How to Install a Hot Tub

An above ground spa or hot tub is a wonderful addition to your home. It can provide years of relaxation and pleasure. But first, you need to install it.

Before you even bring your tub home you need to prepare the site. Choose a place in your yard, or on your patio or deck, which will be large enough to accommodate the tub. Be sure this place is fairly level. 

When you bring your tub home, be sure that you have several 2x4’s available to provide support for the bottom of the tub. Because a fiberglass hot tub cannot rest on the foot well alone, and bare ground, or a concrete patio will not provide enough support to prevent the tub from cracking under the pressure of the water. Wood planks are the best choice for support, as they compress more than concrete and less than bare ground. Alternatively, you may want to place your tub on a wooden deck. But still be sure to support the bottom for safety.

The next thing you will want to do is determine whether your tub runs on 110V or 220V electricity. This information will be contained in the user information that came with your hot tub. If you don’t have the user’s information, then you can examine the heater control box under the tub. Simply remove the access panel in the skirting and look at the unit; it should be clearly marked as to the voltage requirements. Some control boxes are switch able between 110V and 220V and some are not. It is imperative that you know which type you have.

Now you are ready to power up your hot tub.

If your tub is 110V and it comes with a standard electrical plug, you will want to place the tub as close as possible to the outdoor electrical outlet. Be sure this outlet is Ground Fault Interrupted (GFI) and waterproof.