So you just bought a new hot tub: A hot tub mover tells you how to prepare for delivery.
Mike Hildenglenn | December 3, 2011Did you just get a fantastic buy on a spa or hot tub? Awesome! You should not just put your hot tub anywhere. There are some things to think about.
One of the most important to remember is that your hot tub is electric and has to be wired properly to prevent shock. Almost all portable spas and hot tubs run on a 220v connection. Even if you have a 110 volt unit, you have to be extremely cautious and safe with your tub placement. Of course you are aware of the risk of electric shock when you mix water and electricity. Yikes! A hot spa is required to be at a distance of 5 feet or more from the plug or power connection. That minimum distance will prevent anyone from sitting in the hot tub and touching the power outlet. 5 feet is the normal distance, but you should always ask an electrician and/or look in your hot tub handbook.
Next, I am going to explain about some of the best bases to have under your hot tub. You can put a hot tub on many types of prepared surfaces, but not all of them are recommended. The main thing to remember is that your hot tub is going to be really heavy and needs to be supported underneath. Also, how well can water drain away from you tub? Every spa or hot tub has a plastic sheet or bottom that creates a vapor barrier for moisture. Your tub sits on a wooden frame and it needs to be able to air out. If water does not have a way to move away from your hot tub, moisture can build up on the inside and cause problems down the road.
One way to put an easy base under your spa is to purchase a commercial hot tub pad. You can look online or buy one from your neighborhood spa seller. While they provide an adequate base, they can also cause problems if the surface under them is not stable and able to support the weight of a filled spa.
Another solution is to place your spa on paving stones. They allow for natural water drainage and can be moved if you decide to relocate your tub at some future point. I personally like the look of paving stones though they can be expensive.
Probably the best and most recommended base for a spa or hot tub is a reinforced concrete slab. You don’t want you hot tub to crack the concrete, so make sure it is designed to hold several tons of weight. Your concrete slab needs to be at least 4 inches (10 cm) or thicker and allow water to drain away from it. You will want to make sure that you concrete guy knows you need the slab for a hot tub. You will want to also make sure they allow some grade for water drainage away from your spa or hot tub.
If you are going to place your spa or hot tub on a raised deck, you will need to make sure the structure is reinforced to support the weight of the tub, the water and the occupants. Ask your dealer or consult your owners manual or ask your friendly neighborhood structural engineer.
Lastly, where is the best location in your yard for a hot tub or spa? Be mindful of overhead power lines and keep a distance of at least 10 feet for safety reasons. Where do you think you will have the most privacy in your yard? You might think you have the perfect spot only to realize that you are on display to the two story house behind you. Maybe you should plant some bushes or trees. Remember, they won’t give you as much cover in the winter when their leaves fall off. You may want to consider a privacy wall.
Climate is also important to think about. If you live in a cold, snowy climate, you will want to place that spa or hot tub closer to the house so your run to warmth is shorter when getting out of your spa in cold weather. And remember, when you are sitting in your hot tub relaxing, you also want to be looking at a nice spot in your yard and not your compost heap.
To recap, think about your wiring and make sure it is done with safety in mind, put you tub on a proper surface, and allow for desired privacy. The best part about having a hot tub is getting to relax in it as often as possible.

Click on Arizona Clear Choice Spa Movers for free information about taking care of hot tubs and spas and what you absolutely must know before you ever consider moving a hot tub or spa yourself!. Also published at So you just bought a new hot tub: A hot tub mover tells you how to prepare for delivery..





