Major Impact in a Small Space

In a showcase of innovation, space optimization and luxury, this Nevada-based pool contractor is no stranger to the endless possibilities of pool and spa construction. With over 80 years in business, Ozzie Kraft Pools currently tackles between 30 and 35 high-end projects each year, delivering sophistication and satisfaction to their clients. 

One of their most recent projects left space extremely limited, and logistics ruled out a custom concrete spa. With a clever design and a prefab spa, owner Kevin Kraft and his team created nothing short of a private corner for relaxation. As a small part of a larger project, this portable spa installation became a showstopper in itself. 

Photos courtesy Ozzie Kraft Pools

NOOKS & CRANNIES 

The client’s master suite walks out into a separate cove, perfect for an outdoor relaxation station. The problem? Two large columns significantly decreased the space allotted for a spa, which meant options were limited. The clients wanted something that was easy, low maintenance and ready to use, which ultimately led Kraft to recommend using a fiberglass spa. 

“We had an idea from the beginning that there was going to be a spa in that space,” Kraft explains, “so we had to find one that would work, size wise. Fiberglass spas are so comfortable, and since it was outside a master suite, I suggested one of those for the comfort and ease of use.” 

Following Kraft’s recommendation, the client picked out a custom-ordered spa from a local Nevada hot tub store — a perfect fit to the specifications of the space. Of course, physically getting the spa into its place was a challenge in itself, as it required a crane from the street to lift the spa over the house and drop it into the backyard. 

But with the hard part already over, the next hurdle was maximizing the narrow space and making the spa a truly remarkable final product. 

Photo courtesy Ozzie Kraft Pools

MAKING THE MOST 

Since the spa installation would be a complementary part of the larger project at hand, Kraft set out to make the fiberglass spa — its design predetermined — adopt the same style of modernity and luxury that the rest of the house already employed. Even though the space was small, the final look could be as dazzling as the rest of the house. 

“As beautiful as most prefab spas are nowadays,” he says, “they still look like a prefab spa. Our challenge was to make it look built-in, and to have a cover that they didn’t have to deal with — other than the push of a button.” 

To make the spa flush with its surrounding walls, Kraft recessed the spa further into the ground and used modified wood from Thermory to build a sleek frame around the spa, sitting level with the lip of the spa and extending the edge for a more built-in look. 

“We recessed it by pouring a well, if you will, to set the spa down inside it,” Kraft says. “We wanted it to be a ‘sit and spin’ application once the wood framing was complete.” 

The ‘sit and spin’ in question was made successful through both of these steps, since the recession of the spa left it at the perfect height for the client to sit on the edge and flip their legs over the side, no steps required. While a small consideration, the end result shines thanks to this forethought, making the spa not only look modern and luxurious, but also leaving the impression that the empty space was always meant to be filled with a spa. 

A wood frame served more than just aesthetic purposes, as it covered access to the spa’s controls and pumps, leaving the maintenance equipment tucked behind a panel in the front — easily accessible but just as easily forgotten about, making for a smooth edge and decluttered space. 

The client’s desire for luxury was a main reason for the choice Kraft made with the spa’s cover, leading them to use an automatic cover for the spa rather than a manual cover that the clients would have to lift and store while in use. 

“Automatic covers have a pulley on one side and a motor on the other,” Kraft explains, “but we had some really tight constraints, so we had to go with a cover system that had the motor beneath the pulley, which is a little unusual.” 

Even so, the automatic cover — much smaller than almost any automatic cover you’ll ever see — just adds to the sophistication of the final product. With the press of a button, the always-hot fiberglass spa is ready for the client to use. 

Photo courtesy Jimi Smith Photography

IF YOU’RE NOT LEARNING, YOU’RE BLIND 

This portable spa installation may look simple in nature and small in size, but there was no shortage in lessons learned for the experienced pool contractors. Even when it’s just learning more about what works best for specific projects, clients and scenarios. In this case, Kraft looks back on his choice with pride. 

“I’ve been doing this for a long time, so you’re always learning something,” he muses. “The takeaway from this was about how good a choice it was to use a prefab spa in this space, with a master suite. It’s easy to maintain. It’s hot all the time. With a pool-spa combination, you have to heat the spa, and no matter how much heater capacity you have, you’re still going to have to wait for it.” 

At the end of the day, it’s your expertise that’s meant to guide your client toward a design that will make their dreams come true. Wield it proudly, and you’ll find yourself creating something truly unforgettable, no matter the size.

This article first appeared in the November 2025 issue of AQUA Magazine — the top resource for retailers, builders and service pros in the pool and spa industry. Subscriptions to the print magazine are free to all industry professionals. Click here to subscribe.