Your backyard is the perfect spot to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee, a game of catch with the kids or an evening of stargazing– and that’s never been more true than right now. With travel plans on hold and many of our usual activities suspended, the backyard has become the “go-to” leisure destination. With so much time spent hanging out at home, you might be looking for ways to make your backyard or deck more comfortable and appealing.
So, where to start? If you’re a Hot Spring® spa owner, you’re in luck! Our hot tubs feature modern cabinet designs and gorgeous, nature-inspired color schemes, with sparkling water features and colorful mood lighting. Just add some landscaping and a few accessories, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning backyard focal point.
Need inspiration? We’ve put together some backyard hot tub ideas for you:
Planting flowers is a simple backyard project that adds beauty and color to your backyard or deck.
WARM UP WITH A SMALL, SATISFYING TASK.
Chances are there’s at least one area of your backyard that could benefit from some TLC. Don’t put small projects off. Repainting or replacing old patio furniture, replanting flower beds, or simply finding a way to neatly store spa chemicals and gardening supplies are all quick, easy fixes. You’ll feel great when your project is done – and you’ll enjoy a better view from your hot tub.
A pergola provides shade and privacy.
CONSIDER YOUR SURROUNDINGS.
Next time you’re soaking in your hot tub, look around and think about how you might improve the experience. Is there something blocking your view of the mountains or stars? A simple tree trimming can clear the way, allowing you to fully enjoy the beauty of nature. If it’s privacy you’re seeking, strategically placed shrubs, a canopy, or a pergola can provide both shade and the coverage you need to fully enjoy your outdoor oasis. Installing a backyard fountain provides zen-like ambiance, and helps block noise too – the flowing water will muffle the sound of dogs barking and passing cars.
Personal touches like potted plants, lanterns, and lights complement the clean, modern design of this Hot Spot® spa.
SMALL TOUCHES MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE.
Inside and out, accessories are the easiest way to bring a splash of color and add personality to your space. Give existing patio furniture a fresh new look with colorful throws and pillows and add natural accents like decorative rocks and potted plants. Scented candles or string lights are an affordable way to add a lovely glow. From the perfect spa-side umbrella, color-coordinated steps, sturdy handrails, and handy towel racks we offer a range of accessories to enhance your spa experience.
Plants and accessories complement the look of your above ground hot tub.
DESIGN TO ENHANCE ANY SPACE.
Above-ground hot tubs provide you with options when designing your outdoor space. You might position it so that you can enjoy a beautiful view, in a secluded corner for privacy, or close to a back door for easy access.
This is a Freeflow sport 2020 Azure Sand spa lifestyle photo photographed in San Marcos by ODonnnell Photograf
Do you love to travel? If you’re like most people, you look forward to those few days a year when you can take a break from the worries and commitments of daily life and experience something new. But sometimes jetting off to an exotic destination or even taking a weekend road trip, just isn’t possible, especially during a pandemic. When that happens, the best we can do is try to experience the best things about vacation, without leaving home. It’s easier than you might think!
We did an informal poll, and asked people around the office what they enjoyed most about traveling. Here are some of the reasons they came up with:
Getting refreshed and revitalized
Having dedicated time to spend with your partner and kids
Socialization with friends
Time to reflect on your short and long-term goals
Appreciation of nature and you surroundings
Prioritizing pleasure over work and other not-so-fun obligations
With a little creativity, you can enjoy many of these same benefits at home. With a Hot Spring spa at home, wellness, happiness, and connection is as close as your own backyard.
Not quite convinced? This chart compares the overall wellness benefits of a hot tub versus a vacation.
Hot Tub
Vacation
Enjoyment Frequency
Many Hot Spring customers make “spa time” part of their daily routine. Even when used daily, a high-quality hot tub can last 15 to 20 years or longer with proper maintenance.
One to two-week duration once yearly. Memories can last a lifetime, although the experience itself is short.
Wellness
Daily or at least weekly opportunities for revitalizing massage, meditation, connection and socialization with family, friends and neighbors leads to an increased sense of well being.
Awesome for the one- to two-week period, but over quickly.
Socialization/ Community
Consistent opportunity to invite family, friends and neighbors to connect in a pleasant, natural setting.
Family and friends can join up on vacation. Great, but short-lived, fun. Out-of-pocket costs for all participants. Logistics can be a hassle for the organizer.
Connection to
Loved Ones
It’s tough to bring a smartphone, tablet or television into the tub. The burble of the bubbles fills in silences, giving soakers opportunities to discuss matters at their leisure.
Good opportunity to connect in stimulating new settings if friends and family members take out the headphones, put down the phones and stop to enjoy the experience.
Dedicated Relaxation
A hot tub can serve as your personal reset button, helping you melt away mental and physical tension. And since it’s in your own back yard, you can enjoy revitalization every day!
Opportunities to recharge, but also pressure to take advantage of everything the location has to offer; landmarks, museums, hikes, shows, athletic adventures, restaurants and more.
Meditation / Reflection time
There is nothing like warm water and jets to help you access the subconscious and reflect on your emotional and physical wellness. A practice of daily meditation is proven to make you happier over your lifetime.
Vacation brings a clear-eyed perspective back home. It also provides the necessary distance to re-evaluate goals and determine what matters. The problem is that resolutions discovered while away can be lost in frenetic home life.
Time in Nature
Regular time in your outdoor hot tub helps you tune into the beauty of nature from your own backyard. This awareness helps you feel part of a greater world, a notion that eases stress and improves happiness.
Visiting dramatic places like Yosemite or Big Sur can be life changing.
For an experience that leads to happiness, vitality, and connection, the hot tub wins over a vacation, hands down. A glance at our reviews illustrate the fact that hot tubbing is a popular backyard activity for families, empty nesters, athletes – just about anyone!
There will be time again someday to hop on a plane or take the kids to a theme park. In the meantime, your local Hot Spring Spas dealer can help you establish your own backyard retreat, where wellness, comfort, and connection are always available!
We’ve moved beyond foam and vinyl. Our DuraCore covers have a completely different internal construction than ordinary covers. A tough plastic shell that doesn’t break, a lightweight, highly insulating core, and no polystyrene to absorb water. All inside a tough, beautiful fabric skin.
Inside
Modern spa covers can’t get waterlogged because there’s simply nothing in them that absorbs water the way foam covers do. High strength is achieved using high-grade twinwall polycarbonate that stays strong year after year. And our engineered insulation pack uses commercial grade insulation and radiant air cavities to give you double the R-value in a lightweight package.
Outside:
Why shouldn’t the fabric covering last as long as your spa? Every DuraCore cover comes with the most advanced polyester fabric of any spa cover. Made from solution-dyed fibers, it has a lifetime warranty against cracking. Plus, there’s no need for regular treatment to maintain UV protection of your cover.
The best spa for the planet:
Standard vinyl and foam spa covers waste a lot of energy over their short lives, then head to landfills where they sit for hundreds of years. Modern covers last far longer, are made of 90% recyclable and reusable materials, and save literally tons of carbon over their lifetime. Plus we offer the only solar heating spa cover on the market, our SunCatcher spa cover, which offsets up to 80% of electric heating, saving up to 20 tons of greenhouse gas emissions over its life.
We’ve moved beyond foam and vinyl. Our DuraCore covers have a completely different internal construction than ordinary covers. A tough plastic shell that doesn’t break, a lightweight, highly insulating core, and no polystyrene to absorb water. All inside a tough, beautiful fabric skin.
Inside
Modern spa covers can’t get waterlogged because there’s simply nothing in them that absorbs water the way foam covers do. High strength is achieved using high-grade twinwall polycarbonate that stays strong year after year. And our engineered insulation pack uses commercial grade insulation and radiant air cavities to give you double the R-value in a lightweight package.
Outside:
Why shouldn’t the fabric covering last as long as your spa? Every DuraCore cover comes with the most advanced polyester fabric of any spa cover. Made from solution-dyed fibers, it has a lifetime warranty against cracking. Plus, there’s no need for regular treatment to maintain UV protection of your cover.
The best spa for the planet:
Standard vinyl and foam spa covers waste a lot of energy over their short lives, then head to landfills where they sit for hundreds of years. Modern covers last far longer, are made of 90% recyclable and reusable materials, and save literally tons of carbon over their lifetime. Plus we offer the only solar heating spa cover on the market, our SunCatcher spa cover, which offsets up to 80% of electric heating, saving up to 20 tons of greenhouse gas emissions over its life.
If you’ve spent any time shopping for a new hot tub, you’ve probably heard a lot about how good hot tubs are for your health. But apart from being relaxing and soothing, many people still wonder, “What does a hot tub actually do for your body?” The short answer? A lot.
Using a hot tub regularly can have a tremendous impact on a number of health conditions and provide a big boost to your overall well-being. To understand the effects of a hot tub on the body, here are some common physical ailments and health issues that can be alleviated with regular hot tub use.
Hot Spring Highlife Envoy 2019 Lifestyle image
Muscle soreness
Chronic pain affects an estimated 20% of U.S. adults or around 50 million people. Often, that pain takes the form of sore muscles. Thankfully, hot tubs might be able to provide some relief. The heat from the spa water could help loosen tight muscles and encourage blood flow, which can help reduce pain. Powerful jet systems can also massage the muscles and alleviate any tension that may be causing discomfort. That’s why regular hot tub use might not only relieve pain, but it can also provide a boost for your exercise routine as well.
Joint pain
Joint pain is another common affliction that can be improved through daily hot tub use. The reason is simple: The buoyancy of water can take weight off of your joints, which might help relieve joint pain or arthritis pain. According to the Arthritis Foundation, warm water immersion “offers 360-degree support for sore limbs, can decrease swelling and inflammation and increase circulation.” They also note that the effects of a hot tub on your body may continue for a prolonged period after you’ve left the spa.
Stress
Modern life is full of stressors that can take their toll on your physical and emotional well-being. But hot tubs help melt that stress away through the power of warm water hydrotherapy. Studies have shown that your body’s autonomic nervous system balances out when you immerse yourself in warm water. This balancing act could help you better manage stress and can even lead to “a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease, improved memory, enhanced cognitive processes and increased concentration.”
Anxiety
Hot tubs might help reduce anxiety in much the same way that they can impact your stress levels. The way warm water affects your body’s nervous system might help you process emotions and relieve anxiety. But there are features beyond the water itself that can help with anxiety. Built-in LED lights help create a calming atmosphere while integrated Bluetooth speakers allow you to listen to relaxing music or a guided meditation program.
Poor sleep
According to one study , up to 70% of U.S. adults say they don’t get the sleep they need. And lack of sleep quickly takes a toll on both mind and body. But a hot tub can help correct that. A relaxing soak before bed helps you disconnect from the stresses and obligations in your daily life. Taking a break from screens and social media also helps quiet your mind and has been proven to lead to better sleep. By relaxing your muscles and erasing the worries of the day, a hot tub can set the stage for night after night of restorative sleep.
Conclusion
When it comes down to it, there’s a lot that a hot tub does for your body. But you won’t know how it’ll work for you until you try it yourself. Find your local Hot Spring dealer and schedule a wet test today. You’ll be able to experience the massage of powerful jets and enjoy all the transformative properties of your very own hot tub.
If you’ve spent any time shopping for a new hot tub, you’ve probably heard a lot about how good hot tubs are for your health. But apart from being relaxing and soothing, many people still wonder, “What does a hot tub actually do for your body?” The short answer? A lot.
Using a hot tub regularly can have a tremendous impact on a number of health conditions and provide a big boost to your overall well-being. To understand the effects of a hot tub on the body, here are some common physical ailments and health issues that can be alleviated with regular hot tub use.
Hot Spring Highlife Envoy 2019 Lifestyle image
Muscle soreness
Chronic pain affects an estimated 20% of U.S. adults or around 50 million people. Often, that pain takes the form of sore muscles. Thankfully, hot tubs might be able to provide some relief. The heat from the spa water could help loosen tight muscles and encourage blood flow, which can help reduce pain. Powerful jet systems can also massage the muscles and alleviate any tension that may be causing discomfort. That’s why regular hot tub use might not only relieve pain, but it can also provide a boost for your exercise routine as well.
Joint pain
Joint pain is another common affliction that can be improved through daily hot tub use. The reason is simple: The buoyancy of water can take weight off of your joints, which might help relieve joint pain or arthritis pain. According to the Arthritis Foundation, warm water immersion “offers 360-degree support for sore limbs, can decrease swelling and inflammation and increase circulation.” They also note that the effects of a hot tub on your body may continue for a prolonged period after you’ve left the spa.
Stress
Modern life is full of stressors that can take their toll on your physical and emotional well-being. But hot tubs help melt that stress away through the power of warm water hydrotherapy. Studies have shown that your body’s autonomic nervous system balances out when you immerse yourself in warm water. This balancing act could help you better manage stress and can even lead to “a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease, improved memory, enhanced cognitive processes and increased concentration.”
Anxiety
Hot tubs might help reduce anxiety in much the same way that they can impact your stress levels. The way warm water affects your body’s nervous system might help you process emotions and relieve anxiety. But there are features beyond the water itself that can help with anxiety. Built-in LED lights help create a calming atmosphere while integrated Bluetooth speakers allow you to listen to relaxing music or a guided meditation program.
Poor sleep
According to one study , up to 70% of U.S. adults say they don’t get the sleep they need. And lack of sleep quickly takes a toll on both mind and body. But a hot tub can help correct that. A relaxing soak before bed helps you disconnect from the stresses and obligations in your daily life. Taking a break from screens and social media also helps quiet your mind and has been proven to lead to better sleep. By relaxing your muscles and erasing the worries of the day, a hot tub can set the stage for night after night of restorative sleep.
Conclusion
When it comes down to it, there’s a lot that a hot tub does for your body. But you won’t know how it’ll work for you until you try it yourself. Find your local Hot Spring dealer and schedule a wet test today. You’ll be able to experience the massage of powerful jets and enjoy all the transformative properties of your very own hot tub.
A large, seven-seat hot tub holds around 450 gallons of water. That might seem like a lot of water, but when you consider the fact that an average person sends around 100 gallons per day down their drains as a result of household activities, it’s really not.
A home hot tub holds about four days worth of water. However, because that water is sanitized and run through filters repeatedly, it can last quite a while before it needs to be drained and replaced. But if you’re ecologically conscious or live in a drought-prone area, you may still feel a few pangs of guilt when draining your hot tub every few months, even though you’ve put that water to good use. Fortunately, the best eco-friendly hot tubs today include water care systems that allow you to conserve more water and spend more time enjoying your hot tub. Here’s how to find the best one for you.
THE BEST ECO-FRIENDLY HOT TUB IS THE PERFECT SIZE
The first step in buying an environmentally friendly hot tub is to find one sized perfectly for your needs. Your home spa will be part of your daily routine, so it should be comfortable and have plenty of space for those who use it. Considering the following points will help you choose a hot tub that’s perfect for you and your family and conserves both water and energy:
How will you use your spa? If you live alone and the main purpose of your hot tub is to relax your muscles after a long run or workout, then much of your hot tub use will be solo. A two-seat hot tub or three-seat hot tub will provide you with the therapeutic benefits of warm water immersion and extra seats for company.
The importance of jet configurations. In many hot tubs, different seats offer different jet configurations. If you intend to use your spa to relieve pain or soreness then you may need to consider extra seats or a lounger to have a full range of hot tub hydrotherapy benefits.
Choosing a hot tub that is the correct size is just one way to enjoy all the benefits of a home spa while being eco-conscious. To take resourcefulness to the next level, choose a spa that’s not only the perfect size, but also energy efficient.
THE BEST ECO-FRIENDLY HOT TUBS SAVE ENERGY
High-quality hot tubs that are designed to reduce energy use and energy costs include a number of energy-efficient features, such as:
Dedicated circulation pumps that continuously circulate the hot water and use less energy than main pumps. Your spa water remains warm and it’s filtered by a smaller pump than the one that gives the jets their force.
A pump shroud that helps facilitate the transfer of heat produced by the pump operating into the water.
Perimeter insulation that keeps the cabinet warm but allows heat from the heater and pump to help warm the water.
Total foam insulation, layered in different densities, that fills gaps and prevents hot air leaks, which can cool the spa and force the heater to run more often.
An insulated hot tub cover that prevents heat from escaping from the water and keeps your hot tub warm and ready to use.
Energy efficiency not only benefits the environment but also your wallet. Keeping your hot tub water warm around the clock uses less energy than heating it up immediately after refilling, and that translates to lower utility bills.
THE BEST ECO-FRIENDLY HOT TUBS EXTEND WATER LIFE AND ARE SIMPLER TO MAINTAIN
Hot tubs with traditional water care systems require draining and refilling a few times a year. But spas with eco-friendly salt water systems extend water life for up to a year.
The new FreshWater Salt System*, available on 2019 Highlife® Collection and Limelight® Collection spas from Hot Spring®, is the simplest and most effective hot tub salt water chlorine generator. It will keep water fresh and sanitary for a full year with normal use before it needs to be drained and refilled. Heavy use of the spa can make an early water replacement necessary. This system not only saves on water use, but also extends on energy efficiency. It takes much more energy to heat new water to the perfect temperature than to keep warm water heated.
The easy-to-maintain FreshWater Salt System—the best salt water system for home spas—is factory integrated and titanium cartridge-based. Chlorine is generated at a steady rate from salts contained in the cartridge. Each cartridge lasts four months, and is easily replaced directly from your spa’s bar top in seconds. Simpler water care with the FreshWater Salt System means spending less time maintaining your spa and more time enjoying it. The low levels of chlorine will also reduce the level of chemicals and chemical odors in your hot tub.
Finally, the water in your spa can be reused as gray water to irrigate your landscaping or wash your car, if that’s allowed in your area. But you have to let the chemicals dissipate first. You shouldn’t use the water if the chlorine count is higher than 0.1 part per million (ppm) or if the water is too acidic (below a pH of 6.5) or too alkaline (with a pH of 7.8). Turning the system off and letting the chlorine dissipate from your spa over a few days should bring the chlorine count down to a safe level.
The FreshWater Salt System combined with the usual dedication to energy efficiency you find in all Hot Spring spas makes for the very best eco-friendly hot tubs manufactured.
In its basic form, hydrotherapy is a type of warm or cold water massage that helps relieve pain. Hydrotherapy uses the temperature and pressure of water to offer relief from symptoms. While hydrotherapy can take many forms, often it uses under water jetted massage (as in a hot tub).
WHEN WAS HYDROTHERAPY INVENTED?
Hydrotherapy dates back to Ancient Greece. Hippocrates documented his early use of hydrotherapy and referred to the treatment as hydropathy. The Greeks were not the only people to use hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy was also used by the Ancient Chinese, Roman, and Egyptian civilizations. Hydrotherapy gained popularity over time and came to the United States in the 1840s. Hydrotherapy has evolved in the United States, and now encompasses many different forms. People love hydrotherapy so much that they even started using it to treat their dogs. Today there are even canine hydrotherapy facilities across the country.
HOW IS HYDROTHERAPY PRACTICED?
There are many techniques that people use to enjoy hydrotherapy benefits. A simple and common technique is the use of a cold or hot compress for muscle pain, headaches, or fevers. Wraps, like compresses, involve wrapping a water soaked sheet around a part of the body. A second layer of towels or hot blankets added to the wrap can treat anything from a fever to skin disorders. Hot tubs and spas are a huge part of hydrotherapy practices and offer many benefits. The hot water helps relieve sore muscles, and sports-related injuries. It may provide temporary relief for arthritis symptoms. The jet streams help ease other types of symptoms, including emotional or mental stress. Hot tubs are a great way to enjoy hydrotherapy benefits at home. When a person’s body is completely submerged in water, they have a weightless feeling.. This relief from the pressure of gravity gives muscles and joints a respite from pain. Exercising in water also takes this concept of weightlessness and applies it to activity. Water based exercise reduces pressure on joints and muscles.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF HYDROTHERAPY?
At its most basic level, hydrotherapy can help relieve stress and assist people to relax and let go of worry. Hydrotherapy also reduces aches and pains including sore muscles, and joint stiffness.
Some hydrotherapy benefits may include:
increase blood flow in the body
reduce aches and pains of sore muscles
relieve joint stiffness
ease common cold symptoms (clearing airways)
assist with issues related to hypertension
relief from headaches
Hydrotherapy is a long, storied practice that can assist people in many ways. One of the easiest ways to practice hydrotherapy is to bring a hot tub into your own home and use it daily. Hot tubs are one of the most common ways to reap the wellness benefits of hydrotherapy!
In its basic form, hydrotherapy is a type of warm or cold water massage that helps relieve pain. Hydrotherapy uses the temperature and pressure of water to offer relief from symptoms. While hydrotherapy can take many forms, often it uses under water jetted massage (as in a hot tub).
WHEN WAS HYDROTHERAPY INVENTED?
Hydrotherapy dates back to Ancient Greece. Hippocrates documented his early use of hydrotherapy and referred to the treatment as hydropathy. The Greeks were not the only people to use hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy was also used by the Ancient Chinese, Roman, and Egyptian civilizations. Hydrotherapy gained popularity over time and came to the United States in the 1840s. Hydrotherapy has evolved in the United States, and now encompasses many different forms. People love hydrotherapy so much that they even started using it to treat their dogs. Today there are even canine hydrotherapy facilities across the country.
HOW IS HYDROTHERAPY PRACTICED?
There are many techniques that people use to enjoy hydrotherapy benefits. A simple and common technique is the use of a cold or hot compress for muscle pain, headaches, or fevers. Wraps, like compresses, involve wrapping a water soaked sheet around a part of the body. A second layer of towels or hot blankets added to the wrap can treat anything from a fever to skin disorders. Hot tubs and spas are a huge part of hydrotherapy practices and offer many benefits. The hot water helps relieve sore muscles, and sports-related injuries. It may provide temporary relief for arthritis symptoms. The jet streams help ease other types of symptoms, including emotional or mental stress. Hot tubs are a great way to enjoy hydrotherapy benefits at home. When a person’s body is completely submerged in water, they have a weightless feeling.. This relief from the pressure of gravity gives muscles and joints a respite from pain. Exercising in water also takes this concept of weightlessness and applies it to activity. Water based exercise reduces pressure on joints and muscles.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF HYDROTHERAPY?
At its most basic level, hydrotherapy can help relieve stress and assist people to relax and let go of worry. Hydrotherapy also reduces aches and pains including sore muscles, and joint stiffness.
Some hydrotherapy benefits may include:
increase blood flow in the body
reduce aches and pains of sore muscles
relieve joint stiffness
ease common cold symptoms (clearing airways)
assist with issues related to hypertension
relief from headaches
Hydrotherapy is a long, storied practice that can assist people in many ways. One of the easiest ways to practice hydrotherapy is to bring a hot tub into your own home and use it daily. Hot tubs are one of the most common ways to reap the wellness benefits of hydrotherapy!
Does your family love camping but you can’t find the time to get away? Or does the thought of loading up the car with all those supplies for a quick weekend stop you in your tracks? Why not create your own backyard camping trip that the kids (and you) will never forget? The first thing you need is a tent big enough to fit the entire family. If you need to upgrade your accommodations or add a tent to your supplies, here are some great and affordable options for you to consider.
Stock up on easy-to-cook outdoor foods that the entire family can prepare together. And, of course, you have to prepare for the s’mores adventure! Check out 101 stress free camping foods to cook,
So, let’s recap:
Food
Lodging
S’mores
Now what?
To keep the kids entertained we would suggest some backyard games like bocce ball, washer toss, bag toss, and Wiffle ball. Use this as an excuse to add some new yard games to your supply like giant Jenga or Connect Four.
Some of these games are great for the parents as well, but you should try to carve out some time to relax. Installing a hammock is a great way to go.
Once the sun has set and the last s’more has been devoured, it’s time for some evening entertainment. Drape a white cloth in the darkest part of the yard and project a movie for all to enjoy. Better yet, just add water to create your own float-n-flick experience. Hot tubs are a great way to pull the family together for a memorable, relaxing experience on any budget and any backyard size. With plug’n’play models, all you need is a standard outlet to heat the water. No special wiring or electrical configuration required! Plus, the hot tub will be enjoyed well beyond the weekend camping trip.
Don’t have a hot tub yet? You will be surprised how affordable it can be. Check out our Freeflow Spas to learn more. Evaluate your options–from 2-person hot tubs to a 7-seater large enough for your entire family to enjoy together. You can even schedule a test soak!
Hot tubs can even be financed for low monthly payments that are way less than a weekend trip to the campground. Plus, you will benefit from the stress-reducing, family bonding, and personal escape of your very own hot tub any time you want.
︎ NO waterlogging
Salt System
