Austpek Bathrooms

Outdoor Bathtub Ideas: Create the Ultimate Backyard Escape

Outdoor Bathtub Ideas: Create the Ultimate Backyard Escape

Dreaming of a backyard bath, but not sure where to start? The truth is, the “best” outdoor tub depends on a lot of factors: style, what your space can support, how much work you want to do, and how you want your bath to feel. Heavy stone baths offer unbeatable heat retention and a luxury vibe, but require solid foundations and planning. Acrylic and composite tubs are lighter and easier to install, but may not keep water warm as long or last quite as many seasons in harsh weather.

If you’re stuck between practicality, budget, and the urge to create a little luxury, you’re not alone. Below, we break down exactly which outdoor bathtub ideas work best for different spaces, climates, and installation needs to help you get it right the first time.

Stone Baths: Resort‑Like Serenity

If you want your backyard to feel like a boutique hotel, start with a stone bath. These tubs hold onto heat for longer. Their natural look also blends seamlessly with timber decks and lush plantings, giving your outdoor space a serene, spa-like vibe. 

Keep in mind that stone baths are very heavy – often a few hundred kilos when empty – so you’ll need a sturdy, level surface (deck or concrete slab) that can support the weight of the tub plus water and bathers.

Pietra Bianca Stone Bath Collection

Made from durable, eco-friendly stone, Pietra Bianca baths are perfect if you want that resort-style luxury in your own backyard.

They’re weatherproof, keep your water warm, and come in custom colours and sizes - like the Onda, Ryese, Romeo, and Whitney (1350–1800mm). If you want a real statement piece that’s built to last and looks stunning outdoors, this is it.

Madu Eden Terrazzo Stone Bath

For a real statement piece, consider a terrazzo tub like the Madu Eden. This 1700mm freestanding bath is hand-crafted from terrazzo stone and comes in striking finishes (black, white, or grey) with one-of-a-kind speckled patterns.

Terrazzo material is incredibly durable for outdoor use – it withstands temperature fluctuations and won’t fade or deteriorate in sun or rain. It also  retains heat well and is low-maintenance (non-porous and easy to clean).

Style it: Surround a stone tub with natural elements to enhance the spa atmosphere. For example, you can place the tub in a bed of river pebbles or on large stone pavers, and use tall hedges or bamboo screens to create privacy. 

Lightweight Acrylic Baths: Practical and Versatile

Not every outdoor bath needs to weigh a ton. Acrylic tubs are popular for outdoor setups because they’re much lighter and easier to position than stone, which makes them ideal for decks, balconies, or any area where weight is a concern.

They also tend to be more budget-friendly. Acrylic warms up quickly when filled though they don’t hold heat as long as thick stone tubs.

Attica Bondi Freestanding Non-Overflow Bath

The Attica Bondi is a lightweight acrylic bath designed for decks, patios, and even small courtyards. Because it has no overflow, you don’t need extra plumbing - just let any excess water drain away naturally. 

Its sturdy frame and adjustable feet mean you can set it up almost anywhere, even if your surface isn’t perfectly flat. 

How to use it outside: The Bondi is perfect for quick pool rinses, beachside houses, or a simple outdoor spa. Place it on timber decking, add string lights or lanterns, to create an inviting open-air bath retreat.

Sculptural & Minimalist Baths

Maybe you’re less about rustic resort vibes and more about modern artsy statements. If you’re drawn to sleek, sculptural tubs that double as art pieces, there are outdoor baths for you too. The challenge with some sculptural baths is that they can be quite expensive. However, premium materials used in these tubs – like solid surface composites – make them very durable and able to withstand outdoor conditions while looking stunning.

Turner Hastings Solid Surface Range

If you want a true spa experience outside, the Turner Hastings TitanCast bath is top-tier. Made from a silky-smooth solid surface, this bath feels luxurious and is built to last—no fading, cracking, or staining. 

The Blanche model (1628mm) is a favourite, with its soft curves and classic rolled rim, available in gloss or matte white to suit your style. TitanCast is non-porous, scratch-resistant, and holds heat well, making it ideal for year-round outdoor use. 

How to style it: Treat your Turner Hastings bath like a showpiece. Set it on smooth tiles or concrete, keep the space clean and simple, and use modern tapware. Add uplighting or lanterns at night to highlight its sculptural shape and create that five-star hotel feel in your own backyard.

Ribbed & Fluted Baths: Texture Meets Trend

Ribbed and fluted textures are a huge trend in bathroom design right now, and the look translates beautifully to outdoor baths. These tubs have vertically grooved or paneled exteriors that create visual interest and a tactile element. Textured exteriors might require a bit of extra attention to keep clean (dust or leaves could settle in the grooves), but most are designed with smooth finishes that hose off easily. 

Riva Fluted & Slim Edge Series

If you want an outdoor bath that’s right on trend, check out Riva’s fluted and slim-edge tubs. The Roma model features a ribbed, oval design in gloss white and comes in 1500mm or 1700mm lengths - perfect for adding modern style to decks, courtyards, or even rooftops. 

The Layla offers a super-thin rim and gently raised backrest for a sleek, minimalist look, available in matte white. Both are made from lightweight acrylic or stone resin blends, so they’re easy to move and install. Why choose it? Lightweight, easy to clean, and a designer look without the designer price tag.

How to style it: Let the ribbed design stand out by placing your tub on smooth concrete or large pavers. Keep the surrounding colours neutral - think white, grey, or sand - for a modern look. Add a couple of potted plants or nautical touches if you want a coastal vibe. Just make sure your area has good drainage so any water can run off easily.

Colourful & Transparent Baths: Make a Bold Statement

These tubs are usually made of acrylic or resin, meaning they have the benefits of those materials  - smooth finish, variety of shapes, and relative durability). The key consideration here is style: a vivid yellow, blue, or red tub will demand attention, so you’ll want to coordinate the surrounding decor accordingly. Also, ensure the material is UV-resistant so the colour doesn’t fade with sun exposure over time.

Riva Petii Transparent Bath

The Riva Petii comes in vibrant transparent colours like yellow or smoky black and is available in 1500mm or 1700mm. This bath looks like a giant jewel on your deck—the water even picks up the tub’s colour. It’s made from durable, easy-to-clean acrylic that’s designed for outdoor use, so it’s as practical as it is eye-catching.

How to style it:

Let the Petii be the hero-pair it with neutral decking and add a few matching pops of colour with towels or cushions. For extra wow-factor at night, install LED strip lights underneath to make the bath glow.

Practical Considerations for Outdoor Baths

  • Shelter & Privacy - Pick a spot out of direct wind and away from neighbours’ views. Hedges, bamboo screens, or a simple fence will give you the privacy to really relax.

  • Solid Support - Outdoor tubs - especially stone - get heavy when filled. Make sure your deck or patio is strong and level enough to handle the weight. Reinforced timber, pavers, or a concrete slab work best.

  • Smart Drainage - Think ahead about where the water will go. Place your tub near a drain, or set it up over gravel or a garden bed that can handle runoff. Avoid water pooling around your foundations.

  • Easy Plumbing - For hassle-free use, put your bath close to a water source and drain. If possible, install it near an exterior wall for easier plumbing. If not, a hose does the job for most quick fills.

  • Weatherproof Materials - Choose outdoor-friendly finishes like stone, terrazzo, concrete, or treated timber. Add non-slip tiles around your tub for safety, and use a cover when it’s not in use to keep it clean and protected from sun or debris.

No matter which option you choose, Austpek Bathrooms provides a wide range of premium outdoor-suitable tubs to help you create the open-air retreat you’ve been dreaming of.

Address those practical points: sturdy foundations, proper drainage, a bit of privacy landscaping - and add your personal touches: plush towels, lantern light, maybe some calming music – and you’ll have the perfect setting to unwind under the stars. Here’s to long, luxurious soaks in your very own garden sanctuary!