Creating Your Secret Hot Tub Oasis: A guide

Tony Burnett

A hot tub tucked away in a quiet corner of the garden makes a private place to relax. Whether you want somewhere peaceful to unwind on your own or a romantic spot for two, a secluded hot tub is ideal. Here are some ideas for creating one.

Choosing the right spot

Start by choosing the location. Think about:

  • Privacy: look for a spot that isn't overlooked. A corner of the garden, behind a fence or among trees can give you the privacy you need.
  • Access: make sure the hot tub is easy to reach, especially after dark. A well-lit path helps.
  • Surroundings: make the most of what is already there, and add planting, a water feature or stone walls to improve the setting.

Creating a calm atmosphere

  • Planting: use hedges or tall shrubs as a natural screen, and climbing plants to soften fences and walls.
  • Lighting: soft lighting is calming. String lights, lanterns or low spotlights light the area without being harsh.
  • Decking: a raised deck makes a smart platform for the hot tub. Add steps or a ramp for easy access.
  • Water features: a small pond or fountain adds a relaxing sound and something to look at.

More ideas

  • Privacy screens: screens, pergolas or gazebos create a sheltered, private space.
  • Natural materials: wood, stone and water give a natural, cohesive look.
  • Personal touches: candles, scents or soft blankets make the space your own.

A hot tub is a great place to spend time with friends and family, but it doesn't always have to be the centrepiece of the garden. A smaller, simpler hot tub tucked out of sight can become a quiet place to escape a busy day.

Time on your own and time outdoors are both good for us, and a garden spa gives you both at once.

Solitude isn't about being lonely. It's about choosing to spend some time by yourself.


Privacy ideas that work in UK gardens

Option How quickly it works Points to consider
Fence panels or slatted screens Straight away Check boundary heights with your council; slatted designs let air through, so they cope better with wind
Trellis with climbers One to two seasons Evergreen climbers such as star jasmine keep cover through winter
Tall planters with grasses or bamboo Straight away, filling out over a season Use clumping bamboo in containers so it cannot spread
Hedging Several years Keep it far enough from the spa that leaves and roots do not cause problems
Pergola or gazebo Straight away Adds shelter overhead as well as privacy; curtains or side panels close in the sides

For a roof over the spa, our Fraser freestanding gazebo is designed to sit over a hot tub, and our guide to pergolas, gazebos and canopies compares the options.

Lighting a hidden corner

  • Path first. Low-level lights along the route from the house make the walk safe on dark evenings.
  • Soft, low light around the spa. Downlights on a fence or pergola and uplights into planting create depth without glare.
  • Let the spa do the rest. The built-in LED lighting on our hot tubs gives a glow from the water itself.
  • Think about neighbours. Point lights down and away from windows.

Any mains-powered lighting near a hot tub should be installed by a qualified electrician. Our article on hot tub lighting ideas has more detail.

Layouts by garden size

Small gardens and courtyards

Tuck a compact spa such as the Yukon or Montreal against a boundary, with a screen on the overlooked side. A single tall planter at the open corner can be enough to close the space in.

Medium gardens

Place the spa at the end of a short path, so it feels like a destination. A pergola with climbers on two sides and a bench or surround furniture alongside creates a proper outdoor room.

Large gardens

You have the most choice, but avoid putting the spa so far away that you stop using it in winter. A sheltered spot about halfway down the garden, with a lit path and some planting around it, often works best.

Practical points for a secluded spot

  • Keep about 1 metre clear in front of the equipment panel for servicing.
  • Avoid overhanging trees, which drop leaves and sap into the water and onto the cover.
  • Make sure the base is level, solid and drains away from the spa.
  • Plan the power supply early. A long cable run to a far corner adds cost.
  • Check that a cover lifter has room to work if you add screens close to the spa.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need planning permission for a privacy screen?

Fences and screens over certain heights may need permission, especially next to a road. Check with your local council, and see the Planning Portal for outbuildings.

Which plants are best around a hot tub?

Choose evergreen, low-litter plants in containers or beds set back from the spa. Avoid anything that drops a lot of leaves, needles or berries.

Can I put a hot tub under a pergola?

Yes. Leave enough height to open the cover and enough room around the sides for servicing.

Choosing a hot tub?

Compare our hot tubs and swim spas, or visit our showroom near Gatwick.

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