Installing hot tub

We only recommend a level concrete slab. Drainage — You will need a floor drainage system in your concrete slab. This is to move any water away from your spa to avoid standing water that could cause damage. Access point — You will need a trap door or some sort of access for service. Talk with your spa dealer about how many feet of space they recommend for recessed hot tubs.

Keeping your spa as accessible as possible will make future maintenance and repairs easier, decreasing cost. Top — Ask your spa dealer about potential cover options for your recessed spa. It is possible that a traditional hot tub cover will not work with a full-recessed spa.

Why you should install your hot tub in ground? In ground installation may not be right for you. Here are some of our most popular hot tubs! Hudson Bay. Tranquility Series. Catalina Luxury. Related Posts.

Tips and Warnings. Things You'll Need. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Check to see if you need a building permit. Many cities will require building permits for installing hot tubs outdoors. Choose a location for your hot tub. A safe amount to allot is approximately 10 feet 3. Examine your city's building code to ascertain how far away from your home you must place your hot tub.

Many codes require at least 5 feet 1. Two other regulations you need to consider when finding a place for the hot tub. The hot tub should be at least 10 feet 3 m away from any overhead power lines, as well as 5 feet 1. Water and electricity do not mix. Prep the site, if necessary. Hot tubs, when full, can weigh as much as 3, pounds 1, kg. For this reason, you will need a firm foundation on which the hot tub can rest. If you don't have a firm foundation, you risk damaging the tub voiding any warranty it comes with.

Pouring concrete into a 3 to 4 inch thick 7. Concrete provides a very strong foundation. At the same time, it may not be aesthetically pleasing and will be permanently anchored into place if you ever choose to move the hot tub. Another option is prefabricated spa pads. These pads have interlocking grids that make installation easy, and they can be removed if you ever decide to relocate your tub.

At the same time, spa pads may be less supportive than concrete. Make sure you have a solid base to work with, and you choose the strongest pads if you use this option. Call a general contractor if you decide to place your tub on a deck or build a deck to accommodate the tub.

If you want to place your tub onto a deck, check first with a contractor. They should be uniquely suited to tell you whether the deck will be able to withstand a ton or more of weight bearing down on it like a continuous hammer. The last thing you want to have happen is to break your deck, and then your tub, upon installation. Create a route for the power to reach the hot tub.

But electrical wiring is another matter. Cities usually have codes for using certain types of conduits, so make sure you talk with your local building department.

When you have, decide if you'd like the conduit to run under or above ground. Most pumps will require an extra hard-wired circuit, one that's entirely dedicated to the electrical on the tub. Multiple-pump tubs may require a amp circuit. If you don't have familiarity wiring this kind of circuit, it's best to call an electrician to do it for you. Part 2. Plan your delivery route of the tub from the curb to the foundation. An unfilled hot tub can weigh upwards of pounds kg , so it's important to know how you will get it from the delivery van to your backyard.

Usually, this is no higher than 6 inches from the rim of the hot tub. Some tubs may require you to fill the tub through the filter rather than directly into the basin. Most hot tub pumps must have water added inside before they can effectively circulate water.

Most new hot tub pumps are self-priming. Priming can be initiated by operating the electronic control panel rather than by physically adding water to the pump.

Run the prime cycle. Typically, this takes several minutes. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile.

Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights.

Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. The stress will dissolve much easier if your view includes a gorgeous sunset rather than a brick wall. Types of Foundations for Hot Tubs According to the home services marketplace HomeAdvisor , a 4-person tub filled with water could weigh as much as 4, pounds.

Other foundation ideas include: Concrete—Pouring a concrete pad is quick and easy. Jacuzzi recommends a reinforced concrete pad at least 4 inches deep.

Spa pad —Install these interlocking pads on grass or soil and level with sand for a sturdy but moveable foundation. Instead, use interlocking concrete pavers[SZ1] [AC2] and have the pad they form inspected by a structural engineer or contractor to make sure the tub is properly balanced and level.

Shade Your Hot Tub A shaded hot tub protects you and the tub itself from the ravages of the sun. Installing Your Hot Tub Clear the path Delivery personnel need an unobstructed path to transport your hot tub from their truck to your location, using a dolly.

Help them before the big day by: Choosing a path clear of any water or gas meters, air conditioning units, low-hanging roofs, and gutters, and free of six or more consecutive stairs. Measuring gates and doorways beforehand and comparing those measurements with the unit. Measuring to make sure the unit will fit around any 90 degree turns, bends, or corners. Removing patio furniture, potted plants, or play equipment blocking the way.

Checking for and pruning overhanging branches or shrubs blocking the path. Electrical requirements Hot tubs come with v or v connections.

Plumbing requirements You can fill your hot tub with a hose from an outside tap. Turn off the electricity. Make sure the drain port is closed.