If you've been searching hot tubs or swim spas in Charleston, SC lately, you've probably run into the same fork in the road every time. Should you get a hot tub or swim spa? 

Well, both give you warm water, strong jets and a good reason to actually spend time in your backyard again. But they're built to do pretty different jobs, and picking the wrong one can mean years of wishing you'd gone the other way.

So, let’s talk about what actually separates a hot tub from a swim spa, what each one costs to own and which one makes more sense for a backyard in the Charleston area. By the end, we hope you'll have a clear answer instead of a headache.

What's the Difference Between a Hot Tub and a Swim Spa?

So, what’s the difference? A hot tub is built for soaking. It's a compact, insulated vessel with jets positioned around built-in seats, made for relaxing, easing sore muscles and hanging out with a few people at the end of the day. Most hold anywhere from two to eight people.

A swim spa is longer and works more like a personal exercise pool. Instead of just sitting still, you swim, walk or jog against a current created by paddle wheels or jets. Many swim spas also include a separate seating area with hydrotherapy jets, so you get a workout zone and a soaking zone in one unit.

To put it simply: A hot tub is for relaxing, and a swim spa is for relaxing and moving.

If you're new to the category, our beginner's guide to swim spas explains how the current works and introduces the different types of models.

Does a Swim Spa Need More Backyard Space than a Hot Tub?

Yes, noticeably more. A hot tub typically fits into an 8 by 8 foot footprint, which is why they work in smaller yards, patios and even some decks. A swim spa needs a lot more room since the whole point is having space to swim. Most run somewhere between 12 and 20 feet long and around 7 to 8 feet wide.

Both need about 3 feet of clearance on all sides for access panels, entry and servicing down the road. Before you fall in love with a swim spa, measure your yard first. It's a lot easier to change your mind on paper than after delivery.

Can You Use a Swim Spa Like a Hot Tub?

You can, especially with models that have a dedicated seating section with jets built in. That part of the unit works just like a traditional hot tub, with warm water, strong jets, and a comfortable place to sit and relax.

The swimming section is different, though. It's built to keep water moving, and some owners run that side a few degrees cooler. So, it feels good while you're active. If soaking is 100% of what you want, a hot tub will do that job just fine and for less money. If you want the option to swim on some days and soak on others, a swim spa gives you both without needing two separate installations.

Is a Hot Tub or Swim Spa Better for Exercise and Recovery?

If exercise is part of your goal, a swim spa is the winner. Swimming or jogging against the current is a low-impact workout that's really easy on your joints, but still builds strength and endurance. It's a good option for anyone dealing with things like arthritis, recovering from an injury or just looking for a way to stay active without pounding pavement.

A hot tub isn't built for cardio, but it's excellent for recovery. The heat and massage from the jets help loosen tight muscles, ease joint pain and take the edge off a hard workout or a long day. Plenty of people use a hot tub as their after-the-gym routine rather than their gym itself.

If you want both fitness and recovery in one unit, a swim spa checks both boxes. If recovery and relaxation are really the goal, a hot tub does that job well without the extra cost and space.

Which Is Easier to Maintain, a Hot Tub or a Swim Spa?

Hot tubs win here too, mainly because there's less water to manage. You'll test the water a couple of times a week, balance the chemicals, clean the filter, and drain and refill every few months. It takes maybe 10 to 15 minutes at a time once you get into a rhythm.

Swim spas need the same basic routine, just scaled up. More water means testing and balancing take a little longer, and you'll go through more chemicals over the course of a year. Choose compatible swim spa supplies and follow the manufacturer's instructions for filter maintenance, cleaning, and water replacement.

Neither one comes close to the upkeep of a full-size swimming pool, so if pool maintenance has scared you off in the past, both of these options are a lighter lift.

Can Hot Tubs and Swim Spas be Used Year-Round in Charleston?

They sure can, and that's one of the best things about owning either one here. Charleston winters are mild, with highs usually in the 60s and lows in the 40s, and it rarely dips below freezing. A hot tub or swim spa set to 100 degrees on a cool January evening feels amazing, and you won't be shoveling snow to get to it.

Summer is the other end of the deal. With highs regularly climbing into the 90s, you can turn the temperature down and use either one as a way to cool off instead of heat up. Swim spas are especially nice for this since the swim section can run cooler while you're moving around in it.

One local note worth mentioning: the salt air and humidity around Charleston are tough on outdoor equipment. Look for a cabinet built to hold up near the coast, and plan on a quick wipe-down now and then to keep salt residue from building up. Because the Lowcountry's sandy soil and high water table can shift over time, a concrete pad is usually the safer foundation choice for either unit, since a filled tub or swim spa can weigh several thousand pounds.

Hot Tub or Swim Spa: Which Fits Your Charleston Backyard?

Go with a hot tub if you want a simple, budget-friendly way to relax, you're working with a smaller yard and swimming laps isn't part of the plan. Go with a swim spa if you want to swim, do low-impact workouts and still get that end-of-day soak. You've also got to have the space and budget to make it work.

There's no wrong answer here, just the one that matches how you'll actually use it. If you're still on the fence, it helps to see both in person and talk through your yard, your budget and your daily routine with someone who deals with this every day.

If you've been searching "hot tubs near me" or "swim spas near me" around North Charleston, stop by Leisure Depot’s Dorchester Road showroom. We’d be happy to help you figure out which one actually fits your backyard instead of just your wish list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a hot tub or swim spa need special electrical work? 

It depends on the model. Plug-and-play hot tubs run on a standard 110 to 120 volt outlet, so there's no electrician required. Larger hot tubs and most swim spas run on 220 to 240 volts, which means a licensed electrician needs to install a dedicated circuit with GFCI protection. It's a bigger step up front, but it's a one-time job.

Does Leisure Depot offer financing for a hot tub or swim spa? 

Yes, we offer financing options so you can spread out the cost instead of paying for everything at once. Since most of our models are in stock, we're also able to get orders delivered quickly, often within a couple of weeks rather than months. Stop by the showroom and our team can walk you through the numbers for whatever model you're considering.

Once you decide you want a pool, patience tends to go out the window. You picture the kids jumping in on a Saturday afternoon, and suddenly every question is about timing. How fast can this actually happen?

Above ground pool installation time depends a lot on a handful of things like, who's doing the work, what your yard looks like right now and how big a pool you're setting up. A pro crew can often have a family-size pool ready to fill in a day or two. Doing it yourself usually takes a full weekend, sometimes longer if your yard needs work first.

Here's a real look at the above ground pool installation process from start to finish, so you'll know what to expect before you ever set a date.

Professional Installation vs. DIY: Which One Is Actually Faster

If you hire a crew that installs pools for a living, most jobs wrap up in one to two days once they're on site. That includes leveling the ground, building the base, putting up the walls, laying the liner and hooking up the pump and filter. A simple site with flat, dry ground moves fast. A yard with a slope, tree roots or drainage issues takes longer, since the crew has to fix those problems before the pool can even go up.

DIY above ground pool installation is a different story. Plan on a full weekend at minimum, and that's if your yard is already fairly level and you have a friend or two helping you carry and lift. Add in a sloped yard, a first-time install or working alone, and you could easily stretch the project across several days.

Neither route is wrong. A lot of homeowners really enjoy building it themselves and take their time getting it right. Others would rather hand the whole thing to a crew and skip the trial and error. If speed matters more to you than saving on labor, professional installation is the clear winner.

Shopping for the Right Pool Before You Set a Date

The install timeline actually starts before the pool ever shows up in your yard. A few choices you make at the shopping stage end up shaping how long everything else takes:

• Shape: Round pools generally go up faster than oval ones, since the walls form one continuous shape instead of needing extra bracing at the curves.

• Size: A small 15-foot pool takes less time to level, assemble and fill than a large 24-foot family pool.

• Wall material: Resin, steel, aluminum and hybrid walls each hold up differently and need different amounts of bracing during assembly.

• Your yard: Measure the space you actually have, note where the sun hits and check how close you'll be to fences, property lines or septic lines before you buy.

A pool that's the wrong size for your yard causes a huge headache long after you install it. So, it's definitely worth getting this part right from the start.

Getting the Site Ready and Putting the Pool Together

Before the pool starts looking like a pool, a few things need to happen on-site first, and each one adds its own chunk of time to the overall project.

• Leveling. Above ground pool leveling comes first, since even a small dip or high spot puts uneven pressure on the walls once the pool fills with water. A flat yard takes a few hours to level. A sloped one can take a full day or more.

• Base prep. Above ground pool base preparation lays down a smooth, firm layer under the liner, usually sand, a solar pad or patio pavers, which adds another few hours.

• Assembly and liner. Above ground pool assembly typically goes up in a few hours for a mid-size round pool with two or three people helping. Above ground pool liner installation follows right after. Larger or oval pools take longer for both.

Altogether, this part of the pool process usually means about a half day to a full day for an average yard, more if the site needs extra grading first.

Filling the Pool and Setting Up the Equipment

Once the liner is in place, it's time to add water. Filling a family-size above ground pool with a standard garden hose typically takes 24 to 48 hours, depending on water pressure and pool size. A water delivery truck can do it in just a few hours if you'd rather not wait.

While the pool fills, that's the time to handle pool equipment installation. Above ground pool pump setup means connecting the hoses between the skimmer, pump and return jet, then running the system for a few minutes to check every connection for leaks.

Once it's full, add your starter chemicals and let the pump circulate. Most families wait about 24 hours after balancing the water before swimming, giving the chlorine and pH time to settle into a safe range.

Adding a Deck or Other Extras

A lot of homeowners install the pool itself and then decide they want more. A wood deck built around the pool wall is one of the most popular additions, and it does two things at once. It gives you a place to sit and arrange outdoor furniture, and it visually blends the pool into your yard so it stops looking like a big metal ring sitting in the grass.

A deck adds time to your overall project, usually another day or two depending on size and design, since it means additional framing, decking material and often its own permit depending on the height and size. Some homeowners build it right alongside the pool installation, while others get the pool up and swimming first, then add the deck later in the season once they've decided exactly how they want to use the space.

Other popular add-ons include a compatible pool deck ladder or steps built into the deck instead of a standalone ladder, a fence for safety and privacy, and solar covers to help keep the water warm early and late in the season. None of these are required to enjoy the pool, but they're worth planning for if you want your backyard to feel finished rather than temporary.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind Before You Buy

Before you commit to a pool, a little planning up front saves you time and frustration later.

• Check your yard's slope and soil before you shop. A yard that needs a lot of grading adds real time to your installation, so it helps to know that going in.

• Ask about lead time. Pools, liners and pumps can take time to arrive depending on the season, especially if you're shopping in peak spring or early summer.

• Make sure you confirm permit requirements. Do this through your local building department first. It's a quick step that can prevent a headache later.

• Think about access to your yard. Gates, fences and tight side yards can slow down both delivery and installation.

• Budget time, not just money, for extras like decking, fencing or steps. These add real days to your project timeline.

If you're shopping for above ground pools that Charleston SC families trust, our team walks through all of this with customers every day. We know the local yards, the local weather and what it actually takes to get a pool up and running around here, not just what a generic install guide says.

Between leveling the ground, building the base, putting the frame together, laying the liner and filling it up, an above ground pool installation typically runs anywhere from a single day with a professional crew and a good site, to a full weekend or more if you're doing it yourself. Add a permit, a deck or a tricky yard into the mix, and it stretches out further.

Ready to find the right above ground pool for your yard? Visit our North Charleston showroom or browse our pool collections online to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an above-ground pool be installed in one day? 

It's possible with a small pool, a flat and level yard, and an experienced crew, but it's not typical. Most professional installs take one to two days once you count leveling, base prep, assembly, the liner and equipment hookup. A one-day install usually means the site was already in great shape before the crew arrived.

How long does site preparation take for an above-ground pool?

It can range a bit from a few hours to a full day or two, depending on how level your yard already is. A flat, clear yard needs very little work. A sloped or uneven yard takes longer, since you'll need to move soil around and compact it properly before the pool ever goes up.

Does the ground need to be perfectly level before installation? 

It needs to be very close to level, even if "perfect" sounds like a stretch. Most manufacturers allow only a small amount of unevenness, often less than an inch across the whole footprint. Anything more than that puts uneven pressure on the walls and liner once the pool fills with water.

How long does it take to fill an above-ground pool? 

With a standard garden hose, most family-size above ground pools take 24 to 48 hours to fill, depending on water pressure and pool size. A water delivery service can fill the same pool in just a few hours if you don't want to wait.

Have you been dreaming about a backyard pool, but keep running into the same three roadblocks? Lot size, cost and permitting stop more Lowcountry homeowners than anything else. That's exactly why so many people start looking at swim spas instead.

A swim spa isn't a smaller, watered-down version of a pool. It's a different product that solves a different problem, and for a lot of Charleston-area yards, it solves it well, too. Here's how a swim spa compares to a traditional pool when it comes to space, cost and the permitting rules you'll run into here in the Lowcountry.

What Is a Swim Spa, and How Is It Different from a Pool?

A swim spa looks like a long, deep hot tub, and in a lot of ways, that's basically what it is. Instead of a large body of still water, it uses a current, a jet system that pushes water against you, so you can swim in place without ever reaching the end of the tank. Turn the current off and it works like a regular hot tub for soaking and relaxing.

A traditional pool, above ground or inground, is a fixed body of standing water sized for swimming laps, playing games or just floating around with the family. There's no current involved. You move through the water instead of staying in one spot.

So when people ask about swim spa vs. pool, or swim spa or pool, the honest answer is that they're built for different things. A pool is made for space and group fun. A swim spa is made for fitness, therapy and relaxation in a much smaller footprint. Neither one is automatically the better choice. It depends on what your family actually wants to do in the water.

If you're new to the category, our beginner's guide to swim spas explains how the current works and what separates recreation, fitness, and dual-zone models.

Swim Spa Dimensions: How Much Space Do You Actually Need?

Swim spas could be a great option for Lowcountry homeowners, especially anyone working with a smaller in-town lot in Charleston, Mount Pleasant or James Island.

Most swim spa dimensions fall somewhere between 12 and 19 feet long and 7 to 8 feet wide, with a water depth around 3.5 to 4 feet. Once you factor in the concrete pad and a few feet of clearance on each side for maintenance access, you're usually looking at a total footprint closer to 15 to 20 feet by 10 to 12 feet.

Compare that to a traditional inground pool, which often needs a much larger dig and a wider surrounding deck to feel usable, and the difference adds up fast. A swim spa can tuck into a side yard, a narrow backyard or a corner near the patio that would never fit a full-size pool.

That's why a swim spa for small backyard setups has become such a popular search. If you've been told your lot is too small for a pool for small backyard living, a swim spa might be the workaround you haven't considered yet.

Swim Spa vs. Above Ground Pool vs. Inground Pool

It helps to look at all three side by side, since people often lump swim spas in with above ground pools when they're really closer to their own category.

An above ground pool is the most budget-friendly option and goes in fast, but it's limited in depth. 

An inground pool is the most permanent option, and also the most customizable. You get real depth, real square footage and the option to add a tanning ledge, a spa attachment or custom shapes. That flexibility comes at a cost, though, since it needs the biggest yard footprint, the longest install timeline and the most ongoing upkeep of the three.

A swim spa vs. above ground pool comparison usually comes down to features. Swim spas run year-round, include built-in heating and jets. A swim spa vs. inground pool comparison comes down to space and purpose. You give up the open swimming area, but you gain a compact, heated unit that works for exercise and relaxation in almost any yard.

Compare the Full Cost, Not Just the Purchase Price

The price of the pool or swim spa is only part of the budget. Compare complete installed quotes that include site preparation, the foundation, delivery and placement, electrical work, permits, and any required barriers or decking.

For ongoing costs, factor in electricity, water, cleaning, replacement filters, and water-care products. Your choice of swim spa supplies should match the model and its manufacturer's care instructions. Ask each provider what's included and what you'll need to arrange separately so you're comparing the same scope of work.

Permitting and Setback Requirements in the South Carolina Lowcountry

This part trips people up more than almost anything else, so it's worth slowing down on.

Across most of the Lowcountry, including Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties, permanent pools and swim spas both typically require a building permit and an electrical permit. A shallow, temporary kiddie pool usually doesn't need one, but anything permanently installed with real depth generally does, and that includes most swim spas once they're set on a pad and wired in.

Swimming pool setback requirements tell you how far your pool or swim spa has to sit from your property line, your house and sometimes your septic system or utility easements. These distances aren't the same everywhere. Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant and Summerville each set their own rules, and unincorporated Charleston County has its own standards on top of that.

Because of how much these numbers vary by city and county, we always tell customers to check with their local building or zoning department before finalizing a location for a swim spa Charleston SC installation, or any swimming pool Charleston SC project. It's a quick call or website check, and it saves you from having to move something heavy later.

A few things worth confirming with your local department before you dig or pour a pad:

• The required setback from your property line and from your house

• Whether a fence or barrier is required around a swim spa, not just a pool

• Any rules tied to easements, septic fields or overhead utility lines

• Whether your HOA has its own separate approval process

Our team has installed enough swim spas around the Lowcountry to know these rules shift block by block, so we're happy to help you figure out what applies to your address specifically.

So, Is a Swim Spa Better Than a Pool for Your Backyard?

Honestly, it really depends on how you plan to use it. If your idea of a great backyard involves cannonballs, pool floats and enough room for the whole family to swim at once, a traditional pool is still going to serve you better.

If you're picturing daily exercise, therapy for sore joints, a warm soak after work or just a lower-maintenance way to enjoy water in a smaller yard, a swim spa starts to look like the smarter fit. A lot of Lowcountry homeowners land here because their lots simply can't fit a full pool, and a swim spa lets them get water into their backyard anyway.

Is a swim spa better than a pool? For some households, yes. For others, no. It comes down to which one matches your space, your budget and how your family actually spends time outside.

Finding the Right Fit for Your Lowcountry Backyard

Cost, space and permitting all play into this decision, and they usually pull in different directions at once. A yard that's too small for a pool might be perfect for a swim spa. A budget that feels tight for an inground pool might stretch comfortably to a swim spa with room to spare.

If you're weighing a swim spa against a traditional pool for your Charleston-area home, our team at Leisure Depot can walk you through both options in person, talk through your yard's specific setback and electrical needs, and help you land on the choice that actually fits your life. Stop by our North Charleston showroom or reach out to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a swim spa cheaper than an in-ground swimming pool? 

In most cases, yes. A swim spa typically costs less overall than a fully built inground pool, since it skips major excavation and large-scale decking. Exact costs depend on the size and features you choose, so it's worth getting a quote based on your specific yard.

How much backyard space does a swim spa need? 

Most swim spas need a footprint of roughly 15 to 20 feet by 10 to 12 feet once you include the pad and clearance for maintenance. That's a fraction of what a traditional inground pool typically requires.

Can a swim spa replace a traditional swimming pool? 

It depends on how your family uses the water. A swim spa works well for exercise, therapy and relaxing, but it won't replace a pool for group swimming, diving or letting a handful of kids play at once.

If you live in the Lowcountry, you already know your patio furniture is up against a lot. Thick humidity most of the year, salt riding in on the breeze and sun strong enough to fade a cushion in a single summer. It's a rough combination, and it's why furniture that would last a decade somewhere else can start showing wear here in a season or two.

Most of the damage is preventable, though. A little regular outdoor furniture maintenance, done at the right times, keeps your furniture looking good and holding up far longer than it would if you just left it to the weather. Here's how to protect outdoor furniture, patio sets included, from humidity, salt air and sun, piece by piece.

Why This Climate Is Tougher on Furniture Than Most

It helps to understand what you're up against before you can fix it. Humidity keeps moisture sitting on and inside your furniture for long stretches, which gives mold and mildew exactly what they need to grow. Salt carried on coastal wind lands on every surface it touches, even yards away from the water, and it speeds up rust and wears down finishes far faster than plain rain would.

Then there's the sun. Strong, near-daily UV exposure breaks down fabric dyes and plastic resins over time, which is why cushions fade and plastic furniture can go brittle after a couple of summers. None of these three things is the biggest problem on its own. It's the combination, working on your furniture at the same time, day after day, that does the real damage.

Once you know that, the fix makes a lot more sense. You're not trying to solve one issue. You're building a few habits that address all three at once.

How to Clean Outdoor Furniture the Right Way

Regular cleaning is probably the single most useful thing you can do, and it's also the step that people skip most often. Dirt, pollen and salt residue build up on furniture surfaces and hold onto moisture, which speeds up things like rust and mildew.

For most frames, we’ve found that using a soft-bristled brush and a mix of mild dish soap and warm water gets the job done. Scrub gently, rinse thoroughly with a garden hose and let everything air dry in the sun before you put cushions back on. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners on finished wood or powder-coated metal, since they can strip protective coatings and leave the surface underneath exposed. For all-weather wicker furniture, gently brush dirt from between the strands, following the manufacturer's cleaning instructions.

Cushions and fabric need a slightly different approach. Brush off loose dirt first, then use warm water and some mild dish soap to scrub the fabric with a soft brush. Rinse well and press down on the cushion to squeeze out excess water rather than wringing it, then stand it on its side in the sun to dry all the way through. A cushion that goes back together while it's even a little damp underneath is exactly how mildew gets started.

How to Protect Patio Furniture from Rain and Humidity

You can't control the weather, but you can control how much of it reaches your furniture. When choosing furniture covers, a breathable, water-resistant option is the easiest way to keep rain off without trapping the humidity that's already in the air. Fully sealed vinyl covers can make things worse here, since they lock moisture in against the cushions instead of letting it escape.

Cushions and pillows are the pieces most worth bringing inside during heavy rain or long humid stretches, since fabric holds onto moisture longer than a metal or wood frame does. If you don't have anywhere to store them, at least stand them upright so water runs off instead of pooling on top.

For frames left outside, good drainage matters more than people expect. Check that your furniture isn't sitting flat against a puddle-prone patio surface, and make sure any drainage holes on cushions or seat frames aren't blocked by debris. Standing water against a frame for days at a time is one of the fastest ways to end up with rust or rot in a spot you never would have thought to check.

Protecting Outdoor Furniture from Salt Air

Salt air is sneaky because it doesn't need you to live right on the beach to cause problems. Wind carries it inland, and it settles on every outdoor surface it touches, where it works into seams and joints to speed up corrosion.

A weekly rinse with a garden hose is the simplest defense you have. It washes away salt residue before it has a chance to sit and build up, and it takes maybe five minutes per piece. After a storm or a stretch of especially humid, salty days, rinse again even if it hasn't been a full week yet.

If you have metal furniture, check the finish every so often for chips or scratches in the powder coat or paint. Once that protective layer breaks, salt can reach bare metal directly, and that's where rust starts. A small touch-up kit or a dab of matching paint on a nick can save you from a much bigger repair down the road.

Outdoor Furniture UV Protection: Keeping Furniture from Fading

Sun damage sneaks up on you. One week your cushions look fine, and a few months later the color has gone chalky and faded, especially on the side that gets the most direct light.

Solution-dyed fabrics like Sunbrella hold their color far longer than standard outdoor fabric, since the color runs all the way through the fiber instead of sitting on top where UV rays can bleach it off. If you already own furniture with standard fabric, a UV protectant spray made for outdoor use adds a layer of defense and can slow down fading noticeably.

Rotating cushions every few weeks, so the same side isn't always facing the sun, helps even out wear over time. And on the hottest, sunniest stretches of summer, moving furniture into partial shade for part of the day, even just a patio umbrella or a spot under a pergola, takes real pressure off both fabric and finish. Little habits like these are really what keep patio furniture from fading season after season, more than any single product.

How to Prevent Mold on Patio Furniture

Mold and mildew need two things to grow: moisture and time. Take either one away and you've mostly solved the problem.

The biggest thing you can do is make sure furniture and cushions are completely dry before you cover them or stack them for storage. Covering damp furniture traps moisture underneath, and that's often when mold shows up fastest, not from rain itself but from what gets sealed in afterward.

If you do spot early mildew, a spray of white vinegar left to sit for ten minutes, before you scrub it off with a soft brush, works well on both fabric and hard surfaces; it's gentler than bleach on finished wood or fabric dye. For a deeper clean, a mix of mild dish soap and warm water handles most everyday grime. Whatever you use, rinse thoroughly and let everything dry in open air and sunlight rather than tucking it away while it's still damp.

Furniture That Lasts Starts With a Little Care

Humidity, salt air and sun are just part of living near the coast, and they're not going anywhere. But learning how to protect outdoor furniture from weather like ours doesn't take much. With a regular cleaning routine, the right cover and a little attention to fading and moisture, your patio furniture can hold up for years instead of breaking down after a single season.

If you're shopping for pieces built to handle this climate in the first place, our outdoor furniture collection is a good place to start. Our guide to choosing the right patio furniture material can help you pick something low-maintenance from day one. And if you already have furniture you love, a good breathable furniture cover is a great purchase.

FAQs

How often should patio furniture be cleaned in a coastal climate? 

A quick rinse once a week is enough to keep salt and dust from building up, with a more thorough soap-and-water cleaning about once a month. After storms or long humid stretches, it's worth rinsing furniture again even if it hasn't been a full week.

How can I prevent mold and mildew on patio furniture? 

Well, keep furniture as dry as possible and let cushions air out fully before covering or storing them. Covering damp furniture is one of the most common reasons mold shows up, so a few extra minutes of drying time goes a long way.

How do I keep outdoor furniture from fading in the sun? 

Choosing solution-dyed fabric like Sunbrella helps a lot, since the color is built into the fiber rather than sitting on the surface. For furniture you already own, a UV protectant spray and rotating cushions every few weeks can noticeably slow fading.

Can outdoor furniture stay outside year-round in Charleston? 

Many pieces can, especially aluminum, poly lumber and teak, as long as you keep up with regular cleaning and rinse off salt buildup. Options such as POLYWOOD outdoor furniture are designed for outdoor use, but still benefit from routine care. Cushions and fabric hold up better if you bring them inside or cover them during long stretches of rain or heavy humidity.

If you've been dreaming about a backyard pool in Charleston, you've probably already heard some advice that doesn't quite line up with what worked for your sister in Atlanta or your buddy in Ohio. There's a reason for that.

Charleston sits on some of the highest groundwater in the Southeast, and that one fact changes the whole above ground pool vs. inground pool decision. Before you fall in love with a design, it helps to know what's actually happening under your yard, and what that means for your budget and your timeline.

The Real Difference Between Above Ground and Inground Pools

The difference between above ground and inground pools comes down to how they sit in your yard, and that one difference drives almost everything else: cost, install time, and how much your soil and groundwater matter.

An above ground pool sits on top of your existing soil grade, held up by a frame made of steel, resin, and/or aluminum. Crews level the ground, lay down a base, and set the pool up in a day or two in most cases. Since it's not going into the ground, it doesn't have to fight whatever might be happening in the earth below it.

An inground pool is a different animal. Builders dig a hole, sometimes eight feet deep or more, and install a vinyl liner, fiberglass shell, or poured concrete structure inside it. It becomes a permanent part of your landscaping and your home's value. It also means your builder has to deal with whatever is going on underground, and in Charleston, that's where things get complicated.

Why Charleston's Water Table Changes the Math

Here's the thing a lot of out-of-town pool companies probably won't fully explain: Charleston's groundwater sits shockingly close to the surface. On the peninsula, the water table often runs just 0 to 2 feet below grade. West Ashley tends to run a bit deeper, around 2 to 4 feet. Daniel Island lands somewhere between 2 and 5 feet, and that number shifts depending on the tide and how much rain fell that week.

That matters because of something called hydrostatic pressure. Groundwater doesn't just sit still under your yard. It pushes, constantly, against anything buried in the ground, including a pool shell. When a pool is full, the weight of the water inside balances out that outside pressure.

Drain the pool, even partway, and there's nothing pushing back anymore. The groundwater can push hard enough to lift an empty inground pool right out of the ground, a problem the industry calls pool popping. Repairing a popped pool can cost a lot.

This is why a proper pool installation on high water table soil needs a hydrostatic relief valve, a simple device installed at the lowest point of the pool floor. When the pool is drained for cleaning or repairs, a technician opens the valve and lets groundwater flow into the pool instead of pushing against it from below. That equalizes the pressure and protects the shell. It's a small part, but skipping it is a very expensive mistake to make when you're building an inground pool on a lot with a high water table.

Much of the Charleston peninsula also falls under FEMA's Zone AE flood designation, which reflects how exposed the area is to tidal flooding. That designation can affect insurance requirements and how a pool needs to be engineered, so it's worth asking your builder about it directly rather than assuming it doesn't apply to you.

Any reputable pool builder should test your specific water table before they ever break ground. That usually means drilling a test hole a few feet down and measuring how quickly groundwater rises into it.

Above Ground Pool vs. Inground Pool Pros and Cons for a Charleston Yard

Weighing above ground pool vs. inground pool pros and cons looks a little different here than it would in Denver or Nashville, because groundwater is part of the equation.

Above ground pools tend to make sense when:

• You want a lower upfront cost without a really big loan

• You'd rather have your pool set up in days, not weeks

• Your lot sits on shallow groundwater and you want to avoid extra engineering costs

• You might move in the next several years and want something you can take with you or remove easily

• You like the idea of finishing it out later with a deck and furniture for a custom, built-in look

• You want simpler, more predictable site prep

Inground pools tend to make sense when:

• You're staying in your home long term and want a built-in feature that adds resale value

• You want a custom shape or a larger pool that fits your specific yard

• Your property sits on deeper, more stable ground

• You're prepared for a bigger budget and a longer install timeline

• You're willing to invest in the extra engineering a high water table requires

Make It Look Built-In: Above Ground Pools with a Deck and Patio Furniture

Here's something a lot of Mt. Pleasant homeowners have quietly figured out: an above ground pool doesn't have to look like a kit sitting in the yard.

Plenty of families set the pool, then build a wood deck around it that ties right into the frame. Add a set of stairs, a bench or two, and outdoor furniture that matches the rest of the patio, and the pool stops looking like an add-on. It starts looking like it was part of the original backyard plan all along. When planning access from the deck, choose a pool ladder for deck use that fits your pool height and follows the manufacturer's installation requirements.

What surprises a lot of people is that the math still works out in their favor. Even after paying for the deck, the furniture, and the finishing touches, most homeowners still spend less than they would have on an inground pool of a similar size, especially once you factor in the extra engineering a high water table calls for. You get the finished, custom look everyone assumes costs inground money, minus the excavation, the hydrostatic relief valve, and the months-long build. As you compare the total project cost, include pool accessories such as ladders, covers, and cleaning tools, along with the pool, site preparation, and deck.

If the word "temporary" is what's holding you back from an above ground pool, this is the workaround. Build the deck right away, or wait a season and add it once you know exactly how you'll use the space. Either way, homeowners around Mt. Pleasant have been doing this for years, and their backyards look every bit as finished as the one next door with an inground pool. Once the pool and deck are ready, add pool toys and floats to make the space your own.

So Which One Fits Your Yard?

There's no single right answer here, and honestly, that's kind of the point. A pool that's perfect for a raised lot in Mount Pleasant might be a bad fit two miles away near a marsh. The only way to know for sure is to have someone test your specific water table before you commit to a design.

If you're on the peninsula or close to tidal marsh, an above ground pool often saves you from a long list of engineering headaches and keeps your budget in check. If your lot sits higher and drier, particularly further inland, an inground pool becomes more realistic, as long as your builder plans for groundwater from day one instead of discovering it mid-dig.

If an above ground pool sounds like the simpler route for your yard, Leisure Depot carries styles built for exactly this kind of climate, in a range of sizes that can handle Charleston's heat, humidity, and salt air for years to come. And if you're picturing something more finished, plenty of our customers pair their pool with a deck build and patio furniture for a look that holds its own next to any inground pool in the neighborhood.

Whatever you decide, get a real water table test before you sign a contract. It's a small step that can save you tens of thousands of dollars down the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an above-ground or in-ground pool better? 

Neither one is better across the board. It depends on your budget, how long you plan to stay in your home, and what your specific lot's water table looks like. In much of Charleston, above ground pools avoid a lot of the cost and risk that comes with building into high groundwater.

Can you make an above ground pool look like it's built in? 

Yes, and it's one of the most popular upgrades homeowners here make. Building a wood deck around the pool, adding stairs and a bench, and furnishing the space with the same patio furniture you'd use anywhere else in your yard goes a long way toward making it look like a permanent feature instead of a kit that just showed up one weekend.

Which type of pool is easier to maintain? 

Above ground pools are generally a little easier and more affordable to maintain in Charleston. This is mainly because they skip the hydrostatic relief valve upkeep and the reduced equipment lifespan that inground pools near the coast often deal with. Routine cleaning and chemical costs are fairly similar for both.

Do you live near Charleston? If you do, you already know our weather is really not gentle on outdoor furniture. Salt air, thick humidity, strong sun and the occasional tropical storm all take a swing at whatever sits on your patio. So, if you pick the wrong material, you may be replacing cushions, sanding rust spots or watching your wicker crack apart within a season.

The really good news is that you don't have to guess what type to get, though. Once you know what to look for, picking the best material for patio furniture in our climate gets a lot simpler. So, let’s break it all down to get you the best answer.

Why Coastal SC Weather Is So Hard on Furniture

So, to start, why is coastal SC weather so hard on patio furniture? We talked about it a little bit above, but salt in the air settles on every surface, even blocks away from the water. It works its way into tiny seams and joints, where it speeds up rust and corrosion far faster than it would inland. Add in Charleston's humidity, near-constant sun exposure and the chance of a hurricane rolling through in late summer, and you have a real test for any material.

This is exactly why the material question matters so much more here than it would in, say, Colorado. What lasts in a dry climate can fall apart in ours within a season.

So, What's the Best Material for Outdoor Furniture Near the Coast?

If you're trying to narrow down the best outdoor furniture material for a Charleston-area home, you might want to start with aluminum and poly lumber. Both don’t have huge issues with salt air, resist rot and rust, and need very little upkeep. Teak comes in closely behind if you like a natural wood look and don't mind a little occasional care, and all-weather wicker holds up well too, as long as it's the synthetic kind built for outdoor use.

Here's a closer look at each material type, so you can pick what fits your space and your style.

Aluminum: Hard to Beat for Salt Air

Powder-coated aluminum is one of the most durable outdoor furniture materials you can buy if you live near the ocean. It won't rust, since aluminum naturally forms a thin oxide layer that protects it from corrosion, and a good powder coat adds another layer of defense against salt and moisture.

It's also light enough to move around for cleaning or storm prep, but sturdy enough to handle daily use for years. A fast rinse with a garden hose every few weeks is really all it needs to stay looking sharp. We carry aluminum dining sets and seating at Leisure Depot, and it's usually our first recommendation for anyone shopping for outdoor furniture for salt air.

Poly Lumber: Weatherproof and Almost No Upkeep

Eco-friendly poly lumber, made from recycled HDPE plastic, is another really good standout for coastal outdoor furniture. It doesn't rot, splinter, fade in any noticeable way or absorb moisture. So, salt spray and humidity don't bother it at all.

For example, POLYWOOD outdoor furniture uses HDPE lumber to create Adirondack chairs, dining sets, and other pieces built for outdoor living.

You never have to paint it, seal it or oil it. Wipe it down with soap and water once in a while and you're set. It's a great fit for Adirondack chairs, dining sets and anything you want to leave outside year-round without a second thought. Leisure Depot carries poly lumber furniture pieces built to handle exactly this kind of weather.

Teak: A Classic That Ages Well

Teak has been used on boats for centuries. Its natural oils can repel water and resist rot, so it holds up well even with regular salt exposure. Left alone, it weathers to a soft silver-gray patina that a lot of homeowners actually prefer. If you'd rather keep that warm honey color, an occasional coat of teak oil will do it.

It's a heavier, more traditional wood look than aluminum or poly, so it's a nice option if you want your patio to feel a bit more like a piece of furniture and a bit less like a product. For a lot of homeowners, teak ends up being the best material for patio furniture when they want real wood without constant upkeep. We stock teak pieces at our North Charleston showroom if you want to see the grain and weight in person before deciding.

All-Weather Wicker: Texture and Comfort That Hold Up

Not all wicker is created equal near the water. Natural rattan wicker soaks up moisture and breaks down fast in humid, salty air. All-weather wicker is different. It's made from synthetic resin woven around an aluminum frame, so it keeps the woven look without the weak points.

It resists cracking, fading and mildew far better than natural fiber, and the aluminum frame underneath means you get the same rust resistance as our other aluminum pieces. All-weather wicker furniture is a good pick if you want something that looks a little softer and more relaxed than metal alone.

Patio Furniture Materials to Think Twice About

There are a few materials just don't hold up well once you're within a few miles of the coast:

• Untreated or painted steel and wrought iron. These rust quickly once the paint or coating chips, and salt air speeds that up.

• Natural rattan or reed wicker. It's built for covered porches, not open exposure to humidity and salt spray.

• Basic outdoor plastic resin. Cheaper plastics get brittle and fade fast under strong coastal sun.

• Untreated wood. Without a protective oil, most woods other than teak will warp, crack or gray unevenly within a season or two.

If you already own pieces made from these materials, it doesn't mean you need to replace everything today. A cover, regular rinsing and moving furniture under an overhang during storms can stretch their life a bit longer.

If you're furnishing a space for lounging and conversation, explore deep seating patio sets with cushioned chairs, sofas, and sectionals.

A Few Extra Tips for Coastal Outdoor Furniture

Material matters most, but a couple of small habits go a long way, too.

Rinse all of your furniture with fresh water every few weeks, especially after a storm or a stretch of humid days. This washes off built-up salt before it has a chance to settle in. Look for stainless steel or marine-grade hardware on any screws, bolts or hinges, since regular hardware can rust even on a great frame. And choose solution-dyed cushion fabric like Sunbrella, since it resists mildew and holds its color far better than standard outdoor fabric in our climate.

Choosing Furniture That's Actually Built for Here

You don't have to become a materials expert to find the best patio furniture material for your home. Aluminum and poly lumber are the easiest, lowest-maintenance choices for coastal SC weather, teak is a beautiful option if you enjoy a little upkeep and all-weather wicker gives you texture and comfort without the durability trade-off.

If you're shopping for outdoor furniture in North Charleston, SC, stop by our showroom and feel the difference between these materials for yourself. Our Leisure Depot team spends every day talking through exactly this kind of thing with folks who live right here on the coast. We're happy to help you find pieces that will actually last through our humidity, our storms and our salt air.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best outdoor furniture for a coastal home? 

Aluminum and poly lumber are usually the top picks for coastal homes, since neither one rusts, rots or absorbs moisture. Teak and all-weather wicker are also solid choices if you want more of a natural look or softer texture.

What is the best month to buy outdoor patio furniture? 

Late summer and early fall tend to be a great time to shop, since stores are refreshing their floor for the next season and inventory is easy to find. Early spring is also worth watching, before the weather warms up and everyone starts furnishing their patios at once.

What type of patio furniture lasts the longest? 

Furniture with an aluminum frame tends to last the longest with the least maintenance. That includes solid aluminum pieces and all-weather wicker woven over an aluminum base. Poly lumber is right there with it too, especially for pieces that stay outside year-round.

What is the longest lasting outdoor patio furniture? 

Powder-coated aluminum and HDPE poly lumber are the two materials that consistently hold up best over time in a humid, salty climate. Both resist rust, rot and fading far better than wood or wicker that isn't specifically built for outdoor use.

What is the best outdoor patio furniture that is weatherproof? 

Poly lumber is about as close to truly weatherproof as patio furniture gets, since it doesn't absorb water, crack or fade. Aluminum with a quality powder coat is a close second, especially when paired with stainless steel hardware and solution-dyed cushions.

If you've furnished a patio in the Lowcountry before, you already know the drill. You find a set you love, it looks great for a summer or two, and then the salt air starts winning. Cushions mildew, metal pits and rusts, and furniture that wasn't built for this climate starts to crack or fade.

So when you're comparing wicker, aluminum, and resin for a Charleston backyard, which one actually holds up best? All three can do the job here. It comes down to the maintenance you're willing to do and the look you want. Here's how each one handles our salt air, humidity, and sun, so you can pick the one that fits your life instead of fighting your patio every summer.

Why Charleston's Salt Air Is So Tough on Patio Furniture

Salt doesn't stay at the beach. Wind carries it inland, and it settles on everything, even yards that sit miles from the water. Once it lands on furniture, it works into seams, joints, and any tiny crack in a finish, and it speeds up rust and decay far faster than it would somewhere drier.

Add in our humidity, near-daily sun, and the occasional tropical storm, and you've got one of the toughest tests any outdoor furniture faces on the East Coast. That's why the material you choose here matters more than it would almost anywhere else.

Wicker: The Weave Makes the Difference

Not all wicker is built the same way, and that's really the whole story when it comes to how it holds up on a Lowcountry porch. Most of the all-weather wicker you'll find today is vinyl, woven strand by strand around an aluminum frame. It's a fine look, but the vinyl and the weave itself can loosen, sag, or crack after a few years of sun and salt.

We carry Lloyd Flanders furniture, which builds its products differently. It's loom wicker, woven by machine from a resin-infused cellulose fiber instead of vinyl, using the same basic method the company has relied on for generations. That process is a big part of why the weave stays tight instead of loosening over time, and it's also why Lloyd Flanders backs its furniture with a longer warranty than you'll typically find on vinyl wicker. You'll pay more for it up front, but you're getting a longer-lasting piece with a stronger warranty behind it.

Either way, the frame underneath is usually aluminum, so you get the same rust resistance as our aluminum furniture no matter which wicker you choose. Maintenance is simple: a soft cloth, mild soap, and water once in a while keeps salt from building up in the weave.

Aluminum: The Low-Maintenance Pick for Coastal Homes

Powder-coated aluminum furniture is about as close to worry-free as patio furniture gets. Aluminum naturally forms a thin oxide layer that protects it, so it doesn't rust the way steel and iron do. A good powder coat adds a second layer of protection against salt and moisture on top of that.

It's light enough to carry inside before a storm but sturdy enough for everyday use. Rinse it off with a hose every few weeks, especially after a stretch of humid days, and it'll keep looking sharp for years. If low-maintenance aluminum patio furniture is what you're after, aluminum is usually the easiest option to live with.

The one thing to watch for is chipped or scratched powder coat. Once the coating breaks, salt can reach the metal underneath, so it's worth touching up any nicks before they turn into a bigger problem.

Resin: Nearly Maintenance-Free

Resin furniture is usually made from HDPE, the same plastic used in a lot of all-weather wicker, just molded solid instead of woven. It doesn't rot, rust, splinter, or soak up moisture, and the color runs all the way through the material instead of sitting on top as a coating, so scratches and nicks don't show the way they would on painted wood or metal.

For example, POLYWOOD outdoor furniture uses HDPE lumber to create Adirondack chairs, dining sets, and other pieces built for outdoor living.

It's heavier than aluminum, so it won't tip over or blow around in a stiff wind, but it's still light enough to move around the yard without much trouble. Cleaning it is about as low-effort as patio furniture gets. An occasional hose-down and a wipe with mild soap handles almost anything Charleston weather throws at it.

Resin holds up especially well for pieces you want to leave outside year-round without thinking about it, like Adirondack chairs, dining sets, and anything that sits in direct sun most of the day.

Wicker vs. Aluminum vs. Resin: How to Choose

There isn't one material that beats the other two across the board. Each one fits certain situations better than the others. Here's how to think about it based on what matters most to you.

Choose wicker when:

• Comfort, texture, and a relaxed coastal look are priorities for you

• You want something that feels a little softer than metal or molded resin

• You're furnishing a sitting or lounge area with deep seating patio sets rather than a dining set

• You want the warranty and durability of Lloyd Flanders' loom wicker, or the rust resistance of an aluminum frame with more visual warmth

Choose aluminum when:

• Low maintenance matters more than anything else

• You need furniture you can move easily before a storm

• You want a clean, modern look

• You're outfitting a space that gets heavy daily use, like a dining table and chairs

Choose resin when:

• You want furniture you can leave outside all year without a second thought

• Low maintenance matters, but you also want bold, solid color options

• You're furnishing pieces like Adirondack chairs or a casual dining set

• You'd rather not worry about scratches or chips showing through

Which Material Is Most Durable in Salt Air?

If you're strictly ranking durability against salt exposure, aluminum and resin are about as tough as it gets, with all-weather wicker close behind since most of it is built on an aluminum frame anyway. All three hold up well in a Charleston yard when they're built right. Aluminum and resin both win on ease, since there's almost nothing to maintain on either one. Lloyd Flanders wicker wins if you want that classic woven look without giving up durability.

Ranking wicker vs. aluminum, resin vs. aluminum, or wicker vs. resin on paper only gets you so far, though. What matters more is how you actually want to use and care for your outdoor space day to day.

Furniture That's Actually Built for Here

Wicker, aluminum, and resin all hold up well against Charleston's salt air and humidity, just in different ways and with different amounts of upkeep. Pick based on how you'll actually use the space and how much maintenance you want on your plate, and you'll end up happy with any of the three.

Not sure which one fits your setup? Come sit in a few outdoor furniture pieces at our North Charleston showroom. It's a lot easier to feel the weight of a resin dining chair or run your hand over a Lloyd Flanders weave in person than to guess from a photo online, and our team can point you toward what other Lowcountry homeowners with a similar space have chosen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between resin furniture and resin wicker? 

Both are usually made from HDPE, but they're built differently. Resin furniture is molded into a solid shape, like a chair or table, in one piece. Resin wicker starts as the same basic material but gets extruded into strands and woven around a frame, usually aluminum, to create that woven look. Solid resin tends to be more affordable and even lower-maintenance, while resin wicker gives you more texture and a softer, more traditional look.

How do you protect patio furniture from salt air? 

Rinse furniture with fresh water every few weeks, and especially after a storm or a stretch of humid days, so salt doesn't have a chance to sit and build up. Wipe down cushions and frames with mild soap and water regularly, and check aluminum pieces for chips in the powder coat so you can touch them up before rust sets in.

What outdoor furniture will not rust near the ocean? 

Aluminum won't rust, since it forms a natural oxide layer instead of corroding the way steel and iron do. Wicker built on an aluminum frame carries that same rust resistance. Resin furniture doesn't rust either, since it's plastic rather than metal, so it holds up just as well in salty, humid air.

Should patio furniture be covered in Charleston? 

Covering furniture during storms, hurricane season, or long stretches you won't be using your patio is a good habit here, even for materials that hold up well on their own. A breathable cover keeps pollen, salt spray, and heavy rain off your furniture without trapping moisture underneath, which helps cushions and finishes last longer between cleanings.

Your spa choice should guide the rest of your preparations, so there's no need to tackle those details before you've decided which hot tub is coming home with you. Once you've made your selection, our team can help you understand what's needed to get your space ready and make sure you're prepared for delivery day.

Your First Steps to Bringing Home a New Hot Tub

1. Choose the Right Hot Tub 

The most important first step is visiting Leisure Depot and finding the hot tub that best fits your lifestyle, space, and budget. Every family uses their hot tub differently, so our team will help you compare seating layouts, sizes, features, and options to make sure you choose the one that's right for you.

2. Decide Where Your Spa Will Go

Once you've selected your hot tub, determine its location. Think about convenience, privacy, views, and easy access from your home. You'll also want enough room for your cover to open fully and for future service access if it's ever needed. Your Leisure Depot Wellness Consultant can guide you through this process.

3. Prepare a Solid Foundation

Your hot tub needs a level, stable foundation that can safely support the weight of the spa, water, and the people enjoying it. Concrete pads, reinforced decks, and properly prepared gravel foundations are all common options, depending on your property and the model you choose.

4. Plan for Electrical Service

Once you know which hot tub is best for you, take a look at home and know where your electrical panel is. Your electrician will want to run power from this panel to your hot tub. The team at Leisure Depot will be sure to give you the specs on your hot tub model so your electrician knows what to do.

5. Make Sure There's a Clear Delivery Path

Before delivery day, check that there's enough room to move your hot tub from the delivery truck to its final location. Gates, fences, low tree branches, landscaping, and tight corners can all affect installation. If access is limited, we'll help determine the best way to get your hot tub safely into place.  Some customers even take a video of the path that will lead to where they want their hot tub to go!  The more information Leisure Depot has, the smoother the process!

A Few Extras for Day One

Once your spa is set and leveled, a little extra prep turns delivery day into your first actual soak, instead of a few more days of waiting around. Here's what's worth having ready:

• Water source: have a clean garden hose ready to fill your spa

• Chemicals: Leisure Depot offers spa school during the week as well as Saturday mornings. Bring your water sample for a result specific to you!

• Accessories: consider spa steps, a cover lifter, a handrail, an umbrella or towel storage from our spa accessories collection

None of these are required for delivery itself, but they make the difference between "the spa is installed" and "we're already using it."

Keeping your water properly balanced is one of the most important parts of caring for your hot tub and protecting all of its moving parts. Come into the store for spa school and a water test, where our team can help you learn how to balance your water and keep your spa running its best.

Have questions before delivery day? Give us a call (843) 552-7272 or stop by our showroom at 8250 Dorchester Road, North Charleston, SC 29418. We'd much rather help you prepare ahead of time than have unexpected surprises on installation day.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

What do you need before hot tub delivery?

Before delivery, you'll need a level, properly constructed foundation and a clear path from the delivery truck to the installation location. If your electrical service isn't complete yet, it can typically be finished after your spa has been placed.

How to prepare for a hot tub delivery?

Confirm your foundation is level and built for the filled weight, unlock any gates and clear the delivery path of furniture, landscaping obstacles or other items. Secure pets while our team is working. If your electrical service hasn't been completed yet, it can typically be finished after delivery.

What not to do before getting in a hot tub?

Don't get a spray tan. Rinsing off before entering the spa is recommended. Soaps, shampoos, lotions and oils can cause a disruption in water chemistry.

How is a hot tub delivered to your house?

Our delivery team transports the spa to your property and carries or wheels it along a cleared path to its foundation. Then the team sets it in its final, level, spot.

How much access is needed to deliver a hot tub?

The opening where the tub will go through needs to be wider than the tub when it is turned on its side.  Some tubs need 36.5" while others require slightly more space.  You will need enough width to clear gates, fences and tight turns without having to lift the spa over obstacles. If you're not sure, send us photos of your access route and we'll evaluate it ahead of time.  Sometimes people get cranes when the entry to the backyard is just too tight.

No one likes that, which is why it’s important to know not every cover is built for our climate. South Carolina's thick air and salty breeze off the water are tough on outdoor furniture, and they're just as tough on whatever you put over it to protect it.

The right cover can add years to your furniture. The wrong one can trap moisture against your cushions and actually make things worse. Here's how to find the best outdoor furniture covers for our humidity, our salt air and our sudden afternoon storms.

Why South Carolina Weather Is So Rough on Covers

Humidity here is an everyday thing because it sits in the air most of the year, and it settles into fabric that isn't built to release it. Add in salt carried on the wind from the coast, and you've got two forces working against your furniture at the same time: moisture that wants to soak in, and salt that speeds up rust and wear once it does.

That combination is why a cover made for a dry climate often falls apart here within a season or two. If you're shopping for outdoor furniture covers in Charleston, SC, or anywhere along the coast, you need something built for humid climates specifically, not a generic cover pulled off a shelf.

Breathable or Waterproof: Which One Do You Actually Need?

This trips a lot of people up. A fully waterproof cover sounds like the safer choice, but on a humid patio it can work against you. Vinyl and other totally sealed materials keep rain out, but they also trap the moisture that's already there from the air itself. That moisture has nowhere to go. So, it unfortunately sits against your cushions and frame, and mildew shows up within weeks.

Breathable patio furniture covers solve that problem. They're made from woven fabrics that block rain from getting in while still letting trapped humidity escape from underneath. For our climate, this matters more than almost anything else on the spec sheet.

If you can find a breathable, waterproof outdoor furniture cover, meaning one fabric doing both jobs at once, that's the sweet spot. Look for covers described as water-resistant and breathable together, not just one or the other.

What Makes a Cover Heavy-Duty Enough for the Coast

Not every cover sold as "heavy-duty" can actually handle a coastal patio. Here's what to check for before you buy:

• Mildew resistance. A treated, mildew-resistant fabric is worth just as much attention as breathability, since together they give you two layers of defense against our humidity instead of one.

• UV resistance. South Carolina sun is strong most of the year. UV-resistant furniture covers hold their color and strength far longer than untreated fabric, which tends to go brittle and crack after a summer or two in direct sun.

• Wind resistance. Coastal breezes pick up fast, especially during storm season. Windproof outdoor furniture covers come with secure closures like drawstrings, buckles or elastic hems that keep the cover from flapping loose or blowing off entirely.

• Salt resistance. Look for fabric specifically noted as safe for salt air. Standard outdoor fabric can break down faster once salt gets worked into the weave.

A cover that can do all four is what people usually mean when they search for heavy-duty outdoor furniture covers built for coastal weather. It costs more upfront to buy something built this well, but it saves you from replacing cheap covers, and the furniture underneath, year after year.

Covers for Every Piece on Your Patio

Different furniture needs different cover shapes, and getting the wrong one is one of the most common reasons a cover fails early.

Outdoor sofa covers need to account for arm height and depth, not just width, since a cover that's too shallow will pull tight and tear at the seams. Sectional patio furniture covers are trickier still. Some sectionals need one large cover for the whole piece, while others do better with individual covers for each section so you can move and clean them separately.

Patio table and chair covers usually come in sets, and it's worth measuring your table and chairs together rather than guessing at a "standard" size. A cover that's too loose will flap in coastal wind, and one that's too tight won't seal properly around the base.

If you're not sure which shape fits your setup, our outdoor furniture covers collection breaks pieces down by furniture type. So, you can match the cover to what you actually own instead of guessing.

How to Measure Your Furniture So the Cover Actually Fits

A cover that doesn't fit right won't protect your furniture, no matter how good the fabric is. Before you buy, grab a tape measure and note these three numbers for each piece:

1. Width, measured across the widest point, including armrests.

2. Depth, measured from the front edge to the back.

3. Height, measured from the ground to the tallest point of the piece.

For dining sets, measure the table with chairs tucked in, since that's usually how they'll sit under the cover. For round tables, just measure the diameter across the center. Round up slightly rather than down. A cover with a little extra room is easy to cinch tight, but one that's too small won't close at all. (A tape measure and five minutes is really all this takes, so there's no reason to guess.) Just remember to measure twice to avoid mistakes.

Keeping Water From Pooling on Top of Your Cover

Even a great cover can develop a puddle if water has nowhere to run off. Pooled water adds weight, stretches the fabric and can eventually work its way through seams.

A few habits can really help you. So, prop up the center of the cover slightly, either with a foam block or by draping it over a cushion. This way, rain has a slope to run down instead of collecting in the middle. You’ll want to cinch drawstrings and hem closures snugly so wind can't work air pockets under the fabric. And after a heavy storm, check on your covers and tip off any standing water before it has a chance to sit for days.

Protecting Your Patio for the Long Run

A furniture cover doesn't get much credit for the work it does. But in a climate like ours, with humidity most months and salt in the air year round, the right cover isn't optional if you want your furniture to actually last.

Look for something breathable, treated against mildew and UV damage, and cut to fit the specific pieces you own. Measure carefully, secure it well against wind and keep an eye on it after storms. Do that, and your furniture will still look good long after a cheaper cover would have given out.

If you're ready to find the right fit for your patio, take a look at Leisure Depot. Our furniture covers built for exactly this kind of weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best outdoor furniture covers? 

The best outdoor furniture covers for a humid, coastal climate like South Carolina's are breathable, water-resistant and treated to resist mildew and UV damage. Look for secure closures too, so wind doesn't work the cover loose during a storm.

What is the best material for patio furniture covers? 

Woven, breathable fabrics tend to outperform fully sealed vinyl in humid climates. They keep rain out while still letting trapped moisture escape, which counts for a lot once you're dealing with South Carolina humidity.

Should patio furniture covers be waterproof or breathable? 

Ideally, both. A cover that's only waterproof can trap the humidity already in the air, while a cover that's only breathable might let heavy rain through. Look for a fabric built to handle both jobs at once.

Do outdoor furniture covers cause mold? 

Furniture covers can, if the fabric doesn't breathe or if the cover gets closed up while the furniture underneath is still damp. Letting furniture dry fully before covering it, and choosing a breathable fabric, cuts that risk way down.

Can patio furniture covers trap moisture? 

Yes, especially covers made from fully sealed materials like standard vinyl. Trapped moisture is exactly what leads to mildew and musty smells under a cover, which is why breathable fabric is worth prioritizing here.

If you've been going back and forth between a "pool" and a "hot tub" for your backyard, this swim spa guide breaks down exactly what you're looking at, how it works and whether it fits your space.

How Does a Swim Spa Work?

Mechanically, a powerful jet system, sometimes called a current system, pushes a continuous stream of water down one end of the spa. You swim against that current rather than swimming toward a wall, similar to running on a treadmill instead of jogging down the block. Turn the current up for a real workout, or down to a gentle push for a light water walk.

Most units also let you adjust the water temperature independently of the current. Bring it down to the 80s for exercise, or warm it up into typical hot tub territory for an evening soak, with dedicated massage jets in the seating area for relaxation and separate swim jets at the opposite end for exercise. That flexibility is what makes it function as one unit doing two jobs, rather than a pool with a hot tub bolted on.

Is It a Pool or a Hot Tub?

It's genuinely both, which is exactly why people call it a pool and hot tub hybrid. You get the swimming and exercise side of a pool along with the hydrotherapy, jets and warm-water relaxation of a hot tub in one footprint. A swim spa can support everything from everyday fitness and aquatic exercise to serious swim training, while still giving you a dedicated space to relax afterward. Even Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps has used swim spas for training, highlighting how capable these systems can be for high-level exercise. For fitness, family fun and unwinding after a long day, it covers all roles at once.

Installation also splits the difference. A swim spa typically sits above ground and setup takes a fraction of the time and cost of building an inground pool, since there's no excavation or plumbing to run.

The Best Swim Spa Benefits

The appeal goes beyond "it's two things in one." Real swim spa benefits include:

• Low-impact exercise: swimming against a current is easier on joints than running, making it a good option for cardio or physical therapy

• Year-round use: unlike an outdoor pool, the water is heated, so you're not shutting it down every fall

• Family-friendly: one end for active swimming, one end for lounging means everyone gets something out of it

• Smaller footprint: most swim spas fit where a full pool wouldn't

• Faster installation: no excavation crew or months-long build timeline

For a lot of Lowcountry backyards, where a full inground pool isn't always practical given the lot size or budget, a swim spa ends up being the more realistic option. It's also worth noting that some areas around here sit as little as 2 and 5 feet above sea level, which means digging even a few feet down can hit a high water table fast. This potentially causes complications for inground pool installation that a swim spa sidesteps entirely.

Different Types of Swim Spas

Not every swim spa is built the same way. Broadly, the different types of swim spas fall into a few categories:

• Recreation-focused models: built more for relaxing, playing and light activity than serious training, with a milder current and more lounge-style seating

• Fitness/exercise-focused models: stronger, more adjustable current systems designed for real swim training or aquatic therapy

• Dual-zone models: a clearly split layout with a defined swim lane on one end and a dedicated hot-tub-style seating area with jets on the other, so both functions can be used independently

Which type makes sense depends on whether you're prioritizing exercise, relaxation or an even split of both.

How Much Space Do You Need?

Swim spas run smaller than a standard inground pool, but larger than a typical hot tub. Sizing varies by model, so the real answer depends on which one you're considering. Beyond the footprint itself, you'll want to think about deck or patio space around it, electrical access and a level pad or foundation to set it on, much like you would for a hot tub installation.

See The "Relax-a-cizer" in Person

Numbers and jet systems only tell you so much. The easiest way to know if a swim spa is right for your backyard is to visit a showroom, experience the current firsthand and see how the controls work. You can browse our full swim spa lineup online, but we'd genuinely recommend stopping by our North Charleston showroom and physically feel the strength of the current model we have running. You can learn how to use the controls to make it comfortable, as well. Contact us or give us a call and we'll help you figure out what actually fits your space and how you plan to use it.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions 

What is a swim spa?

A swim spa is a single unit that combines a compact pool with a current system for swimming in place, plus a heated, jetted area similar to a hot tub, giving you exercise and relaxation in one footprint.

How does a swim spa work?

A jet-driven current system pushes water continuously so you swim against it rather than swimming laps. You can adjust the current's strength and the water temperature depending on whether you're exercising or relaxing.

Is a swim spa a pool or a hot tub?

It's both. One end functions like a small pool for swimming and exercise, while the other offers hot-tub-style jets and warm water for soaking and relaxing.

How is a swim spa different from a hot tub?

A hot tub is built purely for soaking and hydrotherapy in one seating area. A swim spa adds a current system and enough length to actually swim or exercise against the flow of water.

How is a swim spa different from a swimming pool?

A swimming pool is typically larger, unheated (unless you add a separate heater) and meant for swimming laps or general use. A swim spa is smaller, heated year-round and uses a current instead of length to let you swim in place.

How much space do you need for a swim spa?

It varies by model, but swim spas generally need less space than an inground pool and more than a standard hot tub. Factor in deck space, electrical access and a level foundation when planning your layout.

What are the different types of swim spas?

Broadly, you'll find recreation-focused models built for light activity and relaxing, fitness-focused models with stronger adjustable currents for training and dual-zone models that separate the swim lane from the hot-tub-style seating area.

If you've lived in the Lowcountry a while, you've probably driven past Leisure Depot more times than you can count. Maybe your parents bought a hot tub here in the early 2000s. Maybe you picked out your first above ground pool from our lot as a kid and now you're back as an adult, shopping for your own backyard. That kind of history doesn't happen by accident. It happens because a business shows up for its neighbors, year after year, and earns the kind of trust that gets passed down.

Here's a closer look at how Leisure Depot became one of the most trusted names in Charleston, and why so many local families still choose us today.

A Family-Owned Business Built Right Here in the Lowcountry

Leisure Depot isn't part of some national chain with a call center in another state. We're a family-owned shop in Charleston, SC, started by people who live here, raise their kids here and deal with the same heat and humidity you do every summer.

That matters more than it might seem. When you walk into a locally owned business, you're talking to people who understand Charleston backyards, coastal weather and what holds up in our climate. We're not reading from a script written for a store in Ohio. We've tested this product in our own yards.

Being family-centered also means we've had the same values since day one. Treat people fairly. Answer the phone. Stand behind what you sell. Those things sound simple, but they're exactly what keeps a small business around for 26 years in an industry where a lot of competitors come and go.

Honestly, we believe the best investment you can make isn't another gadget or another thing to dust. It's time with the people you love. A hot tub, a pool or a patio set is really just a reason to get everyone outside and off their phones for an evening. We want your backyard to be the place your family wants to be, so coming home starts to feel a little like a vacation.

Being part of a large buying group also works in your favor. A lot of companies would just pocket the savings that come from buying in volume. We'd rather pass that along to the families who keep choosing us. It's a big part of why so many customers turn into referrals.

What You'll Find at Leisure Depot

Over the years, we've grown from a small pool store into a full outdoor living store in Charleston, SC. Today, we carry hot tubs, above ground pools and all pool supplies, patio furniture, fire pits and everything you need to enjoy your backyard once it's all set up.

A lot of customers first find us while looking for a hot tub. We get it. If you're comparing options, working with a trusted hot tub dealer in Charleston, SC, means you're talking to someone who can walk you through the differences between models based on how you'll actually use it.

Others come to us for pool chemicals, replacement parts or help figuring out why their water suddenly turned green in July. And plenty of folks discover our patio furniture almost by accident while they're in for something else, then end up furnishing their whole outdoor space with us over time.

Why So Many Families Choose a Local Pool, Spa and Patio Store

There's a reason people search for a local pool and spa store in Charleston instead of just ordering the first thing that pops up online.

For one, you can put your hands on the product before you buy it. Sit in the hot tub. Feel the weight of a patio chair and see how the fabric holds up to everyday use. Photos online can only tell you so much, especially for something you're going to use for the next decade.

There's also the fact that our team spends every day talking with people about pool care, hot tub maintenance and what actually works for coastal Carolina weather. If something in your setup isn't working right down the line, you know exactly who to call.

And when you buy local, your money tends to stay local, too. We sponsor local events, hire local people and we're still here long after the sale, because we live here as well.

Real Reviews from Real Neighbors

We know it's easy for any company to say "customers love us." So we'd rather point you toward what people actually say.

If you search on our homepage for Leisure Depot reviews, you'll find comments from folks across the Charleston area talking about everything from their hot tub purchase to how our team helped troubleshoot an issue years after the sale. Leisure Depot customer reviews tend to mention the same things over and over: friendly staff, honest advice and a team that doesn't disappear once the sale is done.

You'll find similar feedback if you look up Leisure Depot hot tub reviews or Leisure Depot patio furniture reviews specifically. People talk about product quality, sure, but just as often they mention how they were treated during the buying process and afterward. That's the kind of reputation you can't fake, and it's the kind that takes 26 years to build.

Visit Our Showroom in North Charleston

One of the easiest ways to understand what makes us different is to stop by in person. Our Leisure Depot North Charleston showroom lets you walk through real hot tubs and sit on real patio furniture, with someone right there to answer your questions on the spot.

Some people come in already knowing exactly what they want. Others are just starting to look around. Both are welcome, and there's no pressure to buy right away. Plenty of families visit two or three times before they land on the right hot tub or patio set, and that's completely normal. If you're searching for Leisure Depot in Charleston, SC, our North Charleston location is easy to find and worth the drive.

Delivery, Setup and Support That Doesn't End at the Sale

Buying a hot tub or a big patio set is a little different than picking up a lamp at a home goods store. It needs to get to your house, get set up correctly and keep working the way it's supposed to for years.

That's why Leisure Depot offers delivery and setup as part of the process, so you're not left trying to maneuver a hot tub through your gate by yourself or figuring out patio furniture assembly on a Saturday afternoon. Our team can help handle the heavy lifting so you can get straight to enjoying your new space.

We also offer financing options for families who want to spread out the cost of a bigger purchase like a hot tub or a full patio set. If you have questions about what fits your budget, our team is happy to help walk you through the options in person or over the phone.

And once everything's set up, we're still here. Questions about water chemistry, warranty coverage or how to close your pool for the season get answered by the same team you bought from.

Why Local Still Beats Online for Big Backyard Purchases

It's really easy to assume online shopping is always cheaper or easier, but for something like a hot tub or a full patio furniture set, buying from a local pool and spa dealer usually works out better.

Online, you're probably guessing at the comfort and quality based on photos. So, if something breaks or needs a part, you're just stuck waiting on shipping or dealing with a return process that eats up weeks. With a local dealer, you'll get to test the product in person before you buy, and you can call an actual person if something goes wrong down the road.

That kind of support is exactly why so many Charleston families keep coming back to Leisure Depot instead of rolling the dice with an online order.

Twenty-Six Years and Counting

Not many businesses in this industry make it to 26 years. We're proud of the reputation we've built in the Lowcountry, and we don't take it for granted. If you're shopping for a hot tub, a pool, patio furniture or anything else for your backyard, we'd love the chance to show you what's kept Charleston families coming back to Leisure Depot for over two and a half decades.

Stop by our North Charleston showroom or browse our collections online to see what we have in stock.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Leisure Depot served the Lowcountry? 

Leisure Depot has served Charleston-area families for 26 years, growing from a small pool and spa store into a full outdoor living destination while staying locally owned the whole way.

Is Leisure Depot a family-owned business? 

Yes. Leisure Depot is a family-owned pool and spa store based right here in the Charleston area, not a franchise or a national chain.

What products does Leisure Depot sell? 

Leisure Depot carries hot tubs, above ground pools and inground pool supplies, patio furniture, grills and the accessories and chemicals you need to keep everything running well.

Can I see Leisure Depot's products before I buy? 

Yes. Our North Charleston showroom lets you sit on patio furniture, test hot tubs, swim spas and see products in person before you make a decision.

Does Leisure Depot offer delivery and setup? 

Yes. Our team handles delivery and setup for hot tubs and larger patio furniture pieces so you don't have to figure it out on your own.

Where is Leisure Depot located? 

Leisure Depot is located in North Charleston, SC, serving families throughout the greater Charleston and Lowcountry area.

Each of the hardwood tables comes with a one-year warranty from Big Green Egg. A granite block for cutting (and use as a hot plate), table nest and casters are included with the Cypress table. Feel free to stain this table any color you would like as well. Big Green Egg’s Teak and Mahogany tables allow you to add casters for mobility. The Teak table allows you to see each golden wood grain through its manufacturing process. The reddish-brown Mahogany table has live-edge finishes and multi-sized slats for a sleek rustic contemporary look. BGE’s Acacia table is the newest addition to the hardwood family with a universal sharp look. It has curved ends with a dark knotty pine hue to it. This table comes with the tool hook, and casters can be added to it. The tool hook feature allows Eggcessories such as the ash tool, grill gripper, or basting brush to hang for easy access.

Aluminum tables are the up and coming commodity for Eggheads as customization allows the buyer an endless range of options. Our cast aluminum egg cart, with a desert bronze finish, features wheels, a tool hook, and handle you can use as a towel rack. Big Green Egg’s newest item is the Modular Nest and Expansion Frame which gives a modern look to your Egg set-up. Choose between four expansion frame inserts that appeal to you; acacia, distressed acacia, stainless-steel grid and a solid stainless-steel insert. Some customers buy the frame extension to place their mini or mini-max egg on as well. This unit comes with a tool hook, and casters can be added. The largest of BGE’s aluminum tables is the Cooking Island. It holds the egg, charcoal, Eggcessories, and is on casters so it can easily move. You have two surfaces on both sides of the egg to place items while cooking. Due to the extra space on the surrounding sides, you can fit a mini or mini-max on this island as well. Each of these items are offered to fit the large or extra-large eggs.

Another line of custom carts and islands is a brand made by the Amish and it’s not out of composite…but aluminum. These two series offer a 100% lifetime warranty and are 100% weather-proof so you have no fear of the elements. Being customizable, you can choose specific colors, cabinets or drawers, the length, accessories, appliances and more! We showcase the Torch and Coastal Series while allowing you to create your own backyard island to fit your grilling needs. The Torch cart comes with casters, a towel rack, and a table nest is not needed. It can hold a 20-pound bag of charcoal, multiple Eggcessories, and has a drawer with dividers. The Coastal series features various options to maximize your grilling space. In this series, your Egg can be accompanied by a Delta Heat drop-in unit; either propane or natural gas. There is plenty of storage, and casters can be added. This is a great fit to any backyard!

Table covers are available to protect your egg and table from the elements. Come see the largest selection of tables in town. Get rid of the nest and place your egg in a table. Let us help you choose the right one today!

We have all the fun, come get yours!

Another common source of contaminants in your spa water is detergent from your bathing suit which can cause foamy water. If you're having trouble with cloudy or foamy spa water, these are things to consider.  Another possibility is cartridge cleaner that hasn't been thoroughly rinsed away after treating your filter.

The filter is the heart of clean spa water and all of these things that are brought into your spa water will eventually hit your filter.  Keeping your filter clean is essential to help remove these contaminants from your spa water. It only takes a few minutes to clean your filter.  A good rule of thumb is to clean your filter weekly and buy new filters once a year. You might even consider getting an extra filter and rotating the filters on a regular basis.

Leisure Depot sells filter cleaning solutions that help break down these common water contaminants and make your filters clean better and last longer.  If cleaning your filter doesn't help clear your water, bring a sample in to Leisure Depot for a free water analysis.

So leave the lotions, beauty products, and maybe even the bathing suit behind when you use your spa and keep it clean by keeping it au naturel!

Subscribe in a reader

-->

Less than a week before the event, we were contacted by our Big Green Egg rep to see if we could come in last minute and provide Eggs and other Eggcessories for this years festival. I ran the idea by the General Manager and, after a quick pow wow, it was a unanimous yes.  I have previously been involved with, and visited this event, but not in this capacity. This year, Leisure Depot was part of the hands on experience. We assisted the Chefs, getting the Eggs prepared to their liking, and with our all access passes, got to taste many of the creations coming off the Eggs at the Culinary Village.

As a guy who regularly uses my XL Egg for normal amazing food, I have never been around renowned Chefs cooking exquisite dishes on the Egg. I couldn't wait to taste what they came up with and was not disappointed. The food was amazing. I was fortunate enough to taste pork belly with chimichurri, duck roulade, quail, and a pork taco. It was a tremendous event and I am happy with our involvement and look forward participating again next year.

Swim Spas are getting a lot of attention lately and sales have been strong. This is likely due to several reasons.  First of all, they offer a larger body of water than a standard spa, but still occupy much less space than a swimming pool. Then there are the health benefits. The first of the modern kind of hot tubs were designed specifically to treat a severe form of arthritis. The benefits of hot, circulating water, are many when it comes to pain relief. Enhancing your body's circulation allows the blood to flow more freely throughout your body, carrying oxygen and nutrients and invigorating your system. Add in hydro therapy jets to pinpoint pain or massage related areas and the soothing benefits of a hot tub increase.  

On top of all that, a Swim Spa adds the benefit of low impact exercise. A powerful jet provides resistance and the spa is large enough for you to swim against the stream of water - much like running on a treadmill, except in this case you're swimming! The buoyancy of the water lowers the impact of gravity on your joints and muscles, and the hot water enhances your circulation. Not only is it a unique form of exercise, it's better for you than running (thanks to reduced stress on your joints) or many other forms of higher stress activities.  

Best of all, you can do it in the convenience of your own back yard, AND you can do it year round. We don't see much snow in this part of the world, but if we did, there's little more amazing than soaking or swimming in your hot tub as snow falls around you. If this sounds like a great way to fulfill your New Year's Resolution and keep it going past the first couple of months next year, you're right! Explore our swim spas in Charleston, then talk with a Leisure Depot specialist about which model may be right for your space, fitness goals and family. Happy New Year from all of us at Leisure Depot.

It's time again to share holiday cheer with all our loved ones. No matter the holiday you celebrate, we all appreciate the sentiments of peace and good will to all and we want the best for friends and family. Often that means trying to find the perfect gift to celebrate our togetherness and to show our love for each other. Leisure Depot is always happy to help you find great new ways to bring people together to celebrate and entertain in your own backyard. This year we're particularly fired up so let's bring the heat out for this holiday season.  Have you ever had the delight of sharing a warm delicious drink with family or friends while sitting around a flickering fire under a starry night sky? A fire pit is an amazing atmosphere around which to socialize and enjoy each other's company. If you already have a fire pit or table and want to add a little extra atmosphere or take a little more chill off the night, we suggest one or more quartz patio heaters. They are beautiful to look at, and a great source of heat to keep larger groups comfortable. If your space isn't quite right for a fire pit, these heaters are a great way to bring a similar atmosphere to a small or restricted space. Fire is great for other things than atmosphere and heat as all of our beloved Lowcountry Egg-heads already know! If you're the lucky owner of a Big Green Egg, the Ultimate Cooking Experience, you'll definitely want to check out our extensive selection of Big Green Egg-cessories! If you haven't tried the Big Green Egg yet, there's plenty of people who will tell you how great they are. Come see for yourself! We've got our Very Eggy Christmas event on December 10th and you can sample some of the delicious food we'll be cooking.

You may have noticed that the Low Country is a great place to live if you like to take advantage of the outdoors.  The temperature allows for outdoor living nearly year round. If you're a pool or spa owner, that means much more enjoyment from your favorite form of relaxation.  Why not consider a pool heater to truly make swimming a year round activity?  Imagine taking a refreshing swim in November or December.  How's THAT for a great reason to live in South Carolina? Or if you don't have one yet, stay warm with a soothing and effervescent soak in a Jacuzzi. If you prefer to keep things cool, our Yeti Coolers, Hoppers, and Flips are great ways to keep your favorite food or beverages well chilled and ready to go.  In fact, you may remember that some of us weathered power outages during the recent hurricane with a Big Green Egg and a Yeti cooler - what a great way to "rough it" at home.  This Christmas, there's something for everyone here at Leisure Depot.  Let us help you bring your family together, enjoy your home, and make some Christmas magic.  Come find the perfect gift for you and yours.  We have all the fun!  Come get yours.

As the clocks roll back and our days shift, it will start to get dark "sooner."  You may already know that a little bit of light makes the dark more fun.  What's more fun that sitting around a flickering fire while enjoying food, drink, and fun times with friends and family?  Leisure Depot has some great new options for incorporating a fire table into your special outdoor space.  The Athens fire table dining set is a gorgeous table with a fire pit built into the surface, which is available in a bar height or traditional dining height.  There is plenty of room around the fire for full place settings to enjoy a family meal. Or sit back and use the spacious table surface to share some snacks and drinks with friends.  The propane fire tables are also very convenient to use without the setup or cleanup needed for traditional wood burning fire pits. Of course, if you prefer to burn actual wood, we have those too!  

Another great option is an outdoor kitchen with a built-in fire table.  Cook up a storm while socializing in the beauty of your backyard.  The kitchen seems to be the most popular room at gatherings, why not move it outside and use an outdoor kitchen as a beautiful social space accented by the firelight reflecting off some gorgeous fire glass? In fact, Leisure Depot has a ton of options for bringing more beauty, light and warmth to your backyard with a little fire.  Come discover the magic of night time fire in your outdoor room.  We have all the fun, come get yours!

As you might imagine, when new products come to Leisure Depot, we're all very excited to see the new ways we have to help you create your own personal outdoor paradise. Just as one size never truly fits all, everyone has their own ideas about the perfect outside space. Well there's a new grill in town and maybe it fits your idea of the perfect grill better than anything you've seen before. You all know I'm a big fan of the Big Green Egg and that hasn't changed. This new grill, however, has a whole different approach. We all love the simplicity of a gas grill. Turn a knob, push a button, and you're (quite literally) cooking with gas! It's fast. It's easy. It gets the job done. Charcoal has a great flavor but can be more of a hassle, right? Messing with bags of charcoal, lighter fluid, finding the hot spots on the grill, etc. Well the new Napoleon is really something special. It is available as propane or natural gas for the primary cooking experience but you can also add on a special tray that allows you to cook with both gas AND charcoal at the same time on the same grill. What's more, you can light the charcoal directly from the tray - so no messing around with lighter fluid. It's a pretty amazing solution to giving you a great range of cooking flexibility.

Of course, the grills are the high-quality products that you expect from Leisure Depot. The high-end model even has integrated electricity with an electric starter (no more messing with batteries!) and a spare outlet for running whatever you might need to - including the electric rotisserie. They have special side burners that can heat to 1800 degrees in thirty seconds for searing and finishing the perfect steak. Plenty of stainless steel to handle Mother Nature all while keeping your family well fed with minimal fuss and muss. Come see us at Leisure Depot and check out the new Napoleon and figure out if it's the perfect fit for YOUR backyard!

Charleston, South Carolina, is a great place to live.  Unfortunately it is also a bit prone to hurricanes.  This past week we were hit by Hurricane Matthew.  Thankfully it was on the lower end of the scale in terms of strength and the damage in my area was minimal, though some were not as lucky.  That said, my family did lose power for 72 hours. Fortunately, I was prepared.

When I first heard about evacuation orders, my wife and I agreed that we would ride it out here. I immediately thought about how we would get along for at least 3 days without power. I said no problem, we have our XL Big Green Egg and our Yeti Hopper 30. I went to the store and stocked up with cases of water, 2 whole chickens, a boston butt, and 3 bags of ice. Julie also pre-cooked some meals to store. I figured that I could grill enough food to feed our family of five for multiple days and we would be able to store ice when our freezer went out. We kept the cases of water in the garage and would load bottles into the Yeti to get cold and refill as needed.

I am not a big spender by any means, but I’m also not afraid to pay for quality, and these items are just that. The Big Green Egg and Yeti products are high quality and live up to their reputation! Now I know first hand that they will do what I need them to do when I need them most. Both my Egg and Yeti provided comfort to my family when the lights were out and for that I am very thankful.

Living in a region that must weather the occasional Hurricane, you hear a lot about preparing for big storms, but what about the storm impact on your swimming pool? For the most part, there's little you can do to prepare your pool itself for the harsh weather. However, make sure you factor in the usual risk of small items that might easily become dangerous projectiles in a strong wind - like your accessories, maintenance pole, vacuum, hoses, etc. Secure everything somewhere that the wind won't carry it away or hurl it into a structure. Resist the temptation to cover your pool.  High winds could simply tear the cover and then you're still not avoiding debris in your pool plus you'll need to replace the cover!

There is nothing you can do chemically speaking to prepare for the large influx of rain water and debris that is likely to enter your pool. Those factors will, however, impact your pH balance and other water chemistry so make sure you test your water after the storm and restore the chemical balance to your water. Also, make sure you return your water line to the normal operating level. If your skimmer is submerged completely, your filtration will not work properly and, in the case of above ground pools, the overflow could wash away some of your backfill.

Overall, your normal maintenance routine is best, even in the face of a coming storm. You don't have to worry too much about preparing your pool in advance, but make sure you check on it in the aftermath. Storms can be stressful. Stay safe during any major storm, take care of your pool after it passes, and enjoy a stress relieving swim after the clean up is done!

Have you ever heard of the Juicy Lucy? A Juicy Lucy is a cheeseburger backwards. The cheese is stuffed into the burger patties and melts inside as it cooks. I first saw this concept on a cooking channel show a while back and thought, this is AWESOME! I had tried it on my old grill previously, but not knowing what my grill temp was, I ruined it. Based only on the show, and not knowing how long to cook the burgers on each side to make sure the cheese was melted, I over cooked the burgers.

Even after owning my XL Egg for almost a year now, and having cooked so many delicious meals, Julie said that we haven't cooked Juicy Lucy burgers. I took that as a challenge. So tonight I fired up the Egg, pattied up the burgers (1/4lb burgers), and stuffed them with Pepper Jack. Got the Egg to 400 and cooked for 4 minutes per side.

The end result was the Juiciest Lucy burger I have ever had. The Big Green Egg is something special. You really do have to try something from the Egg to understand the quality of taste. Thankfully Leisure Depot hosts many events where we cook on the Egg. There is nothing like it. If you would like a taste test, bring whatever you would like to cook to the store. We will fire up our burn unit and cook your lunch for you. Taste for yourself how amazing the Big Green Egg really is and why we call it the Ultimate Cooking Experience!

As most of you know, I am a YETI guy. I own a Hopper 30, 2 - Rambler 30's, a Rambler 10, and a Colster. Most recently I purchased my 11 year old the new 36 ounce Rambler Bottle for his birthday. He plays soccer and baseball and it holds a little more than the famed sports drink green plastic bottle. Then I bought my 8 year old the same one. Going into summer soccer and baseball camps, I know the YETI will keep their water colder longer and that is good for their hydration given our Southern heat.

My 11 year old made a team which involved travel. We booked a room but the hotel didn't have a fridge or offer breakfast. Enter our Hopper 30, our fridge for the weekend. We stocked it with a 2 gallon milk jug, plenty of waters and sodas for Momma and it lasted all weekend. The 36 ounce Rambler bottles have been great for the players AND family members in the stands. There is nothing like a YETI.  Leisure Depot stocks a large variety of YETI products.  Come see what YETI can do for you!

Get the kids excited again before their studies fully take over and have some friends over to share your appreciation for a Summer well spent or a return to the normalcy of school schedules. Leisure Depot has some great ways to accent your fun. Do you like to lounge around in your refreshing pool as long as possible? You'll love our super cool Mega Chill Floating Cooler. Keep a cooler full of ice and your favorite beverages floating next to you and soak away to your heart's delight. 

How about a little twilight magic?  Floating lights add the perfect touch of magic to your evening with luminous colors dancing across the ripples in your pool. Of course the kids can have plenty of fun with a Flood Force Water Cannon that uses your whole pool as it's reservoir. It's an endless barrage of water for hours of fun.

For slightly older kids and adults move your basketball game off the courts and into the pool! Of course we also have a great selection of floats, rings, and other toys for kids of all ages.  Don't let Summer go out with a fizzle - make the last days of Summer sizzle with a party full of fun assisted by Leisure Depot!

Congratulations!  You've decided to add one of the most relaxing, refreshing, and exciting features to your yard - you have a pool!  Whether you are a brand new pool owner or you've had a pool for years, you know that there is a little more to it than just floating and soaking up the sunshine.

While some might be intimidated by the various chemicals and accessories used to keep a pool in tip-top shape, you shouldn't worry.  Leisure Depot is here to help you get the most out of your pool.  Just attend our Pool School on any Saturday from 9-10 am and we'll explain anything you need to know.  It doesn't matter if you're entirely new to the pool experience or if you've been running your pool for years. Everyone is welcome at Pool School!

Even better, bring a water sample and we'll give you a free water test and explain how to balance your specific water so you can relax and enjoy your pool.  Our pool specialists will be on hand to help you understand chemicals, maintenance, accessories, and more.  You'll be able to ask any questions you might have and get simple and direct answers.  We want you to love your pool and we're here to help.

So while Summer is far from over, we hope to see you in school... Pool School!

Want to keep up with new products and helpful tips to maintain your pool? Make sure to follow Leisure Depot's Pool School newsletter and maintenance schedules for the latest! Sign up here.

So how do you know which solution to use?  One new product - Gold N Clear Clarifier - aims to help you narrow down the source of your cloudy water.  The brilliant part of Gold N Clear is the simple test you can do - before you use it - to see if it will work for your situation.  You simply take a small sample of your pool water and put a very small amount of the clarifier into the sample you took.  If you see a blue swirl in your sample water, you know that Gold N Clear Clarifier will work to clear your water.  If not, you know the issue with your water is from another source and will involve further investigation.  If Gold N Clear will work for your situation, you'll only be using 1 oz.  per 6,000 gallons of pool water.  The clarifier contains no dyes, is non-toxic, and is 100% biodegradable.  If your cloudy water is coming from another problem, bring a sample of your water to Leisure Depot and one of our pool specialists will help you diagnose your water and find a solution to get you clean and clear!