Build Your Backyard Oasis

Having a personal retreat in your home remains one of the most convenient locations to unwind, and the outdoors is an easy place to create it. A backyard oasis where you can relax and entertain can be simple or grand, blending many elements such as lighting, greenery, fences, gazebos, pavement and overhead structures in concert with a focal point such as a hot tub.  

Planning your backyard oasis is the first step to creating the perfect retreat and watching your design come together can be a very rewarding experience.  You don’t need to be an expert to execute a simple project.  “Many homeowners forget that they can start small and build their dream backyard over the years.  Having a plan and blending elements to reflect your own unique style and how you live are critical to the success of the project,” said Grant Gislason, Owner of Vintage Hot Tubs in Victoria BC.

When planning and designing your backyard oasis, start by sketching out a long-term plan on graph paper.  Think about all of the elements that you would want to include some day.  Be sure to account for any outdoor lighting and electrical, sprinklers and an overhead structure to protect you and your guests from the elements.  It’s best to map out anything that needs to be underground before launching.

Here are some suggestions that will help you tackle specific areas.

The Hot Tub:
Start with the hot tub, since it will dictate how you want to use your available space and the environment around it. “Choose your tub based on the number of people it will need to accommodate and the features it offers. For example, do you want a spa that fits two people comfortably or six,” recommends Grant . Consider ways to create a semi-custom look but don’t be intimidated because installation is fairly basic.  Fill your self-contained hot tub with a simple garden hose, no plumbing is needed.  Reputable hot tub retailers can provide additional details.

Placement:
When deciding where to place your spa, it should be:

• Because of the risk of severe injury from electric shock or death from electrocution. Moved away from overhead power lines. A minimum of 10 feet (3 meters) is suggested. See additional safety instructions listed in the Jacuzzi or Sundance Spas owners manual.
• Placed to face a view you enjoy. Do you have a special landscaped area in your yard that you find pleasant?
• Located in an area that gives you the best privacy options. Think of the spa’s surroundings during all seasons when making your choice. During cold, winter weather, bare trees won’t provide much privacy.
• Locate your spa in a sheltered location to protect yourself from the wind and harsh weather while bathing in your spa. This reduces the
  cost of spa operation and maintenance.

Deck or Patio?:
Some homeowners like spas that are surrounded by a symmetrical or free-form deck. This deck provides not only a frame for the spa, but also a safe walkway around its edge. A good decking should harmonize with other materials used in the backyard and should feel comfortable under your feet. In addition, the deck surface should not be slippery. Patios made of brick, block, natural stone, pavers or concrete provide a low maintenance option.  If you have an existing concrete patio that you want to freshen up, you may be able to lay tile overtop or add a brick ribbon accent for a smaller budget.

Plants:
Don’t forget that plants are a key ingredient to the backyard oasis providing textures, shapes and color for a naturally peaceful environment.  Decorative plants can set the tone while trees and bushes can provide privacy or even fill in odd angles and spaces.  In some settings, you may want to consider hedges that block unwanted views and discourage trespassing.  Plants should be chosen keeping in mind their function and their suitability to the climate zone. If you use your hot tub in the winter, select evergreen plant varieties for year-round privacy.

Lighting:
Light is an element that’s often overlooked, yet it has the power to impact your mood and provide safety. Lighting can dramatically alter your backyard oasis when night falls, highlighting your landscaping and architectural features or simply creating a warm glow all around.  Before you create a final lighting plan, it’s helpful to experiment.  You can use inexpensive clamp-on and stake lights as well as different kinds of bulbs to find the perfect scheme.

Hot tubs, like the Jacuzzi J-400 and J300 Collections, and the Sundance 780 &880 series offer multi-color lighted water features plus interior and exterior, energy-efficient LED lighting.  Contemporary models include lighting which can be set to one color or programmed to automatically cycle through an array of colors to fit any mood.

Creating your own backyard oasis should be a labor of love.  When it’s time to relax, the investment will seem well worth the effort.  For more information and advice on backyard retreats, down load the Jacuzzi Pre-Delivery Guide the Sundance Spas Pre-Delivery Guide or go online to www.JacuzziHotTubs.com or www.SundanceSpas.com for photos of inspiring backyard projects.