This text is part of the special Pleasures notebook
Let’s imagine a Nordic courtyard imbued with the energy of feng shui, offering a serene, soothing and invigorating atmosphere. Surrounded by plants, minerals and woody elements, it would not be complete without the essential presence of water. Here is a succinct guide to creating, step by step, a personalized thermal experience in your home.
The art of relaxation
Thermotherapy allows the body to get rid of toxins while promoting relaxation. This traditional Scandinavian method involves alternating between spa sessions in water heated to 37°C and periods of cooling the body in an ice bath, a cold shower or even a snow bath. The northern climate of Quebec lends itself wonderfully to this practice!
Thermotherapy offers multiple benefits, such as improving blood circulation, firming the skin and releasing physical and mental tension. A Nordic bath session causes our body to secrete melatonin, promoting progressive muscle relaxation and inducing deep sleep.
In short, it is a real vitality cure for our immune system. Creating such an experience in your backyard guarantees sharing a friendly moment while relaxing with family or friends. It is also an incentive to spend more time outdoors, thus in keeping with the purest tradition of friluftsliv, or “life in the great outdoors”.
A development in three stages
1. Assess your needs
Start by analyzing all of your needs. Do you want a hot tub in your backyard all year round or only during certain seasons? An above ground or recessed model?
Then determine the appropriate location for the spa. Ideally, the installation should be near a shower or a place suitable for immersion in snow, allowing an easy transition between hot and cold. Consider accessibility, especially with snow accumulation in winter.
Visualize the perfect place to get the most out of your garden design, where the presence of plants will contribute to an experience of oxygenation and relaxation. Before making your choice, think about your needs in terms of privacy, protection against rain, wind and snow. Do you need an outdoor spa shelter to cover you from bad weather or prying eyes?
2. Choose your spa
Now that your needs are clear, do some research on what type of hot tub will suit you best. Consider aesthetic aspects such as wood or synthetic materials, and, above all, take into account the technical characteristics. There are several models and each has its advantages and disadvantages.
The inflatable spa, affordable and easy to install, moves and is very economical. However, its lifespan is limited.
The prefabricated spa is sold as a kit to install yourself or with the help of a professional. It’s a good compromise at an intermediate price. It is more solid than an inflatable spa and can be disassembled to be moved. Be careful, however, you may have to call on a specialist to reattach it.
Opting for an in-ground spa requires the services of an expert to check the stability of the ground, install the concrete foundations, make the connections and finishes. The advantage is that this type of spa has a longer lifespan and could add value to your home.
Finally, the free-standing spa requires little installation work, moves easily and is easy to repair.
3. Take action!
Depending on your choice, prepare the site and consider the intervention of a professional. Make sure the foundation of your deck can support the weight of the spa when filled, a precaution to take into account for all models. Also check that the electrical connections meet safety standards.
For the finishing touch, install solar lights around the hot tub or shelter, or even on the path leading to this zen space. Integrate plants that will be enhanced by night lighting, and that’s it!
Well-being and relaxation await you in your open-air spa. All that remains is to relax in the oasis of peace you have created; It’s the Scandinavian art of living!
This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Duty, relating to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part.