WHERE SHOULD I PUT MY HOT TUB?
Are you planning on buying a new hot tub? Then you’ll need somewhere to put it. While you might have a few ideas, it’s worth bearing in mind that some spots are better than others for your new favourite relaxation tool. For instance, do you want to store it outside? Have you considered what you’ll do if it rains? Wondering where to put your hot tub is a common problem for new owners.
Where Should I Put My Hot Tub?
The main considerations when deciding where you should put your hot tub are whether it should go:
- Outside
- Inside
- In the ground
- Above the ground
Inside or Outside?
Perhaps the most important decision that you’ll need to make when it comes to your new hot tub is whether you install it inside or outside your home. Sure, outdoors is the most common choice, but it might not be suitable for you.
Installing a hot tub lets you enjoy summer nights and counter the chill of colder evenings, but you’re also less likely to use it during the rain or snowy periods. Plus, you’ll need to learn how to prepare your hot tub for winter.
All of this is to say that while installing a hot tub outdoors is the classic choice, and with good reason, there are downsides too, and this is when installing one indoors can be more appropriate.
Indoor hot tubs offer a sensational spa-like experience, tend to use less power (ambient temperature will be higher), and are protected from the elements. You will, however, need a lot of space if you’re going to install a hot tub indoors, and this can be hard to come by unless you have a dedicated area for your tub.
Consider a Compromise
If you want the best of both worlds, you could consider installing your hot tub in your garden but inside a specially designed building. For instance, you could opt for a gazebo surrounded by fencing, giving you the airflow you want without compromising on privacy. You could also make your dream relaxation set up by installing a TV on the wall, or a drinks cabinet.
In-Ground or Above-Ground?
When people ask ‘Where should I put my hot tub?’ they often don’t consider whether it should go in the ground or above ground. An in-ground hot tub can be a very pleasant spot, that allows for a more subtle hot tub and a clearer view of the surrounding garden. It will also allow for more customization, such as custom decking, which can make your home spa a true work of art.
However, we do not advise you to position your hot tub with decking built around it or underground, as it can significantly impact future maintenance requirements. If you wish to do this, we advise you to consult a structural engineer to ensure that your decking is capable of safely and adequately supporting the full weight of your hot tub when in use. The hot tub should be 200mm proud of the top of the decking to allow for the cover to clip onto the side.
You may also choose to opt for an above-ground tub, which is often a more cost-effective installation, as you do not need to dig a hole for your tub. This is the more popular method adopted by proud hot tub owners.
Taking the Strain
Whether you’re going to install a hot tub in your home or your garden, you need to make sure that the flooring can take the weight of the hot tub. A tub will often weigh more than a tonne when full of water. If you’re going to install it in your garden, make sure that it’s on reinforced decking or a concrete slab foundation that can take the weight.
If installing it inside your home, you may need to reinforce your flooring. You should not keep a hot tub on the first floor of your home or, if you’re lucky enough to have a second floor, up there, either. It’s got to be on the ground floor, for practicality’s sake.
It’s recommended that you have your home’s foundations checked by an expert. If you decide to opt for an extension to store your hot tub, you will need to ensure that it complies with planning permission requirements and that the foundation will be able to bear the weight of the tub.
Consider Ventilation
Hot tubs create a lot of moisture, which is another reason why they’re commonly installed outside. The heat of the tub leads to a lot of humidity, which means that it can cause mould and mildew in an unventilated room. If you install a hot tub indoors, you need to have a robust ventilation system in place that can pull the moisture out of the room at a good rate, to prevent it from accumulating and causing issues.
Getting Your Hot Tub Installed
By now, you might be thinking of a few different locations for your hot tub. There’s one other factor that you might not have considered before now: installing your tub. When your hot tub arrives, you will ideally have an entryway that can accommodate it.
If you do not have a doorway that can cope with a hot tub delivery, the delivery team will not be able to install your hot tub.
Getting a hot tub into a garden, even one that only has a small gate, is far easier. This is because it is possible to lift the hot tub over your home using a crane, before placing it exactly where you want it in your garden.