Your backyard holds more potential than you might think. With the right outdoor spa, that patch of grass or corner of the deck can become a private retreat where sore muscles unwind, stress melts away, and family gathers under the stars. Here in Minnesota, where the seasons swing from steamy summers to snow-blanketed winters, an outdoor spa can turn your yard into a year-round escape. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything from spa types and backyard design to service, financing, and how to make it all happen. For 25 years, The Hot Tub Store in Hermantown, MN, has helped Northland families discover exactly this kind of everyday bliss.
An outdoor spa is any water-based retreat designed for relaxation and wellness in your backyard. That covers a lot of ground: warm, jet-powered hot tubs, larger swim spas that let you exercise and soak, and cold plunge pools that refresh and revitalize.
What ties them together is the experience. Step outside, sink into the water, and feel the day fade. An outdoor spa blends wellness with the simple pleasure of being under the open sky, whether you’re watching the sunrise with coffee or soaking beneath a winter snowfall.
The beauty of an outdoor spa is how it can fit your lifestyle. Some people want deep muscle relief after work. Others want a place to gather with friends or keep up with fitness. Whatever you’re after, there’s an outdoor spa option built around the experience you want.
The right outdoor spa depends on how you want to use it, how much space you have, and what kind of experience you’re looking for. Let’s look at the three main options.
Hot tubs are the classic outdoor spa choice, and for good reason. Warm water and powerful, adjustable jets deliver a soothing hydrotherapy experience that can ease tension, relax tired muscles, and support better sleep. They seat anywhere from two people to six or more, making them suitable for couples, families, and entertaining.
A quality hot tub shines through Minnesota winters. With strong insulation and a snug, well-fitting cover, it can retain heat efficiently even when temperatures drop well below freezing. Picture stepping into warm, soothing water while snow falls softly around you. That’s the magic of a well-built outdoor hot tub.
Want the benefits of a pool without the same footprint? A swim spa can be your answer. These larger units create a steady current you can swim against, giving you an ongoing lane for exercise in a more compact space. Many models also include a warm soaking area, so you can work out and relax in the same unit.
Swim spas can be a smart fit for smaller yards and for anyone who wants fitness and relaxation in one outdoor space. They can be used year-round, letting you swim in January without ever leaving home.
Cold water therapy has earned a devoted following, and it’s easy to see why. A quick dip in a cold plunge can provide an invigorating experience, support circulation, and leave you feeling refreshed. Pair a cold plunge with a warm hot tub, and you’ve got a contrast-therapy routine right in your backyard.
Plunge pools offer a compact way to cool off and recover. Whether you’re an athlete looking to support recovery or simply enjoy an invigorating cold-water experience, a cold plunge adds a new dimension to your outdoor wellness space.
A great spa is the centerpiece, but the space around it shapes the whole experience. A little planning can turn a good setup into a true backyard sanctuary.
Think about how you’ll move through and enjoy the space. A few design choices can make a big difference:
Good backyard design isn’t about spending the most. It’s about creating an outdoor spa space that draws you outside again and again, in every season.
The right accessories can protect your investment while improving comfort, convenience, and safety. A quality, well-fitting cover is one of the most valuable additions, helping lock in heat and keep debris out. Steps, handrails, and booster seats can add safety and comfort, while filters, sanitizers, and water-care products help keep your spa water clean and clear.
Keeping spare parts and fresh filters on hand means fewer interruptions to your relaxation. Our team can help you stock the supplies and accessories your spa needs, so you’re always ready for a comfortable soak.
A swim spa may be one of the most versatile outdoor spa options you can own. In the morning, swim against the current for a low-impact workout that’s gentle on joints. In the afternoon, let the kids splash and play. In the evening, dial down the current, warm up the water, and soak your cares away.
For Minnesota families, that year-round flexibility is a real benefit. When the lakes freeze and the pool season feels far away, your swim spa can keep you moving and relaxing without a seasonal break. It’s fitness, family time, and wellness all in one, right outside your door.
Owning an outdoor spa should feel effortless, and the right support can make it so. Our experienced team stands behind you long after your purchase, helping keep your spa running beautifully through every season.
We offer maintenance guidance and service to keep filters clean, water balanced, and equipment operating smoothly. When Minnesota winter approaches, our seasonal winterization service helps protect your spa from freeze damage, while our spring restart service gets you soaking again as soon as the season allows. Need to move your spa across the yard or across town? Our relocation service handles it safely. And when something needs attention, our technicians provide expert repair services for all makes and models.
That kind of full-service support means you get to enjoy your outdoor spa while we handle the details that help keep it operating properly.
Whatever your backyard dream looks like, we can help you bring it to life with an outdoor spa built around comfort, wellness, and lasting enjoyment.
With 25 years of local experience, we know what works in Northland. Visit our showroom, share how you plan to use your spa, and let our friendly team guide you toward the right fit for your space, lifestyle, and budget. No pressure, just straightforward advice from people who know outdoor spa ownership.
Our showroom features premium Sundance® Spas, backed by over 30 years of engineering and a comprehensive warranty. There’s a series for every household:
Round out your backyard wellness retreat with our infrared saunas and Bear Naked Saunas. These provide soothing heat therapy that pairs beautifully with a warm soak or a bracing cold plunge. Together, they can turn your outdoor wellness space into a more complete year-round retreat centered on relaxation and well-being.
Bringing home an outdoor spa should feel exciting, not stressful. We offer flexible financing, including in-house and third-party options, with affordable monthly payments and a simple, hassle-free application process that welcomes a range of credit situations. Quality relaxation should fit your budget comfortably.
Our expert team also handles safe, professional delivery and installation from start to finish. We manage placement, filling, and electrical coordination, then walk you through operation, water care, and maintenance so you feel confident from day one. It’s all part of making outdoor spa ownership simple and worry-free.
Your backyard is ready for something wonderful. Whether you’re drawn to the soothing warmth of a hot tub, the versatility of a swim spa, or the refreshing experience of a cold plunge, the right outdoor spa can turn your yard into a retreat you’ll enjoy in every season, all year long.
For 25 years, we’ve helped Northland families find the right outdoor spa with premium Sundance® Spas, expert guidance, and dependable service. Visit us at 4881 Miller Trunk Hwy, Hermantown, MN 55811 to explore our collection, discover financing options, and imagine the possibilities for your own backyard. Our friendly, experienced team is ready to help you find exactly what you need. Stop in today and discover the relaxation waiting right outside your door.
