A sparkling hot tub tucked into a meticulously manicured backyard can look like the perfect retreat — until the reality of soggy towels, scattered chemicals and a tossed-aside cover turns the sanctuary into cluttered chaos.
Too often, poor design and clunky chemicals detract from the beauty of a hot tub if not considered early in the selling and installation process. Thinking ahead — and helping customers imagine their spa routine — can lead to not only a bigger sale but also a happier customer.
“Don’t just sell a hot tub,” says Ryan Landwehr, president of A&B Outdoor Furniture and Accessories. “Take a step back and ask them about their space. What do they want the final project to look like?”
Without thoughtful storage planning, even the most stunning backyard setting can lose its charm quickly. For professionals, this is where going beyond installation matters; it’s about creating a complete lifestyle space that customers are eager to use.
Common outdoor storage needs
If a customer comes in after installation, asking the right questions can make all the difference, says Brad Evans, Infinitree Outdoor national sales manager.
“What are they using around and in the hot tub?” Evans asks. “This includes towels, robes, spa vacuums, chemicals, skimmer nets, foams, speakers, drinks and more. Finding a way to offer storage for all these items would be a good start.”
Landwehr adds that first-time hot tub buyers rarely think about the nuances that come with owning a spa. Each week, his team fields phone calls from new — and frustrated — hot tubbers who didn’t have a retailer envision the entire spa experience.
During the sales process, he encourages retailers to walk a customer through their potential routine. Until a customer soaks in the tub that first time, they won’t be thinking about where to put their wine glass or hang their wet towel, Landwehr says.
“There’s not a hot tub out there that’s well-designed to hold a glass of water or a glass of wine on the bar top; it’s going in the hot tub at some point,” Landwehr says. “Now I’m draining, filling and readjusting my water care products — that is pure frustration.”
Towels and robes should be easily accessible from a freestanding towel rack or a nearby hook. Covers ideally need lifters to secure the bulky accessory neatly out of the way. Water care products should be accessible but secured, especially around kids or pets.
As a senior design consultant at A&B, Rodney Mobley often hears, “We want storage, but we don’t have a lot of space.”
That’s where Mobley integrates storage into surroundings — like spa stairs that double as compartments for chemicals. Nestled-in bars or coolers also make it easy to grab a drink without leaving the comfort of 104-degree heat.
“We approach this as a one-time investment,” Mobley says of selling smart, durable storage solutions.
“[Retailers] are a little quick to close on the big item; we’re so happy to get the sale, we just stop,” Landwehr adds. “But one of the rules of selling is, ‘They’ll tell you when enough is enough.’ We have to do some suggestive selling to really complement our products in the backyard.”
Poorly planned storage pitfalls
When suggesting storage options to customers, it’s important to remind them which materials are best suited for wet conditions.
Choosing the wrong materials can lead to expensive maintenance or repairs. That’s one reason Mobley prefers high-density polyethylene, created from recycled plastic — it holds up well around water.
“Wood will rot, even if you treat it over time; metal is eventually going to rust,” Mobley says. “[HDPE] is so durable it’s virtually maintenance-free.”
For customers drawn to the warmth of wood or sleekness of metal, Mobley suggests using those finishes as accents, not in water-prone areas. Once durability is addressed, the conversation shifts to aesthetics.
Evans notes there’s a range of storage option styles, with earth tones like gray, tan, beige and black cycling in popularity. Retailers who showcase these materials and color combinations on the showroom floor help shoppers imagine how different looks can come together.
Balancing function and style in storage
When it comes to creating inviting backyard spaces, Landwehr often reminds clients, “This is an extension of your home.”
Recently, he worked with a customer who had a putting green alongside their hot tub and wasn’t sure where to keep golf clubs. Instead of suggesting a shed, Landwehr recommended a cushion cabinet — typically used for patio cushions. The client’s response was, “Great, let’s get that.”
The solution blended seamlessly into the design while meeting a practical need. That’s the goal with hot tub storage: function without sacrificing style.
Built-in benches with hidden compartments keep towels and accessories close at hand. Weatherproof cabinets protect chemicals while maintaining a polished look. Vertical sheds provide capacity without dominating the yard, and integrated options — like spa steps or cover lifters with built-in storage — maximize utility in small footprints.
The key is avoiding “backyard shed syndrome.” Thoughtful storage enhances the experience while reinforcing the idea of the backyard as a true living space. For professionals, recommending these solutions strengthens customer satisfaction and creates natural upsell opportunities.
Keep the vibe, elevate the backyard
Smart storage must be more than an afterthought for retailers, as it’s what keeps the hot tub experience inviting long after installation day. By guiding clients toward solutions that complement their outdoor spaces, you become more than an installer — you’re a trusted expert who enhances the entire environment.