7 Backyard Makeover Ideas With a Hot Tub or Swim Spa (in British Columbia, CA)

With spring finally here, many people have begun the process of preparing their yards for summer festivities.

With the temperature rising, you may have considered a backyard makeover, looking for ways to enhance your space and make it even more enjoyable.

For many, adding a hot tub or swim spa is top of mind, not only providing accessible therapeutic relief, but enhancing property value!

If you’re considering adding one of these soothing escapes to your backyard, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we’ll explore five steps to make the process go smoothly, before sharing a collection of inspiring installations to get your creativity flowing.

5 Steps For Planning The Perfect Backyard Makeover

A backyard makeover that includes the installation of a new hot tub or swim spa can be a taxing process, but with the right steps in place, you can make this process infinitely easier, ensuring the final product is everything you’ve been dreaming of.

Here are five key steps you’ll want to include in your planning process.

Step 1: Assess Your Space

First and foremost, you’ll want to take a good look at your space and determine where exactly you plan on placing your new spa.

Do you envision it tucked into a corner to maximize usable space, or are you looking for easy access by placing it right next to your back deck?

Where you install your hot tub plays a crucial role in your experience, not only influencing how easy it is to step into the warm depths, but also how the remainder of your space can be used.

As you consider the various areas of your backyard that would work for your spa, take the following factors into consideration:

• Access to a water source
• Space for maintenance
• Electrical access
• Delivery route
• How easy it’ll be to get from your backdoor to your spa

Once you’ve selected a spot for your spa, grab a measuring tape and take note of the size of the space. This will help ensure you choose the right sized spa. Remember, you’ll want to leave some space around the spa to make your routine maintenance easier.

Step 2: Look into Permits

Before you purchase a spa, you should look into any permits that may be required.

This varies by municipality and can often be found on your city hall’s website. Permits are designed to help guide the installation process and ensure safety. They can cover aspects like location, structural stability, and electrical requirements.

Applying and obtaining the necessary permits is key to making the installation process as easy as possible, paving the way for a successful installation with no unforeseen issues.

Step 3: Select Your Hot Tub or Swim Spa

After you’ve gotten any necessary permits, it’s time to find your dreamy new oasis!

Hot tubs and swim spas come in a wide variety of styles, from space-saving round spas to spacious dual-zone swim spa designs.

Whether you’re planning on investing in a swim spa or hot tub, there are a few factors you can consider to help narrow down which model will best complement your needs:

• Size & Shape
• Seating arrangement
• Capacity
• Additional features
• Warranty

You’ll also want to set a budget, factoring in ongoing expenses like maintenance and energy costs.

Step 4: Plan Your Backyard Design

The next step in your backyard makeover is to start planning how you’ll bring your space to life once your spa is installed.

The elements you combine with your new hot tub or swim spa can transform your entire space, creating a haven of relaxation or an aquatic playground perfect for family fun.

As you plan the rest of your space, consider factors like:

• Privacy additions
• Greenery
• Lighting
• Accessories
• Landscaping
• Access features like steps and pathways

Each one of these backyard features will help create a cohesive space that reflects your personal aesthetic, bringing your vision to life.

For example, if you picture your backyard becoming a lush oasis, adding bright green plants and foliage around your spa and planting some privacy hedges may be the perfect additions.

On the other hand, if you enjoy hosting lively get-togethers, installing an outdoor sound system and elegant lighting might be more your style.

Step 5: Consider Safety Features

Finally, you’ll want to consider how to maximize the safety of your new aquatic addition. Even if you don’t have children, it's crucial to keep animals and other unwelcome visitors from taking a dip in your spa.

To add some security to your spa, consider adding cover locks to your spa cover, installing a fence with latching doors, or investing in an automated cover that can only open with its corresponding key, such as Covana Covers.

Get Inspired With These 7 Dreamy Spaces

Looking to get a sneak peek into what some other people have done for their installations? Check out the images below and get inspired!

Captivating Hot Tub Installs

A Deck Installation With Panoramic Views

If you have a deck with some stunning views, make the most of it and install your new hot tub right on top! An existing deck is a great option for your hot tub’s foundation, reducing installation costs and making every inch of space count.

If you opt for this option, ensure you have your deck inspected prior to installation to ensure it can support the filled weight of your spa.

A Garden Paradise To Enhance Stress Relief

If your main goal is to ease stress and a lush garden oasis sounds appealing, this type of backyard makeover is your perfect fit!

Plants are a powerful way to combat stress, with just 10 minutes in nature having been shown to help improve mood and reduce stress.

Furthermore, surrounding your hot tub with vibrant plants adds a pop of lively colour, while dense greenery acts as a natural privacy barrier, not only keeping prying eyes at bay but muffling conversation as well.

A Romantic Retreat For Reconnection

If intimacy is your goal, adding a compact hot tub to your back patio adorned with gently glowing lighting should be at the top of your list!

With LED candles, you can enjoy the soft flickering glow without the fire while creating an atmosphere that promises deep relaxation.

Pair it with comfortable seating nearby, aromatic plants, and soft music to amp this design up even further.

A Backyard Sanctuary Designed For Social Events

Have a spacious backyard and enjoy having friends and family over? Installing your hot tub in the center of your yard while creating separate adhering space nearby is the perfect way to complement your unique lifestyle needs.

With a firepit for after-dark, and a dining table for family meals, this backyard makeover truly focuses on bringing people together.

Swim Spa Installations To Transform Backyard Fun

A Deck-Side Swim Spa for Effortless Access

If you have an existing raised deck with ample space in front, installing your swim spa alongside it is the perfect way to maximize accessibility while making the most of your available space.

Furthermore, with this design, you can easily step down into the water without having to walk along the grass, reducing the amount of contamination that ends up in your water.

A Backyard Wellness Retreat With Natural Privacy

If you live in the country and want to create the perfect place to unwind and recover after a long week, installing your swim spa where you’ll be surrounded by nature is ideal.

Not only will you be able to embrace the privacy of your space, but your swim spa will become a standout feature, catching the eye of anyone you invite into your space and transforming it into a luxurious haven of relaxation.

A Semi-Recessed Swim Spa Installation

If you don’t have a raised deck but love the idea of an easily accessible spa, consider a recessed or semi-recessed installation.

These installations do require a little extra work, resulting in an increase in installation costs. Not only do you need to have a hole dug, but it also needs a solid foundation and ample drainage to avoid any water gathering around the outside of your spa.

Once your spa is in, however, you’ll be greeted with a stunning in-ground modern pool you can effortlessly sink into 365 days a year!

Hot Tubs and Swim Spas for Sale in Victoria and Langford, BC

Whether you’re looking for a hot tub or want to enjoy the extended health and wellness benefits of a swim spa, the experts at Vintage Hot Tubs have you covered.

Our showrooms are stocked with a wide variety of models and brands, ensuring everyone who walks through our doors can easily be paired with a unit that is capable of complementing their unique needs.

To begin your backyard makeover today, visit one of our two showrooms either in Langford or Victoria, BC.

We’d love to breathe new life into your space and make every moment at home infinitely more relaxing!