Hot Tub Buying Guide for Home and Garden Spas, Thermaspa, Intex Spas and American Spas
There are few things that can add to a home or garden like installing a hot tub. Whether you’re purchasing a 2 to 3-person spa, a 4 to 5-person model or a large family size hot tub, determining where and how the hot tub will be installed must be carefully planned before your new purchase is delivered.
This is particularly necessary for outdoor hot tubs such as Thermaspa, Intex Spas or American Spas; they can often be placed in ground level (buried). This sort of arrangement needs a few considerations to avoid problems with damage or water.
Key Considerations Before Installation
Ensure that the ground does not come into contact with the exterior of your hot tub. Proper design for drainage so as water will not pool.
For a Thermaspa, Home and Garden Spas, Intex Spas, or an American Spa, you’ll want 12 inches of clearance above the spa as well as room around the perimeter of the tub.
For instance, a 5-foot-wide spa requires a seven-foot-wide hole to accommodate it safely. The pit should have:
- Level and sturdy seat for the spa
- Retaining walls for the foundation
- (Optional) a sump pump for additional drainage coverage
All the Necessary Parts of Hot Tube Installment
A good hot tub placement will have two preconditions:
A solid, level foundation
Once filled with water, hot tubs get heavy. Its solid surface help prevents them from sinking and tilting over time.
A proper compliant electric setup (cert’d as safe)
The vast majority of Home and Garden Spas or American Spas operate on a 220 volt circuit. This includes:
- A white neutral wire
- Green insulated grounding wire (required)
Most jurisdictions also require metal conduit and a visible disconnect switch located near the hot tub pump for safety.
⚡ It is advisable to hire a trained and licensed electrician to do the wiring. Electrical codes can differ from one municipality to another.
Step-by-Step Hot Tub Installation Process
Here are four easy to follow steps that will help you safely install your new spa:
Step 1: Prepare the Site
Put your Home and Garden Spa or Thermaspa on level ground, on top of the pre-leveled ground or lower it gently into the hole before delivery day.
Step 2: Connect the Power
Get an experienced electrician to connect the hot tub to the dedicated power source.
Step 3: Fill with Water
Fill your Home and Garden Spa or American Spa with a garden hose or water of your choice.
Step 4: Start Up and Heat
Turn on your Intex Spa or Home and Garden Spa, add the chemicals that you are instructed to use and heat the water to where it needs to be.
The Right Hot Tub Base: What to Choose
The underpinning of your spa is the key to allowing it to perform for the long haul. Here’s what you need to know based on where you install it:
Outdoor Installation
Outdoor hot tubs work best on a flat, sturdy surface — such as concrete, pavers or a reinforced deck. Ensure the area is free draining and good access for maintenance.
Indoor Installation
If installing inside, the process is largely identical but there are a few extra precautions:
- Weight Distribution: A full hot tub may weigh in excess of 3,000 pounds. Make sure your flooring can support this weight.
- Ventilation: With an indoor spa, you have a lot of moisture and vapor (similar to using a shower). Unventilated, it causes damage to walls and ceilings.
- Electricity: One thing to keep in mind is that hot tubs require its fair share of electricity. For safe wiring and installation, always consult a certified technician.
✅ Correct indoor preparation can help prevent the growth of mold and dampness, as well as structural issues over time.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are setting up an Intex Spa, Thermaspa or a Home and Garden Spa, being prepared will make the process go as quickly and safely as possible.
Select the correct foundation, adhere to electrical codes and prepare for water and weight concerns.
Your new hot tub, when installed correctly, can give you years of relaxation and pleasure, right at home in your yard.
