Buying a hot tub is exciting! At Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric, we want to help make sure you are prepared for its arrival so that it is safe and gives you years of enjoyment. Here are some things to consider when buying a hot tub and preparing your space for its arrival:
1. Location, Location, Location!
Choose a location that is flat, level, and stable. A filled hot tub can weigh thousands of pounds, so prepare a foundation that is able to safely support a tremendous weight. Also consider access to your water supply and electricity.
2. Safety Doesn’t Happen by Accident
Many jurisdictions require permits for the electrical work, location, and structural foundation for your hot tub to ensure that it will be safe for you and your home. The permitting process could take some time, so be sure to contact your city or county early to avoid delays in your installation.
Do you have an HOA? Many HOA’s have rules for the location of your hot tub and privacy screening and requirements for submitting plans for approval. Be sure to check your neighborhood’s regulations so you can be ready for your installation.
3. Electrify Your Dreams!
Most homes require some electrical work when installing a hot tub to ensure the safety of you and your home. These may include an electrical panel upgrade, a dedicated electrical circuit, a GFCI disconnect, or additional wiring.
Applewood’s licensed hot tub electricians can assess your current electrical system, give you options to get your space ready for your hot tub, and complete the work in a timely manner so you can start enjoying your new hot tub with peace of mind.
4. Life is Simple, Just Add Water
Convenient access to a water supply is an important consideration since you’ll need to fill your new hot tub after installation.
You will also need to drain and refill your tub occasionally for maintenance and cleaning. Many areas prohibit draining a hot tub into storm drains because of the chemical content in the water, so think about a safe and appropriate area to drain your tub.
5. It’s About the Journey
Hot tubs are large and heavy. Be aware of the dimensions of your hot tub and ensure you have enough clearance on the path to get the tub to your desired location. Consider the width of gates and doors, the overhead clearance, and navigating through landscaping and other potential obstacles.
Additionally, think about where the delivery truck will park to unload your tub. If there is not adequate ground-level access, or if your hot tub will be installed on an upper level (like a rooftop patio), you may need a crane to put your tub in place. This will most likely require a permit from your city or county.
Additional Hot Tub Purchasing Tips
- Plan for a 2–6 month timeline from purchase to first soak.
- Budget mainly for electrical work and a solid foundation or pad.
- Hire a licensed hot tub installation professional to ensure safety and code compliance.
