Hot tub privacy ideas in the UK 2023

In this article, we’ve used brand names not affiliated with Jacuzzi Group. You can see the list of the brand owners at the bottom of this article. All information, including pricing and product details, was accurate at the time of writing (June 22, 2023) and may change without notice. 

Some images in this article are of Hydropool™ Hot Tubs and Sun & Soul™ Spas, owned by Jacuzzi Brands LLC.

How do I make my hot tub area private? 

If you feel like your space restricts you to options, don’t worry, there should be at least one that can tick the boxes for you! Before delving into detail, it’s a good idea to ask yourself the type of privacy you’re looking for – is it shelter and privacy from above, from your surroundings, or both? 

By creating a separate, private zone for the hot tub, you can establish a distinct and peaceful ambiance that helps you unwind. Installing screens, plants, or incorporating other privacy ideas can add a stylish touch to the space while maintaining your seclusion. 



Let’s take a closer look at some of the many ideas you can consider! 

Privacy screens for a hot tub 

A hot tub privacy screen is any sort of blocker that can be placed around your hot tub. It’s usually made of wood, metal or fabric and used to create a barrier around a hot tub to provide privacy to its users.  



It's particularly useful if you have a hot tub in an open area or if you live in a densely populated urban area. The screen can also create a more intimate and cosier atmosphere, making your hot tub experience even more enjoyable. 



Where to buy privacy screens in the UK? 

You can purchase privacy screens from most home and garden stores such as B&Q. They come in a wide variety of styles, prices and materials. 



How much do privacy screens cost in the UK? 

Privacy screens in the UK range in price from £40 to around £545+. Brands such as online retailer Screen with Envy™ offer privacy screens. 

Gazebo for a hot tub 

Gazebos can be customised with various features, such as built-in benches, lighting, or even sound systems. There are many options on the UK market including wooden gazebos and metal gazebos to choose from. 



Gazebos are popular among homeowners who want to create a cozy and inviting outdoor oasis in their backyard and have solid overhead shelter too.



They provide a functional shelter for your hot tub and ca n also be a stylish and elegant touch to the overall outdoor living space. 



Where to buy gazebos in the UK? 

You can purchase simple metal and fabric gazebos from places such as Dunelm™ or if you would like a sturdier option, somewhere like Dunster House™ could be a great choice. 



How much does a gazebo cost in the UK? 

Depending on materials and brand, gazebos could cost anywhere between £35 and £2,400+. 

Trellis for a hot tub  

A trellis is a framework made of wood, metal, or plastic that is used to support climbing plants such as vines or flowers. Typically, a trellis consists of a grid or lattice-like design that allows the plants to grow vertically and spread out horizontally. 

Trellises are often used to create a beautiful and natural display of plants or to add some privacy and shade. They come in a variety of sizes and designs, and some even have built-in features such as benches or seating areas.  

Where can I buy a trellis in the UK? 

A simple trellis could be one of the easier options to DIY. However, to purchase one, you could look at ready options in DIY stores such as Wickes™. 

How much does a trellis cost in the UK? 

Depending on size, materials and brands, a trellis in the UK can cost between approximately £33 to £850+. 

Shade sails for a hot tub  

Shade sails are a type of outdoor shade structure made of fabric. It’s typically a durable and weather-resistant material like polyethylene or PVC. They come in a wide range of colours, shapes, and sizes, making them a versatile and customisable solution for outdoor shade. 

They are designed to provide shade and protection from the sun's harmful UV rays. You’ll find they’re often anchored to posts or other structures and tensioned in place to create a taut surface.  

Where to buy shade sails in the UK? 

Shade sails are a great, simple option for hot tub sheltering, retailers such as John Lewis™ offer sleek designs which can match your aesthetic. 

How much do shade sails cost in the UK? 

Depending on whether you need the poles, brand, the material alone for a shade sail can cost as little as £12. For a higher end shade sail with the cover and poles, you can be looking at up to £440+. 

Fake plants for a hot tub 

There are many high-quality artificial plants available that look very realistic and can add a lot of greenery to your outdoor space, privatising your hot tub at the same time. 



They don't require any watering, fertilising, or pruning, plus, they're a great option if you have allergies, want to avoid using pesticides or herbicides and of course you’re away a lot or on vacation! 



Where to buy fake plants in the UK? 

Fake plants are probably the easiest option to purchase as most supermarkets, retail stores or home stores such as IKEA®. 



How much do fake plants cost in the UK? 

Fake plants are a great affordable option to accessorise your garden. Prices starting as low as £3 and going up to £335+, you can find most for around £80. 

We will be exploring the real greenery you can use as privacy beside your hot tub below. 

Pergolas for a hot tub  

Similar to a gazebo, a pergola is another type of outdoor structure to consider. It’s available in a range of materials and shelter options. Instead of having a solid roof, a pergola usually has an open lattice, beam design, rotatable or retractable roof. 



They're often used to create a partial shade or sheltered area for outdoor seating, dining, or even as a garden feature to support climbing plants. Pergolas can be made from various materials, such as wood, metal or aluminium, and come in a variety of sizes, styles, kit sets, and are customisable too 



Important note – Some of these options may require you to meet certain building regulations – for example gazebo, pergola and trellis. We recommend you speak to a salesperson or your local council to get questions on this subject clarified. 



Read this review article to learn more about what we consider to be the best pergolas on the UK market.  

What plants are good for privacy around my hot tub? 

There are many plants that can thrive around a hot tub, but it's important to choose the right ones that can handle the heat and humidity, as well as being tall enough to create privacy. Some popular options include: 

Bamboo

This fast-growing plant creates a natural screen for privacy and can tolerate high humidity and heat. Tall plants such as bamboo are great for privacy as they reach up above the hot tub 

Canna Lilies

These vibrant tropical plants love heat and humidity and can add pops of colour around your hot tub. 

Hostas

These leafy plants can handle partial shade and moist soil which makes them great for planting around the perimeter of your hot tub. 

Ferns

These moisture-loving plants thrive in the humidity around a hot tub and can add lush greenery to your space. 

Succulents

These plants are great for dry climates and can handle the heat around a hot tub. They come in many shapes and sizes, perfect for creating a low-maintenance oasis around your hot tub. 

Handy tip - It's important to choose plants that won't shed leaves or flowers that can clog the hot tub. Landscaping around your hot tub can add beauty and privacy to your outdoor space, but it's best to consult or research gardening expert to ensure the safety of your plants and your hot tub. 

Can you feel private in a hot tub? 

Some hot tubs are actually designed with ‘built in privacy’. For example, the Jacuzzi® 400™ and Jacuzzi®500™ hot tub collections have a high back hot tub design to make you feel sheltered and embraced within the hot tub.   



Some covers and cover lifters are also designed to sit stationary at one side to create a high back, with the sole purpose of creating privacy, for example; ProLast™ covers and ProLift ™ covers

Click the button below to learn more about the Jacuzzi® J-400 collection. 

Inflatable hot tub privacy ideas 

An inflatable hot tub is a temporary option for your garden. They are usually used seasonally or yearly. You can use any of the suggestions mentioned above when thinking of a privacy option for your inflatable hot tub. 

When thinking of a privacy option for your inflatable hot tub, remember that you may have to find a new home for it if you ever pack your inflatable hot tub away or move house.  

Key considerations when adding privacy to your hot tub  

There are some key points to consider when trying to privatise your hot tub that may affect how much you enjoy using your hot tub if not thought about:  

View 

If you have a cover lifter, one sided gazebo, high back hot tub or anything that could obstruct the view; think about the view that could be blocked and try to be strategic with your placement. 

Shade  

Consider if you want shade or no shade, is the placement of your hot tub and its privacy element going to be blocking the shade?  

Summary 

Hopefully this article has sparked inspiration on how you can use one of the many options (or a combination of them) to make the area around your hot tub as private, serene and personal as you wish.  

There are a lot of options available in a wide price range so that your hot tub doesn’t have to be left out in the open. You also don’t need to feel as though you can’t use your hot tub at certain times of the day out of fear people will see you.

Searching for some garden inspiration ideas such as shelters, accessories or how you can make a small garden with a hot tub look really appealing, read this article to learn more. 

Interested in learning more about hot tub ownership, and valuable guides if you're somewhere along your buying journey? Browse through our growing collection of Learning Hub articles.