Hot tub installation can be a challenging process, so it is best to be prepared for the challenges ahead of time. The best tip for hot tub installation is to research the base requirements as well as the electrical requirements before beginning installation, and to make sure the tub will fit in the space chosen. Hot tubs are extremely heavy and cumbersome, so before hot tub installation, one should be sure he or she can move the tub into place; if help is needed, the tub can be professionally delivered and/or installed, or to have enough people around to help out.
One should be sure his or her house is wired for the hot tub before hot tub installation occurs. Most full sized tubs are 240 volt models, and some older houses may need special wiring done to meet the requirements. Wiring should be done by a trained professional; this step is perhaps one of the only steps in installation that a typical homeowner cannot do on his or her own. Once the proper wiring is in place, the base must be constructed for the tub.
Hot tub installation must take place on a solid base. The most common bases are concrete slabs, wooden decks, or spa pads. A concrete slab will take a significant amount of time and preparation to install, so one should be sure to account for this before installing the tub. The slab must harden completely before the weight of the tub is placed upon it; if poured properly, the concrete slab is by far the most durable base. A wooden deck must have appropriate supports underneath it before hot tub installation. Posts secured in concrete footings must be present under the location of the hot tub. Spa pads are removable, modular pads made from composite materials that are easy to install. They can also help prevent heat loss underneath the tub, but they are not a permanent structure like a concrete slab.
If hot tub installation is taking place indoors, ventilation will become an issue. One should be sure to include a ventilation system in the installation plans to prevent mold and steam build-up. The materials surrounding the tub should be resistant to mold and mildew, and if wood is used, it should be treated to resist rot and buckling. One should also be sure to note what is on the floor beneath the hot tub should a leak in the tub occur.
