A plug and play hot tub offers convenience with a quick, simple setup. While the ease of installation is a major perk, incorporating planters into the design takes the experience up a notch.
Planters integrate nature’s beauty while adding height variation and visual interest to create a private little oasis right at home. With some creative planning, anyone can enhance their outdoor space by tastefully blending the simplicity of a plug-and-play spa with the vibrancy of the natural world.
What are the benefits of planters in a plug and play hot tub area?
Planters introduce greenery and vibrant colors to liven up the hot tub surroundings. Their addition breaks up blank spaces for a warm, inviting ambiance. You can use planters to add visual appeal through contrasting colors, textures, and shapes to make the area around your hot tub feel lush and alive.
The interplay between the smooth synthetic surface of the tub and the organic shapes of plants creates an eye-catching landscape. Key advantages include:
- Visual appeal – Flowers, succulents, bushes, and other plants provide eye-catching beauty. Their textures and heights contrast with the tub’s smooth, uniform surface.
- Fragrance – Many plants release lovely scents that create a multi-sensory, spa-like environment.
- Privacy – Strategic planter placement lets plants serve as natural barriers for seclusion and intimacy.
- Height variation – Planters of differing heights add depth to the area, prevent a “boxed-in” feel, and increase perceived spaciousness.
- Accessorizing ability – Planters offer surfaces to decorate with garden sculptures, candles, or outdoor serveware for an enhanced setting.
What size and type of planters work best?
When selecting planters, consider dimensions, materials, and drainage. Match sizes suitably to your hot tub and deck space. The scale of your planters should be balanced against the size of your hot tub so that neither overpowers the other.
Recommended Planter Sizes, Types, and Placement
| Location | Ideal Size | Suitable Materials | Drainage Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| On hot tub cover lifter side tables | Small to medium | Metal, weather-resistant ceramic, wood | Drainage holes to prevent pooling water damage |
| Ground-level surrounding tub | Medium to very large | Ceramic, concrete, wood, resin wicker | Raised on plant stands to prevent flooding issues |
| Integrated into tiered seating | Large rectangular | Wood with waterproof liner | Multiple drainage holes on the bottom surface |
Focus on planters that mimic your tub’s shape or structures. For example, curved vessels pair nicely with a rounded tub. Rectangular boxes reflect the straight lines of a pergola frame. You’ll want cohesive design elements between your hot tub area and planters for a seamless, integrated look.
What plants grow well in hot tub areas?
Consider foliage, flowers, sunlight needs, size, and moisture preferences when selecting plants. Some top options include:
- Sun-Loving – Sedums, petunias, marigolds, hibiscus, roses, lavender, jasmine, passionflower vine
- Shade-Loving – Ferns, begonias, impatiens, coral bells, ivy, pansies, hostas, astilbe
- Succulents – Hens and chicks, aloe vera, echeveria, snake plant, burro’s tail, ponytail palm
- Herbs – Mint, oregano, thyme, sage, rosemary
- Edible – Strawberries, dwarf fruit trees, vegetable plants (for decorative planter gardens)
Avoid plants with thorns or irritating sap that can cause skin irritation. Be mindful of those with extensive root systems near underground tub components that could potentially cause damage. Fast-growing varieties may require frequent pruning to maintain the desired size.
What planter accessories enhance the area’s look and function?
Beyond the plants themselves, certain accessories boost a planter’s appeal:
- Soil coverage options – Gravel, moss, glass nuggets, and decorative mulch disguise plain dirt while adding color and texture
- Elevation – Raising planters via plant stands, crates, concrete blocks, or other items creates tiered height levels
- Frames and trellises – Guide climbing vines or highlight focal points
- Planter feet – Attractive bases elevate pots above ground level for improved drainage
- Casters – Wheels allow large planter repositioning
- Integrated lighting – Strings of patio lights or solar stakes create a magical ambiance
How can planter placement maximize hot tub enjoyment?
Thoughtful planter positioning enhances relaxation through privacy, aromatherapy, and multi-level seating. Creative placement of your planters can help shield your hot tub, provide lovely scents, and even offer extra seating options.
- Privacy – Place taller planters with dense foliage as space dividers around the tub’s perimeter. These act as natural screens.
- Fragrance – Set containers with herbs, flowers, or sweet-smelling plants upwind to circulate fragrances during hot tub use.
- Seating – Incorporate planters of varying heights to create tiered bench seating extending from the tub. Rest drinks and towels on integrated ledges.
With some creativity, planters transform a basic plug-and-play hot tub into an inviting, resort-worthy oasis with natural beauty, sights, and smells to delight the senses. The addition of planters allows you to infuse vibrant plant life into a sleek, modern hot tub setup.
