When a match is made in heaven, the elements involved are perfectly suited to each other.
That was the case in several ways for this hot tub/pond installation. In fact, three perfectly-suited matches contributed to making this backyard project so heavenly.
First Heavenly Match: An Accommodating Couple
Initially, these homeowners had considered adding a swimming pool but soon wondered if there were more cost-effective ideas for their backyard upgrade.
As they discussed other options, they soon realized they had very different views of what would make them happy.
On the one hand, the husband thought a pond would make a beautiful outdoor living retreat. But his wife wanted a spa.
After meeting with Bill Renter, owner of Best Hot Tubs, to get price estimates and creative ideas, the couple realized they could get both and let both of them be happy — and they decided on a hot tub, installed in-ground, and adjacent to a new pond and waterfall feature.
Second Heavenly Match: Superb Contractor Collaboration
The Deck and Patio Company was brought in to do the pond installation and help with any other issues related to the custom hot tub installation.
“We know the team from Deck and Patio very well,” says Bill Renter. “Actually, at one time, I owned that company before going into the hot tub business full time. So I have a full appreciation of their many talents — including how expert they are at designing/building water features.”
Working with Dave Stockwell at Deck and Patio, a plan quickly emerged. “The homeowners had an existing paver patio,” adds Dave. “And after speaking with Bill, the clients knew they wanted the spa convenient to the patio as well as the pond.”
The hot tub chosen was a Bullfrog Spas’ model. This ensured that the custom installation of the hot tub would go well. Bullfrog makes a “Spa Vault,” which, in effect, puts walls around the spa to protect it when installed in-ground.
“Using Bullfrog’s vault ensures that if anything goes wrong, the warranty won’t be voided because of the in-ground installation,” says Bill.
The kit Bill recommended is made of galvanized steel, the same rated metal used for years in the pool industry, so it will not corrode and will stand the test of time. “That ensured the installation was done correctly and safely. And also in a way that enhanced the aesthetic design of their yard, which was important to the clients.”
“I felt very comfortable with the plan that emerged,” adds Dave. “I knew Bill is expert in his field and that it would all work well. He took every precaution, including removing the hot tub plumbing to a protected area above ground, where it is easily accessible for any future repairs or adjustments.”
Third Heavenly Match: Beautiful Pond and Spa Retreat
The clients not only can relax in their new hot tub, but their “in-tub views” are especially fine,” says Bill.
The water feature part of this match boasts a pond with moss rock boulders and lush landscaping around both the pond and spa.
“We used Aquascape Inc.’s water systems for this pond/waterfall project, which included high efficiency pumps, skimmers, biological filters, etc.,” says Dave. “We designed the water feature to look completely natural coming out from the shrubs.”
“And they can enjoy the views while experiencing the wonderful hydrotherapy options from Bullfrog’s massage seats (JetPaks) — which the clients have since told us always hit the spot,” says Bill.
The homeowners were not only thrilled with their new backyard retreat, but they were delighted that a pond and in-ground spa cost much less than an in-ground pool would have. And they both ended up getting what they wanted…in an affordable way.
“With pools expensive to build and maintain, it’s not surprising that one rising trend is finding a creative way to install the very cost-friendly portable hot tub,” says Bill. “It’s a way to have somewhere beautiful to enjoy your own piece of the outdoors — without breaking the bank.”
Budget-Friendly Backyard Retreat
For this project, the husband wanted a pond, while the wife wanted spa. So they got both. In fact, installing this spa entirely in-ground was a particularly inspired choice by the homeowners, because it was done as part of an overall new backyard retreat, which included a new pond and waterfall feature. The pond, and in-ground installation of a portable spa, were still less expensive than a large pool.
Installing Portable Spa In-Ground
A portable spa unit is self contained. This means everything needed to operate it is included within the spa itself, which is partially what makes them so cost-friendly. It also means that wherever it is positioned, water from the rain must be free to drain away from the hot tub. If it can’t escape, the plumbing could get damaged.
So when positioning it in-ground, the hot tub plumbing equipment needs to be removed and protected above ground, where it is also accessible for any future repairs or adjustments.
Spa Vaults for Protective In-Ground Installations:
The homeowners had an existing paver patio. Long Island Hot Tub built the spa, next to the patio, in the ground using a Bullfrog Spa “Spa Vault” which excavates the area and put walls around spa. The spa vault ensures the installation we did was done correctly, safely, and in a way that enhances the aesthetic design of their yard. The kit is galvanized steel, the same rated metal used for years in the pool industry, so it will not corrode and will stand the test of time.
Natural Looking Backyard Retreat
This project included a natural looking waterfall feature with the pond, moss rock boulders and lush landscaping around the pond and spa. We used Aquascape Inc.‘s water systems for this project, which included high efficiency pumps, skimmers, biological filters etc.
The clients’ “in-tub views” are spectacular; they also enjoy wonderful hydrotherapy options due to Bullfrog Spa’s individual, inter-changeable massage JetPaks, which our clients say, always hit the spot.
