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Warm water under an open sky is hard to beat
There’s something special about sinking into warm, bubbling water while the air around you is cool. Steam rising on a frosty evening. Stars overhead. A glass of something nice and good company. It’s no wonder so many British homeowners are adding a spa to their garden.
Choosing an outdoor hot tub is an exciting decision, but it’s also one you’ll live with for many years. Size, seating, jets, insulation, position and aftercare all make a difference to how much you enjoy it.
In this guide we’ll walk you through the choices in plain English. We’ll help you work out what size and style suits your household, where it should go, what to think about for installation and how to look after it once it’s in. By the end you’ll know which questions to ask and what really matters.
Hot tub or spa?
You’ll hear both words used. In everyday conversation they mean much the same thing: a heated, self-contained tub of water with seating and massage jets. We use both terms in this guide.
Start with how you want to use it
Before you look at models and features, think about the moments you’re picturing. The right choice follows naturally from how you’ll use it.
Relaxing and unwinding
If your main aim is to switch off after a long day, look for comfortable, well shaped seats and a good mix of gentle and firmer jets. Soft lighting and a quiet pump add to the calm.
Easing tired muscles
Many people love a soak after running, cycling, gardening or a day on their feet. Targeted jets for the back, shoulders, hands and feet can feel wonderful. If you have a health condition, speak to your GP before using a hot tub regularly.
Socialising with family and friends
If you see it as a place to chat and entertain, prioritise space and seating layout. Open plan seating with plenty of upright seats works well for groups.
Family fun
Children usually love a hot tub, though they need close supervision and shorter, cooler sessions. Steps, handrails and a lockable cover are especially important for families.
Year round wellness
Some people see their tub as part of a wider wellness routine. A warm soak after a cold plunge, a quiet morning session with a coffee, or a regular evening wind down before bed. If that sounds like you, an outdoor hot tub with good insulation and a reliable cover will earn its place in every season.
Size and seating make the biggest difference
The size of your tub affects comfort, how many people can use it and how much space it needs in the garden.
How many seats do you need?
Think about who will use it most of the time, not just the odd party. A couple who mostly soak together may be happiest with a smaller, more intimate tub. A family of five, or anyone who loves to entertain, will want more room.
Lounger seats or upright seats?
- Lounger seats let you lie back and stretch out. They feel luxurious, but they take up space and don’t suit everyone’s height.
- Upright seats fit more people and suit conversation.
- A mix of both is a popular middle ground.
If you can, sit in a tub before you buy. Seat depth and jet placement suit some body shapes better than others.
Depth and access
Deeper tubs cover your shoulders more easily, which feels lovely on a cold night. But deeper also means higher sides to step over. Good steps and a handrail make getting in and out easier for everyone.
Choosing the right spot for your outdoor hot tub
Where you put your tub affects how often you’ll use it. A great spot feels private, sheltered and easy to reach, even in the rain.
Keep it close to the house
In winter, a short walk makes all the difference. The closer your tub is to the back door, the more you’ll use it. A covered or paved path helps too.
Think about privacy
Consider what neighbours can see from upstairs windows. Screening with fencing, planting or a pergola can make the space feel much more private. Our pool landscaping guide has ideas that work around spas too.
Shelter from wind
Wind cools the water surface and makes getting out chilly. A spot with some shelter, such as a wall or hedge, feels more comfortable.
Sun and shade
A little afternoon shade is welcome in summer. A sail shade, pergola or gazebo can give you cover without blocking the sky completely.
Trees and debris
It’s lovely to sit near greenery, but tubs directly under trees collect leaves and sap. Keep a sensible distance where you can.
The view
Think about what you’ll look at while you soak. A favourite part of the garden, a view across fields or the lights of your home at night all add to the experience.
A solid base and good planning set you up well
A filled hot tub, with people in it, is very heavy. Getting the groundwork right from the start avoids problems later.
The base
Your tub needs a firm, level base that can take the weight. A concrete slab is common. The base should be slightly larger than the footprint of your outdoor hot tub, so there’s room to step around it safely and fit a cover lifter. Some decks can work if they’re designed for the load. We’ll look at your site and advise on what’s needed.
Access for delivery
The tub has to get from the road to its final position. Check gate widths, paths, steps and overhead obstacles. In tricky gardens, a crane may be needed. We’ll assess this with you early on, so there are no surprises on delivery day and your garden is protected as the tub goes in.
Electrics
A hot tub needs a dedicated electrical supply installed by a qualified electrician. Safety devices and the right cabling are essential. This is not a job to cut corners on.
Planning permission
Many garden hot tubs don’t need planning permission, especially when they’re not permanent structures. But rules vary. Listed buildings, conservation areas, raised decks and some enclosures can change things. It’s always best to check with your local council. Our guide to swimming pool planning permission explains the general principles.
Sunken, partly sunk or on the surface?
- On the surface is the simplest and most flexible.
- Partly sunk lowers the step height and can look more built in.
- Fully sunk into a deck or patio looks sleek, but needs careful planning for access to the equipment and drainage.
Mistakes we help people avoid
- Choosing the spot last. The base, electrics and access all depend on where the tub goes, so decide early.
- Forgetting the cover lifter. Covers are bulky. A lifter makes opening and closing much easier, and a cover that’s easy to use gets used.
- Blocking access to the equipment. However the tub is set, engineers need to reach the pumps and controls for servicing.
- Ignoring drainage. Rain and splashes need somewhere to go. A base that drains well keeps the area safe and tidy.
- Underestimating the view from next door. A quick look from upstairs windows can save awkward moments later.
Planning an outdoor hot tub carefully at this stage saves time, money and stress once the work begins.
Features worth looking at
There’s a huge choice of features. Some add real everyday value, while others are nice extras. Here are the ones our customers tend to appreciate most.
Insulation and cover
This is one of the most important features of all. Good insulation in the cabinet and a well fitting, insulated cover help keep heat in and cut heat loss on cold nights. They also help the tub warm up faster. Always ask about insulation when comparing models.
Jets and massage
Look at where the jets are placed and if you can adjust them to suit you. Well placed, adjustable jets matter more than a big number.
Filtration and water care
Good filtration keeps water clean and clear with less effort. Some tubs include extra water care systems that can make maintenance simpler.
Controls and connectivity
Easy controls at the side of the tub are a must. Some models let you check and adjust temperature from your phone, so the water is ready when you get home.
Lighting
Soft interior and exterior lighting makes evening soaks feel special and helps with safety when getting in and out. On dark winter nights, a gently lit tub also looks beautiful from the house.
Steps and handrails
These are often overlooked but make a big difference to comfort and safety, especially for older family members.
Caring for your outdoor hot tub
Hot tub water is warm and shared by several people, so it needs regular care. Warm water is exactly where bacteria like to grow, which is why a steady routine matters so much. The good news is that a simple routine is usually enough.
A simple routine
- Test the water a few times a week and adjust sanitiser and pH as needed.
- Rinse or clean the filter regularly and replace it when advised.
- Keep the cover on whenever the tub isn’t in use.
- Wipe the waterline to stop grime building up.
- Drain and refill periodically, following the manufacturer’s guidance.
- Shower before you soak to keep the water fresher for longer.
Chemical safety
When you use hot tub chemicals, follow the label carefully. Wear gloves and eye protection. Never mix different chemicals together. Always add chemical to water, never water to chemical. Keep people out of the tub until the water is balanced, and store all chemicals safely away from children and pets.
Servicing
Pumps, heaters and controls work hard, especially in winter. Regular servicing keeps everything running smoothly and catches small problems early. Our aftercare team offers servicing and repairs.
Safety
Always keep the cover locked when the tub isn’t in use. Supervise children closely and keep their sessions short and the water cooler. Avoid alcohol before or during a soak, and don’t stay in too long. Make sure everyone in the house knows how the controls and cover work.
Outdoor hot tub questions we get asked a lot
Can I use a hot tub in winter?
Yes, and many people say winter is the best time of all. Good insulation and a quality cover help keep the water warm on cold days.
How much will it cost to run?
It depends on the size, insulation, your cover, the weather and how often you use it. We’ll give you a realistic estimate based on your setup.
Do I need planning permission?
Often not, but it depends on your property and the installation. Always check with your local council if you’re unsure.
How long does installation take?
Once the base and electrics are ready, placing and filling a tub is usually quick. We’ll give you a clear timeline for your project.
Can I put a hot tub on decking?
Sometimes, if the deck is designed to take the weight. We’ll assess your site and advise on the safest option.
Do you install and service hot tubs?
Yes. We supply and install spas and hot tubs, and our team offers aftercare, servicing and repairs.
Let us help you choose the perfect outdoor hot tub
A hot tub can quickly become the favourite spot in your garden. Morning soaks, evening chats and quiet time under the stars all add up to a lot of happy moments. The key is choosing the right size and features, placing it well and looking after it properly.
If you’re also thinking about a pool, our guide to having a pool and hot tub together is worth a read. And you can explore our full range of pools, swim spas and spas to see what might suit your home.
Call us on 01483 323 676 or email hello@hilifepools.co.uk for a friendly, no-pressure chat, or get in touch online and we’ll come back to you.
