Marrying a deck with a spa means bliss and harmony for you and your guests.

Sitting in a steaming spa under a wide expanse of sky might appeal to you. But before you set a spa on your deck and dip in your toes, Steve Sparhawk of DeckTec Outdoor Designs, Inc., in Denver has a few tips on how to avoid problems and get the most from your spa.

Assess aesthetic appeal. Ultimately, you look at the spa more than you use it. You don't want it to dominate your view. Consider sinking the spa into your deck or, for a built-in look, build the deck up around the spa. Potted plants and flowers help soften the structure.

Weigh in. Many spas weigh more than a deck can support. Check with a building professional to make sure your structure can handle the weight or to create a plan to shore up the structure.

Check the scale. An average spa consumes 49-64 square feet, while a swim spa is almost twice that size. You might want to add a new deck to accommodate the new amenity, so the amount of outdoor living space doesn't decrease with the installation.

Build walls. If you place your spa on an existing deck, build a wood surround to encircle it like a countertop. The additional countertop level visually breaks up the awkward distance between the deck and the spa.

Take a step. Purchase movable steps from a spa company or have steps custom-built to make access to the water safe and easy. Situate your spa so the deck railing can serve as a towel hanger or drink ledge.

Power up. Consider power and water sources when you position your spa. You'll want an outdoor faucet nearby or a long hose to enable you to fill the unit. You'll also need an electrical outlet to hook up the motor.