There is nothing better than relaxing under a clear night sky with your body submerged in a hot outdoor spa. Steam released from the churning bubbles keeps your exposed head and shoulders from feeling any chill in the air. Hot water jets gently massage your lower back - draining away the stress of the day. A heated swimming pool just doesn’t provide the same experience. You need the water piping hot, something only a spa can provide.

 

Installation Options

 

You can attach a spa to your swimming pool. Or, you can build one that is completely separate. You can locate the tub on your deck, or further from the house in a gazebo or other secondary structure. The spa may be installed above ground as a standalone unit. In this case, the exterior can feature the façade of your choice - including wood, stone, or tile. Your other alternative is a tub that is dug in to the ground with steps leading down into the depths of the steaming water.

 

In either case, you will want plenty of lights so you don’t slip and fall in the dark. Use colored filters to give your Jacuzzi a warm pink glow or a peaceful blue luminescence. Many outdoor spas have lights built in. You can also use a lamp post for overhead illumination.

 

Advantages of Outdoor Jacuzzis

 

Locating your spa outdoors prevents significant humidity build-up inside your home. This means your hot tub won’t create a mildew problem in your house. Any water splashed over the sides will simply dry out in the sun. The steam will be wicked away by the wind.

 

Shapes and Sizes

 

Hot tubs have evolved over the years into what we call spas with the advent of modern materials. Manufacturers started to add seats, filters, water jets, and air jets along with the traditional heater. Fiberglass and thermoplastic molding technology have allowed spas to take novel forms while maintaining efficiency and increasing durability. You can pick kidney, square, rectangular, octagonal or circular shapes.

 

Sizes vary, but you don’t need a whole lot of available space to install one. The tub itself is normally not much bigger than 7 by 7 feet and 3 to 4 feet deep. It can be smaller. Many spas can easily accommodate 4 to 6 people (depending on how well you know them!). A tub may contain 150 to 650 gallons of water. 

 

Maintenance & Weather Considerations

 

The water in your spa needs to be treated and kept clean to prevent the growth of bacteria and algae. If your spa and pool are connected, the same filtration system may be used for both. Your manufacturer’s manual will give details on shock treatment, de-scaling, and draining/refilling your tub. Since a spa is a significant investment, paying for a yearly inspection by a spa servicing company is wise.

 

You can use your heated Jacuzzi year round. Install a retractable canopy or awning overhead to block the sun. Also, cover the spa itself with an insulating blanket during cool weather to minimize heat loss. One viable option for North Texas tubs is the SpaCap. Its dome shape directs water off onto the ground - a boon in heavy rainstorms.

 

Unlike other outdoor water features, you won’t need to winterize your spa by shutting it down and removing the pump. If there is a freeze warning in effect, ensure your spa is running during the coldest parts of the night.

 

Conclusion

 

A properly designed Dallas outdoor spa can enhance your outdoor living space. Incorporating waterfalls and other decorative features is one way to accomplish this. Good planning can also address privacy issues through the incorporation of fencing, screens, or hedges.  Contact us for a free consultation anytime.