Gazebo?

[RayF-1]

Happy tub owner now for six months -- advice and info found here guided my purchase.

Now entering fall and am considering putting gazebo surrounding/over my tub.  Want to have clear ceiling for "star gazing."  Gazebo will be four-season unit, fixed to concrete patio.

Have done (180 day) forum search to read previous postings.

What's the thoughts of forum members?  Pros/cons?  Advice?

RAY

[HotTubMan]

Are you talking about a roof or full enclosure or some variant? Assuming you are considering a full enclosure, here is my two cents:
Gazebo Pros:
Privacy
Wind/Rain/Snow Shelter
Warmer area to towel off in the winter
Depending on size, entertainment centre possibilities (bar, stereo, tv etx)
In Rural areas can provide shelter from flying pests
Cons:
Obstructed view of the sky
Can be quite hot in the summer
Maintenance (staining etc)

HotTubMan

[Warkovision]

Many of the posts I've read from the more experienced people here seem to caution about wooden gazebos at least. Even my salesman discouraged me from purchasing one unless I fully embraced the amount of maintenance involved to keep it looking nice and protect it from falling apart. And many of their showroom tubs were shown with gazebos that were for sale. Having a clear view of the sky is important to me as well. They do look nice though, and all of the extras like bars, stools, and such can enhance even further.

[NightOne]

I've been doing some research on Gazebos and one of the things I noticed was that the prices are insane!

I was thinking that a great idea would be to have some sort of "convertible" gazebo. I was thinking along the lines of:

1. A roof that could come off - maybe in 2 pieces

2. Walls that "fold" down or detach so as to only create privacy panels - or walls that could come off completely

3- multiple configurations - full gazebo in winter - roof only in the fall - frame only in the summer

Seems like you would have to build it yourself to have something like this as I have not seen any (or plans).

Just some ideas

[HotTubMan]

I've been doing some research on Gazebos and one of the things I noticed was that the prices are insane!

I was thinking that a great idea would be to have some sort of "convertible" gazebo. I was thinking along the lines of:

1. A roof that could come off - maybe in 2 pieces

2. Walls that "fold" down or detach so as to only create privacy panels - or walls that could come off completely

3- multiple configurations - full gazebo in winter - roof only in the fall - frame only in the summer

Seems like you would have to build it yourself to have something like this as I have not seen any (or plans).

Just some ideas

I have always maintained that the ultimate gazebo would have a retractable roof. Just like the Blue Jays use.


 

[rodger]

Octagonal gazebos are expensive due to the labor of building something with a lot of 22-1/2 degree miters. An appraiser told me that you could never recover the cost of such a gazebo when selling the property.

Unroofed, retracting roofs and variants are a nice idea. You have to decide what's important to you.

I too considered a gazebo, but opted for a cabana. I'm still in the planning stages and haven't purchased a spa yet. I live in a rural, mosquito infested area in N. MN. Putting the spa in the open isn't an option. We value the privacy, shelter from winter and bug free environment of an enclosed spa. See http://www.cabanavillage.com for ideas. I'm planning on the very cool dutch hip roof structure. I will design and build vs. buy their kit.

[havanaclub]

Are you talking about a roof or full enclosure or other variant(this)? Assuming you are considering a full enclosure, here is my two cents:
Gazebo Pros:   
Privacy
Wind/Rain/Snow Shelter
Warmer area to towel off in the winter
Depending on size, entertainment centre possibilities (bar, stereo, tv etx)
In Rural areas can provide shelter from flying pests
Cons:
Obstructed view of the sky
Can be quite hot in the summer
Maintenance (staining etc)

HotTubMan

Sorry for the up, thinking about placing a gazebo on my patio. It's golden words and a perfect summary of answers to my questions. Costs more than $100 not 2 cents
All the best
Frank

[cranbiz]

You could use corrugated clear roofing panels. They still don't give a totally clear view but what you can get from them might be good enough. Loom at them in the store first to see if you can live with the view. Lowes, Home Depot, etc. stocks them.

You also will need to consider a way to keep them clean and undamaged.