Top Hot Tub Installation Tips to Prepare for a Smooth Install

Soaking in your very own hot tub is a great way to unwind after a long day at the office. If you’re considering buying a hot tub for your home, it’s important to plan ahead before going through with the installation. The right location, the right foundation, proper electrical connections, and the right building permits are all essential to successfully installing your brand new hot tub. These hot tub installation tips can help you decide where to put your hot tub, and whether your chosen location meets the right criteria.

Choosing an Ideal Location

The first step is finding the right location on your property. Some people install hot tubs outdoors, while others put them indoors. This can depend on your personal preferences, as well as your local climate. In climates with extremely harsh winters, putting the hot tub inside can make it easier to enjoy year-round. In milder climates, it’s usually easier to install it outside. Keep in mind that hot tubs are quite heavy, especially when they have people in them. It needs to be somewhere that’s sturdy, sound, and at an even level. If you don’t prepare the site properly, the hot tub could be damaged during installation, which may not be covered by your warranty.

Foundation Types

Once you’ve found a good location, you need a proper foundation. The best option is a solid concrete slab, which you’ll need to install a week or two before your new hot tub is delivered and installed. While laying a concrete slab can be pricey, it adds value to your home. The slab should be at least four inches thick, and should be capable of supporting at least 120 pounds per square foot. If you don’t want the expense of concrete, you can also use prefabricated spa pads. These products are made from an interlocking system, with the pieces joining together to create a solid foundation. They’re also easy to take apart and move if you ever decide to relocate your hot tub.

Electrical Requirements

No list of hot tub installation tips would be complete without addressing the electrical requirements you’ll need. In the United States, hot tub electrical wiring must meet requirements set out by the National Electric Code (NEC), as well as adhering to any relevant state or local codes. Before your hot tub is delivered and installed, you need to be sure that you’ll be able to permanently hardwire it to the power supply. It must also use a dedicated circuit, with no other appliances or electronics sharing power with it. It also needs a suitable switch or circuit breaker, along with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). If the electrical requirements are not met, it can pose a safety hazard, as well as voiding your warranty. Any electrical wiring should always be handled by an experienced professional electrician.

Building Permits and Fences

In most cities and counties in Florida, you’ll need a building permit for the outdoor construction and electrical circuitry involved in hot tub installation. Your particular community may also have local codes that require you to add a fence or barrier around hot tubs and swimming pools, which prevents unattended children from accessing them.

At All Florida Pool & Spa Center, we’re always happy to help our customers out with helpful hot tub installation tips. But keep in mind that installing a hot tub isn’t exactly a simple weekend DIY project. We have a variety of excellent hot tubs in stock, and we’ll work with you to find the right fit for your needs. When you’re ready, we’ll help you get your new hot tub installed, safely and correctly.