Our experts at Outback Pools & Spas are here to help make backyard entertainment and maintenance as enjoyable as possible. We know you have questions, and lots of them. That’s why we’ve taken some time to answer some of your most frequently asked questions about our products and backyard maintenance, including hot tubs, swimming pools and swim spas. If you have a question but it isn’t listed here, please feel free to get in touch with us or visit us in-person today!

Take it easy, backyard hot tub style.

Start with the basics: backyards, decks, and patios are all about relaxing. That’s why a hot tub fits in so well. Let’s assume you’re just thinking about adding a hot tub.

• Plan to use your hot tub all year long. Plant seasonal flowers, move furniture, or add a spa umbrella when the seasons change.
• Keep it simple: you may only need matching steps and planters around your hot tub.
• Create a leafy, natural retreat around your hot tub, for privacy and beauty. Don’t wait for trees to mature – ivy-covered trellises surrounding your hot tub work well, too.

Backyards for beginners.

If you didn’t grow up gardening, or you’re as nature-deprived as many of us seem to be these days, you may be intimidated by the idea of taking care of a yard, not to mention planning how it’s going to look. Luckily, our backyard entertainment specialists at Outback Pools and Spas are here to help!

• Hardscaping.
  The rule of thumb is to plan for or around the hardscape. This is masonry work, woodwork, patios, decks, wooden arbors – anything permanent or built-in. (Plants, shrubs, lawn are considered softscape). A hot tub should be thought of as hardscaping, especially if you’re planning to surround it with decking. Look through some examples of hot tub installations for inspiration.

• Get the big picture.
  Nurseries full of exotic plants are tempting, especially in the Spring, but they don’t always fit in when we get them home. Most backyards are organized by a few strong elements, like a green grassy lawn, rows of hedges, a patio for entertaining. Start with these dominant features, and also decide how you will get to and from different areas. Then fill in the blanks with seasonal plants, furniture, etc.

• Copy what you like.
  When you see something you like, consider adapting the idea for your yard. Plants growing in your neighborhood are a safe bet (the climate supports them). Admire your neighbor’s new brick walkway? Ask for the name of the bricklayer, or maybe the homeowner has some tips for you! You can research how-to details online for almost any landscaping or outdoor remodeling project.

Hot tub plans – avoid the add-on look.

Plan ahead for your new hot tub. Having a hot tub plan can help you achieve a “built-in” look, and avoid the impression that the spa was an add-on. As you shop for a new hot tub, keep in mind the dimensions of the patio, deck or yard for your spa installation. Look through Texas home and garden magazines for design ideas. And browse through the photos of hot tub owners’ backyards for patio, deck, and spa installation ideas.

• Access to the spa from the house is usually via an existing wood, concrete, or masonry patio. You may have secondary access to or from a lawn area that provides continuity between your house, spa, and yard. The area next to the stairs leading from the spa to the lawn provides the perfect spot for a flowerbed, or a towel tree.
• Transition between spa decking and the lawn area. Strengthen the continuity between your house and yard by creating a “stepping-stone” effect:
  • Allow the ground cover (i.e. turf, grasses, moss, etc.) to grow between the stepping-stones to blend the hardscape (decking) to the softscape (lawn area).
  • Redwood rounds make nice stepping-stones. If your decking is masonry, match the brick, flagstone, or tile.
• Install garden lighting along the pathway to your spa. Hot tubs feature LED interior lighting, including sparkling, backlit waterfalls in most models.

5 key points in planning for your Sundance^® spa installation.

1. Consider your family's needs and desires. Do you entertain? Love family barbeques? Enjoy reading or quiet meditation? The answers to these questions will help you determine the type of setting you want for your hot tub, and which hot tub model is best for you.
2. Is your spa easy to get to from the house? The closer it is, the more you'll enjoy it. Consider a patio or deck just outside the home for spa installation.
3. Think about privacy when deciding where to place your hot tub. Check the views into your yard. Tall shrubs or plants can form an enclosure for your hot tub installation.
4. Identify sun and shade spots as well as wind directions. Place your hot tub where you can use it comfortably throughout the year.
5. How's the view from your hot tub? Is there attractive landscaping or a sunset view? Need to keep an eye on the children as you soak? Consider the line of sight from your spa.

• Drainage

  When it rains, which way does the water flow? Water should flow away from your house and other structures; it should not stand or puddle near your spa. Will you need extra grading or drains to ensure water doesn't settle where your spa is going to be installed?

• Hot tub electrical installation

  Electrical power from the main panel of your house may also provide for your irrigation controller and other electrical needs, such as lighting. An electrician can install an extra outlet or hardwire additional controllers. Be sure your electrician consults the Pre-delivery Guide for your model before doing electrical work.

One of the best home improvement ideas you may ever have is to revamp your backyard with the installation of an outdoor spa. It’s a lot easier to own and maintain one than you think. The installation process is simple. It usually involves making sure you have a good foundation for a spa, a trustworthy electrical connection, and a garden hose to maintain the water levels. Whether your ideas for a backyard transformation are along the lines of being contemporary, energy-saving and functional, or if you simply want to get more from the space around your existing hot tub, we’re here to help. Keep reading to learn more about planning, creating, and budgeting for your backyard transformation!

In our backyard ideas planning section, you’ll find tips for buying the hot tub that best suits your needs. This is also where we give you details on backyard spa delivery and setup. Putting it all together lets you exercise your own creative style in planning walkways to and from the house, patio or deck location, and landscaping around your backyard hot tub. Besides being a valuable resource for planning and installation questions, we can offer recommendations for professional services, as well. The best backyard ideas maximize the benefits you’ll get from your hot tub therapy, relaxation, and entertainment.

It’s easy to fall in love with backyard spa living. Why? Because hot tubs are easy to maintain. The modern hot tub owner has access to protective covers and other practical accessories that help ensure a safe and efficient spa experience 365 days a year. All our Sundance® Spas are available in sizes from small to large, to fit almost any backyard. See your backyard ideas about hot tub built-in spa music, waterfalls, planters, and more to make your backyard hot tub come to life. Get more information from the blog and visit our store for details.

TOP 3 REASONS TO PUT A HOT TUB IN YOUR BACKYARD.

Owners responses* to a survey about what was important to them in choosing a hot tub include personal relaxation, hot tub quality and reliability, and therapy and pain relief. Visit our showroom for an in-person experience. See 10+ models on display, ask questions, and see the unbeatable quality for yourself.

* Warranty/Registration card surveys, January 2006 through April 2007.