Log and timber frame homeowners often desire to have a hot tub or jacuzzi as an amenity at their new home. The hot tub shown above was installed for the vacation enjoyment of the family who owns the three-story Honest Abe log cabin in the Smoky Mountains as well as the guests who rent the cabin for their own vacations and holidays.
Deciding where the hot tub will be placed and designing the area around a hot tub can be a fun and creative process, but there are several things to keep in mind when finalizing the plan. There include:
- Privacy: If you want to use your hot tub for relaxation and privacy, you may want to consider adding fencing or screens around the area. This can help keep the hot tub separate from the rest of the yard and create a more secluded and intimate space.
- Landscaping: Adding plants, trees and other landscaping elements can help create a visually appealing and natural-looking space around the hot tub. Consider incorporating plants that can withstand the humidity and heat of the hot tub area.
- Lighting: Proper lighting is important for creating a safe and enjoyable hot tub experience. You can use outdoor lighting to highlight the hot tub area, create ambiance, and provide visibility when using the hot tub at night.
- Seating: Comfortable seating is essential for enjoying the hot tub. Consider adding chairs, benches, or other seating options around the hot tub for relaxing and socializing.
- Accessibility: Make sure that the hot tub area is easy to access, with clear paths and no trip hazards. You may also want to consider adding handrails or steps to help people get in and out of the hot tub safely.
The owners of this custom timber frame by Honest Abe Log Homes wanted to incorporate the hot tub into their outdoor living space.
By considering these factors, you can create an inviting and functional space around your hot tub.
While this addition can bring a great deal of enjoyment, it’s important to understand that maintaining cleanliness in an outdoor hot tub is important for both hygiene and enjoyment.
Here are some tips for keeping your outdoor hot tub clean throughout the season:
Test the water regularly: Test the pH and chlorine levels of the water regularly to ensure that the water is safe and clean. If the levels are off, you can use pH balancing and sanitizing chemicals to adjust them.
Clean the filters: Filters are an important part of the hot tub’s circulation system, and they should be cleaned every week or so. Rinse them off with a hose, and then soak them in a filter cleaner solution.
At this home in Indiana the hot tub is on a walk-out basement overlooking a private lake.
Skim the surface: Use a skimmer or net to remove debris and leaves from the surface of the water. This will help keep the water clean and prevent clogs in the filters.
Drain and refill the water: Depending on the size of your hot tub and the amount of use it gets, you may need to drain and refill the water every month or so. This will help remove any built-up dirt or bacteria.
Use a hot tub cover: A hot tub cover can help keep dirt, debris, and pests out of the water. Make sure to keep it on when the hot tub is not in use.
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