Enhance your outdoor space with spas, swim spas, saunas, plunge pools and pergolas that support relaxation, movement and everyday wellness at home in Aussie backyards.
Spending more time at home has many people asking: How can my backyard actually support my health and wellbeing, not just look nice?
Outdoor living solutions like spa pools, swim spas, saunas, plunge pools and pergolas can create a private wellness zone at home, perfect for relaxation, movement, heat and cold therapy, and time with family and friends.
This guide walks through the main options, how they support home wellness, and what to think about before you invest.
When planned well, outdoor living areas can help with:
A spa pool (also called a hot tub) is often the easiest way to add a wellness “hub” to your backyard.
Spa World sells a wide range of outdoor spa pools, from compact 2-seaters to larger family models with hydrotherapy jets and lighting designed to create a relaxing experience.
A swim spa combines a spa with a small pool. Powerful jets or swim currents let you swim in place, so you get the benefits of a lap pool in a compact footprint.
Spa World offers swim spas in various lengths and layouts, including models designed specifically for fitness training, aquatic exercise and family fun.
All Spa World swim spas are heat pump compatible, which can significantly reduce heating running costs by up to around 75% compared with standard electric heating.
** This heat pump calculator is for general estimating only. Running costs will vary depending on use, installation, location, and climate.
Individual results may vary.**
The data used in this calculator may change without notice.
Savings are calculated based on replenishing 6°C of heat loss per day using the model's literage, local annual average temperatures, and a holding temperature of 37°C.
Swim spa water temperature is usually held at lower temperatures than 37°C, which will increase the ROI and reduce the payback time. This is not reflected in the calculator.
Saunas provide heat therapy that many people use for relaxation, muscle comfort and post-exercise routines. Options include traditional (steam and rocks) and infrared (gentler, radiant heat).
Spa World supplies both indoor and outdoor saunas, with different sizes to suit apartments, townhouses and larger homes.
Plunge pools are compact pools designed more for soaking, cooling off and gentle movement than doing long laps. They can be above-ground, in-ground or partially recessed.
Spa World offers plunge pools and heat (and cool) pumps in a range of sizes, ideal for cooling off, light exercise and resort-style backyards.
Many models are heat pump compatible, helping cut heating costs compared with standard electric heating.
A pergola or gazebo can turn a basic courtyard or deck into an all-weather space. You can enjoy socialising, lounging, dining, even yoga or weight training - all from your sheltered haven. It also pairs beautifully with spa pools, swim spas and plunge pools.
Spa World sells pergolas and louvre roofs that are designed to work with spas, swim spas and outdoor rooms, helping unify the whole area.
Here’s a simple comparison to help narrow down which outdoor living solution might suit you best.
Solution | Main wellness focus | Space needed | Year-round use |
|---|---|---|---|
Spa pool | Relaxation, hydrotherapy, recovery | Small–medium area | Yes |
Swim spa | Exercise, relaxation, recovery | Medium–larger pad | Yes |
Outdoor Sauna | Heat therapy, relaxation, recovery | Very compact | Yes |
Plunge pool | Cooling, gentle movement, family fun | Medium yard | Depends on heat |
Pergola | Shelter, comfort, privacy | Varies | Yes |
Space needed will vary by model – always check exact dimensions and clearances.
In a 25m² Scarborough courtyard, Matt transformed a tiny yard into a Bali-inspired retreat — complete with a Vortex™ Aquagym™ Max Pro Plus swim spa.
With clever planning and Spa World’s expert advice, he fit a full-size swim spa, deck, BBQ, and seating area into a compact space.
The result? A stunning, relaxing backyard escape that proves you don’t need a big space for big impact.
For Pat and Donna in Melbourne, a Jacuzzi® J-345™ Spa turned their backyard into a haven of connection and calm. Designed for daily relaxation and recovery, it’s now the heart of family life, where comfort, wellbeing, and togetherness come naturally.
Yes, most people use them all year. In warmer months, you might run water a bit cooler, and in winter, good insulation and a quality cover can help with comfort and running costs.
With a heat pump, the running cost is reduced by up to 75%.
Want the ultimate outdoor setup? Start with what matters most to you. If you:
For many households, a combination works best – for example, a spa pool or swim spa under a pergola, with comfortable seating and plants nearby.
If you’re unsure where to start, consider visiting your local Spa World showroom or speaking with a consultant.
Looking for fresh ideas for your outdoor space? Want to install a spa, pool or swim spa? In this article you’ll find all the design inspiration you’ll need to start planning your new-look backyard!
Want to make your swim spa experience even better? Check out our top 3 must-have upgrades for 2024 and find the perfect accessories to suit your spa, from audio and WiFi systems to convenient cover lifters and energy-efficient heat pumps.
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