Are you considering purchasing a hot tub or have already purchased one and need to figure out where to place your spa?

When planning a space for your new spa, there are a few important things to consider: usage, location, and foundation.

USAGE & LOCATION

Consider the different seasons where you live. Do you have winters or hot summers? You’re not going to want to trek through the cold snow to go for a soak. And vice versa, you don’t want to walk across a hot surface to get in and out of the spa in the summertime. Placing your spa close to your home, or even in a prepared indoor space, will alleviate any weather complications to and from your spa.

Additionally, consider the sun path in your yard and any views you would like to face. A relaxing soak can turn much less relaxing if your neighbors can see you. 

FOUNDATIONS

Your spa will need a solid, level foundation to operate properly. Any tubs that sit on unlevel ground can bow out at the sides, crack, and take damage to internal components as well (voiding your warranty!). A rule of thumb is if you fill the hot tub with water and one side of the jets are covered with the water but the other half is not, the surface is not level enough.

A concrete pad is the best type of foundation and leveled gravel also makes a good foundation. If your spa is being placed on a deck or balcony, be sure to check that it can withstand the weight of a filled spa and any people in it.

Your spa should also sit somewhere that is easy to keep clear of debris to help minimize the dirt inside the hot tub.

– QUICK TIPS –

• Always put your spa on a structurally sound, level (within ½” per 10’) surface. A filled spa can weigh a great deal. Make certain that the location you choose can support the weight of a filled spa before adding water.
• Locate your equipment compartment and choose a place where water will drain away from it. The equipment compartment is the space below your control panel. Allowing water into the equipment compartment can damage the electronics or trip a circuit breaker.
• Leave yourself easy access to the circuit breakers in the subpanel (230v converted models) or to the GFCI on the end of the power cord (110v models).
• Never let water get into the subpanel (230v converted models), GFCI (110v models), or electrical outlet that your spa is plugged into.
• Leave access to the equipment compartment for periodic spa care and maintenance.