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You don’t need to drive to the nearest spa for well-deserved relaxation when you could have an outdoor hot tub instead. Hot tubs are excellent property fixtures to invest in since they add value to your home.
Many people see them as luxuries and a source of joy. Thus, you can turn your humble backyard into a place for unwinding with a hot tub.
Installing a hot tub outdoors requires preparation, much like any new home accessory. If you’ve never had one, you might make a few mistakes that could ruin your property’s quality and resale value.
So, read these tips before adding your new hot tub outside to avoid issues after completing this home project.
1. Always Consider Space Size
Hot tubs may be smaller than a typical swimming pool, but installing one in a cramped place may lead to several problems. Some may take up a significant area of your deck space and disrupt the flow of foot traffic. Hence, you must choose an appropriate tub that fits your selected location.
You can always check in with your local hot tub dealer for available sizes and recommendations based on your deck’s measurements. They’ll offer various tubs in different designs which you might like. But don’t get carried away with the styles they have. Always prioritize the size first.
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2. Prepare A Solid Foundation
Before you build a house, you must ensure its foundation is strong enough to hold its weight. The same goes for a hot tub. A weak base may damage the tub in a few months of use. It should also be free of splinters, raised nails, or anything that may harm anyone barefoot.
Your hot tub’s space should be solid and leveled to prevent water from spilling out or you from losing your balance. The foundation could be either a reinforced deck or a concrete slab. However, you may also use a pad made of bricks or a heavy-duty plastic spa pad.
Whichever you choose, it must handle the tub and the people’s weights together. Owning a hot tub requires consistent maintenance. If your deck has an unstable foundation, you could pay hundreds or thousands for possible repairs or injuries.
Feel free to prepare questions to ask before buying a hot tub and communicate them to the dealers. Their answers to your questions will help you decide what kind of foundation to prepare for the hot tub you want to have.
3. Invest In Roofing or Covers
Since your hot tub will be outside, it’s more prone to nature’s elements. So, ensure to have something to cover it to protect it from weather damage. Having covers lengthens the lifespan of your tub.
A simple vinyl hot tub cover is often more than enough to prevent debris from entering. It’s available in most home furniture stores and online. You have no reason to skip purchasing one since it’ll keep your tub safe and clean when you’re not using it.
You may also build a whole hut for your deck space if you have the budget. It’ll provide fantastic shade while you soak in your hot tub during winter or any time of the year.
However, even with a roof over your tub, you should still get a cover to prevent dirt and bugs from collecting in the water.
4. Manage Your Electrical Wiring and Water Source
What makes an outdoor hot tub different from your regular bathroom tub is that it needs electrical power to heat the water. However, arranging electrical wires around your deck can be dangerous when done haphazardly.
Aside from being spacious enough for the tub, your chosen spot should have a power outlet and a water source nearby. Lacking these two crucial fixtures could cost you more time and money to install them for your hot tub.
You’ll need an outlet that can provide enough power to the tub, which usually needs 110 to 240 volts. If you need help, request the assistance of an electrician to test the voltage of your nearest deck outlets.
They could also rearrange ground or overhead wiring to protect occupants entering the tub. You may not need a plumber for water requirements since a regular garden hose will do.
5. Make Room for Tub Delivery
Having an open area for the tube itself is one thing, but the path leading to it must also be wide enough for the delivery crew to enter. Note that depending on your hot tub size, the company may use a crane or ramp to install the tub on your deck.
If the only way to the deck is by walking through a narrow trail, temporarily removing your fence or moving aside other yard furniture could widen the path.
You may also choose another more accessible location in your backyard if possible. Enough space makes it easier for installation or maintenance teams to get to your deck in case of hot tub leaks. It’ll benefit you and your guests when you can access your hot tub without encountering obstacles.
Conclusion
A hot tub outdoors is something you should consider installing when you have the space and budget for it. It’s one of the best things to have when you come home from a long workday.
Ample preparation before installation will ensure the hot tub is in an ideal location and safe for regular use. So, remember these tips when you decide to have a hot tub on your deck at home.
