Hot tub lighting ideas

Enhancing the lighting around your hot tub can transform it into a dreamy night-time retreat, creating the perfect ambience for you and your partner to relax in as the evening sets in.

But effective hot tub lighting isn't just about ambience though; it also serves practical purposes, especially at night. Good lighting makes the hot tub easy to locate and access — an essential feature if it’s tucked away in a darker corner of your garden.

Hot tub lighting is also highly versatile — you can customise it to match your desired aesthetic. For example, soft yellow lighting creates a peaceful, calming glow, while colour-changing lights add a fun, party-like feel for longer soaks.

Below, we've rounded up a collection of inspiring hot tub lighting ideas to help you curate a truly immersive bathing experience.

 

Our favourite hot tub lighting ideas

Ready to get inspired, here are our top hot tub lighting ideas to inspire you:

 

1. Fairy lights

Fairy lights are an extremely affordable way to give your hot tub an enchanting uplift, bringing a cosy glow to your outdoor bathing spot. If your hot tub is nestled near a tree or planters, hang the lights around the foliage to give a twinkling forest-like effect.

Alternatively, string them from one fence to another to create an overhead canopy of light while you soak up the bubbles. Or, if you’re fortunate enough to house your hot tub in a pergola or arbour, string the lights across the top of the structure to create a soft and comforting alcove.

 

2. In-the-ground lighting

Bring added opulence by surrounding your hot tub with in-the-ground lighting. There are numerous creative ways to incorporate ground lighting to elevate your hot tub design, whether by casting warm light around the base of the tub or illuminating the pathways and steps leading up to it.

Not only does this kind of lighting bring a glamorous glow, but it also improves safety by making it easier to navigate to the hot tub at night, helping to prevent accidental trips or falls. The subtle luminosity from the ground lighting will also highlight the contours of your hot tub and surrounding landscape, creating a serene, resort-like atmosphere.

 

3. Overhead lighting

Overhead lighting is an excellent option, especially if your hot tub sits under a roofed structure like a pergola or gazebo. The light that is cast from above helps to create a sense of openness, making the space appear larger — perfect if you have a smaller garden.

This kind of lighting works well for social gatherings, bringing even illumination so that guests can move around comfortably while chatting and relaxing. It also creates a safe and cosy environment, making solo soaks in the evening more enjoyable.

 

4. Floodlights

If you have a spacious area that can accommodate a large hot tub, flood lights can completely transform the atmosphere by providing full illumination. These powerful lights cast a broad and intense beam, highlighting all the features of your hot tub area and ensuring that every part of the space is brightly lit.

They beautifully showcase details decorative elements, making your hot tub and its surrounding features the focal point of your outdoor area. Additionally, flood lights provide ample lighting for night-time use, creating a safe and inviting environment after dark.

 

5. Fire pit

If you want added heat as well as light while you take a night-time soak, a fire pit around your hot tub is a real game-changer, the fire pit will effortlessly elevate your outdoor hot tub design, bringing luxurious spa-like appeal.

Best of all, the fire pit will create a toasty environment, as well as ensure warmth when you and your guests step out of the bubbles to grab a towel. Plus, the additional heat means you can enjoy your hot tub all year round, even when the temperature drops. Just picture the soothing crackle of the flames and that golden glow melting your stresses away.

 

6. Candles

Strategically arranging candles around your tub can enhance your soaking experience, creating an ultra-calming atmosphere. The soft flickering glow of the candles promotes relaxation while keeping the area well-lit, perfect for an evening of quiet relaxation or a romantic night under the stars.

For an even more immersive hot tub experience, consider using scented candles — their subtle aromas will evoke ASMR-like effects, transforming your hot tub session into a luxurious sensory escape.

 

7. Wall and fence lighting

You don’t have to place lighting directly beside the hot tub to make a significant impact. Soft lighting in the surrounding area can be just as effective in enhancing the atmosphere.

For warm luminosity, install wall-mounted lights on adjacent walls or fences. Additionally, consider incorporating backlit fencing to provide subtle illumination and create a striking silhouette effect.

 

8. Floating pool lights

For an attractive lighting effect, consider using floating pool lights in your hot tub. These waterproof lights drift along the surface of the water, casting colourful reflections for a whimsical atmosphere.

Choose from simple, glowing orbs for a modern aesthetic, or opt for colour-changing LED lights to bring a lively party vibe to your soaking experience. These lights are perfect for entertaining guests or adding a stream of mood-boosting colour to a solo night-time soak.

 

9. LED strip lighting

LED strip lighting is a great way to bring a sleek and contemporary feel to your hot tub. Install it along the edge of your hot tub or around the surrounding base for optimum impact.

With a range of colours to choose from, these lights are highly versatile. Better still, most can be easily controlled with a remote to adjust the brightness and hue to suit your desired mood. LED strips can be used to create a subtle under-glow or a bright, colourful spotlight, making them suitable for both peaceful evenings and lively gatherings.

 

Take a look at our range to find your ideal hot tub

Whether you prefer the gentle flicker of candles for a romantic evening or the warm, welcoming glow of a fire pit for all-year-round enjoyment, our above hot tub lighting ideas can help you to make the most out of your hot tub.

For more hot tub inspiration, take a look at our blog on hot tub décor ideas. If you want some tips on how to make the most out of your hot tub when the cold weather hits, our guide on how to prepare your hot tub for winter can help.