International Connection

Portable spas outside the United States provide a new design perspective.

This North Sea property contained multiple elevations. In working with the terrain, the builders installed a pool partly out of the ground, while the spa dealer elevated the hot tub another 8 to 10 inches higher, with two steps leading to it. A stone wall in the back helps to break the sometimes forceful ocean breezes.

The crews installed two sides of the deck before setting the hot tub on its concrete base, which has a drain to prevent any water from accumulating. Afterward, they placed the final side of stone and the wood panel. This technique allowed them to achieve the tightest fit possible.

The designers selected a local stratified stone called skifer. Several colors of the stone can be found, depending on where in the country it is mined. This installation used mostly gray tones to give a traditional feel.

A removable wooden panel was set on one side of the hot tub for access to the spa equipment. Siberian larch was chosen for its weather-resistant properties.

The homeowners also appreciate aquatic life, so their pool was built with a salt-water aquarium in the raised wall.

About the Author

Rebecca Robledo

Rebecca Robledo is deputy editor of Pool & Spa News and Aquatics International. She is an award-winning trade journalist with more than 25 years experience reporting on and editing content for the pool, spa and aquatics industries. She specializes in technical, complex or detail-oriented subject matter with an emphasis in design and construction, as well as legal and regulatory issues. For this coverage and editing, she has received numerous awards, including four Jesse H. Neal Awards, considered by many to be the “Pulitzer Prize of Trade Journalism.”