16 Outdoor Spas Done the Aussie Way
Sensational hot tubs and spas to while away the hours in – BYO Champagne
Kate McKee
2 January 2016
Houzz contributor, freelance writer and home design enthusiast. I write on a diverse range of topics ranging from health and beauty to landscape architecture and interior design. I have a very inquisitive nature and love to share my findings with others.
Houzz contributor, freelance writer and home design enthusiast. I write on a diverse... More
There really are few things more relaxing than sinking into a hot tub or outdoor spa after a long day at work – with a glass of Champagne, of course, for that extra touch of extravagance.
Spas can work as an addition to a pool or as an outdoor feature in their own right. While barrel-shaped hot tubs are usually featured on their own. Both styles can be small enough to add to a deck or interior bathroom, and come in a range of shapes and sizes. Be inspired by how these Aussie homeowners incorporate a little bit of luxury into their surrounds.
Find a pool and spa specialist in your area
Spas can work as an addition to a pool or as an outdoor feature in their own right. While barrel-shaped hot tubs are usually featured on their own. Both styles can be small enough to add to a deck or interior bathroom, and come in a range of shapes and sizes. Be inspired by how these Aussie homeowners incorporate a little bit of luxury into their surrounds.
Find a pool and spa specialist in your area
This built-in rooftop hot tub and deck not only look stunning, but offer an amazing view of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House. The warm tones of the timber paired with the blue of the harbour work beautifully together.
This pool spa design just oozes contemporary simplicity. The curved, semicircle design and neutral tones of the paving soften the luxurious design, making it sleek, yet inviting.
A dark blue tile was selected for the interior this pool spa. The dark tile choice makes the water a deep blue by day and reflects the sky as the sun sets. One of the best times to enjoy a spa would have to during an Australian sunset.
This pool spa’s infinity edge and glass mosaic tile finish work in harmony with the accompanying pool. The large concrete slab in the foreground of this shot handily doubles as a seat for guests inside the spa and a bar for those outside.
There is nothing like a lighting scheme to enhance the look and feel of your hot tub at night. It would be hard to resist jumping into this modern-day style, particularly with its water views.
This straightforward design is pure and simple. The light colour of the hot tub water and paving works beautifully with the surrounding rich tones of the bamboo decking.
This raised-edge pool spa works perfectly within the simplicity of this outdoor area. The black-sheeted pebble and large format black granite of the spa offer just the right contrast to the surrounds.
Yes, we know this spa bath is indoors, but some people do prefer a spa inside and, with a spa bath like this luxurious example, you can see why. After all, why take a regular bath when you can enjoy the sensation of your muscles unwinding in a spa?
Now this is a pool spa in which to enjoy a martini. A sleek design and strong lines make for an elegant and sophisticated addition to this pool area.
This outdoor area seamlessly integrates the deck with the pool, spa and architectural planter. With the range of designs on offer, pool spas can be easily incorporated into an overall outdoor scheme.
Add an open-air cabana over your poolside spa. Not only will this work as an architectural feature, but it will provide protection from the elements as well.
Do you have a long, narrow outdoor area you’re not sure what to do with? This is how you can work it. The ingenious design combines a spa and lap pool separated by beautiful decking.
Ok, this is another indoor example, but it’s almost outdoors… This luxury hot tub with a view of the Australian countryside begs to be sunk into.
Turn your outdoor spa into a water feature with inventive design and the right lighting scheme for when the sun goes down. By adding lighting, you can even enjoy your spa from afar without getting wet.
Go all tropicana by adding a thatched roof to your outdoor spa. Thatched roofing gives an instant holiday vibe and provides protection from the hot Australian sun.
You don’t need an expanse of land or a pool in order to incorporate an outdoor spa into your home. A spa is the ideal addition to an outdoor entertaining space.
View our photo gallery of beautiful pool and spa designs
View our photo gallery of beautiful pool and spa designs
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Before fencing laws, we had one of those 12m round pools that Santa bought from KMart. We put it up for 3 summers. We had so much family fun with it. Christmas was made more memorable, because we didn't always have to escape to the beach. Kids were never near it without adults around. We always tied the lid on when it wasn't in use. My hubby & I were known to sneak out for a midnight skinny-dip on those relentlessly hot summer nights.
My Mum has had a spa in Darwin for years. We live in it when visiting. The regulations she needs to comply by (below)mean that her property fence/gate is suitable.
The Community Safety Standard applies to pools constructed before 2003. It requires a pool owner to self-declare that their pool or spa is enclosed by a barrier that will effectively prevent a child under five years of age from obtaining unsupervised access to a pool area.
I love these ideas. I think when I undergo my pool renovation I'll look to include a spa!