You’ve decided to take the plunge and get a new Hot Tub! With a little planning and preparation, installation is an easy job you can complete quickly.
There are some finer points hot tub first-timers should be aware of. Let’s go over it, step by step.
Preparing for Your Spa
Site Selection
View, privacy and access are major factors when choosing a site for the spa. Outdoor placement is easier and cheaper than indoor, but both have their advantages.
Before choosing a site outdoors, think about the view from inside the tub. Looking at your neighbors junk car collection or utility lines is not going to be very relaxing. Trees and plants are nice, but not too close to the tub, since they drop leaves and other debris.
Once you’ve narrowed down your placement choices, your final site should have:
- A smooth, level surface
- Structure to support the weight of the tub, water & occupants
- Adequate drainage for rainwater & splash out
- Accessibility to all panels for maintenance or repairs
- Privacy
It may make sense to place the spa indoors if privacy, easy access and shelter from the weather are important. Here’s what you need for good indoor install:
- A waterproof, non-skid floor with a drain
- Structure to support the weight of the tub, water & occupants
- Waterproof vapor barrier for wood studs / rafters
- Tile or cedar planks for the walls and ceilings
- A powerful fan to vent humidity
Spa Foundation
Concrete – Reinforced concrete slabs provide a good base for hot tubs, but here are a few other cost saving ideas:
Gravel Base – This is the least expensive option for a foundation. Ensure that the ground is compacted and that rainwater and splashed/drained water will flow away from the tub. Adding pavers or a walkway to the spa will keep dirt and gravel out.
Decking – Wooden decks look great, especially when you build the tub into them. If you’re placing the tub on a deck or elevated structure, have an engineer or contractor approve the design.
Utility Requirements
The spa site needs a drain field nearby. Keep in mind, you’ll drain up to 500 gallons from the tub every 3-4 months. While most plant life tolerates treated hot tub water, avoid delicate plants like roses or vegetables.
Plan for the electrical needs of the spa. Is the spa location within reach of power?
For safety, all spas must connect to a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). In case of an electric short, this vital safety device cuts power in as little as 1/40th of a second.
240 Volt spas run on hard wired GFCI protected circuits. These require a qualified electrician to run a 240 Volt line out to a GFCI Load Center/Disconnect. The further the spa is from the main breaker box, the more it will cost to wire it.
120 Volt plug and play spas run off standard 15 amp household circuits. These tubs have a GFCI built right into the electrical cord.
Plan ahead: National Electrical Code requires 120 Volt receptacles to be 5′ minimum and 10′ maximum from the tub. You might need an electrician to install a new plug-in closer to the tub. Caution: Never use extension cords.
Note: Since 120V hot tubs need a dedicated 15 amp circuit, an electrician will usually need to install that line.
Spa Access
For both indoor and outdoor placement, allow access to all sides of the hot tub. This is important when it comes to maintenance and repairs. Parts can be placed anywhere in the cabinet, so being able to remove all of the panels is crucial.
Install hatches or a crawl space around the spa if you plan to surround the tub with a deck. Comfort while working on the hot tub is important. Give 18” – 24” of space for a full grown adult to access the inside of the tub.
Site Access
Look at the route from the delivery point to the spas final location. Hot tub makers will provide the dimensions of the delivered package if you ask. Take a tape measure and walk the actual path the tub will travel. Make a plan for any trouble spots. Look out for low eaves, air conditioner units, narrow gates, stairs, or anything that will make maneuvering difficult.
Crane services are an option if you live on a hillside or the desired site is difficult to access. A crane can lift the spa over walls and trouble spots with ease and may cost less than you’d expect.
