The very best way to prepare for your hot tub to arrive: Tips from a professional hot tub and spa mover.
OK, hot tubs are great all year round and you just got a great price on a nice tub. You might want to carefully think about what you need to do and where you should place your hot tub.
First, because you are dealing with an electric appliance that also holds water, extra caution needs to be taken to prevent the risk of electric shock. Almost all hot tubs today are wired using a 220 volt connection. Other tubs have a simple 110 volt plug. But regardless of weather you have a 220v tub or not, placement is important. Have you ever seen on TV what happens when a radio falls into a bathtub plugged into a 110 volt outlet? Ouch! Your hot tub must be 5 feet away from the power outlet or the closest connection. This way you will not be able to touch the outlet while sitting or standing in your hot tub. Always check your owners manual and local electric codes for the exact required distance for where you live.
The next thing to do is think about what type of platform or base your hot tub will sit on. People set their hot tubs on almost everything you can imagine, but we will mention a few of the most recommended bases you should consider. You have to have good solid support under your hot tub regardless of what base you choose. You also need a base that provides proper drainage. Spa and hot tubs are built with a vapor barrier on the bottom to protect your tub from excessive moisture coming up from the ground. The frame of your hot tub is not designed to get wet. The barrier beneath and the vent help get rid of excess moisture. Without proper drainage or rain water and overflow, you may create a condition that will damage the wooden frame or electrical equipment.
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.
You can also use paving or cobble stones. Paving stones need to be installed correctly, but they are great for natural water drainage. Pavers can be a bit pricey, but they are also very nice to look at and can add a lot to the overall appeal of your hot tub or spa.
Most manufacturers will suggest a concrete pad as your best option. If you go with a slab of concrete, it needs to be robust enough to support the weight of 5000 or 6000 pounds or more. Four inches of concrete is typically the minimum thickness required for a hot tub. Check with you manufacturer to be sure. If your poured concrete pad does not have a slight grade for drainage, you will eventually end up with a water problem.
Anytime you are thinking of placing your spa or hot tub on a wooden deck, please make sure the deck has been designed to support the extreme weight of your hot tub. I would recommend consulting a structural engineer before placing your spa or hot tub on any kind of raised deck or raised structure.
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.
You will also want to think about the weather where you live. When it is snowy and cold, how far do you want to have to walk to get indoors? Do you like to look at special part of your yard? Position your tub so you face a direction that is pleasing to you.
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.[I:http://recreationarticles.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/MikeHildenglenn0.jpg]
Come visit Arizona Clear Choice Spa Movers for free information about maintaining your spa or hot tub and spas and what you need to know before you ever think about moving a hot tub or spa with a bunch of friends!
Source: Recreation Articles