Super small yard now has an in-ground spa

Sandi Clarke in Garland, TX

When I bought my (very small) house, it had a very small yard, a lot of shade and the grass wouldn't grow very well. In 2002, I decided to give up on the grass by putting in a pond/water garden with gravel surrounding it, all of which I did myself. After enjoying my pond for so many years, I always wished I could "swim" in the pond on hot Texas afternoons, so during the past couple of months, I changed the pond out for an in-ground spa of the same shape and size. After the spa was finished, I had to re-landscape the yard yet again and re-laid 2200 lbs. of gravel, but it was well worth it. It can also be heated and 8 jets turned on for lots of relaxing bubbles. Glass of wine in the spa, anyone?

Back Yard Before & After Garden Lighting Pool Small (Under 1,000 sq ft.) Spa Step by Step Project Stone / Rock Water Feature Waterfall

1 of 10: The spa today that used to be a water garden/pond.

2 of 10: This is the original water garden/pond that I built in 2002.

3 of 10: I absolutely loved my pond (as did my dog) and listening to the waterfall through the living room windows was very soothing. But on very hot Texas days, I always wished I could swim in the pond.

4 of 10: So I decided to change the pond out for an in-ground spa of the same size and shape. This is a picture of the hole dug out deeper, and the framing and rebar.

5 of 10: The spa gets concreted. Now there is mud everywhere!

6 of 10: I took the boulders and rocks that previously lined my pond and used them to frame the spa so it would have the same look as the pond did, including a waterfall.

7 of 10: The interior of the spa gets plastered with PebbleTec which gives the inside a very fine stone finish to retain the natural look.

8 of 10: The spa is finished!

9 of 10: The spa waterfall.

10 of 10: My finished spa sits about 12 people comfortably and there's nothing quite like a glass of wine in the spa when the sun goes down and the stars come out.

Comments / Questions

Hi there, I am a woman on my own. I want this too... please let me known What I must buy to install it by myself. I tink of the waterpipes and electricity....thanks a lot x

This is an awesome spa. Great job. When was this built and how's well is it holding up? I would love to build one in my back yard. I would love more details on the construction if possible.

Hi Sandi! You should submit this in the Lawn Wars TV Show contest. Go to the Yard Contests tab to get started. It would be perfect!

Defenetly love this idea for my back yard.Could you be so kind to send the info size,depth,etc.. Thank's

My dh would love one of these!

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