Can You Put a Pergola Over a Hot Tub?

If you’re a fan of hot tubs and pergolas, then you’ve probably wondered at some point if they’d be a good match. Yes, relaxing inside your hot tub while your pergola provides shade and privacy is a wonderful way to experience the joys of your backyard while relaxing in soothing, bubbly water. However, while they’re both wonderful additions to your backyard, there are some things to consider before deciding whether to combine them.

Consider the Space

First, it’s important to consider where your pergola and hot tub will sit. If you already have a hot tub installed in your backyard or as part of a deck or patio, you’ll have a good idea of the space needed to cover it and how large your pergola needs to be. The reverse is also true if you already have a pergola and you’re thinking of putting a hot tub under it instead.

But if you’re looking to add both structures to your backyard oasis, you’ll want to take note of your available space and what you want the overall aesthetic to be. 

Consider the Permits

When adding buildings or free-standing structures to your property, such as a pergola or hot tub, you should always check your local laws to see if you require a permit. 

Hot tubs, for instance, usually don’t need a permit as long as they’re under 5,000 gallons and are installed by a professional. On the other hand, Pergolas may require a permit depending on their overall size and whether it's attached to another building or not.

Consider the Materials

Once you’ve decided on yard placement and gotten your permits squared away, the next major step is choosing which material you want your pergola made from, metal or wood.

While wood is a beautiful material that creates a wonderful rustic aesthetic, it’s often not the best choice to cover a hot tub. The wood will frequently come into contact with chemically treated water, which may weaken and damage even treated wood over time.

Instead, a powder-coated metal such as galvanized steel should be used, like the kind found in our Trenton Modern steel pergola. The steel is treated to resist the corrosive effects of chlorinated water and will stand up to any other weather conditions that may come along. 

 Also, choosing a pergola with a canopy attachment can be a great idea, as it will provide additional shade during warmer weather while keeping leaves out of your hot tub while you’re using it.

Contact Us for More Pergola Hot Tub Ideas

So there you have it, a quick overview of what you should consider when putting a pergola over your hot tub. While this combination is a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors in your backyard, there are things you should consider before you start building, such as space, permits, and material type. 

If you’d like to talk to the pergola experts, contact us and tell us about your plans. We’d love to help you discover how great your backyard can be.