Hot Tub Installation

In this guide, we're sharing our invaluable advice when it comes to hot tub installation, including where to install it, how to install it, and the costs involved.

Installing a brand-new hot tub or home spa isn't as hard as you might think. The more planning you do beforehand, the more straightforward the process will be - so we encourage our customers to think carefully about where and how they will install their new tub or spa.

Planning permission

Before you place your order, it's worth thinking about whether you'll require planning permission. The vast majority of hot tubs will not require planning permission, however, if you intend to house your hot tub in a summer house or shed, you may need to get building permits or seek permission from your local council. If your home is listed, you may need to seek permission and/or thoroughly check building regulations to make any major changes to your outdoor space.

If you plan on installing your hot tub in an outdoor building or you live in a listed property, we recommend seeking the advice of a planning consultant or applying for a 'Lawful Development Certificate' from your local authority.

Where to put a hot tub

Preparing and carefully planning your hot tub's location is critical for preventing issues further down the line. Keep the following factors in mind when deciding where to install yours:

1. Solid ground

An outdoor hot tub should be installed on a solid foundation. Check that the surface you intend to use is solid and level; stones, slabs, brick and concrete are often fine, though you may need to use hot tub pads to level the ground out if your garden or outdoor space is set at an angle.

2. Weight-bearing

Many people install their own hot tub directly onto a patio or deck with no issue, however, large hot tubs can weigh up to 3,200kg when they are filled with water, so you should check with a professional that your patio or decking can support that kind of weight. Small hot tubs can weigh upwards of 1,500kg when filled with water, however, you should consider the weight of the people using it, too.

3. Drainage

You should drain your hot tub on a regular basis so that the water can be refreshed and the hot tub's interior can be properly cleaned. You should consider the drainage in your garden so that this process doesn't flood your garden. Your options are:

• Install your hot tub near an existing drain
• Install a new drain

You will be able to attach a hose to the hot tub's plug, which you can then run to a drain. The hose should run downhill, if possible.

When the hot tub is in use, it's inevitable that there will be some overflow and spills when people climb in and out, so you should consider whether the floor below is susceptible to water damage. This is particularly applicable to wooden decking, which should be appropriately sealed.

4. Power supply

Different hot tubs require different power supplies, and you should check which yours requires before you commit to buying it. Typically, there are two types of power supply: 13amp 'plug & play' models, and 32amp hard-wired models.

13 Amp Models

13 amp models require an outdoor waterproof plug socket with RCD protection within 1.5 to 4 metres of the spa location. Such sockets are inexpensive and simple to fit; a local electrician will typically supply and fit for approximately £75.

32 Amp Models

32-amp models require a 32-amp supply on 6mm SWA cable with RCD protection (cable sizes may be different depending on the length of cable run between the consumer unit and commando socket). A commando socket with local isolation is required between 1.5 meters and 3 metres of the spa, complete with a ‘male' plug and 8 metres of SY flex with UV protection or supply with flexible conduit). The flex is hard-wired to the spa by our engineers, then simply plugged in to complete.

A 32-amp dedicated electrical installation will typically cost around £300 and take approximately two hours to complete.

The commando socket supply DOES NOT require your electrician present on installation. However, a 32 amp ‘hard-wired' supply WILL REQUIRE YOUR ELECTRICIAN PRESENT ON INSTALLATION to complete the wiring connection.

40 Amp Models

A 40 amp supply using 6mm steel wired armoured cable with local isolation via a rotary isolator, terminated with a 7-metre tail. A 40 amp breaker is required. The supply should feed directly from a suitable source (typically your household consumer unit) to the rotary isolator which is typically mounted 2 metres from the spa area.

A 7-metre ‘tail end' is required from the isolator to the spa – the tail is ‘hard wired' to the spa by an approved electrician. Please note; the long tail is required to allow perfect siting and orientation of the spa. If the cable distance is longer than 20 metres, a 10mm SWA cable will be required – please double-check this with your qualified electrician first.

RCD Circuit Breaker

A new RCD circuit breaker must be used for your spa installation. Do not use an existing breaker, as its condition is unknown. The spa must be connected to a dedicated RCD breaker that is not shared with any other appliances or equipment. Do not use an extension or plug-type cords of any kind.

The hot tub does not come with a plug and SY flex so please make sure this is supplied by your electrician.

5. Easy access

You should leave at least 2 feet of space on each side so that the hot tub cabinet can be accessed from different angles. This makes maintaining your hot tub easier and gives you ample space for people to move around it. You should also think about where you will position your hot tub steps as you will need to provide additional space for them.

Finally, having your outdoor tap in close proximity to your hot tub will make refilling it a much easier job.

6. Privacy

If you have neighbours on either side of your property, you should think about an appropriate location in terms of a private spot where you won't be disturbed by your neighbours and vice versa. A spot closer to your home will be better for the winter as there is less distance between you and your hot tub in the cold and dark weather.

A spot underneath a tree will provide some shade from the mid-summer sun and create more privacy from neighbours, however, you may find yourself clearing debris like leaves and twigs from your hot tub more regularly, particularly in the autumn when leaf drop is at its peak.

Alternatively, you could build a gazebo or set up some other form of coverage so that your tub is both more private and protected from the elements.

How to install a hot tub

After you have chosen the perfect spot for your hot tub, it’s time to get to work on installing it. The hot tub installation process is actually pretty simple and straightforward, and most people can do it in a day or two.

1. Start with the foundation

The first step is to prepare the area where you want to install the hot tub. This should involve levelling the ground and laying down a solid foundation - such as concrete, spa pads or paving stones - if one doesn't already exist. Make sure to use non-skid material for added safety.

2. Connect the electricity supply

Next, you will need to connect your hot tub to a power source. Make sure that it is securely connected using appropriate wiring - you should hire an electrician for this step if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.

3. Set up the hot tub

Once the foundation and electricity are in place, you can start setting up your hot tub according to the instructions provided. This involves connecting any additional equipment such as a heater pump or external filtration system.

4. Fill the hot tub

Using your garden hose, fill the hot tub with clean water. It's worth giving the inside of your hot tub a quick clean before doing this, as there may be dust or residue from the manufacturing process left on the interior.

5. Heat it

Once you have your hot tub installed, let it heat up before testing it out. Depending on the make, heating method and size of your hot tub, heating a full hot tub could take anywhere from 3 to 10 hours. Your hot tub should operate at a max temperature of 40°C.

6. Add chemicals

Regularly applying and balancing chemicals is part and parcel of owning a hot tub. These chemicals will help to maintain the cleanliness of the water and prevent cloudy water and bacteria or algae growth. You should take time to regularly test your hot tub's water to ensure it is safe and healthy to use.

7. Make safety a priority

It’s important to take measures to ensure your hot tub is as safe as possible. This includes:

• Making sure the hot tub cover is left on when the spa is not in use
• Never leaving children unattended while they are in the hot tub
• Avoid drinking excessive alcohol while using the hot tub
• Enforcing a ‘no-running’ rule around the hot tub
• Not using the hot tub if you are pregnant
• Not allowing pets into the hot tub

8. Maintain your hot tub

Once your hot tub is installed and running, regular maintenance should be carried out to ensure it continues to work as it should. This includes regularly checking the filters, cleaning the interior and exterior of the hot tub, testing the chemical levels and topping up with water if necessary.

Delivery

The hot tub delivery will be completed using a spa sledge — a specific delivery sledge requiring minimal access. Please check the minimum width and height bearing in mind any possible obstructions on the way to its final location: these typically include gate frames, window sills and drain pipes.

If you have any concerns regarding your delivery, call our team on 01633 848 199 and we will happily advise.

Hot Tub FAQs

These are some of the most common questions customers have asked us about installing hot tubs.

Can a hot tub go in a shed or summer house?

Yes, it is possible to house a hot tub in a shed or summer house - as long as there is sufficient ventilation and the space meets all applicable health and safety requirements. Ventilation could look like built-in air vents in the roof of your summer house or large windows that can open fully. You should never use a hot tub in a room with no ventilation, as the combination of high heat, humidity and chemicals can be dangerous.

The high levels of moisture and heat produced by a hot tub could quickly damage untreated wood, so you should ensure wood on the inside and outside is pressure treated aka tanalised. Your hot tub cover should also be airtight to reduce humidity levels within the summer house or shed.

Can I install a hot tub myself?

Unless you are a licensed electrician, we advise having a professional come to install the electrical aspects of your hot tub. The hot tub itself is fairly easy to set up once you have a solid, level foundation and a suitable electrical supply.

Final thoughts

You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when setting up your hot tub, and our team of experts are also on hand to provide guidance and support - just get in touch if you have any questions. Do your research to make sure the hot tub you choose is the right one for you, and always stay safe when using it.

Find out more about the manufacturing process in this video: