- A ground fault interrupter circuit (GFIC) is required for a hot tub installation. A certified electrician must install the circuit to make sure that it functions properly and does not void the warranty. This circuit can prevent electrocution. It shuts off the power at the hot tub in the case of an electrical short.
- The hot tub needs a flat, level surface for installation. Concrete is always a preferred base because of the stability and uniformity it provides. Outdoor decks used for hot tub placement must have enough support to sustain the weight of a filled hot tub with both water and people. Water is roughly 8 pounds per gallon, so a 500-gallon hot tub weighs in at 3,500 lbs. for the water alone.
- The placement of the hot tub is critical for both safety and maintenance. Owners should avoid overhead power lines and overhanging tree branches that can deposit seeds or leaves in the hot tub. Rainwater that runs off a roof or overflows from a gutter can cause chemical imbalances in the tub water and may deposit debris as well.
- Once you select the hot tub, use its measurements as you plan the route around or through your house to the installation site. Obstacles such as narrow staircases, bushes or gates need addressing prior to installation day.
- Indoor installations require ventilation via an exhaust fan as well as a fresh air source. The warm water, if not properly sanitized, can host air-borne bacteria that can cause illness, so a change of air is desirable. Moisture can also cause wooden boards to warp. Consider using marine plywood designed to be in moist environments.
GFIC
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Location
Obstacles
Indoors
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