After living in Los Angeles for ten years, a hot tub has long been at the top of our home’s wish list. We explored many design directions before finding a style that felt right for our house and backyard.
We moved into our 1940s Los Angeles home a year ago. The property already had a great pool, but we wanted the year-round comfort and therapeutic benefits of a hot tub. Installing a built-in spa wasn’t a realistic option for us because it would have required an expensive remodel of the pool and deck, and from what we learned, built-in spas often offer fewer customizable jet options.
So we spent months researching above-ground spas. It was surprisingly hard to find a model that matched the style and function we wanted—until we discovered the STIL series from Bullfrog Spas.
Our house is traditional in form, but we’ve been layering in modern accents and furnishings. Since moving in we’ve added vintage Brown Jordan chaise lounges and low-slung modern chairs, and filled the yard with potted succulents while we complete the landscaping. We wanted a hot tub that complemented this mix of traditional architecture and contemporary outdoor design.
Modern Hot Tub Design
We wanted clean, simple lines both inside and out. We were initially attracted to cedar tubs that echo Japanese ofuro soaking tubs, but cedar models aren’t practical for a family of four who entertain regularly. They also demand more maintenance than we were willing to manage.
The STIL line represents an evolution from those classic cedar aesthetics: minimalist, refined, and unmistakably modern. Beneath its sleek exterior the STIL hides advanced engineering—innovations that make many conventional spas feel outdated in comparison.
JetPak Therapy System
We were initially drawn to the STIL7 for its award-winning design, but the deciding factor was Bullfrog’s JetPak therapy system. As active people who spend hours in spin classes and on the jiu-jitsu mats, Laura and I value effective recovery tools. Therapeutic jet massages are ideal for easing sore muscles and speeding recovery.
When configuring a STIL spa you choose three of six available JetPaks. These modular massage packs are interchangeable and can be positioned along one side of the spa. That flexibility is a game-changer for our wellness routine—and it reduces the need for frequent professional massages.
Beyond the JetPaks, color options were another important decision. The STIL7’s interior comes only in a white “snow” finish, which suited our palette. For the exterior we chose slate, though a chestnut brown option could work beautifully with wood siding or a natural deck.
We also appreciated the open-concept seating. Instead of molded individual seats, the STIL7 is arranged like a large square tub with bench seating facing inward. This configuration makes moving JetPaks and reconfiguring seating simple, and it allows users to sit upright or recline while enjoying well-placed jets. The benches provide a sense of freedom and flexibility that traditional contoured seats don’t offer.
Integrated Sound System
Music is a central part of our home life. We have a Sonos system indoors and usually run a Bluetooth speaker outside. The STIL7’s integrated sound system eliminates that need by offering four waterproof, marine-grade speakers that deliver room-filling audio directly from a smartphone. The system handles deep bass for parties and subtler tones for quiet relaxation.
So far we’ve had the spa for just a few weeks, but we’re already enjoying the therapeutic benefits and the design fits our backyard aesthetic perfectly. We’ll share more about how the JetPak Therapy System performs and how the Simple Water Care System makes maintenance straightforward as we log more time with the STIL7.