After making the decision to buy a hot tub, the next big decision to be made is where to put it. If you’re planning on an indoor hot tub, there are a few more things that need to be accounted for compared with an outdoor installation. Can you put a hot tub in your bathroom? It shouldn’t be a problem as long as you’ve done the proper preparations and planning. To give you an idea of what needs to be done, we’ve put together this article.
Delivery Route
Getting your hot tub from the delivery truck to its final location needs careful consideration. Hot tubs can be surprisingly big and not taking that into account can lead to delays, disappointment and some unplanned for renovations. People who are installing their hot tub during their house build are at an advantage here. Make sure you compare the hot tub spec sheet with the measurements of your doorways and other tight spaces. You wouldn’t be the first person to find out that your new hot tub doesn’t fit through a stairwell or around a tight corner.
A Stable Surface
If your bathroom is in the basement, you probably won’t have to worry too much about having a stable surface on which to place the hot tub. However, if you’re installing your hot tub on an upper floor, you want to make sure it’ll be able to support the full hot tub. Once filled with water and people, a hot tub can weigh many tonnes. The last thing you want is for it to cause structural problems in your house. Getting the advice of a structural engineer is highly recommended when installing a hot tub above ground level.
Air Circulation
Hot tubs generate a lot of humidity. This may not even be noticeable with an outdoor hot tub, but high humidity levels can pose significant problems indoors. For this reason, it’s important to have adequate air circulation if you’re planning on an indoor hot tub. Your regular bathroom fan is not going to cut it. You’ll need to install a high-performance exhaust fan and possibly pair it with a ceiling fan. Dehumidifiers might also be necessary. Failing to allow for proper air circulation can result in problems with mold, mildew and wood rot.
Flooring
Most bathrooms are finished with floors that are able to withstand some splashing and moisture. But a hot tub in your bathroom will take splashing and moisture to whole new levels. Consider that someone wearing a swimming suit can carry up to a gallon of water with them each time they get out of the hot tub. To prevent damage to your bathroom floor (and the rooms below) you should ensure the flooring will be able to withstand significant amounts of water. Your best bet is installing a floor drain if one doesn’t already exist. This will make it much easier to take care of any excess water. Another thing to consider when it comes to flooring is its slipperiness. Because of the amount of water that comes out of the hot tub, the floor will be more slippery than in an average bathroom. Reduce the possibility of accidents by installing a slip free flooring material.
Hot Tub Cover
You might believe that covers are only necessary for outdoor hot tubs. But the fact is that an indoor hot tub needs a cover just as much as an outdoor one – even if for different reasons. Replacing the cover whenever the hot tub isn’t being used will greatly decrease the humidity levels in the house. It will also provide a factor of safety when small children are around. You might be tempted to forgo a cover on an indoor hot tub, but you shouldn’t take the chance.
To learn more about indoor hot tub installation, download a free buyer’s guide below today, or visit us at our London hot tub store.