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A hot tub can bring hours of enjoyment for family and friends but installed incorrectly, it can be a nightmare. Generally, while selecting the right hot tub for your space and the anticipated usage is something most people can handle themselves, actually installing the appliance is a job for a professional plumbing service. Even the most talented DIY weekend warrior may find the installation tricky – so before you take the plunge, it’s important to learn more about what goes into installing a hot tub.
What Do I Need to Install a Hot Tub?
The very basics you need for a hot tub are a level surface, electricity, and a garden hose. However, there’s much more that goes into properly setting up a hot tub – and the aid of professional plumbing service is essential, especially if you wish to have a fancy one, or to install one into your pool and pool deck area. Most people opt for a level, reinforced deck, or a concrete pad to put the hot tub on. Make sure that it’s close enough to an electrical source – and some people may wish to have an additional outlet or circuit just for the hot tub, with an emergency shut off switch just in case. Hot tubs require 110V or 220V of electricity – if you purchase the 220V model, you’ll need professional electrician services to ensure it’s hooked up correctly.
Knowing what you need for the hot tub can help you determine the best place to put it – indoors or out.
Where Should I Put My Hot Tub?
Choosing to put a hot tub outside or inside is a major decision. While some small, two-person hot tubs may be placed upstairs, in a room with reinforced flooring, most hot tubs work better on the ground floor. Placing a hot tub indoors requires a little more thought – make sure that the floors are waterproof, and that the structure underneath is strong enough to support the hot tub. A drain in the floors, just in case something happens, maybe a good back-up option – but adding a drain to a room requires a plumbing service, so think carefully about an indoor hot tub room. Ventilation is another consideration for an indoor hot tub, as the excess moisture and steam can create an environment for mold and mildew.
Outside is the more popular option for hot tubs. Many people enjoy the contrast between a chilly night and the warm water and having the hot tub as part of your outdoor living space can enhance the whole ambiance of the area. When placing your hot tub outside, make sure that it’s level, and that it’s not located on top of the pipes leading to and from your house (your plumbing service can help you find the location of these).
Even though the hot tub itself is full of water, it’s important to place it somewhere it’s not going to have prolonged water exposure, such as near gutter spouts, sprinklers, or under roof edges without rain gutters. You’ll also wish to make sure that the hot tub isn’t in the path of direct sunlight for a prolonged period of the day. The excess sunshine can cause fading to the finish of the hot tub and possibly damage the equipment itself.
Hot tubs can be tricky to clean – make sure that the path leading up to the hot tub isn’t one that collects dirt and debris. Consider placing paving stones down between the house and the hot tub, to avoid tracking in grass and mud, or place the hot tub on a small concrete slab or deck. Also, make sure that the hot tub is secure. Some municipalities may require childproofing, including a gate or fence, around the hot tub, while others simply mandate a tightly fitted cover.
No matter where you decide to put the hot tub – inside or outside – make sure that it’s near utilities, including a drain area and an electrical source. Before purchasing a hot tub, look at the wiring requirements and any plumbing requirements that are needed for the spa to run properly, Then, check with your licensed electrician and local plumbing service to make sure that your home can adequately supply these. It’s also important to make sure that the hot tub isn’t blocking access to any equipment, such as a water meter or electrical panel.
What to Expect When Installing a Hot Tub
Once you’ve decided on the right place for your spa and had it delivered, it’s time to set it up! Because of the technical issues with setting up space, especially the 220V versions, it’s important to have a professional electrician hook it up, and possibly a plumbing service to make sure that there won’t be issues down the line, and that it’s safely installed. Plus, many municipalities require all spas to be installed according to local and national wiring codes.
Once the hot tub is set up, it’s time to fill it up! Follow the instructions from the spa manufacturer about sanitation and balancing the chemical levels in the water, to ensure proper pH. It’s also important not to overfill the hot tub – you don’t know how much water displacement there will be once people start getting in, and you can always add a little more if needed.
Just remember, to make the installation process as smooth as possible, do your research before you buy, and have a certified electrician and a plumbing service standing by to help make sure that your spa goes in correctly the first time.
bluefrog Plumbing + Drain – Your Hot Tub Installation Experts!
Whether you’re installing a recessed hot tub, one on the deck, or creating an outdoor oasis with the hot tub at the center, bluefrog Plumbing + Drain is your best choice for professional hot tub installation. We’re a comprehensive plumbing service, and we’re able to ensure that your hot tub is installed right the first time – no leaks, ands, or buts! Give us a call or visit us online to find the bluefrog Plumbing + Drain nearest you.
