
Incorporate a Hangout Space
There are so many ways to have fun with your deck area. For example, you can incorporate a pergola, patio furniture, or a fire pit. You can even put built-in circular seating around your fit pit, allowing people to stretch, converse, and relax. Circular seating is excellent for any outdoor hot tub space, as it allows all guests to be part of the conversation.
If you choose to go with a fire pit, there are a few precautions you’ll have to take. For starters, you’ll want to check your local regulations to make sure that you meet all of the requirements to have a fire pit. Gas fire pits are great and are often much safer than wood fire pits. It’s much easier to contain a gas fire pit too, which is excellent if your hot tub deck is made out of wood.
Place Your Hot Tub Deck Near a View
If you live in a place with an undeniably gorgeous view, there’s no reason to waste it. Instead, craft your spa deck so that it overlooks the scenery. Then, while you’re soaking, you can take in the surrounding deck views and beautiful landscape in front of you.
If you have a great view, though you don’t have room to install a full hot tub deck to take advantage of it, you might consider building a small concrete slab instead.
Create a Space for Outdoor Dining
If you love cooking, then creating an outdoor dining space with an outdoor kitchen on your backyard deck is a great idea. With a place to cook and eat, you’ll have a unique way to entertain friends and family.
The beauty of building your outdoor kitchen adjacent to your hot tub is that you can keep cooking while conversing with your guests who are soaking in the hot tub, which can make cooking for the party far more exciting!
Landscape Lighting
If you’ve ever seen backyard designs with beautiful landscape lighting, then you know how unique of a backyard escape they can create.
Landscape lighting creates a lovely ambiance, perfect for crafting focal points in your backyard while allowing you to use your hot tub at night while feeling comfortable and cozy.
You can incorporate this lighting into
your hot tub deck as well, putting recessed lights into the built-in seating or incorporating small lights atop your staircase or railing posts.
Beyond style, landscape lighting adds an element of safety to your hot tub deck, keeping people from falling as they move up and down the steps. If you have a staircase that moves up to your hot tub area, we recommend using recessed lighting that cascades from one step to the next to enhance your backyard design.
The lighting should be warm and low-key. You don’t want it to be so bright that it’s harsh to look at.
Lattice Fencing
Lattice fencing is one of the most popular privacy barriers for hot tub deck designs. The beauty of adding lattice fencing to your deck area is that it’s incredibly functional. You can hang plants or lighting from it while creating a shady and private space when needed.
Plus, lattice fencing is very easy to customize too. For example, you can paint it to match the color of your hot tub deck, which can help your backyard come together in a luxurious way.
One of our favorite design ideas we see with trellis is incorporating flower boxes. If your trellis fencing is thick enough on top, you can place flower boxes on them. Doing so is a great way to incorporate mother nature into your space, especially if you’re living in an urban environment.
Privacy Fence Screen
If you want privacy yet don’t like how permanent lattice fencing can be, we recommend looking for some high-quality privacy screens to place atop your deck. Many privacy screens use woven materials that are incredibly lightweight, allowing you to move them away from your hot tub when you want open space.
When in place, privacy screens can create a small space for you to relax without worrying about nosy neighbors or passersby. Privacy screens are great for those who live in urban environments and don’t have tons of room to work with. Visit our Hot Tub Privacy Ideas page for more great solutions!
Creating a Natural Setting
If you want to better integrate your hot tub into your backyard space, then adding plants, water features, or ponds can create a unique focal point while providing natural beauty for your entire backyard.
Add simple things like planters or boulders. You can even build these things up around your hot tub to create a unique piece of backyard art. Just make sure that you leave enough room to get into the cabinet for performing hot tub maintenance.
If you live in a desert landscape, we recommend incorporating succulents, as they don’t need much water to survive. You also want to make sure that the plants you add can withstand chemicals in hot tub water, as they’ll likely get splashed often.
Bar Seating
If you like to host parties or get-togethers at your house, we recommend creating some bar-style seating space atop your deck that wraps around your hot tub. With this hot tub design, you can add accented stools and lighting, great for entertaining or romantic nights with your partner.
Ensuring Your Deck Is Strong Enough For Your Hot Tub
Before you dive in and start shelling out your hard-earned cash to build the perfect hot tub deck, you need to make sure that your deck will be strong enough to hold your hot tub.
This is where getting an expert opinion can come in handy. Of course, you can also use standard estimates for your deck project.
Hot tub deck designs that only stand a few feet off the ground can typically handle around 100 pounds per square foot.
So, how do you determine if a deck can support a hot tub? If you have a hot tub that is less than 100 pounds per square foot, you shouldn’t have to worry. If you have an existing deck, you may be able to place it atop that deck without making any adjustments.
On the other hand, if you have an elevated deck, you’ll have to be a bit more cautious. Elevated deck designs can typically hold about 50 pounds per square foot. The same thing goes for composite deck designs.
To get an idea of how much your hot tub weighs, you need to look at a few variables:
- Your hot tub weight when it’s empty
- The length and width of your hot tub
- The weight of a gallon of water (8.34 pounds)
- Average adult weight (170 pounds)
Once you have these numbers, you can add the dry weight plus the water capacity in pounds x 8.34. Once you have that number, you can add 170 x the maximum number of hot tub occupants.
This equation will let you know how much your hot tub will weigh when in use, allowing you to determine how much your deck will need to support.
If you liked this article and would like to see more, head over to our Hot Tub Backyard Ideas page!
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.
