Tricks of the trade: spa / hot tub Installations
Many technicians and do-it-yourselfers are intimidated by the idea of installing a hot tub, but it's actually easy. In essence, hot tub installation is a combination of activities described throughout these pages. Here are some tips to make the job even easier and more successful:
| • |
In preparing the site, look around for drainage patterns. Try to contour the site to keep
care heavy rains from flooding (and perhaps undermining) your work. If water collection in the pit is unavoidable, install an automatic sump pump. |
| • |
Look around for potential future problems from tree roots. |
| • |
In cold climates, plan to both insulate and bury pipes between equipment and the hot tub. |
| • |
Consider the prevailing winds (especially at the coldest season in which the hot tubwill be used each year). If possible, plan landscaping or decorative fencing to shelter the hot tubfrom cold winds that will chill both bathers and water. |
| • |
Consider safety, can the hot tub be accessed by children and pets? Plan to add fencing or
other locking safety covers. |
| • |
Plan the steps between the house and hot tub. Many enjoyable trips to the hot tub are rendered
a the unpleasant when bare feet traverse gravel or splinter-covered areas on the way back to the house. Be sure that stepping stones or paths installed are textured to avoid slips and
test. falls. |
| • |
At some point, you will need to access the plumbing and equipment again for repair or replacements. Leave adequate room around the hot tub for this purpose. If you are filling in the space around the hot tub and below a deck, use sand or other materials that are easily excavated later. Don't ever backfill these voids until the hot tub and equipment have been the repeatedly and thoroughly tested for leaks.
|
Tricks of the trade: Spa / Hot Tub Installations
Many technicians and do-it-yourselfers are intimidated by the idea of installing a hot tub, but it's actually easy. In essence, hot tub installation is a combination of activities described throughout these pages. Here are some tips to make the job even easier and more successful:
| • |
In preparing the site, look around for drainage patterns. Try to contour the site to keep heavy rains from flooding (and perhaps undermining) your work. If water collection in the pit is unavoidable, install an automatic sump pump. |
| • |
Look around for potential future problems from tree roots. |
| • |
In cold climates, plan to both insulate and bury pipes between equipment and the hot tub. |
| • |
Consider the prevailing winds (especially at the coldest season in which the hot tub will be used each year). If possible, plan landscaping or decorative fencing to shelter the hot tub from cold winds that will chill both bathers and water. |
| • |
Consider safety—can the hot tub be accessed by children and pets? Plan to add fencing or
other locking safety covers. |
| • |
Plan the steps between the house and hot tub. Many enjoyable trips to the hot tub are rendered
a the unpleasant when bare feet traverse gravel or splinter-covered areas on the way back to the house. Be sure that stepping stones or paths installed are textured to avoid slips and falls. |
| • |
At some point, you will need to access the plumbing and equipment again for repair or replacements. Leave adequate room around the hot tub for this purpose. If you are filling in the space around the hot tub and below a deck, use sand or other materials that are easily excavated later. Don't ever backfill these voids until the hot tub and equipment have been the repeatedly and thoroughly tested for leaks. |
|
As with any installation procedure, you will encounter variations in the hot tub installation process. Nothing in this procedure is set in stone, and each step requires planning and creativity to complete the job in a way that allows for correction of problems or later repairs. Remember,
it is much easier and less expensive to change the design on paper than in the field. Planning and forethought will make a big difference in your satisfaction with the final results.
Hot Tub / Spa Electrical Supply Guide: |
|
120-volt installations |
240-volt installations |
Wire |
3-wire 20-amp; GFI |
4-wire 50-amp; GFI |
Plug-in cords |
15-foot (4.5-meter) max. (hard-wired over 15 feet) |
Not allowed |
Other receptacles nearby |
Within 10 feet (3 meters) |
Within 10 feet (3 meters)
must have GFI must have GFI |
Bonding |
All metal within 5 feet
(1.5 meters) bonded to equipment ground grid |
All metal within 5 feet
(1.5 meters) bonded to equipment ground grid |
Circuit breaker |
20 amps |
50 or 60 amps |
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