A swim spa is a fantastic addition to any home, offering a space for exercise, relaxation, and family fun. Enhancing your swim spa experience with a well-designed deck can transform your backyard into a luxurious and inviting oasis. This article explores various swim spa deck ideas, focusing on design considerations, materials, lighting, and more, to help you create the perfect outdoor retreat.
Why Build a Deck Around Your Swim Spa?
Many people prefer to have their swim spa surrounded by a deck. A deck around your swim spa not only makes it more visually appealing but also accessible and more functional. A well-designed swim spa deck provides easy access, safety, and a seamless integration with your backyard. With the right deck, you can better enjoy and display your investment. No matter the layout of your property, there is a way to incorporate a deck that both looks great and functions well.
Key Considerations for Swim Spa Deck Design
Any project should factor in these important considerations - space, materials, and lighting.
Space
The small footprint of a SwimEx swim spa makes it ideal for almost any type of deck installation. The size of your backyard and how you intend to use the space will influence your deck design.
- Small Spaces: Even with limited space, you can create a cozy and functional area. A raised deck installation allows for easy service access. The one piece design of this Triton adds beauty and functionality to this small deck, creating a cozy spot to relax and entertain. Although small in size, this flat-bottom pool has ample room for exercise, swimming, and relaxation.
- Larger Spaces: If your backyard space is larger, consider a patio and deck combination for your swim spa. These homeowners have plenty of space to relax and entertain with a 600 S installed partially above ground. These homeowners can enjoy swimming at night with two outdoor post lights that flank the deck. This backyard feels like a tranquil retreat with stunning water views.
- Centerpiece Design: A bigger backyard can also provide the opportunity to make your swim spa deck design the centerpiece of the area - just what these Maryland homeowners did! This custom deck with multiple levels was built for an extra-large plunge pool. Colorful seating and a pergola add style to the space.
Materials
Choosing the right deck materials and right pool cover can make all the difference when creating an inviting and luxurious backyard space, taking the deck design for your swim spa to the next level.
Read also: Installing Your Spa Deck
- Wood: Wood decks have a timeless appeal and can add warmth and character to your outdoor space.
- Pressure-treated lumber is a popular and cost-effective choice for decking. It’s resistant to rot and insects but does require regular maintenance like staining or sealing to prevent weathering.
- Tropical hardwoods like ipe, tigerwood, and cumaru are known for their durability and resistance to decay and insects. Certain hardwoods, such as ipe or tigerwood, have natural oils and characteristics that make them less prone to becoming slippery.
- This gorgeous gray wood deck and telescoping pool enclosure adds grandeur to the backyard. The versatile pool cover not only provides the convenience of being able to open and close the pool at will but also offers protection against the elements.
- Composite Decking: Composite decking is a low-maintenance option that is resistant to fading, staining, and rotting. It offers the look and feel of real wood without the associated maintenance.
- Concrete: Concerned about maintaining a wood deck? A concrete deck is a great low-maintenance option for your swim spa. An affordable option for homeowners, a concrete deck has a host of benefits including resistance to weather, insects, and ultraviolet rays. This concrete pool deck design is perfectly suited for the rocky coast of this home in Hong Kong, complete with a 500 OS. Enjoy the views both day and night!
- Natural Stone or Pavers: For a rustic or elegant aesthetic, use natural stone or pavers for decking around your swim spa. Stone complements the water feature and blends beautifully with landscaping, creating a cohesive backyard swim spa deck.
Lighting
Dramatic lighting can be a major factor in creating a stunning, relaxing atmosphere around your swim spa and can be the perfect accompaniment to the already beautiful design of the deck that surrounds the pool. In addition to the aesthetic value of lighting, it also serves a practical purpose. Strategically placed lights can provide more visibility for greater safety in and around the pool. Deck stair lighting, deck post lights, and deck railing lights are popular choices. Depending on your deck installation, recessed lighting may also be an option.
In addition to exterior lights, two underwater lights can be incorporated into your SwimEx swim spa. Choose from white, aqua blue, violet, ocean blue, gold, green, red or a rotating light show.
Inspiring Swim Spa Deck Ideas
Transform your backyard into a stunning oasis with these backyard swim spa deck ideas. A thoughtfully designed deck can elevate your swim spa experience, blending style and functionality.
Multi-Level Decks
One of the most popular swim spa deck ideas is the use of multi-level decks. This design adds depth and dimension to your outdoor space while providing separate areas for different activities. For example, you could have a lower deck level that houses your swim spa, complete with ample space for lounging and easy access to the water. On the upper deck level, you might include seating areas, a dining space, or even a cozy fire pit for chilly evenings.
This multi-level deck design nestled among the trees feels like a tropical paradise for these Florida homeowners. A beautiful wood deck surrounds this 600 S, complete with railings and plenty of space for seating. These homeowners can make the most of the warm weather and create lasting memories in their new outdoor oasis!
Read also: Explore the advantages of aquagym
Sunken Decks
If you prefer a modern look, consider building a sunken swim spa deck. A swim spa built in deck with a sunken design creates a sleek, modern look. By partially or fully recessing the spa into the deck, you achieve a seamless integration with your backyard. Sunken decks are a visually striking choice that provides a seamless transition from your deck to the swim spa. A sunken deck can offer privacy and can mimic the appearance of an in-ground pool. A swim spa that’s partially submerged into the deck can create a custom look, even eliminating the need for steps. This design is a great option, too, for backyards with a slope.
Patio and Deck Combinations
If your backyard space is larger, consider a patio and deck combination for your swim spa. These homeowners have plenty of space to relax and entertain with a 600 S installed partially above ground. These homeowners can enjoy swimming at night with two outdoor post lights that flank the deck. This backyard feels like a tranquil retreat with stunning water views.
Decks with Pergolas
A popular option swim spa deck option is to place a pergola over it. Pergolas are not only stylish on their own but are customizable by adding different coverings. You can go with a perfectly sized pergola that covers only the swim spa or create a whole swim spa patio area with a larger-sized pergola. The opportunities are as endless as your imagination.
Entertainment Areas
Transform your swim spa deck into the ultimate entertainment area by incorporating built-in seating and bar tops. Built-in seating can provide comfortable lounging areas where you can relax before or after your swim. Include additional storage space underneath the seating for swim spa chemicals, your must-have swimming gear, and even towels. Bar tops are perfect for hosting outdoor parties and gatherings, as they offer a convenient place to set drinks or serve snacks.
Important Considerations Before Building
Planning and Preparation
Start by creating detailed swim spa deck plans. Measure the dimensions of your swim spa, including its height, width, and length, and determine how much deck space you want around it. Consider local building codes, which may dictate setbacks, railings, or permits.
Read also: Guide to Swim Spa Cover Replacement
Foundation
A solid foundation is essential for a swim spa built in deck. Install a concrete slab or reinforced gravel base to support the spa’s weight, which can exceed 10,000 pounds when filled. Consult an engineer to ensure the foundation meets load-bearing requirements. The foundation of your swim spa depends greatly on how high you want your spa to sit out of the deck. will have to put a concrete slab into the base of the deck. To make sure your swim spa and deck are according to the height you desire, make sure to take measurements properly.
Construction
Construct the deck frame using pressure-treated lumber or steel beams, depending on your design. Install support posts and joists, ensuring they align with your swim spa’s dimensions. Lay your chosen decking material, starting from the outer edges and working inward. Secure the boards with screws or hidden fasteners for a clean look. Add railings, steps, or lighting to enhance safety and aesthetics. It is recommended to not build the top level of the deck before the swim spa installation. Of course you’ll want to start deck construction well in advance before your swim spa’s delivery day. However, on delivery, it can be difficult to lower the spa into a hole. It will be much more convenient to build the decking boards up to the swim spa’s height.
Accessibility and Maintenance
Your deck should increase your swim spa’s accessibility, not act as a hindrance. No matter what design you choose for decking, you need to ensure there is enough accessibility for servicing. Swims spas are equipped with an access panel that controls all its components including the pump, heater, and jets. Your deck should include a trap door or removable panel, that can easily be moved aside when required for service. Please keep in mind with all of your deck plans that there should be 2 feet of clearance around the swim spa for service professionals should there be a need. You can still achieve all of these looks with “trap doors”, movable sections, and other methods.
Swim Spa Cover
A cover is essential to protecting your swim spa and ensuring its long levity. While deciding on the measurements of the deck, be certain that there is ample space for the cover to be lifted and placed on the swim spa.
Material Considerations
A backyard deck is exposed to the element - sunlight, wind, rain, and snow (depending on where you live). The water will also be treated with chemicals, such as chlorine and oxidizer. However, Michael Phelps swim spas use a mineral filtration system, which requires fewer chemicals compared to other systems. You want to spend time enjoying your backyard, especially when you make the investment in a swim spa. When choosing the decking material, consider the time and effort it takes to maintain it. Safety should always be a priority, especially when building a deck around a swim spa. Opt for a decking material that provides a slip-resistant surface, even when wet. The appearance and design of your deck play a significant role in your overall backyard landscape. Consider the architectural style of your home, your personal taste, and the desired ambiance you want to create when choosing the decking material.
In-Ground Swim Spa Considerations
An in-ground swim spa, as you can infer, is installed in the ground. With thoughtful landscaping and hardscaping choices, you can create a space that complements your backyard. But there are some considerations when choosing to install an in-ground swim spa.
- Foundation: The swim spa will weigh several thousand pounds when full, so the surface on which it sits must be able to withstand that kind of weight.
- Drainage: The swim spa vault should have a way to move any stormwater away from the spa. The concrete pad can have a slight grade or you can opt for a French drain system.
- Electricity: All Master Spas swim spas require a dedicated GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) electrical hook up. However, the specific amperage and voltage will vary from model to model. Be sure to reference the owner’s manual for the electrical requirements and diagram. The breaker should be installed by a certified and licensed electrician.
- Equipment access: When planning your swim spa fault, the plans should include a three foot space around each side of the swim spa. This space will allow for access to the equipment in the event your spa needs service.