Hot Tub Installation

How to Install a Hot Tub

When considering purchasing and hot tub installation you may have reservation as to where you want to install it, inside or outside the home, what size will be best for your family, and how do I install it myself.  

As to where to locate your hot tub there are two choices to consider, inside or outside your home. Some homeowners want the hot tub installation inside to avoid going outside during inclement weather. Others prefer the hot tub outside as inclement weather is of no concern to them. Others want it outside yet covered with some sort of privacy structure or under a roof such as an arbor.

Having looked at ten hot tub installations recently the majority, eight out of ten, install the hot tub outside, either on a deck or a patio. They either do not have the facilities to install the hot tub inside or they just prefer to enjoy their hot tub outside, regardless of the weather. Sub-zero weather does not preclude them from utilizing their hot tub during the winter. They in fact enjoy sitting in the 110 degree water during a snow storm or on a cool autumn night watching the stars. Inside installations present difficulties with moisture and musty chlorine odors.

Whether the hot tub is outside or inside it stills requires a heater to maintain the water temperature to the desired level, usually approximately 110 degrees. Hot tubs are well insulated and have an insulated top (cover) to retain the heat. The difference in the heating cost of an outside installation and inside installation is very little. If the heaters of both installations are wired for 220 volts the difference in the annual heating cost is approximately 10% higher for the outside installation.

When purchasing a hot tub do not make the mistake of going too small. Although there may be only four people in the family you should consider guests. Most hot tubs are small for their design capacity. For example, a five member hot tub will only comfortably sit four adults. I would recommend that because you are going to expend the effort and cost of installing a hot tub, purchase one that will accommodate eight adults. This will avoid overcrowding during hot tub parties.

You certainly can install a hot tub yourself. Other than running the electrical wiring circuit for the jet motor and heater it is quite easy. Most hot tub dealers provide delivery and installation services. Installing the tub itself is simply a matter of placing it in the desired location and hooking up the drain line, providing it is equipped with one. The only challenge is the installation of the electric service. Unless you are an accomplished electrician I would leave this task to a professional electrician.