5 Things to Prepare Before Your Hot Tub is Installed

Now that you’ve made the decision to buy a hot tub, it’s time to dive into your spa preparations. There are a few important steps all future hot tub owners should take before settling on a particular unit.

Here’s what you need to do to make your hot tub installation a success.

1. Choose a Location 

When choosing the location for your spa, picking a spot with easy accessibility to your home is key to your future enjoyment. Running across the yard in the summer isn’t a big deal but, come winter, who wants to wade through several piles of snow to get to the spa?

If possible, it’s handy to find a spot that provides some shelter from the weather. That way, you can enjoy it even when it’s raining or snowing.

Lastly, make sure the area has good drainage away from your house. No one wants a flood in the basement when the spa is drained.

2. Measure Your Space

If you’re lucky enough to have a lot of space for the installation, then you can choose any size or style of spa that you like. If, however, you’re working with a tighter area, it’s a good idea to measure the area and use the dimensions to choose the right spa for the space.

Don’t forget to factor in the room you’ll need to access a power source for the tub’s electrical needs. You’ll also need room to comfortably access the spa’s inner workings for maintenance and repairs.

3. Consider Safety

Nothing is more important than the safety of you and your loved ones when using your spa. That’s why it’s so important that outdoor spas never be within 10 feet of overhead power lines.

Fencing and locked gates are also good safety measures, especially if you have children or pets in your neighborhood. A hot tub cover with a lock is always recommended if you have children yourself. This prevents unauthorized use of the spa and gives you peace of mind.

4. Set a Good Foundation

To truly get the most out of your spa, you need to start with a solid foundation.

Whether you choose a deck, patio or concrete slab, making sure it’s stable and flat is important.  If you want to install on a patio or concrete slab, use a level to make sure it’s even.

The slightest of angles or even a few cracks can translate into a big problem down the road.

Remember, a filled hot tub weighs 2,000 pounds or more, so if you opt to use a deck, it needs to be strong. If your deck is up to code, it will have no problem with that kind of weight. If it’s not up to code, it’s worth it to have a contractor take a look and reinforce it if necessary.

5. Safeguard Your Privacy

It’s pretty hard to enjoy your spa if you feel like all of your neighbors can see you. If your installation location lacks privacy, a pergola or a privacy wall can help immensely.

A pergola, a structure that consists of four posts supporting a crossbeam roof, can add a lot of coverage if lattice or wooden planks are added to three sides of the structure.

A wooden privacy wall is a much cheaper project, but offers coverage in only one direction. If this is all you need, a wooden frame can be built with lattice or horizontal or vertical slats acting as a screen.

Jacuzzi Hot Tubs of Manitoba

If you’re looking for the perfect outdoor hot tub, come visit us at Jacuzzi Hot Tubs of Manitoba. Our Brandon and Winnipeg showrooms boast a wide range of hot tubs and swim spas.

We also have a range of spa accessories from Covana hot tub covers to hot tub steps to stereo systems. Drop in to see what we have in store.