It is very exciting to order a hot tub! When you finally choose the hot tub, another question appears:
When will I be able to use it?
The delivery itself in case if the spa is in stock can happen pretty fast, but there is a lot of additional work that needs to be done before the actual delivery and placement of the spa in the backyard of your property.
Here is what you should expect if you live in Chandler.
Quick Answer: How Long Does Hot Tub Delivery Take?
For a simple installation and delivery process, it takes a few hours.
The delivery process can include:
- Transporting the spa to your backyard;
- Moving the spa through your property;
- Setting the spa on the prepared base;
- Positioning the spa properly;
- Making sure there are no barriers for access;
- Discussing the installation process.
The more complicated installation process will take additional time.
There could be a number of things that make the installation longer such as a narrow entry gate, tight turns, a need for a crane or stairs.
The best thing that you can do to speed up the process is to make sure everything is prepared before the truck arrives.
In-Stock Hot Tubs Will Shorten the Waiting Time
The first factor that will affect your waiting period is the availability of the particular model.
If you find a hot tub in the stock, you will not have to wait until the manufacturer produces the spa for you.
This way, you will not wait for months after the purchase for the delivery to happen.
At Sunset Spas, we sell in-stock hot tubs and swim spas which are immediately ready for delivery.
You just need to select your desired spa, pay and set the delivery date.
Prepare the Hot Tub Foundation in Advance
The first thing that you need to do before the delivery of the hot tub is to prepare the foundation.
The filled hot tub is very heavy and you cannot put it on the ground and expect it will stay in place and not move.
There are some common materials that people use to create a hot tub foundation:
- Concrete slab;
- Paved paver base;
- Engineered spa pad;
- Decking;
You need to choose the right foundation according to the hot tub you chose.
If you already have a nice concrete patio – you are lucky because you won’t need to pour a new one.
The Electrical Installation Will Be the Biggest Scheduling Issue
Most of the big hot tubs use 240V electrical service.
That means that you will need to install the dedicated circuit to use your spa.
To make sure the hot tub works properly, you should discuss the requirements with the electrician before the installation happens.
Do not assume that all the hot tubs use the same electrical configuration.
The owner’s manual of your model will show you the requirements and you should discuss them with the electrician.
Make Sure There Are No Barriers on the Delivery Path
This step is really important!
Even if your hot tub fits perfectly on the patio, it might not fit through the side yard.
Measure the whole distance from the entrance gate to the final destination.
Check:
- Gate width
- Side-yard clearance
- Air conditioning units
- Pool equipment
- Overhangs
- Trees
- Outdoor kitchens
- Walls
- Stairs
- Tight turns
- Branches
- Drainage features
Remember that the hot tub might be moved in sideways position.
That means both width and height are important.
What Happens If the Hot Tub Cannot Pass through the Gate?
No worries.
In this case, the hot tub can be installed with a crane.
The crane delivers the hot tub through the backyard of your property over any barriers such as walls, pools, landscape, houses, or side yard.
Crane installation is a more complicated process and it requires a lot of additional planning and coordination.
How Long Will It Take to Install the Hot Tub?
The process is not as long as people think.
With a well-prepared foundation and a clear path, the crew can install the hot tub rather fast.
The estimated installation time is around two to four hours depending on the complexity.
However, you shouldn’t stick to this estimation as each property is different.
Does a Hot Tub Require Plumbing?
This point surprises many first-time buyers.
Most of the portable hot tubs don’t need plumbing connections.
You just need to fill it with a garden hose.
The spa has all its own pumps, circulation system, filtration, heating, and internal plumbing.
It is much easier than to install a swimming pool.
However, do not forget to think about the place where you will drain the water.
The drainage should be considered during the installation.
How Long Will It Take to Fill the Hot Tub?
The time depends on the size of the spa and the water flow from your hose.
The small hot tub will be filled much faster than a large family size spa.
Forget about estimating the exact amount of time.
It is better to plan this step as part of the installation process.
Just follow the manufacturer instructions about the place where the hose should be connected.
Some manufacturers recommend filling the hot tub through the filter system to avoid air locking in the plumbing.
Also, you should not turn the hot tub on until it reaches the correct fill level.
When Can You Turn On the Hot Tub?
After your hot tub reaches the necessary fill level and electrical connection is completed, you can start the installation.
It is the moment when you can test the pumps, circulation system, controls and heater.
Now, you should start balancing the water.
That includes such parameters as:
- Total Alkalinity
- pH
- Sanitizer level
Do not be impatient and start using the spa until the water is balanced.
How Long Does It Take to Heat a Hot Tub?
This is the stage of the process that takes longer than you can expect.
The water from the garden hose will be colder than your desired temperature of the water.
According to manufacturer guides, it takes 6 to 12 hours to heat the water of the typical 240V hot tub by several degrees.
Smaller 120-volt models may need significantly more time.
It is better to keep the cover on while the spa heats.
It will help to preserve the heat.
Can You Use the Hot Tub on the Delivery Day?
Sometimes.
If everything is ready, the delivery happened early enough, the filling took place and the water heated rather quickly, you can use your spa in the evening.
However, do not count on it.
Better give yourself a little bit of flexibility.
What Can Prevent the Hot Tub Installation?
All the delays during the installation are caused by the problems that could be identified in advance.
The most common installation delays include:
- Non-finished foundation
- Electrical service is not ready
- Narrow gate
- Furniture blocks the delivery path
- Landscaping prevents moving
- Crane installation is necessary
- Spa location leaves no space for service access
- Incorrect electrical circuit was installed
- Additional support is needed for the deck
That is why the preparation before delivery day is so important.
Make Sure There Is Place for Service
Do not install the spa in a place where the equipment will be out of reach.
It might require checking and servicing from time to time.
The cabinet panels need to be accessible.
This point becomes important when people install the decking around the spa.
The built-in spa can look amazing but it should also provide technicians with access to the equipment.
Think about the maintenance before you lock the hot tub inside your landscaping.
Chandler’s Sun Should Influence the Spa Placement
Another factor to consider for Chandler homeowners is the Arizona sun.
A hot tub placed directly under the sun can become really hot near the cabinet, cover, and patio.
It is better to shade it.
You need to consider the position of:
- Patio covers
- Pergolas
- Umbrellas
- Trees
- Privacy walls
- House
Do not block service access or prevent opening the cover.
A little bit of planning can make your hot tub area much more comfortable.
A Simple Hot Tub Installation Timeline
Here is the typical process in Chandler where everything is ready:
Before Delivery
Select the spa, confirm the location, prepare the foundation, arrange electrical service and delivery path.
On Delivery Day
The delivery team delivers the hot tub to your backyard and installs it.
After the Installation
Install electrical connection according to the owner’s manual.
Filling
Use a garden hose and fill the spa according to the manual.
Start Up the Spa
Turn on the hot tub once it reaches the required water level. Check the systems.
Balancing the Water
Start to balance the water.
Heating the Spa
Cover the spa and allow the heater to heat the water to the desired temperature.
First Soak
When the water reaches the proper temperature and chemistry level, you can use your spa!
Preparation Will Speed Up the Process
The hot tub itself is not a problem during the installation.
It is the property that affects the installation time.
The finished foundation, correct electrical configuration, clear delivery path and installation plan will make the delivery process rather quick.
The lack of preparation can do the opposite.
Hot Tub Delivery and Installation in Chandler?
Sunset Spas Chandler can help you choose a premium hot tub for your backyard according to the space, number of seats, hydrotherapy, energy efficiency, features and budget.
We can also help you understand what you need to do before the delivery.
This way you will know where the hot tub will be installed, how to deliver it, and what should be prepared in advance.
For many customers, the delivery is the easiest part of the process.
Once everything is ready, the installation becomes a rather simple process.
If you are looking for a hot tub in Chandler, visit Sunset Spas and start choosing the spa and place where you will use it.
