Spa area

[Boomer]

I'm planning a new backyard area in southern USA. A few questions:

1. We like the idea of a seating area around a spa. Any thoughts on the best way to add a bar area facing the spa? Has anyone found this to be a good idea?

2. We are also looking at adding a shade arbor over the spa. Any thoughts on this?

[CraigW]

How about something like this?

http://www.laspas.com/Gazebo/GazCR.html

Don't know anything about their gazebo things, had just seen this and thought it was a cool idea.

[Gary]

I know of a few folks that added a bar facing the spa and asked them do you use it. They all said it sounded like a good idea but the amount of time you spend in the spa (15-30 minutes) we do not use them.

As far as shading the spa I would never do it. The spa is mainly used at night and I enjoy watching the stars.

Either one of your ideas is personal preference, it all depends on what you like.

Gary