Deciding to add a hot tub is a great choice for any homeowner. A hot tub has many benefits including physical benefits as well as providing a great atmosphere for social gatherings. And, because a hot tub is heated, they can be used all year round. If you are considering adding a hot tub to your deck, backyard, or as an addition to your swimming pool, there are a few points to consider.
Because many hot tubs are above ground, homeowners can install hot tubs themselves. As it were, planning is involved for such aspects like location, support, and more. The first major aspect to consider before you decide on purchasing a hot tub is where your hot tub will be located. Because a hot tub is modular and many varieties are above ground, it can be located either outside on a patio or a deck, or inside in a sun room or conservatory. Wherever it is installed, it needs to have adequate structural support. When the hot tub is filled with water and in use, it will get very heavy and needs to have a strong base. We recommend your hot tub be on a slab of concrete, on outdoor rated concrete decking material, or on concrete pavers. Also, if you choose to erect your hot tub in your home, adequate ventilation is required. If you are placing your hot tub on a lifted deck (as opposed to a flat concrete paver deck) make sure that the deck is properly supported to be able to handle the extra weight. Remember, the area will not only be holding the hot tub shell, but the water and any guests you have in and around the hot tub as well.
Another important factor is considering access to gas lines, plumbing lines, and electrical lines. In order for your hot tub to function, it will either be powered by electricity alone or electricity and gas to heat up the hot tub. Some hot tubs use electric heating coils so there is no need for a gas line. Plumbing nearby is also a necessity. Your hot tub will occasionally need to be drained for cleaning or be filled when water evaporates so it is convenient to have plumbing accessible. The most important factor of the three is your gas and electric lines as water can be ran to the hot tub with a hose if the water line is near the hot tub.
Another factor to consider is the traffic in and around the hot tub. When you own a hot tub, your popularity will skyrocket so you need to accommodate for the extra people and guests that will be visiting and frequenting your new hot tub. Consider purchasing or making extra seating, installing landscape lighting or spot lighting around the spa area, building changing areas for your guests, adding towel racks, adding more outdoor furniture, and adding other features to accommodate your extra guests. We recommend adequate outdoor lighting as the hot tub is apt to be used as much in the evening as in the day, if not more.
A final consideration is sheltering your hot tub. If you want to be able to use your hot tub during precipitations such as rain or snow, it is helpful to build a structure over your hot tub. If your hot tub is near your home, a great alternative to building an expensive roofed shelter is attaching an awning or canopy to your home. This way, you will be able to enjoy your hot tub all year round.
A swimming pool or a hot tub is a great investment. Our contractors are able to build you an in ground hot tub attached right to your swimming pool. Regardless if you prefer your hot tub to be independent of your swimming pool or are looking to have a hot tub attached to your in ground swimming pool, our swimming pool contractors are able to build what you need. Contact our professional swimming pool and spa contractors.
