Last Updated on January 14, 2023 by Jason Nguyen
Creating an oasis in your backyard is a great way to turn a plain canvas into something beautiful. If you want your space to exude relaxation, it’s great to add a hot tub, which is not only aesthetic but also completely functional.
Adding a backyard hot tub isn’t easy as it looks. It’s not a plug-and-play device that requires minimal effort for installation. But if you’re up for the challenge, below are some ways to install a hot tub in your backyard.
1. Choose Your Hot Tub
The first thing you need to consider is choosing which hot tub suits your needs. There are different manufacturers in the market, and each offers different styles and models. It is best to choose one that compliments your space and your preferences.
With all these variations, purchasing one that meets your budget is also essential. The purpose of the hot tub is to add to relaxation, not provide financial strain. Ultimately, you would want to choose a tub that would satisfy you for a long time and has the best value for your money.
A popular option would be a stylish yet relaxing tub like a Stoked cedar hot tub. Its wooden elements will allow you to get more in touch with nature while adding aesthetic value to your space.
Alternatively, you can go for a Stoked Stainless plunge pool if you’d like to go with something more extensive and more comfortable. A plunge pool allows you to stretch your entire body comfortably while you soak in the warm water. This is advisable for backyards with a large backyard, as it can be space-consuming.
2. Identify Your Location
Installing a hot tub in your backyard doesn’t mean that you get to put it anywhere you want. It would be best if you made sure the location has enough space around it and its dimension fit the tub you chose.
You should consider different factors when choosing a location for your tub. You want to make sure that there is a hose nearby that would help you fill the tub.
The proximity to safe draining areas is another factor you should consider, as there may be legal repercussions if you affect other people’s property with your water wastage.
You also need to decide whether you want your tub to be shaded, so you can set a private location for your tub if required.
Make sure to consider all these things to make the perfect decision on where to put your outdoor hot tub.
3. Acquire Necessary Building Permits
Depending on your location, some local government requires you to acquire a building permit before you start building your hot tub. The permit cost varies for each state, so you must research before applying.
To secure a building permit, you need to determine where you plan to put the tub, its foundation, and the electricity powering it. This protocol ensures that the location you have picked would be building-compliant to avoid any issues once you have installed your hot tub.
4. Prepare The Foundation
A hot tub can weigh up to twice a ton, so you need to ensure that the ground has a flat solid foundation that can handle the heavy weight. There are different options for a foundation, such as reinforced decks, concrete slabs, or even spa pads. You need to make sure that the material you choose for your tub can support or withstand it.
5. Install The Electrical System
To get the most out of your hot tub, you need to ensure that you’ve installed the electrical system properly. Knowing the amperage and voltage requirements based on the specifications of your tub would help you understand how to proceed with this step.
You may also need to install a GFCI breaker to help prevent electrocution, which is ideal for a hot tub because water can be a great electricity conductor.
6. Seek Professional Service
Suppose you are having issues preparing the foundation; calling in for help is always safe. You may look for a general contractor to help you prep the spot for your tub, especially when the location you have chosen needs structural changes before you can proceed with the installation.
Hiring a professional is also ideal if you are stuck on how to proceed with installing the electrical system. You need to contact a licensed electrician to ensure that the quality of electrical work is safe and reliable. Calling for professional help could make you feel at ease, knowing there wouldn’t be any issues when you start using your tub.
7. Have Your Hot Tub Delivered
Now that you have made the necessary preparations, you need to wait for your hot tub to arrive at your home. Many retailers offer to deliver your tub to your doorstep for maximum convenience.
The only thing left for you to do is to clear out the path to the hot tub’s location so that it would be easier to move the hot tub to its desired prepared foundation.
8. Place The Hot Tub
It would be best that you placed your hot tub in your desired location on the day of the delivery. Make sure there’s easy access from your gates to your backyard to make delivery easy.
If you are contracting a team to help you, they should be at your home one to two hours after the tub has been delivered. This way, they can start working on the installation, then you can immediately check if all the features of the tub are working perfectly.
Make sure that your chosen location satisfies your needs for a long time. Once you have started using it, it would be challenging to relocate your tub to a different spot without much effort and cost.
9. Build The Hot Tub
If you are installing your hot tub on your own, you can refer to the assembly instructions to help you build it. Make sure to read the step-by-step guide carefully, as this can assist you in safely assembling the tub and ascertains that you avoid any accidents once you start using it. Reading the instructions also helps prevent damage to your tub while working on it.
Once you assemble the tub, you need to connect it to the power source for it to be functional. You may want your electrician to help you with this step, especially if the tub’s electrical system is complicated.
10. Fill Your Hot Tub
Once you assemble the hot tub and the electricals are sorted out, it’s time to fill it with water. This could help you spot any leaks if there are any.
Just make sure that you’ve turned off the electricity, cleaned the interior of the tub, prepped the controls, and opened the air valves of the tub. For safety purposes, follow the instructions indicated in your manual for this step.
11. Turn On Your Hot Tub
To ensure the electricity has been appropriately set up, you may proceed with heating your tub. Note that the water in the tub might take some time to get hot, so it’s best to cover your tub while it’s heating.
12. Add Finishing Touches
If everything is working correctly, you have successfully installed a hot tub in your backyard. The only thing left to do is to add some finishing touches to your hot tub space to make it more personal and comfortable. You could include some patio furniture or exterior lighting and even landscape the area overlooking your tub. After that, the only thing left is to enjoy your tub.
Takeaway
Installing your backyard hot tub might not be the easiest task, but the result would surely be worth it. Once you successfully establish your hot tub, you can finally enjoy the space for pure relaxation.
Remember that if you’re having trouble navigating the foundation and electricity of your tub during installation, you should call for a professional to help you. This part can be tricky and dangerous when done incorrectly. Whether you prefer a DIY project or hire a team to assist you, installing a hot tub in your backyard will surely add value to your home!
FAQs: Backyard Hot Tub
Can I put a hot tub in my yard?
The answer is yes, you can install a hot tub in your yard. However, there are certain safety precautions and regulations that must be followed in order to ensure the safe installation of your hot tub.
Before installing a hot tub in your yard, it’s important to check with your local building code and zoning laws to make sure that you’re not violating any regulations.
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that the area where you will be installing your hot tub is large enough to accommodate it and that the ground can support its weight.
You should also be aware of any underground utility lines or other objects that may interfere with the installation process.
Finally, you’ll need to find an experienced installer who can properly install your hot tub to ensure it is safe and meets all necessary code requirements.
Does a hot tub have to be installed on concrete?
The short answer is no. While it is generally considered best practice to install a hot tub on concrete, there are several other safe and effective options for installation as well.
Hot tubs can be installed on decking or even on the ground, provided that the proper precautions are taken. When installing a hot tub on decking, it is important to ensure that the decking is of a high enough quality to support the weight of a filled hot tub.
Additionally, it is recommended that if installing on the ground that an appropriate footing or other support structure be used to help distribute the load of the hot tub.
Is a backyard hot tub worth it?
This is a question that many people ask themselves when considering the various options for outdoor relaxation and leisure. In addition to being a great way to relax and enjoy some time outdoors, backyard hot tubs come with a variety of benefits that can make them well worth the investment.
For starters, backyard hot tubs can provide an excellent form of stress relief. Soaking in the warm water helps to relieve muscle tension and joint pain, while the massaging jets can help to loosen up tight muscles. Additionally, spending time in a hot tub can lead to improved sleep quality and reduce overall levels of stress.
How many years does an outdoor hot tub last?
The longevity of an outdoor hot tub depends on several factors, such as its material, the climate it’s exposed to, and how often it is used.
Generally speaking, a well-maintained outdoor hot tub should last between 8-15 years. Of course, this can be extended or shortened depending on individual circumstances.
For example, models made from high-quality materials, such as acrylic or stainless steel may last longer than those made from cheaper synthetic materials.
Likewise, hot tubs located in climates with harsh winters and intense sun may experience more wear and tear over time compared to those in milder climates.
Can you put a hot tub anywhere in your garden?
The short answer is yes, but there are a few things to consider before making such a decision.
Firstly, make sure your garden is large enough for the hot tub – you’ll need to leave some space around it for maintenance and safety purposes.
Secondly, check access points as it can be difficult or impossible to get the tub in place if there isn’t enough room.
Thirdly, consider the weight of the hot tub and determine whether or not your garden can support it.
Finally, think about the location – you’ll need to make sure that you keep it away from trees and other structures as they could cause problems or damage.
Where should I put my hot tub in my garden?
There are a few things to consider when deciding where to put your hot tub. First, make sure the area is level and that there is enough space for it.
If the spot you have chosen has an incline, use blocks or pavers to create a flat surface. Also, if you plan on having a wooden deck built around the tub, make sure the area is large enough.
Secondly, consider the location in relation to your house. You want it close enough that you won’t be too far away when you’re getting out of the tub after a soak.
Do I need a pergola over my hot tub?
The answer depends on a few factors. If you live in an area with moderate to extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rains or high winds, then a pergola could help protect your hot tub and make it last longer.
Additionally, if you’re looking for some shade while enjoying your hot tub outdoors in the sun, a pergola can provide the perfect cover.
If you’re looking for more privacy or just want to add a decorative element to your outdoor space, a pergola can help with that too.
Although a pergola isn’t strictly necessary for your hot tub, it could be beneficial in certain circumstances.
Can you drain hot tub water into the garden?
The short answer is yes, you can drain hot tub water into the garden. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind before doing so.
First, it’s important to make sure your local regulations allow for draining hot tub water into the garden. Some states or counties have restrictions on what types of substances can be released into the local environment. It’s best to check with your local environmental protection agency or city hall before taking any action.
Second, you will want to make sure that you are draining your hot tub in a way that won’t damage your garden. Hot tub water typically contains chemicals such as chlorine and bromine, which can damage your soil and plant life if not properly treated. You may want to consider diluting the hot tub water with fresh water before draining it into the garden.
Finally, you will want to be mindful of any runoff that might occur from draining the hot tub water. If there is a risk of polluted runoff entering nearby waterways, you will want to take steps to mitigate this risk, such as using a retention pond or other water filtration system.
Are outdoor hot tubs hard to maintain?
The answer to this question is both yes and no, depending on the type of hot tub you choose. In-ground hot tubs are more difficult to maintain and require regular cleaning, filtering, and chemical treatment.
Above-ground hot tubs generally have fewer maintenance concerns as they can be located in many areas such as decks or patios that are easier to access and clean.
In terms of cost, both in-ground and above-ground hot tubs require similar upfront costs for the purchase and installation. An added benefit of an above-ground hot tub is that it can usually be moved from one location to another with relative ease compared to an in-ground unit.
Do you need a fence around a hot tub in your backyard?
Absolutely! Hot tubs are great for relaxation and entertainment, but they also come with certain risks that need to be kept in check.
A sturdy fence around your hot tub is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and guests from these potential hazards. It will help prevent accidents such as slips and falls by providing a physical barrier between users and the hot tub.
Additionally, a fence can help keep children and pets from accessing the hot tub without adult supervision, as well as help protect your privacy by keeping out unwanted visitors.
Hot tubs require regular maintenance, so having a fence makes it easier to access the water pump and other components for cleaning or repairs.
Finally, a fence will help enhance the aesthetic of your backyard, making it look more inviting to guests and giving your space a bit of extra character.
Do you need planning permission for an outdoor hot tub?
The answer is maybe. If you plan to install an outdoor hot tub in your backyard, it’s important to check with your local planning authority before going ahead with any building work.
Depending on the size and location of the hot tub, you may need to obtain a planning permit or other form of permission from your local council before proceeding.
Factors such as the size of the hot tub, its proximity to neighboring properties, and relevant safety regulations can all affect whether you need planning permission or not.
It’s important to check with your local council before beginning any work on your project so that you can be sure that it meets all necessary regulations.
