Examples of Hot Tub Placement

a hot tub placement near the pool designed by pools by design

Building an in-ground hot tub will take your backyard to the next level. You can enjoy your spa throughout the year even when temperatures are cooler and it’s a perfect place for socializing or relaxing. One of the steps in designing your pool and spa combination is deciding on the ideal hot tub placement. This article includes examples of spas we’ve built so you can get an idea of how the different options for placement work and use them for inspiration.

There are two main ways to combine your pool and spa: a spillover spa, or a spa on the same level as the pool. Both of these options create a visual connection between your hot tub and pool and allow you to use one pump for both.

Spillover Spas

Spillover spas have water that goes over the edge of the spa into the pool. There are a variety of ways to design this, including single streams, multiple scuppers, or an infinity edge. No matter which one you choose, all of these options visually link the pool and spa and also allow you to enjoy the relaxing sound of the water.

Infinity-Edge Spillover Spa

This spa has an infinity-style edge, which allows water to flow over uniformly. It is placed in the corner of the pool, which works well with the angular, modern design. The variation in height allows the spa to stand out and the stone tiles on the edge match the design of the deck and water features.

Circular Spillover Spa With Angular Pool Shape

This spa uses scuppers to connect the hot tub to the pool area. It also varies the shape between the more angular edges of the pool and the circular shape of the spa. This creates a visually stunning contrast.

Infinity Pool With Spillover Hot Tub

This spillover spa has a single curtain of water that falls over the edge into the pool. The spa is placed strategically so anyone in it can relax and enjoy the spectacular view of the infinity pool’s edge over the desert.

Spa Within the Pool

Another option is to place your spa on the same level as your pool. This keeps them more unified visually and in many cases, it’s harder to identify the hot tub from a distance. This approach works well if you want a more minimalist design or if you have other water features that you want to stand out based on a contrast of height.

In-Pool Spa With LED Lights

This backyard is a perfect place for relaxation, and the design of the pool and spa reflects this. Having the spa within the pool, which has a simple rectangular shape, allows the baja shelf, water features, and fire pit to shine. The LED lights in the spa add visual contrast while still promoting the general air of tranquility.

Spa Near Pool Entry

This spa is placed within the ground at the same level as the pool. However, it also has a border of light-colored coping which helps it stand out. The placement at the entrance of the pool makes it easy to get in and out.

Spa Within Infinity Pool

In this design, the spa is placed at the entrance of the pool and has a border of blue tile. This allows it to blend seamlessly with the water. As a result, the infinity edge stands out visually.

What About a Standalone Spa?

Some pool owners choose to build their hot tub in a separate area of the yard than their pool. This is less common because it requires a separate circulation system, which can increase the cost. It also means the spa is less visually integrated with the pool. However, building a spa in a separate area from your pool can be a good option if you want a different area or if it works better with the layout of your yard.

We don’t have as many examples of these since they are less common, but if you are interested in this style, let your design consultant know. We can give you more information about how the design would look and provide a cost estimate.

Design Your Dream Pool and Spa

At Pools by Design, we can bring your backyard dreams to life. We build beautiful pools, spas, and outdoor living areas and can help you determine the best placement for all of the elements you wish to include.