When we think of hot tubs, our minds often turn to relaxing soaks in warm bubbling water. Or maybe lounging with family and friends in and around the hot tub as burgers grill on the barbecue. Or possibly even relieving aches and pains caused by overwork or chronic disease. However, very seldom does thinking about hot tubs conjure up thoughts of wheeling a 500 pound acrylic shell from a delivery truck to the backyard. Or laying down a bed of gravel for the hot tub to sit upon. But before you can enjoy your hot tub, you have to actually have it installed. You may now be wondering how to install a hot tub. If you are, this article has been written for you!
Shipping and Receiving
Most often your hot tub will be delivered to you on the back of a truck. From there it’s tipped onto a dolly and wheeled into your backyard or wherever you’re having it installed. So, ensuring there’s a clear, obstruction free path from the road to the hot tub’s final destination is key. It happens more often than expected that the delivery path is unpassable, and the hot tub installation is delayed. For this reason, it’s essential to measure all points of the pathway that the hot tub will need to travel. If you find that there’s no easy way to get the hot tub to your desired location on the ground it might be time to consider hiring a crane to have it hoisted into place. Your hot tub dealership will likely be well versed in this type of operation and will gladly be of help.
A Stable and Level Surface
Once the hot tub has been brought into place, it needs to be set upon a stable and level surface. Sitting it directly on your lawn or on a slope can lead to problems with the shell cracking or, in the worst case scenario, collapsing. To prevent this from happening you’ll need to fabricate a foundation on which the hot tub can rest. This can be composed of a bed of gravel, a poured concrete pad, concrete pavers or a prefab hot tub pad made of high density plastic. It’s also very popular to put hot tubs on wooden decks. However, if the deck is taller than a foot or so, you’ll need to make sure it can withstand the weight. A hot tub full of water and people can weigh several tonnes. Speak to your hot tub dealer if this is your plan. They can help you assess whether your deck is up to the job.
Electrical Considerations
When it comes to power, there are two main types of hot tubs: 110 Volt plug and play models and 220 Volt hardwired hot tubs. The plug and play models are so named because they can be plugged into a regular electrical outlet that’s found in and around any home. Hardwired models require the installation of a specialized electrical circuit that can only be done by a certified electrician. Each type of hot tub has their own advantages and disadvantages. Your hot tub dealer can help you figure out which type will be best for your situation.
Water Access
Some people are surprised to find out that they won’t need to hire a plumber to connect the hot tub to their water mains. Hot tubs are closed systems and once they’re filled with water, that volume of water is recirculated until the hot tub is emptied and refilled by the operator – usually a few times a year. So, access to a water supply is a must. You don’t want to be carrying buckets of water from your kitchen or bathroom every time your hot tub needs refilling. If you can’t locate the hot tub close to a waterspout, having one installed is a very worthwhile investment.
Now that you’ve learned the basics of how to install a hot tub, download a free hot tub buyer’s guide below, or visit us at our hot tub store.