|
A few time a year, we've been known to travel the world and help with installing one of our hot tubs. Throughout Europe, the Caribbean and
even Asia, we enjoy meeting our customers, helping to install the worlds finest traditional wooden hot tubs, and taking a little needed vacation as
well. Arrangements for such an endeavor can vary. But generally we offer up to 12 hours of our time assembling and installing the hot tub in exchange
for 7 to 10 days of reasonably nice accommodations (we provide our own air fare).
Here in the states, with a properly outfitted service truck, the same installation generally takes 6 to 8 hours. On our international ventures,
we've found it frequently takes closer to 12 hours. There are a number of things you can do, and a few requests we ask, in order to reduce installation time
and assure we can complete the installation in the "allotted time".
- Provide a basic set of plans. Preplanning is is probably the most important aspect. With a basic set of plans (and photographs) we will know if we need
to bring anything extra to complete the job. While we ALWAYS "overpack" for international installations, there's nothing worse than running short of
something, as it may very well be unavailable in your country (typically we pack enough so that the left overs will give you more than a lifetime worth
possible basic repairs).
- Plan ahead. Many of the logistical decisions can be made far in advance. The exact location of the hot tub and equipment is the easiest (it's
surprising how many people only have an "idea" or two where to put it, and are awaiting our input). Bench height and jet location are important as well,
as this frequently can take a lot of time to decide on.
- Bench height is probably the easiest. Typically this is determined by where you want the water level when seated in the tub. This is easiest
to determine in advance by simply sitting in a chair and imagining where you'd like the level of water to be. Keep in mind, that just like with the
chair, if you slide towards the front of the seat, and lean back (slightly slouching), you would be sitting lower in the water. Another possible
consideration is where you want your arms to rest, or where you think they'll rest. Some have thought that they can sit in the hot tub with water up
to their neck, and rest their elbows on the edge of the tub. Remember, the top of the tub is 1" to 3" (2.5 cm - 7.5 cm) above the level of the water.
If you want to be in water up to your neck, your elbows would be up around ear lever. If you want your arms to rest more comfortably, the bench will
be so high as you'll probably only have water up to your mid-chest. In 95% of all our hot tub installations the height of a full circle bench is
24" - 25" (61cm - 63.5cm) below the top of the tub.
Split level
benches, or partial full circle benches require a bit more thought (and must be specifically ordered). The two important aspect of these more unusual bench
layouts are, the view you'll have while sitting on them, and access into and out of the hot tub. Of course regardless of what you initially
decide, we'll dry-fit the bench once there to be absolutely sure it's going to be perfect for you.
- Jet location is a bit more involved as it includes both the height of the jets, and their location around the tub. Location, where they're placed
around the circumference, has two different considerations. One is where you want to be sitting in the hot tub (and the view you may have) while the
jets are operating. The second is how the outside plumbing will be visible or hidden from view. There is a bit of plumbing required on the outside
of the tub for the jets
(image).
Most commonly, the plumbing is hidden under a deck constructed on site, or one of our
Rim Shelfs
or Rim Decks.
The actual height of the jets is easily figured out last minute, when we're there. Just keep in mind the highest jet should be no
less that 7" (18 cm) from the top of the tub.
- Prepare the area for the hot tub and equipment.
- Required tools and materials. Many of the tools required to install a hot tub we bring with us. There are some though, mostly power tools,
we are unable to bring. The three tools we'll need are, a belt sander, a router and a large chuck (1/2") variable speed drill.
- Belt Sander.
Once the hot tub is assembled the top needs to be surfaced and smoothed. Various sanders will accomplish this, however a belt sander will do it
most quickly and effectively, usually in less than five minutes. Other types of power sanders can take hours! The ideal grit of the sanding belt
should be #60 or #80 (and new).
- Router.
After the top of the hot tub is sanded, we like to round over the edges. A router and proper bit accomplish this (we bring a few bits with us, but
have had varying success fitting them into foreign routers). The router bit must have a roller bearing on it as bits with bare steel shanks will
leave unsighly markings (image).
- Drill.
An electric drill will be necessary to drill the holes for the jets and drains
(image).
The drill should have a chuck capacity greater than 10mm, and a secondary handle for additional support. An additional smaller drill, electric or
cordless (battery operated), will also be helpful, but is not necessary. Any required drill bits and hole saws we'll bring.
|
