@homebyjodie_ Inspo: How to Host a Hot Tub Movie Night

Cool fall evenings, steaming water and a great movie glowing in the dark: there's no better time of year to own a hot tub. Moving family movie night from the couch to your hot tub is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the chilly nights instead of hiding from them.

Our inspiration this time comes from community member Jodie (@homebyjodie_). Her cozy backyard cinema shows how little you need to pull it off.

Here's how to bring the idea home.

Step 1: Decide Your Screen Setup

You've got two good options: angle the tub toward a TV inside, or set up a projector and take the show outdoors.

Imagery: @homebyjodie_

Watch through the window: Set up so you can see your living room TV through a sliding glass door or a big picture window. You get a clear view from the water, your TV stays away from moisture and splashes, and you can close the blinds to cut glare.

Go big with a projector: No TV in view? An outdoor projector works well. Basic models start around $100–$200. Brighter, weather-resistant projectors made for backyard use usually cost $300–$500 or more. Project onto the side of your house, a pop-up screen or a white sheet clipped to the fence, and store it inside or under cover when you're done.

Step 2: Set the Mood With Soft Lighting

Nothing ruins a movie faster than harsh porch lights. Keep the glow warm and low.

Jack-o'-lanterns: Line the edge of the deck or patio with carved pumpkins, or set a lantern nearby to throw flickering patterns across the ground.
Floating candles inside: Hang LED taper candles near the ceiling by the door for a soft, magical look that won't wash out the screen.
Glowing accents: Put amber candles and a few velvet fall touches on nearby tables so you can see the warm glow from the water.

Imagery: @homebyjodie_

Step 3: Stay Toasty From Opening Credits to the End

Fall temperatures drop fast once the sun sets. Set your water between 100°F and 104°F so you stay comfortable through a full-length movie.

Insider tip: While the movie plays, keep towels and robes warming in the dryer. Bring a mug of mulled cider or hot cocoa to the edge of the tub when the movie starts. Then send someone inside for the warm towels just before the credits, so nobody has to make a freezing dash to the door.

Step 4: Queue Up the Perfect Fall Lineup

The best hot tub movies have cozy, autumn-heavy visuals and don't make you squint at subtitles. Here are three crowd-pleasers:

Hocus Pocus (1993): The ultimate Halloween-season classic. Start it early, before the night gets too cold.
Knives Out (2019): Cable-knit sweaters, a New England mansion and a mystery that keeps everyone guessing.
Harry Potter: Floating candles, golden fall colors and a story you can follow even if you look away for a minute.

Get Jodie's Look

You don't need a huge backyard to make a cozy outdoor theater.

Jodie paired her energy-efficient Como foam spa with the natural layout of her patio. The result feels private, and every cord and device stays safely dry indoors. Add a few pumpkins and your favorite hot drink, and you've got a fall tradition that beats a night on the sofa.

For more of Jodie's seasonal home and yard styling, follow her on Instagram at @homebyjodie_.

Your Backyard Getaway

Movie night is just the start. You might want a soak under the stars, a way to unwind after work, or just an excuse to get outside when it's cold. Whatever it is, the right hot tub turns your backyard into an everyday getaway. Our Eco Foam Spas have thick insulation that keeps the water warm through fall and winter, so yours is ready whenever you are.