Outdoor soaking tubs are a great addition to a custom home's exterior. Many spas and resorts offer these tubs, providing guests with a relaxing, rejuvenating environment. However, they are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners and are being incorporated into many new home design schemes due to their simplicity, ease of use and a variety of other benefits.
Outdoor soaking tubs have their roots in Japanese culture, where bathing is a form of meditation. Traditionally, these tubs were made from aromatic woods, such as cedar, but other materials are often used to build these relaxing tubs. The high water temperatures in these small tubs were traditionally created by wood-burning heating elements, but are now also achieved through more modern, energy-efficient methods.
Factors to Consider When Considering Installing an Outdoor Bath
When considering installing a bathtub outdoors, the first thing to consider is its location. It needs to be both private and practical, so a flat location that can hold a full bathtub is essential. It's also important to have hot and cold water plumbing installed to ensure a comfortable bath!
Depending on the exact location of your outdoor tub, you may also need to figure out how to drain the used bath water. An outdoor tub may look great, but planning ahead will ensure it functions well and doesn't ruin the view.
Weather and Material Durability
An outdoor tub is located outdoors, so choosing the right material is crucial. Regular porcelain or acrylic tubs may not be suitable for outdoor use, as are stone concrete or specialty woods. These materials are better able to withstand the elements and remain beautiful over time. Also, consider local climate conditions.
Extremely hot or cold temperatures can affect the tub and the water supply! If your outdoor tub is located in a location with cold winters, it's important to protect it from freezing. Perhaps this can be done with seasonal maintenance or even a protective cover.
Aesthetics and Design Choices
An outdoor tub can transform your backyard into a sophisticated getaway. Design options range from an old-school clawfoot tub tucked away in the garden to a sleek modern tub on the patio with a great view. Consider how the tub will fit in with the existing outdoor surroundings.
Surrounding the tub with natural elements like plants or rocks can make it feel more outdoorsy! You can even add extra touches like privacy screens, nighttime bath lights, or a cozy fire pit. The trick is to balance practicality with beauty, so that this new addition to your outdoor space fits in perfectly.
Practicality and Maintenance
An outdoor bathtub sounds great, but don't forget its practicality and maintenance. Outdoor bathtubs need to be cleaned regularly, as they are prone to dirt, leaves, and more. Unlike indoor bathtubs that are sealed off from the elements, outdoor bathtubs may need to be scrubbed and maintained more frequently.
Safety features such as non-slip surfaces are also important, especially if there is a swimming pool nearby or anything that can get wet and slippery! It is also important to ensure that small parts, such as the bathtub stopper, work properly to avoid leaks and water waste. Keeping these points in mind will make your new addition a pleasure to use, rather than just another item on your chore list.
Installing an Outdoor Bathtub
Step 1: Plumbing
Let's say you plan to install something more complicated than a hose. In this case, it's best to consult a plumber or garden designer to choose the best way to plumb the bathtub according to your budget.
Here are a few options to consider when deciding what's best for you:
Hose out of a window: If your tub is close to the house, simply running a hose to the tub or kitchen faucet will give you instant access to hot outdoor bathing. You'll still need to think carefully about drainage, though, in case you unplug the faucet.
Garden hose: While it only provides a cold-water bathing experience, hooking up your outdoor tub to a hose is an easy and cost-effective option that also gives you more flexibility in location.
Hot and cold taps: You can tap into your home's hot water supply for outdoor bathing. A plumber can advise you on the best location to install a new outdoor tap, which can then be connected directly to your tub.
Fixed pipes: Installing fixed pipes from your home is the most expensive option, as you'll need to run new pipes and landscaping to hide the pipes if you want to bathe farther from your home. But the end result is a seamless bathing experience that's the ultimate in luxury.
Step 2: Drainage
Outdoor tubs don't usually require a complicated drainage system, especially if you bathe outdoors occasionally. But frequently draining the bath into the garden can cause problems, so it's best to seek professional advice.
These are the most common options:
Direct garden drain: The simplest and most environmentally friendly way to drain is to let the bath soak directly into the garden. To avoid harming plants and critters, don't use harsh bath products, shampoos or soaps.
Stones and pebbles: Using slate and pebbles as a base for a relaxing freshwater shower allows water to drain naturally into the ground while providing an elegant surface.
Collection tray: If the bath is mounted on a deck, a collection tray can be placed underneath to drain water into the home's wastewater system.
Soak pit: This structure is designed to help with drainage and is suitable in some situations. If your garden is muddy or you want to bathe close to the house and the foundation doesn't have a slope to drain, consult a professional.
Plumbing access: If your bath is likely to be used frequently, connect it to the house sewage system to avoid your garden becoming too wet or unstable.
Step 3: Location
There are a few different approaches to choosing a location for your tub:
Existing Garden: Since outdoor bathing is all about connecting with nature, a good place to start is to look at your existing garden and plants to find a spot that is lush, foliage-filled, and offers privacy.
Plumbing: Starting with the location of an existing bathroom or hose line can help you find a bathing spot that maximizes convenience (and minimizes costs).
Surface: An effective outdoor bathing site should be sturdy and flat, and can include a deck, patio, path, driveway, or lawn.
Shelter: Think carefully about whether the tub can withstand the elements.
Step 4: Tub Base
The underside of the tub should be waterproof, stable, and water-permeable. When installing a tub, remember that it can be heavy, so the substructure must be designed to withstand it. The main options include:
Decking or Boards: Works well on sloped areas to create a flat surface. Wooden pallets placed on grass or pebbles are also an affordable option.
Pebbles: Drains well, but can be a little hard on your feet, so add a drain board to stand on.
Slate: Set around pebbles for a beautiful look, comfortable feel, and excellent drainage.
Tile: Best for sleek architectural designs.
Perforated steel: Can be an effective shower floor if you prefer an industrial look.
Benefits of Outdoor Tubs
Ultimate Relaxation
A soak in an outdoor tub offers a relaxing experience that is hard to replicate. Relaxing in a natural setting can be a mental and physical refreshment. These tubs are unmatched from a comfort and relaxation standpoint. They are often made with aromatic woods to add an extra layer of enjoyment to the soaking process.
The high water temperatures of outdoor soaking tubs can effectively stimulate blood circulation, thereby rejuvenating muscles and relieving tension. Enjoying these benefits while listening to the sounds of nature on a peaceful morning can enhance the overall soaking tub experience and lead to a healthier mind and body.
Customizable
Outdoor soaking tubs are not only customizable, but they are also easy to customize. With their relatively simple design, these tubs can easily adapt to each unique backyard or patio space. The shape, structure, material, and location can all be easily customized to meet your specific preferences, helping you create an amazing outdoor living space.
Don't Take Up a Lot of Space
Since these tubs are traditionally designed to be closer in size to a regular bathtub than a multi-person hot tub, they don't usually take up a lot of space. This means they are very versatile and easier to fit into backyards and outdoor spaces with limited space than larger tubs.
Since outdoor soaking tubs are easily customizable, and some designs are more elaborate than others, the dimensions of each tub may vary. However, these tubs are usually smaller in size and are more designed to blend into the design and aesthetic of the exterior of the home. This way, even outdoor soaking tubs that are slightly larger in size or have larger heating elements usually don't stand out from the outdoor landscaping and design.
Adds to the Beauty of Your Home
These tubs can add a unique touch to the exterior of your home. They give your home a unique style and aesthetic and can easily fit into the theme of a custom home. Outdoor soaking tubs are an affordable way to enhance the look of your patio or backyard area while adding extra functionality. In addition to creating a unique look and feel for the exterior of your new home, a tub can also change the way you use the area.
Disadvantages of Outdoor Tubs
Water and Heat Source Required
In order for your outdoor soaking tub to be fully functional, efficient, and convenient, you'll need a water source. This means that plumbing and water pipes will need to be laid. Depending on the location of the tub, this can present some hurdles in the logistics of construction and installation. If the tub you choose is a more traditional Japanese style, you will need a heat source in addition to the water pipes.
Traditional Japanese soaking tubs require water temperatures that are higher than what a home water heater can provide. Additionally, in order to maintain the desired temperature for the tub, the heating element is usually located near the tub itself. The need for a water supply and heat source is a minor drawback to these outdoor tubs.
Space Occupied
Because outdoor soaking tubs are easily customizable, they come in a variety of sizes and can be made smaller. However, outdoor soaking tubs will still take up some space in the layout and design of the exterior of your home. Since a certain level of privacy is essential, additional space may be required to provide adequate privacy for the area.
When you plan to incorporate an outdoor soaking tub into your custom home design, be sure to carefully consider the amount of space available. Once you understand the space available, you can further decide on the size, shape, and design of the outdoor soaking tub and its surrounding components. With careful planning, you can make the most of the available space and overcome potential obstacles during installation and construction. In some cases, switching to an outdoor shower may be a wise choice.
Various Challenges
In addition to heat, water, and space, outdoor soaking tubs present other challenges. It's common to create a sense of privacy around an outdoor soaking tub, which often requires a privacy fence or planting to limit sightlines. However, these factors not only add extra costs, but also make layout and design challenges that don't detract from the beauty and tranquility of the area where the tub is located.
Conclusion
Installing a tub outdoors can make bath time unique and chic, allowing everyone to enjoy a comfortable soak while enjoying the natural scenery. But it's not something that can be rushed. Planning ahead, choosing the right materials, and regular maintenance are the keys to making the most of your outdoor tub.
Whether you want to create a tranquil retreat or a striking backyard landscape, an outdoor tub may be just what you need!
