What should you do now that you’ve purchased that well-deserved hot tub? Installation day might be stressful for some new hot tub owners. What is the ideal location? Is it necessary to configure a hot tub on a deck or require a concrete pad? Is it possible to put a hot tub indoors? What steps do you take to get ready for delivery? All these are questions that will be flooding your mind, especially if you want to install the hot tub yourself.
Below is all you need to know about the hot tub installation process and some important things you need to keep in mind as you invest in this amazing comfort-based product.
Where to Install a Hot Tub
To begin, you’ll need to learn about local construction and permit codes, as well as electrical codes. You should undertake this before buying a hot tub because the information you get will most likely affect the hot tub you purchase, and where you put it.
A building permit may be required. However, depending on the hot tub size, outdoor swimming pools, which contain hot tubs, may not require a license. A permit will certainly be required if the hot tub has a capacity of over 5000 gallons. It is necessary to find out the building and safety laws in your area.
Wiring, like building permits, needs appropriate handling as well. Therefore, your best option is to work with a licensed technician to avoid improper installation. You should be aware that hot tubs require a specific voltage to operate, usually 110v or 220. This may vary depending on the hot tub model, the environment you live in, and the frequency of use. More volts generally equate to a higher cost to operate, because it requires more power/electricity to operate.
The Essential Requirements of the Hot Tub
A firm, level surface that can hold the tub’s weight — particularly while it’s filled with water and people — is a must for a hot tub. Any of the following could provide this:
- Reinforced concrete slab deck
- A flat paver or brick paver pad
- Durable spa mat
How you install your hot tub is entirely up to you. Your new hot tub can be fixed on a deck, partially buried into the deck, wholly sunk into the ground, or simply placed onto a concrete pad. Always leave space for servicing, no matter what the ultimate design you decide to go with.
Outside is the most convenient and, in most cases, the best location for a hot tub. You escape all the issues such as the smell of the chemicals, the logistics of drainage, and get to splash water while sitting outside under the stars and breathing fresh air.
When determining where to put your hot tub, you need also think about which way it will face. Take notice of which way you’ll be facing when seated, and position the hot tub such that the configuration of the seats optimizes your perspective. Covers mounted on cover lifters can be used as a windbreak or a privacy wall.
A competent electrician will know how to handle the technicalities to minimize electrocution or fire concerns. Either way, make sure you install it away from any overhead power lines, generally at least 10 feet away for safety.
Important Factors to Consider
A hot tub installation might be perplexing and challenging, but a team of experts can install it in practically any place. Choosing amongst geographic possibilities will necessitate a combination of practicality and common sense. Below are important things to keep in mind during the process:
Access to Delivery
Once you purchase a new hot tub, it will need to be transported from your driveway to its permanent place once it arrives at your home. To make transportation straightforward, the delivery team will need a clear and wide path. So, when deciding on a location, you should make sure the path is clear to get the unit to the desired location. You may find the dimensions in the instruction manual to help you determine how much space you need.
Structural Support
While your new hot tub may not appear to be particularly heavy while sitting on the showroom floor, a 450-gallon home spa filled with water weighs in about 5,920 pounds (including seven adults weighing 175 lbs. each). As a result, it’s critical to choose a location that can handle every pound. It’s advisable that the hot tab be installed outdoors on a thick concrete slab, although other options such as gravel, paving stones, bricks, and railroad ties are viable. If you have any concerns about the viability of a certain spot, you should consult with your hot tub installation team to evaluate the structural integrity of the spot you have selected.
Waterproofing and Drainage
Whatever location you choose, keep in mind the need for drainage and the potential for moisture damage to wooden decks and other structures. A few times a year, you’ll need to engage in maintenance efforts to drain your spa completely, and accidental overflow can occur during this time.
Ease of Use
The easier it is to get to your hot tub, the more likely you are to use it regularly. So, consider convenient access when deciding where to put your hot tab—a spa in the corner of the backyard might not be as motivating as one directly on your patio.
Maintenance
The most crucial aspect of owning a hot tub is maintaining it and keeping it in good working order. Regular maintenance helps you avoid issues that may be costly if not dealt with immediately. Be sure to observe any performance changes as these may be signaling potential issues.
