Hot Tub Installation Advice
Purchasing a hot tub is a large decision and usually involves a hefty expenditure. You therefore want the hot tub installed in such a way that will allow you to make the most of it and which fits in with the style of your home. Whether you’re opting for a small indoor hot tub or a large outdoor version, the following hot tub installation advice should help you plan your hot tub acquisition perfectly.
Hot Tub Installation: The Basics
Most hot tubs and hydrotherapy spas are manufactured as self-contained moulded plastic shapes capable of standing alone. A hot tub can therefore simply be put in position and used straight away. Most people however opt to integrate the hot tub with its surroundings.
Hot Tubs the ‘Cribs’ Way
Outdoor hot tubs can be sunken into a raised deck, clad in various wood or stone casings, covered by a gazebo, or a combination of these options can be used. Often companies which supply hot tubs also provide planning, design and installation of hot tub surrounds but you can also employ a builder or garden designer to do this for you. Just make sure adequate provisions are made for getting a power supply to the hot tub or spa.
Large standalone outdoor hot tubs are very heavy when filled with water so they’ll probably need to sit on a reinforced concrete pad. Again, ask your hot tub supplier for advice.
Indoor hot tubs provide a similar host of options and again builders or interior designers can be employed to come up with the ideal setting for your relaxing hot tub sessions. If you’ll be using chlorine in your hot tub be sure to make adequate provision for ventilation e.g. an extractor fan. You’ll also need to check the dimensions of the hot tub to make sure it’ll fit through your doors when delivered.
Setting up your Hot Tub
Firstly you’ll need to employ a qualified electrician to hook the hot tub or spa up to your mains electricity supply. Most hot tubs run off 16A or 30A supplies so the electrician will need to add a circuit breaker to your circuit, run a cable to the hot tub location and install a waterproof plug and socket.
Once you’ve filled your hot tub with water and switched it on for the first time it’ll take a good 12 hours to heat up. During this time you can add the chlorine and other chemicals if you’re using them. (Not using chemicals means you’ll need to change your hot tub water about once a week whereas chlorine allows you to change the water only every couple of months). The hot tub supplier will normally provide your first batch of chemicals and a tester kit which tells you how much to use. It’ll normally be around 12 hours from the time you add the chemicals to when the hot tub is safe to use – ensure that the room is ventilated during this time.
Once your hot tub is set up and installed, you’re ready to enjoy relaxing and invigorating hot water massages whenever you like.
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