Garden Spa Rooms and Hot Tub Rooms

Sauna and Hot Tub Garden Room

A larger garden spa room could combine:

• sauna

• hot tub

• shower

• changing area

• relaxation space
   

This creates a much more complete home wellness suite.
 

The sauna itself will have its own electrical, ventilation and manufacturer requirements.

 

Indoor and Outdoor Spa Design

One of the strongest layouts is a combination of indoor and outdoor space.
 

The garden room can contain:

• changing

• shower

• seating

• sauna

while the hot tub sits immediately outside beneath a canopy.
 

This reduces the moisture load inside the building while still providing a sheltered and luxurious arrangement.

 

Covered Hot Tub

A covered hot tub can often be more practical than a completely enclosed one.
 

An overhead canopy can provide protection from rain while maintaining much more natural ventilation.
 

The cover can be integrated into the garden room roof.

 

Hot Tub Under a Canopy

A canopy can also include:

• lighting

• speakers

• heaters

• privacy screens
   

This creates an outdoor room effect without fully enclosing the hot tub.

 

L Shaped Garden Spa Room

An L shaped garden room can work particularly well.
 

One wing can contain:

• changing

• shower

• sauna
   

while the second wing creates a sheltered edge around the hot tub terrace.
 

This can produce a private courtyard feeling.

 

Privacy

Privacy is particularly important for spa rooms.
 

Possible solutions include:

• slatted screens

• planting

• fencing

• obscured glazing

• high level windows

• orientation away from neighbours
   

The hot tub should feel private without making the building feel closed in.

 

Spa Lighting

Lighting can transform the atmosphere.
 

Useful options include:

• low level lighting

• dimmable wall lights

• concealed LED strips

• underwater lighting

• garden lighting

• feature pendants
   

Avoid overly bright lighting if the aim is to create a relaxing environment.

 

Garden Spa Room Heating

A spa room may need both heating and ventilation.
 

Possible heating systems include:

• electric underfloor heating

• wall mounted electric heaters

• air conditioning with heating
   

The challenge is maintaining comfort while also controlling moisture.

 

Electrical Requirements

Hot tubs, saunas and spa equipment can place substantial demands on the electrical supply.
 

The design may need to consider:

• dedicated circuits

• isolation

• outdoor rated equipment

• lighting

• hot tub supply

• sauna supply

• showers

• ventilation

• heating
   

This should be planned by a suitably qualified electrician.

 

Drainage

A spa room may need drainage for:

• shower

• basin

• hot tub discharge

• cleaning
   

The drainage route should be planned before foundations and floors are constructed.

 

Water Supply

A suitable water supply may also be required for:

• filling

• shower

• basin

• cleaning
   

The distance from the house can affect installation cost.

 

Flooring

The floor finish needs to cope with wet conditions.
 

It should ideally be:

• water resistant

• slip resistant

• easy to clean

• suitable for warm environments
   

Possible finishes may include tiles or other suitable wet area flooring systems.

 

Wall Finishes

Wall finishes near spa areas should also be selected carefully.
 

Suitable materials may include:

• tiles

• waterproof panels

• moisture resistant boards

• treated timber
   

Standard decorative finishes may not be appropriate in areas with high humidity.

 

Glass Doors and Views

Large glazing can work beautifully in a spa room.
 

It can create views into the garden while maintaining a strong connection with the outdoors.
 

However, privacy and condensation should be considered at the same time.

 

Planning Permission

The planning position depends on the building itself and how it is used.
 

A garden spa room may potentially fall within Permitted Development rights if the relevant conditions are met.
 

Factors include:

• size

• height

• position

• boundaries

• garden coverage

• property type
   

The hot tub itself may not be the main planning issue, but the building around it could be.

 

Building Regulations

Building Regulations may also apply depending on:

• floor area

• construction

• structural loading

• proximity to boundaries

• electrical work

• drainage

• sanitary facilities
   

A spa room is more technically demanding than a simple storage shed.

 

Garden Spa Room Cost

The cost will depend heavily on the specification.
 

Major cost items can include:

• hot tub

• foundations

• structural base

• ventilation

• drainage

• shower

• sauna

• electrics

• glazing

• finishes

• landscaping
   

A simple covered hot tub area can be relatively straightforward.
 

A complete indoor spa suite is a much more substantial project.

 

Start With the Layout

Before selecting finishes, decide how the space will actually work.
 

Think about:

• hot tub size

• access

• shower

• changing

• sauna

• seating

• storage

• privacy

• ventilation
   

The layout should be resolved before construction begins.

 

Adapt an APN Garden Room Design

An existing APN Garden Room design can provide the starting point for a spa room.
 

Possible adaptations include:

• add hot tub canopy

• create spa terrace

• add shower room

• add WC

• add sauna

• create changing area

• add privacy screening

• increase ventilation

• alter glazing

• create an L shaped layout
   

This gives you a professional design base rather than starting from scratch.

 

Potential Savings of 40 to 50%

Depending on the design, location, specification and how the project is managed, it may be possible to reduce the overall cost by around 40 to 50% compared with some equivalent turnkey garden room packages.
 

The aim is not to build a cheaper room.
 

It is to spend more of your budget on the room itself and less on the layers surrounding it.
 

That could mean:

• better glazing

• better insulation

• better cladding

• better internal finishes

• a larger room

• more money left for landscaping or furniture
  
   

Start With the Design

The first step is choosing the right garden room.
 

From there, you can:

• use the design as shown

• adapt it to suit your garden

• obtain planning advice if required

• add Building Regulations information where needed

• request builder quotations

• source products and materials

• control the final build cost
   

Choose the design. Control the build. Keep more of the budget.
 

Browse Our Garden Room Designs

Explore the APN Garden Rooms collections and find the design that works for your space, your lifestyle and your budget.