Preparing My Home for a Hot Tub
Incorporating a hot tub into your backyard adds to the aesthetic of your home and provides a great source of relaxation for you and your family. So once you make the decision to get one, what’s the next step? From a logistical standpoint, perhaps the next most important decision after the brand, design, and budget is how to get your area ready. Read on to learn more about what you need to do to prepare your home for a hot tub.
1. Figure out where to put it. Consider how much space you have in your house. Will it be an indoor or outdoor hot tub? If it’ll be the latter, make sure it’s installed in a place that is away from overhead power lines or trees but will still provide a great view of the stars at night.
Set it up in a place close to a water source so you can refill it easily when necessary. Be sure not to block access utilities such as sewer lines. Also, keep it at least five feet away from electrical panels. An electrician should handle all issues related to powering it up. Or just let the hot tub installers take care of that.
2. What type of ground do you have for it? It’s best not to place a hot tub on soil or grass. These surfaces are weak enough that the tub might sink beneath them once filled. Your best bet is to build a solid platform that can support its weight.
A layer of gravel 4-6 inches thick is recommended. If gravel is not your “thing,” several other options work, including a cement or concrete pad, a wood deck, or even concrete paver stones.
3. Check out your local codes and regulations regarding hot tubs. If you live in a rented apartment or townhouse, check with your landlord to find out if this is even allowed on the property or in the building. If it’s your property, ensure that all the installation actions conform to the building, plumbing, and electrical codes of your area.
4. Building permits. Most cities require permits for exterior construction, especially when they require electricity. Your local planning department should have the correct information on this, so reach out to them.
5. Drainage. A hot tub ought to be drained every 3 to 4 months. A typical hot tub holds about 400 gallons of water. This is a huge quantity of water that you can’t just drain on the floor of your property. A proper drainage spot is needed to avoid making a mess. When scoping out the location of your future hot tub, be sure to keep this in mind.
Contact Your Local Hot Tub Experts
These are the basic considerations to make regarding your property before investing in a hot tub. Give your local hot tub experts a call to learn more about the different hot tubs they carry and see how they can help get your home set up for your new investment.