Hot Tub Landscaping On a Budget – 8 Ideas For Spa Owners

When you look at your outdoor space, what do you see? Do you envision a space that boasts a calming, serene atmosphere, or are you looking for a social hub to share with loved ones?

Whether you’re embarking on a backyard renovation project, eagerly awaiting your spa’s arrival, or simply looking for ways to breathe new life into your space, you’ve come to the right place.

We’re passionate about transforming backyards into relaxing escapes that banish daily stressors the moment you walk into their lush embrace.

But we understand everyone has a different budget, and budget-friendly options are key to ensuring this welcome reprieve is accessible to all.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of eight captivating ideas for hot tub landscaping on a budget.

Read on and get inspired!

8 Top Ideas for Hot Tub Landscaping On a Budget

The elements you add to your space, whether around your hot tub or sprawling throughout your space, have a significant impact on your emotional response when you step into your space.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into our favorite ideas for hot tub landscaping on a budget, transforming your backyard into a dreamy oasis!

1. Add Some Privacy with a Plant-Covered Trellis

Privacy is a crucial element of any backyard, and it becomes even more pivotal for those living in dense areas with nearby neighbors.

While Gazebos and pergolas may be out of budget, trellises are a cost-friendly alternative, and can even be a DIY project if you enjoy a hands-on approach.

With their intricate latticework and varying heights and designs, they offer a sleek approach to privacy that complements a variety of backyard aesthetics.

Pair a trellis with climbing plants, and you’ve got a lush privacy barrier that adds a nice pop of color around your hot tub.

For an even more affordable solution, opt for faux ivy or a trellis with built-in faux greenery. These not only take the work out of tending plants but also offer year-round coverage!

2. Light It Up With Solar Pathway Lights

Not only a way to add subtle beauty to your space, but also safety, solar powered pathway lights may be just what you need to achieve that intimate atmosphere after dark.

These eco-friendly, affordable lights have become popular outdoor elements for people across the country, and for good reason.

Not only do they come in a variety of styles to complement a wide range of backyards, but they offer effortless lighting, free from plugs and switches.

3. Become a Social Hot-Spot with Patio Furniture

If you envision a space that’s equally as comforting outside your spa’s water as it is beneath its warm surface, patio furniture is the way to go.

Curate a space that’s unique to you, whether it be with lounge chairs for quiet moments of reading, or plush cushion-adorned couches to welcome guests into your space; your options are endless.

Furthermore, if space allows, you can add a small dining area alongside your patio furniture, extending your social visits past pleasantries into an evening of stimulating conversation.

Patio furniture isn’t only for comfort, however. It’s also a powerful way to let your personality shine through, becoming a pivotal element in your backyard aesthetic.

Crave a cozy, calm atmosphere? Look for neutral covers and cozy blankets and pillows to sweep across the backs of the furniture.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a space that offers a bold visual appeal, consider adding patterned pillows or a brightly colored patio umbrella for a pop of color and style.

4. Turn Up The Heat With Patio Heating

While we’re on the topic of entertaining guests, what better way to extend your time outside than with the captivating glow and cozy warmth of patio heating?

While these units may be better suited to those with a more flexible budget, they are certainly worth considering.

Boasting unique designs, they can become a statement piece in your space while offering welcoming warmth after sundown.

Whether you enjoy hosting social events that extend well into the evening or dream of spending time outdoors for a quiet moment of reprieve as you gaze at the stars, patio heaters may be your perfect backyard addition.

5. Enjoy Natural Aromatics With an Herb Garden

Aromatherapy has been around for centuries, but it’s exploded in popularity in recent years.

Planting an herb garden near your spa is a powerful multipurpose landscaping solution.

Not only will it fill the air around your spa with the subtle scents of fresh herbs, but it also enhances your cooking!

Want to extend this option’s multi-purpose use even further? Combine your trellis with the herbs, creating a living garden wall that also offers the privacy you’ve been wanting to attain!

6. Take Advantage of Existing Structures

This one is for those who are awaiting delivery day and working to prepare for their new backyard oasis.

Installing your new hot tub takes some work, and you’ll need to prepare one big thing beforehand: your foundation.

Concrete slabs or spa pads are common foundation options. However, if you have an existing deck or patio, you may be able to reduce your installation costs.

Before settling on using your deck or patio for your spa, you’ll need to consider two things:

1. Is it perfectly level?
2. Is it stable and strong enough to withstand the full weight of your hot tub, after it’s been filled?

Both of these factors must be met before choosing to use your deck or patio as your hot tub foundation.

If not, you risk damaging your spa because its weight is unevenly distributed or because the materials of your deck or patio deteriorate below it.

7. Add Some Color With Greenery

Are you someone who loves the idea of a lush oasis filled with plants? Adding various plants around your spa may be just what you need to bring your vision to life.

Adorning your backyard with plants boasts a range of benefits that go far beyond creating a beautiful space.

In fact, research from Cornell University found that spending just 10 minutes in a natural setting was able to reduce stress levels and increase happiness in participants.

Beyond that, plants can also be a great way to achieve your privacy goals!

From blooming flowers that add color to unique succulents that sprawl throughout your garden, there are plenty of ways to bring your backyard to life.

Here are some of our favorite outdoor plants that thrive in the Arizona weather:

• Aloe
• Agave
• Texas Sage
• Desert widow
• Indian Laurel Column Hedge
• Carolina Cherry Trees
• Italian Cypress Trees

Whether you’re simply looking to add a hint of color around the base of your spa, or want to keep prying eyes at bay with dense foliage, these options are worth considering.

8. Enhance The Ambiance After Sunset

We’ve talked about pathway lights, but what about decorative lights above your hot tub or around your privacy features?

Sting lights are popular options, offering an elegant way to wind twinkling lights around trees or through your trellis or even have them drape off a pergola.

Alternatively, you could place some lanterns around the base of your spa’s cabinet, or on either side of your steps, lighting the way while adding a sense of sophistication.

Pair them with flickering electric candles, and you’ll have an ultra-affordable, yet luxurious backyard addition.

Partner With Imagine Backyard Living For Expert Hardscape and Landscape Solutions

Did any of the hot tub landscaping on a budget ideas above capture your attention? At Imagine Backyard Living, we’re passionate about reinventing backyards and transforming them into living dreams.

With decades of industry experience, and partnerships with local experts in the backyard leisure industry, we’re your go-to team for backyard projects.

Whether you’re looking to update your space with a quality hot tub or swim spa or want to take on a backyard renovation project with our hardscape and landscaping solutions, we’d love to hear from you!

Reach out to our team, or visit our Scottsdale showroom to discover all your backyard necessities.

Let’s work side by side to bring your backyard to life!