www.besthottubs.com Keeping a spa separate and functioning with its own controls, allows it to run late into the season -- and, in the Northeast, perhaps all winter long!

A properly installed, low maintenance, ecologically balanced work of art for you to enjoy everyday. Unlike many home improvement projects, a pond or pondless waterfall gets better with age - the fish grow, the plants mature and flower, and each passing season brings its own beauty.

Another attractive element is the natural gas camp fire which brings a soft and welcoming glow while adding warmth. With it, the residents can enjoy a cozy fire without the hassle of smoke and the inconvenience of having to build one by scratch. Outdoor breezes blow across its flames, creating warm puffs of air and soft flickering light. The hard work and imagination paid off when our company proudly accepted a Gold Medal in the 2005 Northeast Pool and Spa Association’s Design Awards and a Silver Medal in the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals 2005 International Award of Excellence for this project.

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional backyard stone patio remodel in Jacksonville with a pergola

Hot tub - small transitional backyard stone and rectangular aboveground hot tub idea in Atlanta

Jacuzzi portable Hot Tub lowered into a Trek deck.
Inspiration for a small traditional drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard landscaping in Orange County with decking.

During the initial design consultation, the clients expressed their dream to install a pool, but knew they did not have the room to do so. As discussions continued, the idea came about for a water feature that was functional and beautiful, and would allow the homeowners a place to soak and relax, even in winter.

Privacy screen for spas: The property was open on three sides and in full view of four homes. We used evergreens such as Skip Laurels, Leyland Cypress, and Cedars to create an attractive privacy screen. Texture and color were brought in to the buffering divider by incorporating flowering deciduous shrubs.

The finished project includes two-foot-high spillway from spa into pool. The spa and boulder work was specifically carved into the hillside to enhance a sense of enclosure and deal with the severity of the gradient change. www.longislandhottub.com

A portable spa unit is self contained. This means everything needed to operate it is included within the spa itself, which is partially what makes them so cost-friendly. It also means that wherever it is positioned, water from the rain must be free to drain away from the hot tub. If it can’t escape, the plumbing could get damaged. So when positioning it in-ground, the hot tub plumbing equipment needs to be removed and protected above ground, where it is also accessible for any future repairs or adjustments. www.longislandhottub.com

Custom in-ground vinyl spa: The spa features a waterfall that flows into it to keep it cool in the summer and hot during the evenings or cold winter months -- all without the size and maintenance requirements of a full-sized pool.

Arts and crafts aboveground pool photo in San Francisco

Example of a mid-sized classic backyard stone hot tub design in Salt Lake City

This is an in ground Acrylic spa. We chose Acrylic because the seats are softly molded and there are over 25 hydrotherapeutic water jets. The quick installation time and low cost are also attractive.

Outdoor living overlooking outdoor entertaining. With a spa and infinity edge lap pool, there are many options for enjoying the beautiful Colorado summers.

The main challenges for this project involved designing and measuring a perfectly-fitted vinyl liner for a pool with five bar stools, a complicated tri-level floor, three staircases, in-floor cleaning, vinyl spillover spa and vinyl-lined catch pool -- all of which are designed to last 25 years or more.

Gorgeous transitional backyard includes swimming pool restoration, masonry wall with waterfalls, natural stone patio, in ground spa with fire feature, curved modern pergola, outdoor kitchen, low maintenance planting, and landscape lighting. Designed installed exclusively by Elite Pool Design.

Richard P. Rauso, ASLA
Design ideas for a small contemporary full sun front yard water fountain landscape.

In ground swim spa in Westerly, RI.
Pool - mid-sized modern rectangular pool idea in Providence