Backyard Hot Tub Privacy and Patio Ideas to Create Your Private Retreat
Updated: Jun. 25, 2024
Relax and unwind without interruptions thanks to these hot tub privacy ideas.
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There’s nothing better than a dip in a backyard hot tub, gazing at the stars with your favorite beverage after a long day. But that peaceful mood can quickly be ruined by nosy neighbors. Hot tub privacy ideas are the best way to get the full ambiance of a relaxing at-home soak.
Brad Holley, an outdoor design expert, shares insights on the various options available. “If budget is no concern, my ideal scenario would involve either building a dedicated, covered shade structure for the hot tub or creating a sunken area so the hot tub feels more like a spa inside an in-ground pool,” he says. This setup allows you to add an awning for more shade or even a ceiling fan or wall-mounted TV. For more budget-friendly options, he suggests shade umbrellas, free-standing screen panels or planting taller vegetation around the perimeter.
So prep the jets and get ready to unwind with our picks for adding seclusion to your backyard spa oasis. Check out these hot tub safety tips for a truly peaceful soak.
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Domi Steel Patio Gazebo
Hot tub privacy ideas range from low-end to high-end. If you’re looking for something that adds a bit of cozy charm to a yard, then get a gazebo. This steel patio gazebo gives you the elegance and seclusion you need: Unhook the curtains and relax in full privacy.
Measuring 12 feet wide by 10 feet deep, there’s plenty of room under its tiered roof for tub of any size. Enclose your outdoor hot tub all year round with the protection of the weather- and rust-resistant steel frame—even during the snowy months.
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Enclo Privacy Screens
This Enclo Privacy Screen offers a compact alternative that maximizes yard space without compromising its impact. The kit includes just two cedar panels, making it ideal for corner placement or as a wall. The wooden slats not only enhance aesthetics but also provide a more visually pleasing option compared to traditional fences.
The no-dig screens make this pick the perfect budget-friendly hot tub landscaping idea. Additionally, each kit includes two slats, and more can be easily added to expand the privacy area as needed.
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CoastShade Patio Pergola
Pergolas are different from gazebos but feature a lot of the same qualities. This CoastShade Patio Pergola sits over your hot tub and offers a 10-foot by 10-foot covering with retractable shelter shades. The material on the pergola’s canopy is UV-resistant and won’t fade. Also, it comes with a battery LED light on the top pillars for a peaceful and private hot tub atmosphere.
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Backyard Discovery Wooden Gazebo
When it comes to hot tub privacy ideas, a wooden gazebo is a more traditional enclosure. It’s made from 100 percent cedar wood that’s built to last and resistant to decay. Ultimately, moisture and mold are a thing of the past. The large covering measures 12 feet wide by 12 feet deep to fit anything from an Aquarest Spa to a hot tub that comfortably seats eight to 10 people.
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SunJoy Hot Tub Pergola Kit
Made specifically for a hot tub, this wood pergola with cedar slats covers your spa from both the sun and prying eyes. Additionally, the top and side features shading slats that act as functional privacy screens. Store towels, robes and other necessities on the included shelves and enjoy an outdoor spa day in your hot tub or jacuzzi.
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Backyard Discovery Verona Bamboo Cabana
Hot tub privacy ideas like this bamboo cabana offer both a shaded solution and an entertainment space. Two sides of the cedar and steel cabana are covered with durable composite panels for more intimacy, while the other sides are open to accommodate a hot tub or fire pit. An inflatable hot tub is ideal for this outdoor setting.
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Patio Store Faux-Ivy Privacy Screen
It might seem simple, but a faux-ivy privacy screen is a wonderful way to add a little coverage to your outdoor oasis. Furthermore, this artificial hedge comes with a mesh backing for more windscreen protection. The leaves are attached to snap-on panels that mount easily to any fence or structure. The realistic artificial leaves also come in a variety of sizes and colors. Relax in your own vicinity with these home spa ideas.
What to Consider with Hot Tub Privacy Ideas
- Safety: “The top concern for any solution should always be safety,” insists Holley. “You don’t want anything with electricity running through it accidentally falling into the water.” It’s also important that anything standing up can be firmly affixed to the ground, a wall or even tied down. “You don’t want strong winds turning your loose property into a ballistic missile,” he jokes.
- Available space: “You need enough space to move around the outside of the hot tub and to open up and move your cover,” shares Holley. It’s also essential, he says, to create enough room to easily access important maintenance panels so you can remove them in case of an emergency.
- Local regulations: “If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, be sure and check your governing documents because it’s likely that there’s going to be some kind of architectural committee which will have some say over what your structural elements can look like,” notes Holley.
- Weather: If you decide to add planter beds for privacy, be sure to consider the species you’re installing and which seasons they will be full or in bloom, advises Holley. “For example, if it’s a tree or bush that isn’t evergreen, you’ll find yourself with little-to-no privacy during the cold months,” he explains.
Why You Should Trust Us
I’m a freelance writer and home decor expert with over six years of experience crafting home-related content. In addition to Family Handyman, my work has been featured in various online publications, including The Spruce, HomeLight and Wayfair. I’m passionate about creating well-designed, functional spaces and love inspiring readers to do the same.
We also consulted Brad Holley, a seasoned outdoor designer, for this article. Holley is the former Design Director at Pure Design, a luxury outdoor design and build firm, and is now a Senior Designer at FoxTerra Design, an innovative outdoor design firm. He won the grand prize in the 2023 Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge, showcasing his expertise in creating luxurious and functional outdoor spaces.
How We Found the Best Hot Tub Privacy Ideas
We researched various options for every budget and space size to find the best hot tub privacy ideas. We considered factors such as aesthetic appeal, functionality and ease of installation. We also consulted an outdoor design pro to gather expert insights and innovative ideas to ensure a comprehensive selection. Additionally, we analyzed customer reviews to understand each option’s practical benefits and potential drawbacks.
FAQ
How much clearance do you need around a hot tub?
“You want to ensure you can remove your maintenance panels and access the self-contained equipment, which operates the hot tub,” says Holley. “Sometimes, all of it is located in one single location on one side, but in some cases, there might be components in a couple of different locations underneath.” Additionally, he notes that you’ll want to give yourself enough space to open and move your hot tub cover easily.
How far should a hot tub be from the house?
“Your city likely has adopted a set of codes that dictate how far they want your hot tub to be. And don’t be surprised if they kindly request that it sit anywhere between five and eight feet away,” he shares. If there aren’t any building codes or local regulations, Holley says you’ll want to place the tub far enough away from your home so that in case it overflows or the self-contained equipment somehow catches on fire, these problems aren’t close enough to affect the house.
What’s the cheapest hot tub privacy idea?
I think the easiest method of adding privacy is the most cost-effective. Simply place the hot tub in a spot where you already have at least some existing privacy, like on an existing covered patio or in a corner where two walls or a fence meet. Any way that you can start with one or more sides already blocked off will give you a head start and make your job easier. After that, I would suggest using shade umbrellas or even decorative, free-standing screen walls or panels.
Originally Published: April 12, 2023
