Will Where I Put My Hot Tub Affect The Electrical Supply
One of the things youll need before your hot tub is delivered is an electrical supply.
Youll need to consider youll electrical supply when deciding where to place your hot tub. And make sure there are no restrictions on where the cable can be run to in your garden.
Plus its likely that the further from the house the hot tub is, the more expensive it will be to run a cable. So, its worth thinking about before deciding on where to put your hot tub in your garden.
Where Are Your Hot Tubs Access Points
Once youve chosen the tub of your dream, ask your dealer where the access points are on the shell for service. Most models will put these up front, just underneath the control panel, but youll want to be careful if you block off access to service areas, you may have to drain your hot tub more frequently for regular maintenance or service calls.
Embrace The Desert Look
Photo by Kikuchi + Kankel Design Group via Style Motivation
For those who live in a desert climate or wants to eliminate grass from their backyard landscape, rocks and native plants are an excellent idea to create a unique, yet stunning, look.
Key Insights:
- Add plants to the landscape which are native to the area. Your local garden center or landscaper can advise you which plants would be the best to choose.
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Build A Pergola Over Your Patio
Photo via DIY Ideas
A pergola is a great addition to any backyard. Build one yourself with these simple DIY tips, or turn it into a gazebo to shade your hot tub. Whatever you decide to do, this outdoor designs adds a stylish feature to your backyard patio.
Key insights:
- When constructing a pergola in your backyard, remember they require a solid foundation and should be able to drain any water, which can damage the structure.
How Can I Design A New Deck For A Hot Tub
Make sure that the new deck plans include a load capacity that will support your spa. Your Caldera Spas dealer can provide you with weight specifications and scale renderings of our hot tubs in PDF and CAD formats to help you and your contractor or deck builder with planning and design.
Preparing for the arrival of your hot tub may seem like a lot of work at first, but your Caldera Spas dealer will help you through every stage and provide you with the resources to make the process flow smoothly. This article from Forbes provides some great ideas about integrating a hot tub into your back yard.
Whats your ideal location for a hot tub?
Are you comfortable designing your deck with help from online tools?
What preparation tips do you have?
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Use Airstone To Enhance Your Hot Tub Design
Photo via Lovely Crafty Home
Another fun idea to give your hot tub a different look without breaking the bank is using Airstone to add depth. Airstone is a manufactured stone veneer product which is easy to install for both indoor and outdoor projects. Made out of recycled materials, Airstone is an affordable resource to give your patio design a natural, earthy feel.
Be Wary Of Positioning Next To A Lawn
When choosing where to place a hot tub, you’ll also need to think about what you’ll be stepping onto when getting out. While positioning your hot tub next to a lawn isn’t a problem if you have flip flops, not everyone will like this. Also, the last thing you want is lots of grass floating around in your hot tub.
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Explore Exotic Hardwood Materials
Photo via Nick Leith-Smith
Durable hardwoods like Iroko, Acacia and Ipe are ideal for exterior use and will stand the test of time. Tip provided by Nick Leith-Smith, Architecture and Design, London
Photo via Fine Decks
These days the majority of decking around hot tubs is composite decking. All capped composite decking is particularly popular. Tip provided by Clemens Jellema, Fine Decks, Maryland
Key insights:
- When deciding on a composite wood, take into consideration the pros and cons of uncapped and capped composite. Uncapped composite is more vulnerable to staining, fading, mold, and mildew, whereas capped composite has a surface cover which contains UV inhibitors, anti-oxidants, and other products to enhance the longevity of the wood.
Will You Use Your Hot Tub Often
This consideration is the most important of all, and this is why it was left until last. All of the other considerations depend upon this one particularly. So if you intend to use your hot tub almost daily, any time of the day or night, installing it at the end of your garden might not be the best idea. You will have to weigh up each consideration, and make a decision based on ease of use, so that you have easy access to your hot tub whenever you want to use it.
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What Is The Best Base For An Inflatable Hot Tub
The best base for an inflatable hot tub is a material that is strong and can support the weight of the tub. Concrete is the most popular choice, but there are other options available. Gravel or landscaping materials such as grass or mulch can be used, but synthetic grass is a better option than natural grass. Pavers are also a good choice, but make sure they are installed correctly before using them as a base for your inflatable hot tub.
What Is Needed To Prepare My Home For A Hot Tub
In determining where your hot tub will live, you need to decide if you have enough space, which will largely be determined by the hot tub specifications of your desired hot tub. However, the tub size itself is only one small piece of the puzzle, as youll need to consider other factors such as:
For both indoor and outdoor installation AND routine maintenance and repairs, you need to allow access to all sides of the hot tub. Serviceable equipment can be located anywhere in the cabinet, so its essential to have the ability to remove all the panels. Additionally, if you are planning on surrounding the tub in a deck, youll need to install hatches or a crawl space around the spa, providing 18 24 of space for a full-grown adult to access the inside of the tub.
Some cleaning systems require draining up to 500 gallons from the tub every 3-4 months, so you need a proper drainage spot nearby, unless this is specifically outlined in your city regulations. If you are draining onto your property, note that while most plant life tolerates treated hot tub water with no chlorine content, avoid delicate plants like roses or vegetables.
If you live on a hillside or difficult site, inquire about crane services to lift the spa over walls and other obstructions.
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How & Where To Buy A Hot Tub
The best place to buy a hot tub is at hot tub dealers or stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Costco, Sam’s Club, and Walmart. Hot tubs are also available online at Amazon and Wayfair. The best time of year to buy a hot tub is near the end of the year, Memorial Day, or Labor Day.
Entry and mid-level spas are found at most retailers and showrooms, while high-end spas are typically sold through hot tub dealers only. Some dealers offer a wet test, a 15 to 30-minute test soak at the dealership at no cost.
Bradys Hot Tub Delivery Guide: Planning For Your New Hot Tub
So youve just bought a hot tub, now what? For some new hot tub owners, delivery day can be stressful. Where is the best place to put it? Can you put the hot tub on a deck or does it need to sit on a concrete pad? Can hot tubs be installed indoors? How do you prepare for delivery?
In this article we will answer all of these questions and more as we explore how to plan for your new hot tubs arrival.
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Foundation Types For Hot Tubs Jacuzzi
When it comes to the foundation of your hot tub, there are three main types you can choose from concrete, wood, or plastic. Each type has its own set of pros and cons which we will go over below.
Concrete is one of the most popular choices for a hot tub foundation because it is very sturdy and can support a lot of weight. It is also easy to install and relatively affordable. However, concrete can be quite heavy so make sure you have a strong enough structure to support it before installing it.
Wood is another common choice for hot tub foundations and is often used when homeowners want to create a deck around their spa. It is also very sturdy and can support a lot of weight but may require more maintenance than other options since it can rot if not treated properly.
Plastic foundations are becoming increasingly popular due to their lightweight design and affordability. They are easy to install and do not require any special tools or skills. However, they are not as durable as other options and may not be suitable for all climates.
What Are The Downsides Of A Concrete Hot Tub Base
Aside from being a permanent fixture in your yard, concrete isn’t necessarily as durable as you might think if not installed and cured properly. It can also be susceptible to cracks, particularly if you have a lot of temperature variation where you live.
Why does concrete crack? Concrete absorbs moisture from the environment. In very cold temperatures, this moisture freezes and expands. Sometimes this is enough to cause cracks itself, but the thawing that occurs after is often more commonly the problem. When the ice melts, this causes shrinkage, which can result in cracks in the concrete.
Concrete is also not the most attractive choice if you care about aesthetics. If you want the stability of concrete, but are not a fan of the look, you can always cover it with something to give it a different feel. This could be something like paint, pavers, or something less permanent like these outdoor hardwood teak interlocking floor tiles:
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Can You Put A Hot Tub In A Garage
Hot tubs are relaxing, especially after a long day you simply want to chill in your hot tub and ward away all the tiredness. However, its often difficult to do that outside, especially if you have nosy neighbors killing your vibe.
But can you put a hot tub in a garage?
Yes, you can do that and enjoy your dips within closed doors, spending some quality time with yourself privately.
The process is straightforward you will mostly have to take the ventilation, drainage, and a few other factors that we will discuss in-depth in this piece.
Though moisture buildup and mildew growth are a few pitfalls of a garage-bound tub, you can get by most of it with proper precaution and care.
Choosing The Right Location
Indoor Installations
Hot tubs can be installed both indoors or outdoors. While installing a hot tub indoors might seem like a great idea, indoor hot tub installation pose a few problems:
- Doorways. Most exterior doors are 30-32 wide while most hot tubs are a 34-39 tall. Getting a hot tub inside therefore usually involves opening up and then fixing a section of wall.
- Moisture. Hot tubs generate a lot of steam. This can make the room the hot tub is in very humid. Over time this can lead to mould, damage to drywall and warping of wooden flooring in the room. Proper ventilation must be installed to avoid this.
- Splash. When people get in a hot tub, especially children, there will always be some water that splashes out on to the floor. Care needs to be taken when choosing flooring to make sure that it can handle water sitting on it on a regular basis without damage. You should also make sure that it wont get too slippery when wet or you may have a safety hazard.
- Drainage. In the unlikely event that your new hot tub springs a leak you need a plan for where the water will go. Without proper drainage being put in place you can end up with over 1000 litres of water in your house!
- Chemical Smell. Ever been in a hotel with a pool? You can smell it as soon as you walk in the building. Even with proper ventilation it can be tricky to stop your house smelling like hot tub chemicals.
Outdoor Installations
Service Access
What Sort Of Base Should A Hot Tub Sit On?
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What Should I Put Under My Hot Tub
As well as the best location you also need to figure out whats going under your Hot Tub. Depending on what you currently have in your garden this can be straightforward or it can involve a fair amount of preparation.
Most Hot Tubs are surprisingly light when empty. They are typically comprised of a fibreglass shell housed in a wooden or plastic structure which is designed to be strong without any unnecessary weight. The reason for this, as you may have guessed, is that Hot Tubs need to be filled with water at which point they become very heavy. Add up to 6 people in and you can see why a Hot Tub needs a sturdy base!
When To Call A Professional
You should always if you are unsure about your ability to complete any step of this installation. Though relatively easy to install, hot tubs require plenty of preparation. Any electrical work should be done by a licensed electrician. Preparation of the foundation can also be done by a contractor, especially if your chosen location requires any structural reinforcement or grading in order to support the hot tubs weight.
Similarly, hot tubs are heavy and difficult to maneuver, even for two to three people. If youre unable to find adequate assistance, or your hot tub will be placed in a slightly more complicated location , hire a contractor who can bring in an experienced team to move the hot tub for you. Beware that hiring anyone to do something as dangerous as moving a hot tub necessitates ensuring proper insurance is carried by the appropriate parties.
A professional hot tub installation will average around $3,400. However, this price typically includes fees such as building permits, electrical services and moving costs. Depending on the contractor, they may also be able to prepare an appropriate foundation. Always ask for quotes from contractors and do not be afraid to shop around for the professional service best suited to your needs.
Compare Quotes From Top-rated Pool, Spa & Hot Tub Contractors
Free, No-commitment Estimates
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Firm Ground Is The Way To Go
When purchasing an inflatable hot tub, it is important to place it on a firm surface. This is because the weight of the water and people can cause damage to a soft surface over time. If you are placing your hot tub on a deck, you should reinforce the deck before installation. Always have a deck builder or contractor take a look at your project before beginning to make sure that it will be able to handle the weight of the hot tub and anyone who might use it. In addition, remember that posts should be run 1 foot below the frost line and spaced 30 inches apart from one another in order to provide adequate support. Finally, if you are worried about your deck not being able to handle all of this extra weight, consider reinforcing it with concrete. By doing so, youll ensure that your hot tub can be enjoyed for years to come!
We Need To Consider Drainage And Water Supply
Although you wont be draining and refilling your hot tub very often , you will need a water source. You will also need to consider where you will drain the water to, which is harder to consider. You can change your water yourself or you can sign up to a maintenance plan and let our professionals do the work for you.
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Preparing Your Backyard For Hot Tub Installation
When you purchase a hot tub from Creative Energy you also get full-service delivery and installation. Our professional technicians will manage all the heavy lifting and set-up to ensure your new spa is ready for use.
Before your new hot tub arrives consider these three factors to ensure the delivery and installation process is as efficient as possible.
Delivery Path
Your delivery team will need a clear and wide path to your backyard to begin setting up your new spa. Move all outdoor furniture or other potential obstacles to create an easy delivery path for your hot tub technicians.
Electrical Sources
Different spa models require different amounts of electrical power to operate. Our hot tub technicians will be able to ensure you have access to proper electrical sources with adequate amounts of power prior to your delivery day.
Water Source
You will need to make sure you have easy access to a water source wherever you decide to put your new personal spa. Your water will evaporate over time, so the water level in your hot tub will need to be checked before each use to ensure it operates safely and efficiently.
