The line between indoor and outdoor living continues to blur as homeowners seek to maximize their property’s potential and create functional, year-round outdoor spaces. In New England, where seasonal changes dramatically transform our outdoor experiences, thoughtfully designed exterior living areas extend usable square footage and enhance property value.

At Great Bay Spa & Sauna, we’re tracking six distinct trends in how customers are integrating our spa products with other outdoor amenities to create comprehensive backyard retreats. These trends reflect both aesthetic preferences and practical solutions for maximizing enjoyment of your outdoor space throughout New England’s diverse seasons.

1. The Rise of Outdoor Wellness Zones

Perhaps the most significant trend is the evolution of the backyard from a simple recreational space to a dedicated wellness zone. This shift reflects growing awareness of how outdoor experiences contribute to overall well-being.

Integrated Hydrotherapy Spaces

Sundance® Spas now frequently serve as the centerpiece of larger wellness areas rather than standalone features. Consider these integration approaches:

  • Placing an 880™ Series hot tub like the Optima® within a dedicated relaxation zone featuring comfortable seating, ambient lighting, and weather protection
  • Creating a progressive relaxation circuit with a Finnleo sauna positioned near your hot tub for contrast therapy benefits
  • Designing stepped landscaping that visually connects different wellness elements while providing privacy and wind protection

The most successful designs consider the complete sensory experience—how spaces sound, feel, and even smell as you move between them.

2. Multi-Season Functionality Through Thoughtful Design

New England’s variable climate requires creative solutions to extend outdoor living seasons.

Strategic Heating Elements

Fire features have become essential companions to water elements:

  • Positioning fire tables or fire pits within viewing distance of Hydropool swim spas creates year-round ambiance
  • Installing overhead infrared heaters near hot tub steps and change areas enables comfortable use during winter months
  • Incorporating stone elements that retain and radiate heat enhances comfort during transitional seasons

Our Hydropool swim spas pair particularly well with these heating solutions, as they’re engineered for year-round use in northern climates. The Executive Trainer 19EX provides both swimming and hydrotherapy in a compact footprint, leaving space for complementary fire features within the same visual zone.

Weather Protection That Preserves the Outdoor Experience

Rather than fully enclosing outdoor spaces, we’re seeing elegant solutions that block wind and precipitation while maintaining connection to nature:

  • Partial pergolas with adjustable louvers or retractable canopies above hot tubs
  • Strategic placement of evergreen landscaping to create windbreaks
  • Glass windscreens that preserve views while blocking prevailing winds

These approaches are particularly effective around our AquaPlay 13FFP swim spa, which accommodates 8-10 people and benefits from defined social spaces with weather protection.

A person grilling outside.

3. Outdoor Social Hubs: Kitchens, Bars, and Entertainment

The integration of culinary and social spaces with wellness areas creates a comprehensive outdoor living experience.

Sophisticated Outdoor Kitchens

Modern outdoor kitchens have evolved far beyond the basic grill station:

  • Full cooking facilities with specialized appliances positioned near swimming and lounging areas
  • Built-in refrigeration for beverages accessible from swim spas
  • Bar seating oriented to maintain conversation with those enjoying a Sundance® Spa

The SD-13 Stream™ swim spa works particularly well with these integrations, as its 12’4″ length accommodates swimming while its therapy seats keep users engaged with surrounding social activities.

Technology Integration

Smart technology now seamlessly extends throughout the outdoor environment:

  • The SmartTub® System controls Sundance® Spas remotely while coordinating with other outdoor systems
  • Weather-resistant audio systems that provide ambient sound from the hot tub to dining areas
  • Lighting control systems that adjust atmosphere across different outdoor zones

These technological connections help define spaces while maintaining flow between them.

A woman enjoying wine.

4. Sustainable and Low-Maintenance Materials

Today’s outdoor living areas emphasize sustainability and reduced maintenance requirements.

Eco-Conscious Choices

Environmentally responsible materials complement our energy-efficient spa options:

  • Composite decking around hot tubs reduces maintenance while preventing splinter hazards
  • Permeable surfaces that manage water runoff around pool areas
  • Native landscaping that requires minimal irrigation and maintenance

These elements pair naturally with our Hydropool self-cleaning swim spas, which feature industry-leading filtration systems that reduce water and chemical usage.

Natural Material Integration

Despite the move toward lower-maintenance options, natural elements remain essential for creating warmth and character:

  • Stone features that complement the cabinet finishes of Sundance® Spas
  • Wooden architectural elements that echo the aesthetic of Finnleo saunas
  • Local materials that connect spaces to the regional landscape

5. Privacy Solutions for Urban and Suburban Settings

As outdoor living expands, thoughtful privacy solutions become increasingly important.

Vertical Gardens and Living Screens

Green privacy solutions create natural separation without obvious barriers:

  • Living walls that provide sound absorption around hot tub installations
  • Raised planters that define swimming areas without blocking views
  • Climbing vines on architectural structures that mature to create seasonal privacy

Architectural Privacy Elements

Structural elements add privacy while enhancing design coherence:

  • Slatted wooden screens that reference Finnleo sauna aesthetics
  • Partial walls that define hot tub spaces while supporting convenient towel hooks and accessories
  • Glass panels with strategic frosting that preserve light while blocking sight lines
Kids enjoying a backyard retreat.

6. Outdoor Wellness for All Seasons

The most successful outdoor living spaces in New England embrace rather than fight seasonal changes.

Winter Wellness Experiences

Cold weather creates unique opportunities:

  • Snow-surrounded hot tub experiences with Sundance® 780™ Series spas create magical winter moments
  • Contrast between Finnleo sauna heat and crisp winter air delivers invigorating therapy
  • Illuminated ice features and snow-reflecting lighting enhance winter enjoyment

Transitional Season Adaptability

Spring and fall require flexible approaches:

  • Easily deployed additional heating for chilly evenings
  • Shelter options that can be adjusted based on weather conditions
  • Layered lighting that compensates for changing daylight hours

Starting Your Outdoor Living Project

As you consider enhancing your outdoor living space, start with a clear vision of how you’ll use the area throughout the year. At Great Bay Spa & Sauna, our design consultations help you identify the ideal spa products to serve as the foundation of your outdoor living plan.

Consider these starting points:

  • For active families: The Hydropool AquaSport 17 AX provides exercise options while leaving space for social areas
  • For entertainment-focused designs: The Sundance® Optima® accommodates multiple guests and integrates beautifully with outdoor kitchens
  • For comprehensive wellness: Combining a Finnleo sauna with a hot tub creates a complete therapy circuit

Visit our Portsmouth showroom to explore these options and discuss how they can integrate with your overall outdoor living vision. Our experienced team can provide guidance on product selection, placement considerations, and complementary features that will maximize your enjoyment across all seasons.