A hot tub can be a relaxing addition to your backyard. Since it is a complex and large electrical system, its installation can be difficult. Modern hot tubs tend to be self contained, which means there are no plumbing involved in their arrangement. Still, installing a hot tub requires planning and adhering to city codes. Read step 1 to begin installing your hot tub.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Setting yourself up for success
Step 1. Check if you need a building permit
Many cities will require building permits to install outdoor hot tubs. Check your city's permits to see if you need them too.
Step 2. Choose a location for the hot tub
Make sure the location you choose has enough space for the hot tub as well as extra room to move around and perform maintenance. A safe length is about 10 by 10 feet, but it depends on the size of your hot tub.
- Examine your city building code to determine how far from your home you should place the hot tub. Many codes require at least 1.5m (5ft) of clearance between your house and your property line.
- Two other rules you need to keep in mind when finding a hot tub location are: the hot tub should be at least 10 feet (3m) away from overhead power lines as well as 5 feet (1.5m) from the panel. of circuits. Water and electricity don't mix.
Step 3. Prepare the site if necessary
Hot tubs, when full, can weigh up to 3,000 lbs. (1,300 kg). That is why you will need a firm foundation on which to support it. If you don't have one, you run the risk of damaging the tub by ruining any warranties it may have.
- Pouring concrete into a 3 to 4 inch (7.5 to 10 cm) thick mulch is a common method of creating a solid foundation, as this material provides a very strong foundation. At the same time, it might not be pleasing to the eye and keep in mind that it will be permanently fixed in place if you want to move the Jacuzzi.
- Another alternative is to get pre-made hot tub slabs. These bases have interlocking grids that make installation easy and can be removed if you ever decide to relocate the hot tub. At the same time, these bases can provide less support than concrete. Make sure you have a solid base to work with and choose the sturdiest slabs if you opt for this alternative.
Step 4. Contact a general contractor if you decide to place the hot tub on a deck or if you want to build one to place the tub
If you want to place the hot tub on a deck, first contact a contractor. This person is the only one who can tell you if the deck will be able to withstand a ton or more of weight by pressing hard as if it were a continuous hammering. The last thing you want to happen is breaking the deck and therefore the tub after installation.
Step 5. Create a path for the electricity to pass through until it reaches the hot tub
Most modern tubs are self-contained, meaning you won't need any plumbing to run it. However, electrical wiring is another matter. Cities generally have codes for using certain types of conduit, so be sure to speak with your local building department. When you have done this, decide if you prefer the duct to go below or above the ground.
Most pumps require a wired circuit, one that is completely dedicated to the tub's electrical system. A 240V 50 amp GFCI (Ground Leak Circuit Interrupter) switch should suffice for many tubs. Multi-pump tubs may require a 60 amp circuit. If you are unfamiliar with wiring this type of circuit, it is best to call an electrician to do it for you
Part 2 of 3: Install a Jacuzzi
Step 1. Plan the route to move the tub from the curb to its base
An empty hot tub can weigh more than 360 kg (800 lb), so it is important to know how you will move it from the delivery truck to your backyard. Make sure the width of the tub goes through all doorways, foliage, or structures with plenty of room for space.
- Some couriers will help you with this step.
- If the tub is bigger than some obstacles in your way, you may need to improvise. Cutting a branch or removing a part of a fence, even if it seems radical, is sometimes the only thing you can do.
Step 2. Assemble the hot tub and connect the electricity
The voltage in a hot tub is higher (usually around 240 volts) than that of ordinary household electrical outlets, so you will need to install a circuit breaker for the electrical control box. If you are not familiar with electrical systems, it is best to hire an electrician to help you with this part of the installation. Read the next section to learn more about electrical wiring and what help you can get.
Step 3. Prepare the hot tub for use
You're almost ready to start enjoying your new tub without spending the money hiring someone else to install it. To complete the installation process, you will want to:
- Turn off the electricity.
- Clean the inside of the hot tub and make sure all jets and knobs are in place.
- Open the air valves.
- Fill the Jacuzzi with water using a garden hose or buckets of water from inside the house. No special type of water is needed.
- Turn the electricity back on and begin heating the tub.
- Mix the right chemicals to ensure hygiene.
Part 3 of 3: Take care of the electrical system
Step 1. Be aware that some warranties will be void if an electrical contractor does not install the electrical circuit
In some cases, unless a licensed contractor has installed the circuit and then an electrical or building inspector has approved it, the manufacturer will not recognize the warranty.
Step 2. If you decide to do the wiring yourself, keep the power on a single dedicated circuit
The electricity going to the hot tub must be a dedicated circuit due to its electrical demand. No other appliance or electrical appliance should share this power source.
Step 3. If you do the wiring yourself, make sure the specifications are correct
Again, if you have any questions regarding how to wire the circuit responsible for the power for the hot tub, hire a licensed electrician. Otherwise, here is some important information regarding wiring that you should know:
- The size of wire you use must be approved by the National Electrical Code (NEC) or local codes.
- The size of the wire you use should be based on the distance from the breaker box to the hot tub. The maximum current draw also plays an important role in determining the size of the wire.
- It is recommended to use a copper wire with thermoplastic nylon insulation (THHN). In fact, all wiring must be copper; avoid using aluminum wiring.
- If you are going to use a cable larger than # 6 (10mm2), be sure to put in a closed junction box for the hot tub. Then reduce the wire to short lengths of # 6 (10mm2) between the junction box and the hot tub.
Step 4. If you have any questions, hire the services of a professional
When it comes to these types of issues, saving a little money doesn't outweigh the potential disaster of voiding your warranty or causing serious physical harm or even death. Contact a professional if you are inexperienced in wiring electrical circuits.
Advice
- Installing a hot tub underground, on a deck, or indoors is a more complex process that may require the help of a general contractor.
- Some hot tubs can be installed on bases other than concrete. Pouring gravel into a shallow trench is a cheaper alternative.
Warnings
- Some cities require you to have a permit to install a hot tub. Always check your city codes before installing a hot tub yourself.
- The electrical systems you install must meet city codes and pass inspection. Do not wire your hot tub without first studying the laws and complying with the necessary legal steps.
- Don't overfill the hot tub. Excessive water spillage can damage the base.