Garden Hot Tubs

Imagine starting your morning with a saunter out the back door to enjoy a cup of coffee in your garden hot tub, or relaxing just before bed with a lazy soak in your backyard hot tub under the stars. More and more homeowners are taking the plunge (pardon the pun!) and installing a hot tub in their backyard or garden. If it all sounds tempting to you, here are a few things to consider when deciding where and whether to put a hot tub in YOUR backyard.

- Do you have the space?

A hot tub may look small, but even the smallest hot tubs weigh hundreds of pounds ? thousands when filled with water. You'll need to figure in space for the plumbing and controls as well ? and if your county requires security fencing around your tub, you'll need to take that into consideration as well when you're planning for your garden hot tub.

- Where will you put it?

No, really, it's not the same question as above. Because of their weight and the need for plumbing and electricity, you'll need to plan the location of your hot tub carefully. A hot tub on the patio or deck may sound wonderful ? but it will need reinforcement to carry that much weight safely. Besides structural considerations, there are practical ones that are a lot more fun to consider. Do you want it close to the house ? perhaps just outside your bedroom sliders so that you can slip in and out of it easily? Choose a spot for your backyard hot tub that gives you privacy, beauty and convenience.

- Do you want a seasonal or year-round hot tub?

You might think that soaking in a hot tub in your garden in winter is a chilling experience, but there's something especially cozy about watching the snowflakes fall from the relaxing warmth of a garden hot tub. If you'd like to use your hot tub year round, discuss weather proofing with the construction company, and while you're at it, consider a gazebo roof or similar protection for rainy days as well.

- What are the zoning regulations in your area?

In many townships and cities, outdoor backyard hot tubs require the same protections as swimming pools. The regulations may require a locked privacy fence around your garden, or at least around the hot tub itself to prevent accidental drowning.

- How large a hot tub do you want?

A two-person hot tub is cozy and romantic, but garden hot tubs can spark some wonderful entertaining and parties. Will you want to invite the neighbors or workmates to party with you in your garden hot tub once in a while? A 4-8 person tub isn't that much more expensive, and gives you the option of coziness and entertainment.

- Should you choose an in-ground or above ground garden hot tub?

The choice is strictly a matter of preference. In-ground garden hot tubs can blend into the landscaping in your back yard ? but with the proper surrounds (a garden gazebo? A glass conservatory?) so can an above ground hot spa tub. Price is another consideration here ? an in-ground hot tub will require excavation that will make both construction and maintenance more costly.

- What can I do in a garden or back yard hot tub?

Ah, now ? do you really need ME to tell you that? Simply enjoy!

Garry John contributes to home and garden sites such as hot tubs.

---

Bottle Gardening or Terrarium - Design and Maintenance

Women take pride in home decoration and gardening and want some unique and prized possessions that are not part of the neighboring dwellings. Gardening offers opening as... Read More

Gardeners: Contain Yourselves!

Whether you live in a tiny city apartment or on a large country estate, gardening in containers is a way to add colour and the beauty of... Read More

Tractors and Their History

I recently bought a small tractor for my garden, which prompted me to right this article.The tractor was a John Deere, GT235. John Deere tractors are quite... Read More

Invite Spring Early - Grow in Your Basement

Now's the time to get ready to grow your own seedlings! It's not really difficult, and can extend your growing season by many weeks. For example, by... Read More

Teak Patio Table - Why You Need One

Do you love to cook outdoors but end up having to dine on makeshift outdoor furniture or maybe even inside because you simply do not have the... Read More

Plan Before Buying Rose Bushes

So, you have decided to plant rose bushes in your yard or on your patio, porch or balcony. Now all you have to do is go out... Read More

Teak Furniture: The Premier Outdoor Furniture

When selecting furniture for their outdoor spaces, many people purchase pieces made with teak, a hard strong durable golden-brown wood, which is both resistant to the elements... Read More

How to Make Your Backyard a Wonderland Oasis

Home and garden accessories make the difference between house and home. Unfortunately, quality accessories can be notoriously expensive and in today's economy, finding beauty at a price... Read More

Why Teak Furniture is the Better Choice

For centuries, it has been known that teak has qualities unlike any other wood. With an average lifespan of 75 years, teak wood has long been commended... Read More

Homemade Hydroponics System Plan

Building your own water works system is quite simple and can be fun, if you know how to follow instructions. This particular type of system is best... Read More

Gardening Vertically: Fad, Emerging Frontier or Long-Overlooked Art Form

Sure, it makes sense that there's a buzz about vertical gardening?there are lots more of us to feed these days with much less productive land. "Let's make... Read More

Choosing Pond Plants

A pond without plants is like cake without icing. Pond plants fight algae, give fish a hiding place against predators, and beautify our own little slice of... Read More

Cast Aluminum Furniture

In days gone by, outdoor furniture was cast from iron. Today, cast aluminum furniture is used more often. Cast aluminum carries all of the grace and charm... Read More

Teak Planters - Accent Your Outdoor Space with One

Do you want to add something to your outdoor space that will take it from beautiful to breathtaking? Do you have all of the right teak furniture... Read More

Dog Days of Summer

Here are a few tips to keep your garden and a few specific problems from getting away from you during the month of August gardening. Your lawn,... Read More

Ladybugs, Ladybugs, Come to My Garden

Ladybugs, also called lady beetles or ladybirds, can be a gardener's best friend. The ladybug's bright coloring brings welcomed cheer to the garden, as well as helping... Read More

Garden Sheds: Wood Finishing and Weatherproofing Tips

To keep wood garden sheds, arbors, or trellises looking their best, consider using a wood finishing product such as sealer, stain, or outdoor paint. Wood finishing protects... Read More

Funky Garden Plants 2

What's a perennial garden plant that blooms in the winter? A hellebore! It is an outdoor plant that is shocking to see blooming sometimes in the snow.... Read More

Enjoy Creating and Growing a Sustainable Garden While Feeding Your Family

A sustainable garden means one that can be sustained over time, and would necessarily involve I) growing food you want to eat, so you are motivated to... Read More

Bird Baths in Your Yard

HOOOOOOOOOOOEEEEEEEEEHas summer come in with a bang!Heat waves everywhere.And where is the rain?Yolanda is at camp this week.She gets so excited.She can remember that camp is a... Read More

Seeds and More Seeds...What Your Garden Needs

Seeds are the most important ingredient in all gardening. Without quality seeds it would be impossible to have a beautiful garden. True seeds vary in size from... Read More

Buying Teak Wood Furniture Responsibly

Teak has many qualities that make the indoor and outdoor furniture made out of this a coveted high value asset. They last for generations. The durable nature... Read More

Make Your Fresh Cut Roses Last Longer!

Women adore getting flowers, most especially roses, as it is a symbol of love and affection. Price of roses vary from state to state and flower shop... Read More

Cultivating Plants In Your Garden...What To Watch Out For

There are so many plants available for you to choose from that it's hard to know where to start. Are you looking for house plants, tropical plants... Read More

Plants To Grow Old With or The Constant Battle

Following are a few paragraphs about the on going battle I had with some of my plants!Way back when I was just starting to garden I excitedly... Read More

Vegetable Garden Layout

The size of your yard will determine your final vegetable garden layout. What can be fun is the planning of the garden and the decisions surrounding the... Read More