Investing in a hot tub is an exciting step towards enhancing your home and creating a relaxing oasis in your garden. In this guide, we’ll look at some of the important elements to think about when selecting the perfect spot for your hot tub, ensuring a smooth installation process and maximising your enjoyment. We’ll explore themes including privacy, ease of access, safety, and base preparation to support you in making the best choices.
Privacy and Seclusion:
When selecting a location for your hot tub, make sure you consider privacy and seclusion. The last thing you want is to feel constantly on display while you’re trying to relax and unwind. Think about how you can strategically place hedges, trees, or privacy screens to create a more intimate and relaxing atmosphere. Bamboo screens, tall grasses, or even outdoor curtains can effectively block unwanted views while still allowing you to enjoy the outdoors. A Gazebo or Pergola is a great option to enhance your privacy. Providing a sheltered and enclosed environment around your hot tub.
Views and Surroundings:
For the best experience, place your hot tub where you can enjoy clear scenic views of your garden or the landscape around you. Picture yourself relaxing in the warm water as you admire a stunning sunset, a sky full of stars, or the beauty of your lush garden.
The calming sounds of flowing water or the serene ambiance of nature can further enhance the relaxing experience. Consider the surrounding scenery, would you like to look back towards your home, or would you prefer a view of your garden, distant fields / woodland, or maybe take in a wide-open view of the sky?
Shelter and Protection:
Choosing a sheltered spot away from strong winds is crucial. Wind can significantly increase heat loss from your hot tub, which can lead to increased running costs and a less comfortable bathing experience. Installing a Gazebo or Pergola can provide excellent shelter from the elements while adding a touch of elegance to your outdoor space. These structures can help to reduce heat loss and allow you to enjoy your hot tub, even during those chillier, breezy evenings.
For further inspiration on creating a stylish and sheltered outdoor space for your hot tub, please see our Customer Gallery. You can also find some helpful tips in our Gazebo & Pergola: Location Tips and Design Ideas blog post.
Accessibility and Convenience:
Make sure your hot tub is conveniently located close to your home to reduce the distance you have to walk to get into your hot tub. This is particularly crucial in the winter when you’d rather not face a chilly trek out to your hot tub or a hurried return back to the warmth of your house. It’s also important to think about how near the hot tub will be to the power source when selecting its location, as this can help you avoid having to run long power cables.
While assessing accessibility, don’t forget to also take into account how easy it will be to fill and drain the hot tub. Ensure that a garden hose can easily reach the hot tub for filling, and that there’s a nearby drainage option for water changes. This could mean checking the locations of drains, gutters, or other suitable drainage areas. If locating the hot tub inside a building, ensure there is suitable drainage for water changes and adequate ventilation. You may even need to consider a dehumidifier to manage moisture levels.
Safety and Practicality:
Choose a location for the hot tub that avoids any potential risks, like slippery surfaces or branches and beams that might hang too low overhead. Make sure the space surrounding the hot tub is well-lit to help prevent any accidents when it’s dark outside. Make sure there’s enough room for safe entry and exit, providing enough space for a set of steps. Also, remember to leave enough space around the sides for Hot Tub accessories such as a cover lifter or a side table where you can conveniently place towels, robes, and refreshments within easy reach.
Consider the proximity to your property and neighbouring properties to minimise any potential noise disturbance. Lastly, try not to place the hot tub directly under trees to avoid any issues with falling leaves, sap, and bird droppings getting into the water or on the hot tub.
Aesthetics and Landscaping:
Think about how the hot tub will blend with your garden’s overall design. Do you envision it as the centrepiece, or do you prefer a more discreet placement? If you want the hot tub to be the main feature, consider creating a dedicated patio area around it. Adding a Gazebo or Pergola can greatly enhance the visual appeal of the hot tub area, providing a stylish and sheltered environment. If you’re aiming for a more integrated design, you might want to place it among your current landscaping or use plants and screens to help it blend in naturally with the surroundings.
Base Preparation:
Having a strong, flat, and level base is vital for the safety and stability of your hot tub. Keep in mind that a hot tub filled with water and occupants can weigh around 2 tonnes, so a solid concrete base is necessary for proper support. We recommend a minimum thickness of 4-6 inches of high-quality concrete. To ensure the base is perfectly level, use a spirit level, as any unevenness could affect the hot tub’s stability and overall integrity over time.
Space for Servicing and Air Source Heat Pump:
Keep in mind the importance of future service access. While sinking your hot tub into decking might look good, it can complicate maintenance access to the side panels. If you do decide to build a deck around your hot tub, make sure you include access hatches or removable panels to facilitate easy access for servicing on all sides.
If you are considering an Air Source Heat Pump for your hot tub, remember to leave sufficient space around the unit for optimal airflow and efficient performance.
Delivery and Installation:
To ensure a smooth installation, a pre-delivery site survey is crucial. At Bestbuys, our team will conduct an in-person site survey to carefully assess the delivery route, looking out for any height restrictions, narrow pathways, or steep grades. We’ll also assess the terrain to make sure it can handle the weight of the hot tub. If the access is too tight or there is no safe way to position the hot tub, we may need to use a HIAB or crane. For more details on hot tub delivery and installation, please visit our Delivery & Install page or contact our Hot Tub team.
Conclusion:
Picking the right location for your hot tub is an important first step towards creating a relaxing and enjoyable outdoor oasis. By carefully considering factors such as privacy, views, accessibility, and landscaping, you can transform your outdoor space into a tranquil retreat. Remember to think about safety by identifying any potential risks, and plan for any future maintenance. With some careful thought and planning, you can ensure a smooth installation and can look forward to enjoying many years of relaxation in your very own hot tub.
At Bestbuys, we pride ourselves on being Northamptonshire’s Hot Tub experts. Our award-winning team have installed over 1,000 hot tubs locally. This expertise, combined with our in-person pre-delivery site surveys, allows us to offer valuable advice on the best location for your hot tub within your garden. Contact us today or visit our showroom in Wellingborough to explore your options and receive expert guidance.
Additional Resources:
Bestbuys Hot Tubs – FAQ page:
https://www.best-buys.co.uk/hot-tub-faq-frequently-asked-questions/
WhatSpa? – Hot Tub Landscaping on a Budget – Garden Landscaping Ideas 2025:
https://www.whatspa.co.uk/hot-tub-landscaping-on-a-budget/
YouTube – Hot Tub Owner HQ – Best Place to Put Your New Hot Tub!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cki9ekMO5wk
YouTube – Backyard Design Guy – Outdoor Living – Hot Tub Ideas that fit into your Landscape:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkoTBlZQZHs
