Can I Install a Hot Tub Next to My Garden Room?

A garden room offers the perfect combination of functionality, comfort, and luxury. Whether it’s used as a home office, entertainment space, gym, or guest accommodation, a well-designed garden room can truly transform how you use your outdoor space. But what if you want to take the luxury one step further by adding a hot tub? The idea of relaxing in bubbling water just steps away from your stylish garden retreat is an appealing one—but is it practical? The good news is, yes—you can install a hot tub next to your garden room, and with the right planning and design features, it can elevate the entire setup. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits, considerations, and best practices for adding a hot tub next to your garden room, and explain how features like an extended canopy with composite decking can make it seamless and stunning.

Why Combine a Garden Room with a Hot Tub?

The combination of a garden room and a hot tub creates the ultimate private retreat in your own back garden. The two elements complement each other beautifully—your garden room provides a warm, dry, multi-use interior space, while your hot tub offers open-air relaxation and hydrotherapy. Whether you're entertaining guests, winding down after work, or enjoying some personal wellness time, this pairing offers year-round enjoyment and adds a luxury feel to your property.

Some of the top reasons to combine the two include:

Convenience: You can store towels, drinks, robes, and accessories inside the garden room, keeping everything you need close by.
Privacy: A strategically placed garden room can shield your hot tub from neighbours, giving you more privacy.
All-weather use: Even on chilly or rainy days, you can quickly step from your warm garden room into the hot tub and back again, staying protected from the elements.
Entertainment hub: Combine the two for the ultimate entertainment space—ideal for parties, family time, or peaceful evenings alone.
Wellness and recovery: Having a private space to relax after a workout or stressful day enhances your mental and physical wellbeing.

What’s Involved in Installing a Hot Tub Next to a Garden Room?

There are several factors to consider when planning to install a hot tub alongside your garden room. Proper planning and professional installation are key to ensuring safety, functionality, and visual harmony.

1. Foundation and Base Preparation

Hot tubs are heavy—even more so when filled with water and people. They require a solid, level base to prevent structural damage and ensure safe use. At Oeco Garden Rooms, we offer the option to add an extended canopy complete with composite decking, which not only provides a beautiful and practical base for the hot tub but also seamlessly connects it to your garden room. Composite decking is ideal because it is non-slip, low-maintenance, and resistant to moisture and warping.

2. Space and Positioning

You’ll need to allow enough space around the hot tub for access, servicing, and airflow. It's important not to position the hot tub too close to the garden room walls to avoid water splashback causing long-term moisture damage. That said, it can still be close enough to remain convenient and connected. An extended canopy over the decking provides protection from rain and sun while enhancing the visual appeal of the entire area.

3. Privacy and Screening

Depending on your garden's layout and proximity to neighbours, you may wish to add screening or landscaping to enhance privacy. Planting hedges, adding fencing, or installing decorative screens around the canopy and hot tub area can make it feel more secluded and intimate without compromising aesthetics.

4. Electrical Requirements

Hot tubs require a dedicated electrical supply, usually a 32-amp RCD-protected circuit. Our team can work with your electrician or recommend a qualified professional to ensure the installation meets safety standards. When planning the garden room build, we can incorporate electrical provisions into the overall design, including waterproof sockets and lighting around the decking area.

5. Water Supply and Drainage

While most hot tubs are filled with a hose and don’t require a permanent plumbing connection, you’ll need to consider where the water will drain during maintenance or emptying. The decking can be designed to allow proper drainage away from both the hot tub and the garden room to protect the structure and prevent standing water.

The Benefits of an Extended Canopy and Composite Decking

Adding an extended canopy with composite decking is the perfect way to house a hot tub next to your garden room. This integrated design feature not only creates a practical area for your spa but also enhances the aesthetics and usability of your garden space.

Why Choose Composite Decking?

Slip-resistant surface: Safety is paramount around hot tubs, and composite decking offers excellent grip, even when wet.
Low maintenance: Unlike timber decking, composite doesn't require annual staining or sealing and is resistant to algae, mould, and rot.
Durability: Composite materials are engineered to last, resisting UV damage, moisture, and heavy foot traffic.
Stylish appearance: Available in a range of colours and finishes, composite decking complements both modern and traditional garden room designs.
Eco-friendly: Many composite decking products are made from recycled materials, making them a sustainable choice.

Why Add an Extended Canopy?

Weather protection: Keeps the hot tub usable year-round, regardless of rain or harsh sunlight.
Design continuity: An integrated canopy connects the garden room and hot tub visually, creating a cohesive and luxurious feel.
Added value: An outdoor living area under cover adds appeal to potential buyers and extends your usable living space.
Ambient lighting options: Install LED strip lighting or downlights in the canopy roof to create a magical nighttime experience.

Things to Consider Before Installation

To make the most of your garden room and hot tub combination, think about these key points during the planning phase:

Size and weight of the hot tub: Ensure the structure and base can support it.
Position of doors and windows: Align access points between the garden room and the hot tub area for optimal flow.
Usage frequency: Consider how often you plan to use the hot tub and whether it makes sense to invest in additional features like privacy screening, sound systems, or lighting.
Long-term maintenance: Composite decking and quality materials help reduce upkeep, but regular cleaning and water treatment for the hot tub are still essential.
Budget: The costs for the hot tub, decking, canopy, electrical work, and landscaping can vary—so planning ahead helps manage expectations.

Real-World Example: A Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Retreat

One of our recent clients opted for a 5m x 4m garden room with an extended 2m canopy and full-width composite decking. Underneath the canopy, a luxury six-person hot tub was installed with integrated steps and LED lighting. The client uses the garden room as a home gym and relaxation space. After evening workouts, the transition to the hot tub is smooth and sheltered, even in the winter months. The entire setup was designed and installed in under eight weeks, with electrical and drainage requirements handled as part of the project. It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful planning can result in a stunning garden retreat.

Adding Value to Your Home

A garden room alone already adds significant value to your property, both in financial terms and lifestyle appeal. When paired with a high-end hot tub installation under a purpose-built canopy and decking, the value multiplies. Prospective buyers increasingly look for outdoor living enhancements that offer flexibility and luxury. While the hot tub itself may not remain with the property, the base, decking, canopy, and power infrastructure will—making the space instantly attractive.

Final Thoughts

Installing a hot tub next to your garden room is not only possible—it’s a brilliant way to maximise your garden’s potential and create a space that blends comfort, style, and wellbeing. With the right planning and materials, including an extended canopy and composite decking, you can enjoy a seamless and durable solution that enhances your lifestyle year-round. At Oeco Garden Rooms, we specialise in crafting bespoke garden buildings that integrate beautifully with outdoor features like hot tubs. From initial design to final installation, our team works with you to create a space that meets your vision, complements your property, and delivers lasting value.