Outdoor Bathtubs Make Your Home a Wellness Oasis

From soaking tubs and hot tubs to plunge pools and stock tanks, get inspired by our summer roundup of some of the coolest outdoor tubs.

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July 11, 2023

By: Meredith Rosenberg

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Dip Your Toes Into These Outdoor Bathtub Ideas

Outdoor bathtubs encompass soaking tubs, hot tubs and small pools, although all encourage much-needed relaxation. Let these diverse styles and designer tips inspire your next home renovation project.

From: Kristi Will

Rustic and Sustainable Tubs

"Eco-friendly tubs made from recycled or sustainable materials are increasingly popular," says Artem Kropovinsky, Founder and Principal Designer of Arsight. This includes wood and stone. "Solar-heated tubs are another trend that reduces energy consumption."

Along those lines, "There is a rising demand for environmentally friendly products such as natural filtration systems and energy-efficient bathtubs," shares Peter Emmanuel Rossi, interior designer and founder of ByRossi.

From: Jamie Durie

Japanese Ofuro Tubs

Japanese Ofuro tubs are also trending within the rustic category. These types "originated in Japan and are deeper, shorter and typically made of wood," explains Mina Lisanin of ML Interiors. "They focus on providing a calming and meditative bathing experience." She notes how wood is commonly used for these types of tubs. "Cedar, teak and redwood are popular choices for outdoor tubs due to their natural beauty and resistance to weather and insects."

Michele Rudolph, AIA of Riverside Design, adds, "I had seen cedar tubs often in Japan, and now I’m seeing more offerings here in North America. Cedar has a lovely scent, and can weather many years of being filled with water." Michele is also noticing that more clients want a hot tub instead of a pool.

Stone Tubs

"Marble and granite/stone tubs are trending right now and for a good reason," says Stefan Bucur, founder of Rhythm of the Home. "These materials look exquisite, and they are higher quality than the average outdoor tub material. They also complement most types of outdoor surrounding areas very well because they offer a natural feel."

For example, "What makes this particular outdoor tub special is that it is made of Marmo Rosa del Garda pink marble that offers a fantastic contrast with the entryway walls and the shiny walkway," says Stefan. "The irregular shape of the tub also creates a natural feel that blends in with the colorful botanical elements and takes advantage of the marble's solid yet soothing texture."

Adding on to that advice, "Your outdoor tub should seamlessly fit into its environment," says Artem. "Consider surrounding your tub with plants, stones or a wooden deck to make it a natural extension of your outdoor living space."

Soaking Tubs With an Outdoor Shower

This stone tub is paired with a shower feature, making it conducive for taking an actual bath. "Soaking tubs are deeper and designed for relaxation rather than hydrotherapy," notes Mina. "They offer a more serene bathing experience and can be made from various materials like wood, stone or composite materials."

From: Sibarth Real Estate

Clawfoot Tubs

Traditionally constructed from cast iron, clawfoot tubs experienced their U.S. heydey in the late 19th century. They've enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in the 21st century, and can be installed outdoors as well. "Clawfoot tubs add a touch of vintage charm to outdoor spaces. They are often made of cast iron or acrylic and can be a stylish addition to a classic or rustic setting," Mina says.

From: Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects

Colorful Tubs

"The best outdoor tubs that I have seen and designed are ones that make a statement," says Raf Michalowski, an interior designer and founder of Meble Furniture. "They are unique in their design, materials used and placement. For instance, a spa-inspired outdoor tub could be built with a unique stone or tile color or unusual shape, and placed in the perfect spot to take advantage of the view." He adds, "You can go for a fun and whimsical look with bright-colored porcelain or an eclectic design that mixes materials like wood, copper and terracotta."

Modern Tubs

"This is a chrome-plated acrylic tub that has a particularly shiny texture on the exterior," says Stefan. "We used chrome to create a mirror effect that produces the appearance of floating when the tub is in use. The shape is rather typical for a classic bathtub, but that goes hand-in-hand with the repeating pattern of the big gravel around it and the rock wall, maintaining a sense of symmetry."

Plunge Pool Tubs

"Tubs that double as mini pools or incorporate hydrotherapy features are gaining popularity, as they offer relaxation and entertainment in one package," says Artem. These types can be cold for a plunge pool effect, but built-in hot tubs are also having a moment.

See More: 51 Refreshing Plunge and Cocktail Pools

Pre-Fab Tubs

"Pre-fab jacuzzi-type spas first introduced the concept to modern lifestyles in the late 1960s," explains Michele, and this lifestyle choice has evolved over the years.

"A deck can be built around a pre-fab hot tub to integrate it into a patio or deck design, making it appear to be built-in and providing easy access," says Michele. She also prefers cedar for pre-fabs. Michele notes that long wait times during the pandemic led many howeowners to switch gears from traditional swimming pools and custom hot tubs to speedier options.

See More: 75 Beautiful Decks and Patios With Hot Tubs

Stainless Steel Tubs

Stainless steel is one of the most common materials for hot tubs since it's easy to clean. This fun shape was customized for a project Michele completed for a client. "It's sunken into a deck, and is a terrific amenity for the homeowner as it’s way less upkeep than a pool," she notes.

"Irregularly shaped outdoor tubs seem to be having a moment," Stefan observes. "Since perfect symmetry is very rarely seen in nature, the resurgence of irregularly shaped outdoor tubs makes sense for an added consistency with the outdoor design and landscape."

Tub Within a Pool

"On a recent pool project, the homeowners wanted a clean and classic East Coast-style pool. By lowering the two pool walls and adding a darker blue tile on top, it gives the appearance that the spa is submerged within the pool water, while in fact it remains higher than the pool water level, only allowing water to go from out of the spa and into the pool and not vice versa," says Kate Gross of Kate Anne Designs.

See More: 67 Dreamy Pool Design Ideas

Tub Within a Pool

Michele adds, "Custom stone and concrete hot tubs that are integrated into a swimming pool setting are very popular, yet naturally more expensive than pre-fab versions."

See More: Classy Pool and Hot Tub Combos

Stock Tank Pool Tubs

For a truly budget-friendly alternative, stock tank pools are a popular addition in the above-ground category. Made from galvanized steel, these are geared toward a small number of people or kids. While it's more common to add them above ground, it's also entirely possible to install them below ground and surround them with a deck.

See More: 10 Splashy Stock Tank Pool Ideas to Copy This Summer

Indoor-Outdoor Tubs

While not technically outdoors, another design option is to create a bathroom with glass doors that open, thereby bringing the outdoors in on nice days.

From: Gregg De Meza

Tubs That Mimic Being Outside

Finally, if it's simply impossible to locate your bathtub outside, don't discount the next best thing: maximizing the view. This tub is placed on an angle to maximize the panoramic ocean views. "Placement is just as important by positioning the tub to take advantage of a gorgeous view," says Raf.

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