Imagine lying under a sparkling night sky in your deliciously warm bath. Or watching the sun set with a glass of wine on a late summer evening. This might sound like a luxury resort but with an outdoor stone bath this could really be your own oasis at home.
Installing an outdoor bath to your house, holiday home or air BnB is a popular alternative to a spa bath or plunge pool. An outdoor bath is cost effective, chemical free, cost effective to use and the water can be recycled to your garden plus it will add a unique point of difference to add character (and hopefully value) to your property.
Our guide to choosing an outdoor bath explains the style of outdoor bath that will best suit your needs, what size bath is best, whether to choose a colour or white and the best location for your new outdoor paradise.
The following article will give you tips and information on ;
What size, shape and colour outdoor bath to choose?
Where to put your outdoor bath.
How to look after and maintain your outdoor bath.
Choosing a size, colour & shape
SIZE
The general rule with outdoor baths is 'bigger is better'. Considering they are a popular alternative to the traditional spa, an outdoor bath should be big enough for two, or even a couple of kids who want a splash around.
We suggest a minimum of 1800mm long, or the Justina ST12 1650mm that is extra wide, so you can spread out comfortably.
If you dream of having a round bath, make sure you have the room to get it through to the space it will live. Outdoor baths are popular with luxury accommodation Air BnBs.
SHAPE
Round outdoor baths are the most popular and choice and best suited to accommodation or a holiday house. The Sylvia in a 1500mm size that can fit 3 or 4 people is perfect!
You can't beat the Hugi B048 for it's wide edges and large size. This shape bath is ideal for outside.
If you like to sit upright and read, the Rosetta ST01 is nice for this. And if you need a lovely, long relaxing soak then a reclined bath such as the Bertina, Jolanda or Vivienne will offer you a long, comfortable bath.
COLOUR
Stonebaths outdoor baths can be custom made in a large range of colours. The most popular are the earthy tones of the Toka Lite bath range.
Crisp matte white is a fresh and clean choice for a beach side or wellness style accommodation. White baths contrast beautifully against timber decking and sandstone or natural paving.
Khaki and brown grey can blend seamlessly into a landscaped garden creating a unique experience that feels like pond-bathing.
The Rocks, pictured below, used their surroundings to colour match their Hugi B003 bath. A light or dark concrete grey coloured bath will blend into the natural environment creating a beautiful natural bathing experience.
Te Arai Lodge, NZ
"We absolutely love our bath, as do our customers - we have used one of these as our cover photo on the Airbnb platform, as we see it as one of the major attractions."
Lux & Ivy, Clifton Creek VIC
Where to put an outdoor bath
LOCATION
Our entire range of composite stone baths can be used outside in the elements, whether fully exposed or under an awning or pergola. Location is key, and you will need to consider how your bath will be carried into position before you make your final selection. If you put your bath in a leafy setting or want to avoid leaves, salt spray, dirt etc. an outdoor furniture cover is ideal.
DRAINAGE
A licensed plumber will be required to install the bath, as with an indoor bath. A waste will come with your bath and must be plumbed into your existing sewage or waste water drainage.
BASE
A deck, paved area, concrete or pebbled base all work as long as the bath is stable and steady and adequate drainage has been allowed for.
The Rocks, Waikato NZ
How to maintain your outdoor bath
Cleaning and maintenance of your outdoor bath is easy. Ensure you regularly clean out any dirt or leaf litter if it is not covered. As mentioned, an outdoor furniture cover is a great way to protect your outdoor bath when it's not being used.
Cleaning baths using Jif or another soft, non abrasive cleaner will ensure it is always ready for family or guests to use. Black baths can be polished up using car wax.
You can read more about our bath maintenance here.
