At Jet Spas, we’re passionate about helping you create outdoor spaces that are as stunning as they are relaxing. Spa pools aren’t just about luxurious soaks. They’re an integral part of outdoor design that can transform your backyard into a personal oasis. Here’s a look at some of the latest design trends in spa pool landscaping to inspire your next project.
Seamless Integration with Nature
One of the biggest trends in spa pool landscaping is blending the pool into the surrounding environment to create an immersive, natural retreat. The key is designing a space that feels organic and harmonised with the outdoors, no matter the style of your backyard.
For larger spaces, incorporating a mix of native plants and trees can soften the edges of your spa pool, creating a lush, tranquil atmosphere. Choose hardy, low-maintenance plants suited to your climate, such as flaxes, ferns, and grasses, for a New Zealand-inspired natural look. Grouping plants in layers, taller species at the back and smaller, colourful ones closer to the spa, adds depth and visual interest.
For smaller yards or urban spaces, vertical gardens (pictured below) are an excellent solution. These living walls save space while adding a pop of greenery to the surroundings. Potted plants are another versatile option, allowing you to experiment with a variety of shapes, colours, and textures. Place them around the spa to create a cosy, inviting nook or line them along pathways for a polished appearance.
If you’re after a coastal vibe, consider integrating ornamental grasses, sand-coloured pavers, and driftwood-style decor to evoke a beachside retreat. Minimalist modern designs, on the other hand, might favour clean lines with evergreen shrubs, black-stained planters, or even manicured hedges for a contemporary edge.
Don’t forget to consider functionality and maintenance. Plants that shed heavily or grow too close to the water may require frequent cleanup or trimming. Strategically placed greenery can also double as natural privacy barriers, keeping your spa area shielded from neighbours without compromising its aesthetic appeal.
Ultimately, a well-integrated spa pool landscape should feel like a seamless extension of the natural environment, transforming your backyard into a serene and private sanctuary. Whether you envision a tropical escape, a modern oasis, or a rustic retreat, the right landscaping choices can elevate your spa pool experience to a whole new level.
Decks and Platforms
A raised deck or platform can elevate your spa pool—literally and figuratively. Timber decking, in particular, adds a warm, natural touch that complements the water. Composite materials are also popular for their durability and low maintenance, making them perfect for high-use areas. Surrounding the spa with a built-in bench or lounging space can extend its functionality and give you more room to relax.
Lighting for Ambiance
Lighting can transform your spa area into a magical retreat after the sun goes down. LED strip lights beneath the decking, spotlights highlighting plants, or soft underwater lighting within the spa pool itself can create a serene or dramatic effect, depending on your style. Solar-powered path lights are an eco-friendly choice to guide the way and add a touch of sophistication.
Natural Stone and Textures
Natural materials like stone are becoming a cornerstone of spa pool design, offering a timeless aesthetic and practical benefits. Using stone elements around your spa pool can create a sophisticated and cohesive look while also enhancing safety and longevity.
Stone Surrounds
Sleek slate, sandstone, or granite tiles are popular choices for spa pool surrounds. Their refined textures and earthy tones blend beautifully with any outdoor setting, whether you’re aiming for a rustic retreat or a contemporary haven. These stones are naturally slip-resistant, which is essential for wet areas, and their durability ensures they stand up to heavy foot traffic and exposure to the elements.
Pathways and Steps
Stone pathways leading up to the spa pool can be both functional as well as have aesthetic purposes. For example, river rocks can be used to create a natural, winding path that feels like part of the landscape, while flagstone or bluestone slabs can offer a more structured, polished approach. Adding lighting along these pathways enhances the ambience and ensures safety during evening use.
Steps made from large stone slabs can provide a sturdy and elegant transition to elevated spa pools, particularly when paired with surrounding greenery or wooden decking. Incorporating textured or honed finishes prevents slipping and adds a tactile quality to the design.
Stone Accents
Boulders and large rock features can be strategically placed around the spa area to create a sense of permanence and connection to the natural environment. They can also double as seating or visual focal points. For a luxurious touch, consider a cascading water feature made of stone, blending the soothing sounds of water with the organic feel of the material.
Combining Materials
Pairing stone with other textures, like timber or concrete, can create a striking contrast. For instance, using smooth river rocks around the spa pool perimeter alongside wooden decking gives a balanced, Zen-like appearance. For modern aesthetics, polished concrete can act as a sleek base that allows the natural beauty of stone to shine.
Maintenance and Care
Natural stone is known to be durable, but it will require some maintenance to help preserve its beauty. Applying appropriate sealants can help protect against stains, weathering, and the effects of chlorinated or saltwater. Selecting high-quality stones designed for outdoor use will make sure that your investment remains stunning for years to come.
By incorporating natural stone and textures into your spa pool landscaping, you can create a space that feels grounded and inviting. Because the timeless appeal of stone, combined with its practicality, makes it an excellent choice for enhancing your outdoor oasis. Whether it’s a modern slate surround or a meandering stone pathway, these elements help bring elegance, functionality, and a connection to the natural world right to your backyard.
Privacy Screens and Pergolas
Privacy is an essential part of creating a spa pool experience that feels tranquil and secluded. The right privacy solutions not only shield your space from neighbours or passersby but it also contribute to the overall aesthetic of your outdoor area. Pergolas and privacy screens are two versatile options that can be tailored to fit your design vision.
Stylish Privacy Screens
Privacy screens are an elegant and practical way to create a sense of enclosure around your spa pool. Options include:
- Wooden Slats: Horizontal or vertical slatted wood screens provide a natural, warm look that blends well with greenery and timber decking. They allow light and air to flow through while maintaining privacy.
- Bamboo Screens: Lightweight and eco-friendly, bamboo adds a tropical or Zen-like quality to the space. It works beautifully with water features and natural landscaping.
- Metal Panels: Laser-cut metal screens offer intricate patterns that can double as art pieces. Choose powder-coated finishes for durability in outdoor settings.
- Living Walls: A screen covered with climbing plants such as jasmine, ivy, or native vines adds greenery while naturally blending into the landscape.
Screens can be installed as standalone panels or integrated into existing fencing. Combining them with materials like stone or glass can elevate the design further.
Pergolas for Functionality and Style
Pergolas are another popular choice for enhancing the privacy and functionality around your spa pool. As a pergola provides overhead coverage, it creates a cosy, defined space for relaxation. Consider these design options:
- Climbing Plants: Train plants like wisteria, passionfruit, or bougainvillea over the pergola for a lush, romantic canopy that filters sunlight and adds shade.
- Retractable Canopies: Add a retractable fabric canopy to your pergola for adjustable shade and protection from light rain, extending the usability of your spa area.
- Latticework Sides: Pergolas with lattice or trellis sides create partial enclosures that enhance privacy without feeling closed off.
Multi-Functional Pergolas
A pergola can also serve as a practical framework for additional features:
- Outdoor Lighting: String lights, hanging lanterns, or integrated LED strips can be mounted to the pergola to create a cozy ambience.
- Sound Systems: Incorporate outdoor speakers into the pergola structure for music or soothing sounds to enhance your spa experience.
- Heating Elements: Add a mounted heater for year-round comfort, particularly in New Zealand’s cooler climates.
Customising for Your Space
When choosing privacy screens or pergolas, it’s good to think about materials, colours, and styles that will complement your overall landscaping and spa pool design. For modern spaces, sleek metal and glass finishes might be ideal, while rustic or tropical designs may benefit from timber and bamboo elements.
By incorporating privacy screens and pergolas into your spa pool landscape, you will be able to create a space that feels intimate and luxurious. These elements not only ensure you some privacy but also provide opportunities for some personalisation, making your outdoor area uniquely yours. Whether you are considering a lush, plant-filled tropical retreat or a sleek, stylish modern spa setting, the right privacy solutions will complete your backyard oasis.
Water Features and Extras
Water features like cascading waterfalls or fountains can be integrated into the spa pool’s design for an added sense of luxury. These features are not just visually appealing, they also create a calming soundtrack to your outdoor space.
Fire and Water Combos
A fire pit or outdoor fireplace near your spa pool adds a warm, inviting ambience and extends the usability of the space into cooler months. The combination of fire and water elements creates a dramatic focal point that your guests will love.
Smart Spa Accessories
With technology advancing rapidly, integrating smart features into your spa pool landscape is even easier than ever. Spa accessories like remote-controlled lighting, temperature settings, and even integrated sound systems can make your spa experience seamless and tailored to your preferences. What’s more, our Jet Spa spa pools come with built-in audio and lighting features, which are perfect for family movie nights or impromptu dance parties.
Conclusion
At Jet Spas, we believe that a well-designed spa pool landscape enhances not just your outdoor space but your lifestyle as well. From choosing the right materials to integrating the latest design trends, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Ready to create your dream spa oasis? Take a look at our range of spa pools and swim spas online and start planning your perfect backyard retreat today!
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