ALT Image Text:
Buying a hot tub is an enjoyable process. However, selection of the spa is only a part of the process.
Before the delivery date comes, you should think about where the hot tub will go, how it will be powered, if it can stand in a certain place, and how the delivery truck will get there.
Just a little bit of preparation can save you a lot of trouble.
At Sunset Spas, we provide homeowners with comparison of hot tubs and swim spas according to the size of their space, needs for hydrotherapy, budget, and installation preferences.
If you want to install a hot tub at home, here are 10 things you should consider before buying.
1. Decide Where to Place It
First of all, start with location.
Most homeowners install their hot tub on a patio, concrete pad, deck, or any other prepared place near the house.
However, don’t pick the location just because it looks good.
Think about how often you will use the spa and how convenient it will be for you to access it.
If you will need to pass through a whole garden on a cold winter night, you probably won’t use it as often as you would want to.
In addition, consider privacy of the place.
A location near a bedroom or patio may be much more comfortable for you than a location where your neighbors can see you.
And, of course, think about what you will see from inside the hot tub. Sometimes just a few feet make a great difference in feeling relaxed in it.
2. Make Sure That the Surface Can Hold Its Weight
Once filled with water and people, a hot tub becomes very heavy.
That’s why a hot tub needs a solid and leveled surface.
Usually, most homeowners build a reinforced concrete pad for their spa. However, depending on your property and the hot tub, you may find some other ways to place the spa safely.
Remember that you should never place a hot tub where it stands without any preparations.
A deck can need some additional evaluations or reinforcement.
An unlevelled surface can put a pressure on the spa’s cabinet and shell.
Check the hot tub foundation requirements before the installation.
3. Plan the Electrical Requirements
Most full-size hot tubs have a dedicated electrical connection.
The electrical requirements vary from one model to another. That’s why you should hire an electrician after buying your hot tub.
Most full-size hot tubs use a 240-volt electrical system with a dedicated breaker and a proper disconnect.
Smaller models may have a standard plug-and-play system.
Whatever system the hot tub has, it should be installed by a licensed electrician according to local electrical codes.
It’s better to prepare everything beforehand.
4. Evaluate the Delivery Path
Sometimes this is the easiest thing to forget.
The hot tub may be absolutely fine in your backyard, but hard to deliver there.
Measure the delivery path from the street or driveway to your final place of the installation.
Look for:
- The width of the gate;
- Narrow passages;
- Air-conditioning units;
- Overhanging roofs;
- Tree branches;
- Block walls;
- Fences;
- Patio columns;
- Stairs;
- Utility equipment.
And also don’t forget that most of the hot tubs move along your yard sideways.
If the normal access is impossible, in some cases a special equipment will be required for your installation.
It’s always better to realize that before delivery.
5. Prepare the Space for Servicing
Don’t try to squeeze your hot tub into the smallest space.
Although it may look nice, you will need some free space for servicing the hot tub.
If there will be a wall, outdoor kitchen, planters, or any other obstacle around the equipment of the spa, servicing will be much more difficult.
And of course, you should leave a room for entering into the spa safely.
In addition, think about the hot tub cover.
Prepare the space so that you could open the cover easily, if needed, and even install the cover lifter.
6. Think about Drainage
You will inevitably have some water around your hot tub.
As people get into the hot tub wet, rain can get there, and once you’ll need to drain your spa, you will have water around it.
That’s why the drainage matters.
You shouldn’t install your hot tub where water collects around it naturally.
The standing water around the hot tub’s equipment area will only make additional trouble.
Also, you will need to consider where you will dispose the water once you drain your spa.
Local regulations may influence the process of discharging the hot tub water, especially if the water has been treated with sanitizer or any other product.
It’s always better to prepare yourself for this situation.
7. Choose the Size of the Hot Tub for Your Family
A bigger hot tub isn’t always better.
Before purchasing your hot tub, think about who will be using it during the usual week.
If one or two people will be enjoying it, a smaller hot tub may be enough.
However, if you have children, grandchildren, friends, or neighbors visiting you often, having additional seats will be helpful for you.
But don’t evaluate the capacity of the hot tub only by the number of seats.
You should take into consideration seat depth, footwell size, loungers, and even body shape.
Whenever you can, try to visit a showroom and sit in several hot tub models.
It will help you a lot to understand the differences between models.
8. Consider the Reasons for Choosing the Spa
Not everyone buys a hot tub for the same reasons.
Some homeowners want to have a cozy place where they can relax in the evenings.
Others prefer to focus on the hydrotherapy, which can relax their back, legs, shoulders, or feet.
You may also want to have a hot tub for entertaining and spending more time outdoors.
Think about your priorities before buying and comparing models.
If the hydrotherapy is important for you, focus on jets positioning and seats layout.
If entertaining is important, pay attention to open seats and footwell space.
And if you want to relax with someone in the evening, a compact hot tub will suit you.
Buying a hot tub for your lifestyle is more efficient than choosing it according to its design.
9. Plan the Maintenance Process
Modern hot tubs are much easier to maintain than it seems to the first-time buyers.
Nevertheless, each hot tub requires regular maintenance.
You will need to test and balance the water, maintain sanitizer levels, clean filters, wipe down the surfaces and change water periodically.
The cover will also need cleaning.
However, with a regular schedule, maintaining the hot tub will be easy for you.
Sunset Spas provides hot tub owners with various products for maintenance, repair, and assistance with the hot tub service.
Before purchasing a hot tub, ask the specialists about the water care system of your choice and its maintenance.
10. Consider Additional Costs
The price of the hot tub is only a part of your expenses.
Depending on your property, you will need to pay for:
- Electrical work;
- Foundation;
- Delivery requirements;
- Steps;
- Cover lifter;
- Water care products;
- Accessories;
- Landscaping changes;
- Privacy screens;
- Patio improvements.
Also, you shouldn’t forget about operation costs.
Larger hot tubs hold more water. However, the quality of insulation, the equipment, water temperature, outdoor climate and usage habits also influence the energy consumption.
Instead of comparing hot tubs by their purchase prices, compare the total experience of owning them.
Is It Good to Install the Hot Tub Close to the House?
For most homeowners, yes.
A hot tub located close to the house can be more convenient to use all year round.
You’ll be able to get to it faster without walking a lot.
However, don’t place your hot tub so that the splashing water could become a problem for you and your home.
Think also about noise.
Even modern hot tubs are quiet, but there still can be some noise because of pumps and filtration systems.
So try to find a place which combines all of these factors.
Do I Need a Permit to Install a Hot Tub?
The requirements for permits vary from city to city.
You may need a permit or inspection for electrical work. Also, there can be zoning, setback, fencing, barrier or HOA requirements.
As requirements differ, it’s better to contact the local city or building department before the installation.
And if you live in a community with an HOA, check their requirements as well.
It can help you to avoid delays.
Visit a Hot Tub Showroom before Buying
You can find a lot of information online.
You can compare sizes, specifications, jet counts, seating capacity, features and prices of hot tubs.
However, it’s hard to understand if a seat feels comfortable from the specification sheet.
That’s why it’s one of the most useful actions which you can do before purchasing the hot tub.
Try to sit in different hot tubs.
Compare models with loungers and without them. Look at the footwell space. Check the control panel. Ask about maintenance, warranty, installation, electrical system, and delivery.
Sunset Spas provides homeowners with a wide variety of hot tubs and swim spas in its showroom network in Arizona and Nevada.
We can help you to compare hot tubs according to your house and its usage.
Planning Helps to Make Installation Easier
Installation of a hot tub at home doesn’t need to be complicated.
However, it still needs some planning.
Find the right location. Make sure that the surface can hold your hot tub. Confirm the electrical requirements. Check the delivery path. Leave some space for servicing the hot tub.
And then think about what you will want to do with your hot tub.
Do you want hydrotherapy? More family time? Entertaining? Or a place to relax at the end of the day?
After answering these questions, it will be easier for you to choose the right hot tub.
Sunset Spas can help you to compare hot tubs according to their sizes, seating layouts, features, installation and maintenance before buying.
With this preparation, the delivery date will be much easier.
