Do you own a lake home? If so, then there is one thing that should be on your priority list: installing a hot tub. Keep reading this article on hot tub installation to find out what considerations should be made before installing yours!
You’ve finally gotten your dream lake home! Now you’re looking for ways to enjoy it and improve its value. What better way to do both than with the installation of a hot tub on the property? It might sound like an easy task for some, but many important steps go into installing your personal oasis. One of the most important things to begin with is choosing a place for your hot tub. It is essential to make sure that the area is appropriate for you and your family.
We’re going to take you through the essentials of the process in this article so you can get started on making your new place as relaxing and perfect as possible!
How to install a hot tub…
Installing a hot tub can be a major investment, whether you’re building one on your own or having it installed professionally. But with the right planning and preparation, adding an outdoor spa to your lake home doesn’t have to be complicated.
Below are steps to take to ensure a successful installation.
Step 1: Permission to install
First, be sure to check with your local Home Owners Association if you have one. Many HOAs have restrictions against installing water features for pools on the property so you want to make sure this is allowed before purchasing or beginning installation. If it isn’t then ask if they would consider allowing a temporary hot tub during the summer months only. Some communities will allow this.
Step 2: Pick the perfect placement
This is a very important step, and one where you will want to be extremely careful! You need to make sure that when your hot tub is installed, it will not be in an area that will cause you problems later on.
A solid foundation
A solid foundation is a must. Many homes near lakes have concrete patios, which would provide the perfect spot to install your hot tub. Installing on top of grass can lead to problems with drainage and you could end up with a soggy lawn which could lead to further difficulties later on. If you don’t have a concrete patio, it’s possible to build an elevated deck using pressure-treated lumber and cedar planks on top of gravel or crushed rock.
Nearby water, power, and drainage
Access to water, power, and drainage are three things that need to be considered when setting up a hot tub near your home.
- Water
The main consideration is that you have access to a water source, usually your home’s outdoor faucet. If this isn’t possible, then the most common alternative would be to use a pump to create the pressure needed. If you can run an exterior faucet, then this is usually preferable as it will save on energy costs later.
- Power
You’ll need power near your hot tub installation site if you want to plug in some of the features like lighting or air jets. There are many options for powering a hot tub, but we recommend taking advantage of outlets and not trying to use an extension cord. Because you are dealing with electricity, it’s important to have the power source as close to your hot tub location as possible.
- Drainage
Drainage is a major concern for many who are looking into installing hot tubs on their property, but this is often less of an issue than anticipated because most tubs are designed to be easily drained. In addition, the tub you purchase should come with a base drain for drainage purposes. If it does not, they can usually be added on later by your installer.
Access to the access panel
The access panel on a hot tub is the place where you can check for any leaks and problems with your water system. If there’s an issue, this is also where you would drain or refill it. You need to have easy access to that panel at all times so it will be readily available to deal with whatever is necessary.
Privacy
Privacy is important, especially when you are installing a hot tub near your home. No one wants strangers to be able to walk into their private yard or intrude on private gatherings. One way to protect yourself from this kind of thing is to have your hot tub professional create a fence around the area. The fence should be tall enough that people can’t see over it but not so close to the hot tub installation that you cannot easily access your hot tub.
Easy access
Easy access to your hot tub is important for many reasons, but the most common one has to do with maintenance. If it’s hard to get to the hot tub where you are cleaning and using chemicals, then that means there will be more of a chance that something could go wrong. You may forget or neglect certain areas because they’re difficult to reach when in the tub.
Step 3: Plan your landscaping
Ensure you have enough room where you wish to place the hot tub and be sure that it will not block any paths or entrances. If possible, allow for a little extra space between the tub’s location and nearby trees so that leaves don’t fall into the water when they drop in autumn. Again, an attractive fence could also provide a safety measure so that children and pets do not get too close when not supervised.
Step 4: Get the foundations in place
It is important to ensure that the foundation and installation area is level so you get the resulting beauty and functionality you desire. Use a laser level to be certain the site is perfectly flat. You will also want to be sure that you install any structures, like decks or patios ‘before’ installing your hot tub.
Source of all photos for this article: Unsplash
Step 5: Electrical installation
If you are installing your hot tub on a deck or near an outdoor outlet, electrical installation is pretty simple. You need to make sure that the cord will reach from where it has been installed to the location of your electric panel box. If this is not possible, you have two options: one is hiring an electrician who can extend/alter the existing wiring to accommodate your hot tub, or installing a sub-panel for the location of your hot tub. The latter is more expensive but may be warranted depending on where you live and how far away from an electric panel box it is.
Conclusion
Installation of a hot tub near your lake home is a big decision. It is also a big commitment of time and money. You will want to make sure that everything goes smoothly from start to finish so you can get the most out of your investment for years to come.
Use this basic guide as an essential installation toolkit, but always defer to hot tub experts if any questions arise during the process. With proper planning and preparation, your hot tub installation will go off without a hitch.
(Thank you to Peter Rossi for this informative information!)
