If you’re looking for a bit of luxury in your life without having to leave your home, a portable spa or hot tub is a great investment.
After a long, tiring day, soaking in a portable spa can help relax your body and de-stress your mind. Imagine the pain-relieving massaging action of rotary jets along with the soothing hot water. It may just be the therapy you need.
Before you buy spas online or from a local supplier, you need to do careful planning and know how to properly install one. This article shares some excellent tips and considerations when installing your outdoor portable hot tub.
Read The Manual
Nobody likes to read long instructions. But in terms of an outdoor portable spa, carefully reading the manual can save you a lot of frustration as well as safety risks.
Do a general scan first, then follow the steps as you go along. Make sure to check the list of pieces against the ones that come in the box. You don’t want to set up the hot tub and get frustrated at the last minute because the last connector hose is missing.
If you don’t like reading, try looking for a YouTube video on how to set up your specific hot tub model.
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Find The Best Location
Perhaps the biggest decision you’ll make when installing an outdoor spa is choosing the right location. In general, there are numerous factors to consider when determining the best location for your spa.
For starters, you should always opt for areas that are close enough to a PowerPoint. Experts recommend against using an extension cable since it poses a safety risk and fire hazard. That said, if your heart is set on a specific area away from a power point, you can always hire an electrician to install one nearby.
The next factor should be somewhere with a flat and smooth surface, like the patio area. Installing your hot tub on a slope or uneven ground can make you feel uncomfortable when sitting in the tub. Plus, it puts stress on the whole tub and potentially damages its liner.
Prep the Location
Once you have found the perfect place for your hot tub, you’ll need to prepare the area. Consider clearing a path to your backyard for wherever you want to place the hot tub. This can mean trimming hanging tree branches and large bushes, removing a section of your fence, and moving other obstacles in your yard.
You need to make sure that the installation area has enough structural support. As such, you also need to set up the hot tub base. In general, most spas are installed on concrete slabs. You can also use stone pavers, bricks, or gravel to prevent the spa from sinking into the soil.
If you’re thinking of adding it on top of your deck, you’ll need to reinforce the area to support the weight of the tub.
Work On the Wiring
Once the base structure is completed, you can set up the tub and work on the electrical wiring. Some portable hot tubs run off of a single port that you can plug into the standard electrical outlet.
Other types of portable hot tubs require more complicated wiring, for instance, connecting the tub to a single breaker switch. Unless you have enough experience with electrical wiring, it’s best to hire an electrician.
Think Of Waterproofing and Drainage
You also need to plan for drainage. Ideally, you should install the hot tub where there’s an existing drain. Otherwise, you’ll need to build one to help drain water away from the spa’s compartment.
Aside from proper drainage, you also need to waterproof surrounding elements. For instance, if you place your hot tub on a deck or near wooden structures, you need to treat these structures with oil-based sealant to prevent water damage and rotting.
Fill The Tub
Once everything is in order, you should be ready to fill your tub. Go back to the manufacturer’s manual and determine how much to fill it up. Once the tub is filled up, you can now enjoy and relax with your at-home spa amenity.
Takeaway
Whether you want a temporary, movable hot tub or just want to take home the relaxation that luxurious spas offer without breaking the bank, an outdoor portable spa is the best way to go. Make sure to get a spa from quality brands and take note of the above tips to ensure proper installation. This way you’ll be enjoying your portable hot tub regardless of what season it is.
