Forget about swimming pools; outdoor tubs are the latest fad.
Bathing outdoors is a fun thing to do that allows you to immerse yourself in your surroundings and drown out all of your stress.
You can, in fact, easily create an outdoor tub, with several options to choose from.
Despite bathing in the outdoors, you will still achieve the privacy you enjoy bathing.
Here are some top ideas to consider for those interested in either a soaking or outdoor tub at home.
1. Enclosed Outdoor Bathtub
Who claims that outdoor tubs steal your privacy?
You can block passers by by placing a stone wall around your bathtub.
This gives a natural laid back feel to your backyard.
A trellis with some climbing plants will also help bring some life in there.
You have an attachment that serves as a shower head, so you can also switch between turning it on, and taking a dip in the tub.
The underfoot of the tub also has pebbles, so when you step out, you wont get dirty.
2. ‘Poor Man’s Bathtub
No need for a lot of cash to have an outdoor tub (unless you intend to have all kind of fancy gadgets like bubblers and jacuzzi jets).
Actually, you can do it yourself and create the ‘poor man’s outdoor bathtub.
To start, find a used cast iron enameled bathtub. You want it to have feet.
Cast iron is the material of choice because it will hold up under high heat, and it will last a long time.
These tubs are plentiful, found in homes of neighbors and used merchandise stores.
The construction is very simple.
Dig a small hole where you will place the tub. Be sure to dig enough area to have a firepit and run a drainage pipe.
Of course, when using the tub, you will want to fill with water before lighting a fire.
3. Romantic Double Outdoor Bathtubs
There is nothing comparable to the sensation of enjoying cozy sunsets and cloudless evenings outside while soaking next to your partner.
If you choose to go the route of two tubs outside, you can incorporate a wooden surface between the two tubs to hide the piping while providing a surface for drinks of your favorite beverage.
You and your partner can create new sanctuary experiences outside with double outdoor bathtubs; especially if your home is fortunate enough to have a lovely surrounding landscape.
Simply add some potted plants and flowers and you have a very nice added feature of “nature” to your outdoors.
4. Sleek and Luxurious Outdoor Bathtub
If you have plenty of space outdoor, dedicate a small portion for plant and flowers, and then fill it with pavers in the other space to achieve a streamlined, neat look.
Be sure all the space has sandy stones and textures.
Then you can add a shiny gray ceramic bathtub with a gunmetal faucet to bring style and functionality to your outdoor area.
Great Idea: You can also liven up your backyard by planting a few palm trees.
5. Sunroof-covered Outdoor Bathtub
While some individuals are not totally comfortable with the concept of using an outdoor tub, they do find the thought of it intriguing.
If you are one of those individuals, consider placing a sunroof above your outdoor tub so you are able to relish the quiet in the atmosphere while still having the security of privacy.
In addition to the sun, you can also incorporate some flowers and potted plants in your outdoor tub setting, which will give you a feel of being outside without actually being outside.
You can further enhance this thinking by creating your tub with moss and natural stone.
6. Modern Outdoor Bathtub
If you want a clean, modern outdoor tub, stick to a palette of black, green, and white.
This doesn’t just feel refreshing, but it will work well with the leaves looming above — assuming you have a backyard plant.
The pebbles can be pale, but either way, the pebbles will provide a Zen-like state of peace and relaxation.
This outdoor tub option also provides a nice opportunity for a wall-mounted showerhead by the tub if you like versatility in your bathing area.
7. Water Lily Bathtub
To create a water lily bathtub:
- Place some of the flowers from the plants in a white porcelain tub.
- The juxtaposition of white with the bright yellow of the flowers, and green live water lily plants in the background is simply stunning.
- Next, include a seating area next to the tub where you can enjoy the scenery as you prepare to get in for a long soak.
8. Countryside Outdoor Bathtub
While it’s a simple addition, an outdoor tub in the countryside combines the lovely outdoor air with the confines of a fence.
Add a few potted plants and woven baskets in the mix, and it changes to a light-hearted tone.
Similar to most countryside homes, a round mirror, a patterned rug, and a few pendant string lights all hang next to the tub.
To elevate it to a classy space, an antique brass faucet and showerhead are also included.
9. Tropical-themed Outdoor Bathtub
Picture a charming porcelain tub on an aged wooden deck surrounded by tropical lush green palm trees – absolutely gorgeous.
Now picture climbing into the tub and soaking for hours – it can only be described as bliss.
If this seems too simple, consider adding a little more luxury with a tiled back wall.
And this tropical-themed outdoor tub gets better after sunset too!
Get creative – light a few scented candles as you soak, and enjoy a glass or two of wine! Simple as that – there are limitless customizations.
10. Japanese Sunken Outdoor Bathtub
Immersing yourself in a Japanese sunken tub made of baked clay is like being in a hot spring sauna in a spa.
The water is warm enough to make you feel like you’ve had a good bath.
While soaking, the surrounding environment is wild with a disheveled landscape, and the stoney garden is poorly decorated, hence the goal of creating a jungle experience.
There’s also a rainfall shower head that creates rain in the jungle.
And why not add to the the spirit of wilderness by having the tub framed with wood?
11. Sink It Into a Decking
If there is plenty of room in your deck area, why not use some of it to add an outdoor tub?
Aside from utilizing the space available, it can look stylish on your deck.
Install the tub and then surround the tub with a slatted wood screen to add some privacy.
Next to the tub, you can hang a hammock for lounging after your bath.
Factors to Consider When Building An Outdoor Bathtub
Here are some factors that you need to consider before installing an outdoor bathtub.
What Is the Best Location?
When selecting an outdoor bathtub site, privacy and drainage are the paramount considerations.
As nudity and bathing go hand in hand, it is paramount to consider your neighbors.
There is no way your neighbors would want to see you share intimate moments with your partner… and you wouldn’t either!
Choose a site that offers a tall enough fence that your neighbors will not see you while soaking. Additionally, for drainage, sites that are elevated are the most desirable.
What About Placement?
When you’ve picked the right location, you’ll need to determine the position of the bathtub. With a clawfoot tub, installation is easy. You may need help to get the tub in place.
For fiberglass and acrylic tubs, you’ll need to build a support frame.
With a tub installation, you want to apply an excess amount of mortar to the position where the tub is to be installed.
The excess will squeeze out during the installation process. However, the remodeler wants to ensure the tub is going to be firmly seated.
The excess also provides additional support and stability, as well as deadens sound.
Underground Plumbing
If you’re looking for a bathtub with minimal upkeep, you’ll want to include underground plumbing.
It’s as easy as installing a hose bib on the exterior wall of your home.
The hose should also be supplying cold and hot water.
The hot water can be directed to your outdoor tub and your cold water hose bib can do other work by watering your garden, cleaning your car, washing your pets and much more.
Budget
As with other home installations, your budget dictates the type of outdoor tub you choose.
When you add a fancy touch like gold faucets and golden showerheads it can get expensive.
If you’re on a tight budget though, a sensible way to go about it would be selecting the DIY route.
How Do I Keep a Bathtub Clean?
Most individuals erroneously use soap and water to clean their bathtub, as this eventually creates grime over time.
The same is true for any sort of household cleaning product.
Now, if you want to achieve a sparkling outdoor bathtub, look no further than acidic vinegar.
Simply mix one part acidic vinegar with one-part warm water and let it sit in your tub for 15 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
To achieve even better results, sprinkle a bit of baking soda before scrubbing.
Wrapping Up
Are you thinking about putting an outdoor bathtub on your property? Now is the time to proceed with that project.
There is nothing more refreshing than a long soak in a tub after a long day.
Imagine taking that long soak while gazing at the stars or enjoying the views of nature with your favorite beverage in hand.
Going back, people were focused on bringing nature inside the house with plants and flowers.
Now, the opposite is true, and many more people are bringing the inside-outside.
Outdoor tubs are no longer just for high-end hotels; you can create one for yourself at home, even with the tightest of budgets.