Soft lighting bathes your spa room in warmth, making you feel as though you’re in a sanctuary you never want to leave. The soothing sound of water and the tantalizing scent of a lavender essential oil diffuser make you feel even more like you’re in heaven.

If you love your new spa, you’re in excellent company. Research shows that American homes have over seven million hot tubs, with personal spas offering the perfect solutions for unwinding after a long day and improving your health long-term. But what are the best items to splurge on as you seek to create a true paradise right at home?

Let’s explore where new spa owners should allocate their budgets and how money well spent can instantly elevate your home spa experience.

1. Go All Natural

Make your spa room an all-natural getaway by embracing the beauty and power of biophilic design, which involves integrating nature into the spa’s interior. This can drastically elevate your well-being and the guest experience if family and friends use your spa.

Add natural textures like stone and wood, indoor plants, and natural light to your spa space. Even minor additions like a reclaimed wood accent or a vertical garden can create an immersive and calming environment that promotes wellness in the comfort of your home.

2. Light Up Your Spa Life

Lighting plays a vital role in setting the right tone in any spa. Wall sconces provide ambient, soft illumination that will make any spa user feel like they’re in a private oasis. Select dimmable fixtures featuring warm light-emitting diode bulbs to produce a truly tranquil atmosphere.

Sconces also provide architectural interest and free up space on your spa floor. The right wall sconces can enhance both functionality and aesthetics, making your space feel thoughtfully laid out and luxurious during every soak.

3. Add a Massage Space

For true relaxation, add a massage table or chair to your spa room. Search for an ergonomic design with durable upholstery and adjustable settings. Although top-tier models may be pricey, a mid-range option with vibration features and heat provides excellent value. A portable table or chair for massages can drastically enhance your spa room’s utility by adding a touch of indulgence for family and loved ones alike.

4. Introduce the Perfect Scent

Scent is crucial to an elevated spa experience. Set aside a portion of your budget for essential oils and a top-tier ultrasonic aroma diffuser. Essential oils such as bergamot, eucalyptus, and lavender offer therapeutic benefits, including purifying the air, elevating your mood, and reducing stress. They also make any spa room smell welcoming and relaxing.

5. Embrace Acoustics

Soundproof your spa space or invest in Bluetooth speakers and white noise equipment to transform your spa room. Nature sounds or instrumental playlists are an excellent option if you want to introduce speakers and promote relaxation in your hot tub space. Heavy curtains or acoustic panels can further enhance the experience by blocking outside noise.

6. Dress for Success

Comfort is paramount in any home spa room, so budget for bath mats made with memory foam, towels with high thread counts, and microfiber robes. These tactile objects can make your spa feel significantly more luxurious. Choose neutral tones such as sage, taupe, or ivory for a calming, inviting aesthetic.

7. Take Advantage of Temperature Control

Introduce temperature regulation to make the spa experience even more unforgettable year-round. This may mean investing in a cooling fan, infrared heater, or heated rack for towels. A comfortable, consistent climate can help relax the muscles and make treatments like massages and facials more effective.

An infrared heater can be especially therapeutic, producing warmth designed to penetrate deep into your tissues, while a heated towel rack can make your space feel even more opulent. These temperature control upgrades are generally wallet-friendly while making your spa room usable in any and every season.

8. Choose Quality Spa Filters

Water quality is of the utmost importance in spas. Invest in top-of-the-line spa filters to ensure odor-free, clean water, decreasing the likelihood of infections and skin irritation. Timely replacements and regular maintenance are critical.

“For most spa owners, cartridge filters strike the perfect balance,” according to Shu Saito, the CEO and founder of All Filters. “They’re affordable, easy to maintain, and the pleated design with large surface area handles spa-specific contaminants effectively.

“The real secret to longevity? A little regular maintenance. And that work is way easier on a cartridge-style filter. Industry guidance calls for rinsing your spa cartridge filter every two weeks to remove oils, lotions, and larger debris, with a deep clean quarterly. Plan to replace filters every year or so, or more frequently with heavy use, and look for aftermarket compatible replacements in bulk to save money and to have a replacement filter always on hand.

“If you’re a new spa owner, invest instead in quality water chemistry education. That means getting alkalinity right to stabilize pH and managing sanitization. It’s a different ballgame in spas because of the hot water temperature.”

Create a Dream Spa Getaway in Your Home Today

The right spa room can make any day the perfect one for an impromptu (or planned) getaway. Deck the space with natural accents, wall sconces, and essential oils. Consider adding a massage chair, comfy robe, white noise machine, a heater and fan, and top-quality filters to the space to further make it the perfect retreat.

Consider all the above-listed spa tips to make your hot tub space one you’ll never want to leave every time.