Which sheds are suitable for hot tubs?

Many people nowadays are making the most of their garden with a hot tub shed. 

Installing a hot tub in your shed means you can use it all year round and also enjoy a bit of privacy while relaxing. Who doesn’t love the sound of going for a warm soak after a long day without having to leave the house? 

You can enjoy a glass of wine, put on some relaxing music, and stay safe from wind, rain, and loud neighbours. 

But can you place a hot tub in any type of shed? While some sheds aren’t ideal for a hot tub, we’re here to guide you through the best choices so you can pull it off with ease. Continue reading to discover how to turn your garden into a cosy, spa-like experience! 

Key takeaways

• A concrete base is the best option for a hot tub in a shed.
• You should use a registered electrician for hot tub installations to ensure your hot tub shed meets outdoor electrical safety requirements. 
• There should be 24 inches (600mm) of free space around your hot tub in your shed to provide adequate access for future maintenance. 
• Wooden or composite sheds are the best choice for hot tubs, as they can handle heat and moisture better with the right protection.
• Any shed you purchase will need additional ventilation/extraction and drainage systems installed to support a hot tub.

Can I put a hot tub in a shed?

Most hot tubs are not designed to sit on a typical shed floor. But that doesn’t mean designing a shed for a hot tub isn’t possible. 

With the right materials, support, and ventilation, you can find a shed to house your hot tub so you don’t have to worry about moisture issues, excess heat, or flimsy structures. 

There are three ways you can actually use a shed to create a spa-like experience from home:

• A shed that fully houses the hot tub (more like an indoor spa room). 
• A garden building next to the tub designed to serve as a changing room, towel and storage area, or extra spa area (with essential oils, a yoga mat, or massage chair).
• A partly open structure around the tub, such as a pergola or gazebo.

Whichever one you choose, it’s a wonderful way to elevate your garden. You can save money on spas or gyms by making the most of the space you already have. 

Just make sure you install a shed that’s large enough to house your hot tub, with enough space and open windows to allow heat to disperse.

Can you put a hot tub in a metal shed?

Yes, you can put a hot tub in a metal shed, but it usually takes more planning than people expect. 

One of the biggest issues is condensation. Since metal cools quickly, moisture can build up rapidly as warm steam hits the colder surfaces of your shed. Over time, that can leave the space feeling damp and uncomfortable, and if ventilation is poor, it can also make the whole set-up harder to maintain.

For this reason, metal sheds tend to work better as changing rooms or storage spaces beside the hot tub than as fully enclosed spa rooms.

Can you put a hot tub in a wooden shed?

Yes, you can put a hot tub in a wooden shed, and for many people, it is the most attractive option because it creates that cosy garden spa feel.

The reason it’s more popular is that timber looks more natural and cosy in a back garden than metal or plastic. That said, wood and trapped steam are not an ideal combination unless the building is planned properly. 

If the room stays humid for long periods, you can end up with damp, mould, or timber deterioration. If you are thinking about a wooden hot tub shed, make sure there is enough headroom, enough space around the tub for maintenance, and a quick way for warm, damp air to escape.

Can you put a hot tub in a plastic shed?

Technically, yes, you can put a hot tub in a plastic shed, but it would not usually be our first choice for a fully enclosed setup.

While many people think plastic sheds are problem-free since they don’t rot like timber, they do still experience issues with condensation. Most plastic sheds are really designed for storage rather than for creating a warm, humid environment where people will regularly sit. 

So while it may be possible, it is usually better suited to lighter-duty use, such as storing towels or accessories near the tub, rather than housing the hot tub itself.

What are the requirements for a hot tub with a shed?

Hot tubs, in general, are heavy and get even heavier when full of water, so you will need to ensure that any shed you choose can either support the weight or that you remove the shed's flooring to support the structure.

So, before you fall in love with any particular style of shed, run through these four things:

Foundation and weight

Hot tubs are heavy. Really heavy. That’s why you’ll need a flat, level, solid base, and around 100–150mm thick.

You’ll also need to make sure the shed floor is stable enough to support over 1500 kg sitting there for a long period.

In most cases, the smartest plan is to either:

1. Place the tub on its own proper base and use the shed for storage of towels or other equipment or
2. Remove the original floor and install concrete slabs or another really durable material to place the hot tub on (and then design around splash and drainage).

We highly suggest the latter if you want to conceal your hot tub from the weather or create a private zone for soaking.

Maintenance access

Your future self will thank you for thinking about servicing on day one.

You’ll want to leave around 600mm of access space around your hot tub to make it easier to complete repairs or replacements or to provide enough space for you to walk around. 

This extra space is also perfect for storing towels, robes, and spa accessories, making it a well-rounded experience. 

Ventilation

If a hot tub is inside a building, you’re creating steam and moisture by design.

That’s why a proper ventilation and extraction system is essential. It’s not just steam and excess water you need to worry about; lingering moisture can cause mould and material damage over time, leading to costly repairs later.

When customising a shed for your hot tub, remember to include:

• Plenty of windows and doors that can be propped open while you soak
• High-level vents for warm, moist air to escape
• An extractor fan or system to create a comfortable environment

Electrics

Water and electricity don’t mix, which is why you shouldn’t attempt to install a hot tub in a shed yourself. 

Call in a qualified electrician early, ideally during the planning stage, to ensure everything runs smoothly. You will need an RCD system that doesn’t exceed 30mA to make sure your shed is safe to use. 

Do I need planning permission for a hot tub in a shed?

You typically don’t need to ask for planning permission when placing a hot tub in a shed. 

However, you will need to do so if you’re planning to raise the ceiling for better ventilation, or if you’re installing a shed that exceeds the 50% rule. 

Here are the guidelines you need to stick to:

• Your shed must be single-storey.
• Your shed must not be placed at the front of your house.
• Your shed must not cover more than 50% of the land around your home.
• The eaves must be no higher than 2.5m.
• The overall height must be no more than 4m for dual-pitched roofs or 3m for other roofs.

Even where planning permission is not required, other rules may still apply, including building regulations and electrical requirements for a hot tub installation. So it’s still best to contact your local council for support.

Our best ideas and picks at Atlas Sheds

If you’re looking for the perfect garden shed for a hot tub, then we’ve compiled a list of our best ideas and sheds for the job. 

Since there isn’t one shed that suits every type of setup, we’ve broken it down into three main ideas and the best options you can find.

1. Hot tub outside, garden shed next to it

For many customers, this is the most realistic and easiest option to get right. 

You keep the hot tub outside in the open air, then use the shed next to it as your space for towels, robes, chemicals, pumps, accessories, or even just somewhere dry to get changed.

It’s also the best way to avoid moisture issues. For this, our 10x8 Superior Tall Apex Shed provides ample headroom and space for shelves and storage. 

If you want to step things up, our 10x8 Deluxe Apex Shed comes with thicker 60mm x 40mm framing, rubber roofing, and an internal breathable membrane. It’s a longer-lasting solution for storing delicate or expensive items.

And if you want the whole area to feel less like storage and more like a little spa corner, our 10x6 Country Cabin offers a warmer, more decorative look.

Our 10x6 country cabin, priced at £2,099

2. A partially enclosed hot tub shed

If you love the idea of a hot tub shed but don’t want to completely box the tub in, this is the perfect option. 

A partially enclosed setup gives you shelter from wind and rain, more privacy, and a much nicer overall look, while still feeling open enough to avoid excessive heat or claustrophobia. 

Most people will attach a pergola or gazebo to the side of their shed to create an outdoor area for a hot tub. That way, it feels like an extension of your shed. Our 8x7 Pent Garden Room is perfect if you just want something simple and bright to place next to your hot tub.

If you prefer a more classic look, our 8x6 Cheshire Summerhouse is another lovely option. It has a more traditional summerhouse style, with glazed doors and windows and a canopy overhang, perfect for creating a relaxing spa zone. 

Our 8x7 pent garden room, priced at £1299

3. Fully enclosing the tub in a garden shed

Placing a hot tub inside a garden shed can look amazing when it’s done right. 

However, as we’ve already said, once you start thinking about putting a hot tub completely inside a building, you need to think beyond the look of the shed itself.

If you’re willing to put in the work to place your hot tub inside a shed, then our 12x7 Composite Garden Office or 14x8 Composite Garden Office are ideal. These are fully insulated, include an internal vapour barrier membrane, feature EPDM rubber roofing, and have a much taller overall structure at around 8 ft 6 in.

If you still prefer a timber shed look, our 10x10 Deluxe Apex Shed or 10x7 Deluxe Apex Shed are great options, thanks to their heavier framing and more premium construction.

Our 14x8 composite garden office, priced at £14,599