November 2011
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Changing Your Hot Tub Water in 4 Simple Steps
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How to Choose the Right In-ground Pool for You
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A variety of outdoor enclosures can bring the intimacy of the indoors outside so you can enjoy your spa with a little extra privacy.
With so many options, you can find the best enclosure that fits your needs:
Gazebo
Gazebos range from open-air, floorless 8’ x 8’ structures to 20-foot-wide rooms equipped with thermal windows or sliding French doors. Cedar is a popular building material for permanent structures, but portable gazebos consisting of steel poles with fabric or mesh curtains are also good options.
A sturdy, fully enclosed gazebo made from steel or wood can turn your hot tub into an oasis that’s protected from the elements in any season. Many people choose a style that matches their deck, house or tub. “You can get them stained in all different colors,” says Mike Haynes, owner of Atlantis Spa & Pool in New Castle, Del. “If the house siding is brick, stucco or vinyl, you want that to match,”
Since gazebos typically require more labor to construct, they tend to be pricier than other hot tub enclosures.
Pergola
Pergolas typically have trellised roofs that offer an open, airy feeling while cutting down on the intensity of the sun. They tend to be open in front, as well, so you can enjoy more of a breeze and soak in the view of the garden. For a little extra rain protection, however, consider a model with a solid roof.
Looking for something more decorative than the standard 4 X 4 supports? Explore the vast variety of styles available, from fluted columns to posts with hanging flowers to curtains that can be drawn back at each post. If you plan to entertain, features like lighting, bars and benches can also be added.
Cabana
People often think of cabanas as poolside places to change into their swimsuits, but in reality they come in many forms and are often used as hot tub enclosures. If you live in a warm climate—or only use your spa in the summertime—your choices range from a portable, tent-like mesh covering to keep the flies and debris out, to an open, fabric rooftop supported by beams for shading and elegance.
If your area is prone to heavy winds, look for a model with a little extra ground support.
Retractable cover
If you want to protect your spa from the elements but also want the option to use it any time, you can get the best of both worlds with a retractable spa cover.
If your hot tub is already located close to the house, a retractable cover made of aluminum or durable cloth can be attached to the side of your home to offer protection from rain when you need it. These covers can also roll back when you want to enjoy the sun. A sliding cover can be operated by remote control, enabling you to roll back the structure and stargaze at your leisure.
Before adding any outdoor room, check with your local government to be sure you’re in compliance with applicable setback codes and zoning ordinances, and keep any new structure away from power lines and trees. An enclosure can transform your spa experience, but the surrounding area should be as safe as it is soothing.
And when adding an enclosure, Haynes says to ensure you have a firm, level foundation.
If the structure is being added to a deck, Haynes recommends having a structural engineer determine whether the deck needs additional support underneath. “You can adjust the weight by picking and choosing the type of enclosure you put over it,” he adds. He also reminds spa owners to check the “snow load” of any enclosure to ensure the roof holds up—even in the snowiest winter.
