Guide to hot tub garden rooms

Imagine a steaming hot oasis of calm at the end of your garden? 

An indoor hot hub is a relaxation spot at the end of a hard day, no matter the time of year. And that’s the main benefit of having a hot tub with a structure around it, rather than just a hot tub: it gives your home a year-round attraction. 

But can you put a hot tub in a garden room?

In this article, we will assess the suitability of a hot tub for a garden room, and cover other key issues, such as planning permission and ventilation. 

Can I put a hot tub in a garden room?

As long as you follow some important best practices, it is possible to install a hot tub in your garden room. 

Unless you are a very high level DIYer, you should seek the advice of a specialist garden room supplier or construction professional.

If you are installing a hot tub in your existing garden room, you need to confirm that the structure has a foundation that can support the considerable weight of a hot tub filled with water. There is even more of a question mark if the garden room is built on top of a raised platform or decking. 

In an existing garden room, you will also have to ensure that there is sufficient ventilation (to prevent mould), door access (to fit the tub through), insulation (for warmth during the colder times of year), and protection against water spillage.

The considerations above mean that in some cases, you are better off purchasing a purpose-built garden room. These structures, such as some of the cabins and garden rooms we offer here at Logspan, will have the right features to accommodate your hot tub. 

What size does a garden room need to be to accommodate a hot tub?

Hot tubs come in various sizes, but you can assume you’ll require a space of at least 2.2m x 2.2m to fit the tub and give you enough room around it. For comfort, there should be at least 40cm around the tub - the more clearance, the more comfortable the experience.

Then there is head height. Typically, your garden room is going to need to be at least 2.5m high so that you can stand upright when you are getting in and out of the tub.

Do you need planning permission for a hot tub garden room?

In general, you won’t need planning permission for a standard-sized hot tub garden room. If you plan to use it for commercial purposes, this is different, and has its own implications for planning.

Other potential exceptions include if you live in a conservation area or in a listed building or conservation area, or if your garden is in close proximity to the boundary of your property. 

Despite the fact you are unlikely to need planning permission for a standard hot tub garden room in a normal residential area, you should check with your local council just to be sure. 

How do I keep a hot tub warm in a garden room?

You might be wondering how you can keep your hot tub useable, even when the colder climes hit home. 

Heating and sufficient insulation are vitally important. A heat source such as an electronic patio heater may be sufficient to provide ambient warmth when you are in the room, and if you want a stylish and aesthetically pleasing option, go for a wood burner. 

Insulation will be found in the walls, flooring and roof. You can install or purchase a garden room with double-glazed windows - and ensure that all the doors are properly sealed, too. 

Like any hot tub, the water should be piping hot!

How do you ventilate a hot tub garden room?

Ventilation is worth addressing in its own section, such as its importance to regulating humidity and preventing the growth of mould. 

Without enough ventilation, a soak in your garden room hot tub would not be as pleasant, and may even be uncomfortable.

Let’s start with the obvious ventilation channel - windows. Your windows should open enough to offer natural airflow. Louvre windows - which have a series of slats that open horizontally - may be a good choice. They will let out the moist, warm air from inside, while also keeping out the rain and direct sunshine from outside. 

Exhaust fans can also be a good idea. Mounted in the walls of the garden room, they can be controlled by a humidistat that begins to remove steam once moisture levels reach a certain point.

Roof vents are ventilators mounted in the roof, which can be both natural and power-driven. Revolving, stationary head and turbine roof ventilators are all options. However, with a proper extraction fan and the right windows, you should have enough ventilation for a medium-sized garden hot tub room. 

Why make hard work of adapting your existing garden room for a hot tub? At Logspan, we have a broad variety of garden rooms, cabins and huts that are ideal for hot tub usage. 

Our friendly team is on hand to provide advice, so reach out today.