Hot tub installation preparation and services

The three additional requirements for a hot tub installation are an electrical circuit, a gas line and a pad for the tub to sit on.

The standard electrical requirement for our complete hot tub system is a 240 volt, 20 amp circuit including a white neutral wire and a green insulated ground wire (required by code). National electrical code also requires that the wiring be in a metal conduit and that a disconnect switch be within visible distance from the pump (local codes may differ). If an electric heater is opted for rather than a gas heater, and additional 50 amp circuit is required for the 11kw heater, while a 30 amp circuit is required for the 5.5kw heater. If additional jets with a second jet pump, or an air bubbler system are added, additional power for those will also be needed.

Our basic hot tub system includes a 100k Btu heater and requires a gas line of sufficient size. Of coarse the optional larger heater will most likely require a larger gas line. Gas lines should be sized and installed by a professional.

Two foundations, or concrete pads are required for the basic hot tub system. As mentioned above, the basic equipment package needs a pad of 24" by 54", though it can be squeezed into a smaller area (equipment layout ideas). If you chose to put it in a smaller area, it's best to wait till you have the equipment 'in hand' and can lay it out before you decide how small an area you can get by with.

The second required foundation is a pad for the hot tub itself to sit on. While we have seen tubs successfully installed on pier block foundations, we highly recommend a solid, single concrete pad. Over time, some settling may occur, and while a concrete pad will settle evenly, pier blocks may tend to settle unevenly. Uneven settling can cause undo stress on a hot tub leading to leakage. The minimum requirement for a concrete pad is that it be level, 4" thick (re-inforced), and 6" smaller than the diameter of the bottom of the tub (e.g. a 5' round straight sided tub needs a 4-1/2' square pad). In areas where the ground freezes, footings below the frost line may also be necessary to prevent movement in winter.

A wooden hot tub can be installed below grade (i.e. burred) with certain specific accommodations. It is imperative that the soil does not come in contact with the outside of the tub, and there needs to be space for the plumbing. Minimally a tub needs 12" of clearance around it (a 5' diameter tub requires a 7' wide hole). A pit with a level concrete pad for the tub to sit on, and retaining walls made of concrete or 'ground contact' rated pressure treat wood will surface. Be advised, the tub will need to be pre-assembled  then lowered into the pit (tub assembly requires a minimum of 24" of total free clearance around it for proper construction). A sump pump in the 'pit' may also be necessary depending on ground water and drainage.

Installing a hot tub on top of an existing deck, or second story deck is also possible, however an engineer will probably be needed to design additional support to accommodate the weight of the hot tub.