Compared to custom spas, portable hot tubs are cost-friendly and boast very comfortable seats. In addition, Bullfrog Spas (the manufacturer that Best Hot Tubs specializes in) offers a wide range of patented interchangeable massaging jets, enabling you to personalize each hot tub experience.
Of course, with any new hot tub, many things come up as to where and how to position the new spa.
“A portable spa unit is self contained,” explains Bill Renter, owner of Best Hot Tubs. “This means everything needed to operate it is included within the spa itself, which is partially what makes them so cost-friendly.”
This 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. Also, the hot tub plumbing equipment needs to be accessible for any future repairs or adjustments.”
Basic Hot Tub Installation Tips:
— A portable hot tub installation does not have to be fancy. Except for a little site preparation ahead of time, the spa can simply be placed on the ground with no adornment.
— No matter how fancy or plain the installation, do consider locating it close to the house for ease of use;
— Take into account how you will ensure privacy when using the spa;
— Also consider what the views from the hot tub will be when relaxing in its soothing waters (you probably don’t want to be facing your home’s siding, etc.)
That said, many spa owners want a spiffier look to their hot tub installation. Fortunately, our own Bill Renter, who previously owned a landscaping firm and still maintains connections within that field, is expert at creative hot tub installations.
Creative Installation Ideas:
#1. Installed Completely In-Ground:
In order to set this spa “totally in-ground,” we removed all the plumbing and relocated it above ground.
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.
“I had no doubt that the clients’ ‘in-tub views’ would be spectacular,” says Bill, “for when enjoying its hydrotherapy, they can simply lean over the spa edge and feed the koi swimming right next to them.
“However, if you wish to put the spa fully in-ground, note that the plumbing equipment should be removed — which is what we did for this Long Island, NY, project. First, we removed all the plumbing from the hot tub, then we ran the equipment to a new above-ground location where it wouldn’t be damaged.”
#2. Surrounded Partially Above-Ground:
This spa is installed partially in-ground and is surrounded with Travertine and black stone veneer
For this portable spa project, Best Hot Tubs sunk the Bullfrog Spa about half-way into the ground. Then we covered the exposed spa cabinet with a stone wall that coordinated with their new elegant patio and pool surround.
The materials we chose were the same Travertine and black stone veneer panels used for their pool.
“This gave it the built-in appearance the clients hoped for,” says Bill. “We also positioned it near their back door, making it accessible all year — and where they can best enjoy beautiful focal points like the pool and water views.”
#3. Installed Above-Ground But Appearing Recessed :
Positioning a spa partially against a patio or deck permits easy access to spa’s plumbing equipment.
Another creative idea is to take advantage of a property slope or gradation and position the hot tub against a patio or deck.
This way, particularly if the patio or deck is raised somewhat, it has the appearance of being recessed, while still being open at the back for easy access to equipment.
This approach also makes it easy to get in and out of the hot tub.
# 4. Above-Ground (Spa-Set-In-Garden Effect):
There are ways to set a spa above ground and it will still appear recessed. For this project, we created a secluded area for the hot tub at the edge of a patio and artfully placed boulders, soil and plants to create a “spa set in a garden” effect. It offers the feel of being in-ground without actually being so. (See a “before” photo below.)
This is the “before” photo (see above) where we created the effect of a “spa-set-in-a-garden” look. However, choosing a spa case that harmonizes with an existing patio is attractive enough on its own.
“In the end, there are as many ways to position a portable spa as there are backyards and spa lovers’ imaginations,” says Bill Renter. “It just takes a little creativity and planning.”
(Note: The cost for installing a portable spa fully or partially in-ground can be as low as a few thousand dollars and can exceed $10,000 — such as when a full concrete block vault is built and special plumbing is required.)
