Why Wellness Comes First
Late summer is hot in the South — but we still love our spas and hot tubs!
Besides a commercial pool here or there, I can't recall the last time we presented a design that did not include a spa — this has been a wonderful change in the pool industry as far as client demand is concerned. While there are so many things to discuss when it comes to spas and hot tubs, I want to focus on offering a premium option to my customers and how we try to achieve that.
It starts with design. All designers have their own starting point for design. For some, that first point is the landscape. For others, the first is the pool.
Personally, I tend to lean toward wellness elements first and then design around these to make sure we achieve these goals: Community. Nature. Wellness.
The Best Seat in the House
My design mind is usually focused on subtle sightline cues and first impressions when entering an outdoor living space. Where does the eye naturally focus, and what do I want it to focus on?
I like the mind and the body to be drawn directly toward a wellness element in the yard.
There's usually a "best seat in the house" when it comes to the spas we design, but we also try to account for different ways of engaging with the space when using one of our hot tubs. There are times when I like to look at nature and there are (many) times when SEC football is on the television, and that's the primary focus in our household. No matter what is happening, or not happening, I always want there to be options.
I want the user to be able to sit in a place that allows them to engage with their family, who may be swimming or doing another activity close by. I also want them to be at peace and forget about the rest of the world while watching the hummingbirds during their journey from country to country.
Based on what "moves" my clients, we try to create a wonderful space in the hot tub that allows them, while sitting there, to feel confident they have made a worthwhile investment in their outdoor living space as well as their life.
Customization Doesn't Stop When Construction Starts
The neat part about designing and building a custom spa for our customers is that the design and customization don't stop until there's water in it. I often visit construction sites to get in touch with the space during the entire process. Countless things are evolving — house construction continues, neighbors begin building, trees get cleaned up or removed. This isn't even taking into consideration the way we change as humans, as the client becomes more educated on the thing they are investing in or has a new travel experience at a luxury resort.
My family and I find some of the most subtle things while traveling that let me know someone took the time to think about the details of their work, and I love seeing that passion shown through the construction of someone's backyard.
Why do we automatically assume that a bench has to be 21 inches down — why don't we instead get to know the families that will be utilizing the spa and customize it for their heights? Can we space jet bodies differently for different therapy zones within the spa?
More often than not, clients are pleased to pay an extra couple thousand dollars for another pump if it means they can have countless more experiences with the way they use their new spa.
See You in New Orleans
As a designer and a builder, I'm always aiming to create the best space for my client, and our goal is that each one is better than the last. We have had the opportunity to create some amazing spaces for our clients, but I've learned there is always more to learn and see.
This fall, on November 16 at the Pool Spa Patio Expo in New Orleans, I will be teaching GENESIS D330: Comprehensive Aquatic Design – Where Water, Wellness & Architecture Meet. This course debuted last year and offers a great deep dive into the details of wellness elements and how to bring those to life for your clients.
I look forward to seeing many of you there while we explore all things wellness, but I am always eager to hear about your experiences or to offer our company's help when it comes to the design and construction of all things great in our industry.
Please reach out and let me know how your clients engage with the spaces you have built. Tell me about the special practices your company uses to ensure your clients have made a wise investment in their spa. I look forward to hearing from you and seeing many of you this show season!
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