Embarking on a home remodel is an exciting project! It’s so rewarding when you get to tackle home improvements and design changes that will make your home more your own, and maybe even turn it into your dream home! With all the wonderful things that come with remodeling your space, it’s sure to involve a bit of stress, a closely watched budget, and some short-lived mess to live with. So it just makes sense to include as many of the items on your wishlist at once so you don’t have to hire a contractor again months down the road.

Installing most spas requires hiring a contractor; possibly adding or modifying a foundation or pad that is suitable for the weight of a hot tub, and requires having electrical run, things all commonly associated with a home remodel anyway. So, if you’d love to own a hot tub and you’ve got a home remodel in the works, it’s the perfect time to purchase a spa! Whether you plan to install your hot tub inside or outdoors, here are a couple of things to keep in mind.

Indoor Hot Tub

Ahh, using your hot tub comfortably year-round, even on the hottest day, total privacy, less maintenance: there’s a lot to recommend about an indoor hot tub! However, an indoor hot tub not installed correctly could cause serious problems for your home. When you add the weight of your new hot tub, the water it holds, plus the people it can seat, you’re looking at more than 4,000 pounds on average. Meaning, you can’t just add a hot tub to your basement without some preparation.

• It’s important the site can support the weight of your new spa. This may mean reinforcing the concrete slab under the hot tub.
• Moisture and standard drywall don’t play well together. Instead, your space will need to have water-resistant drywall (the kind commonly used in bathrooms); cedar, cement, or tile walls; or a glass enclosure.
• You’ll likely need HVAC work to allow moisture to escape properly.
• We recommend a drainage system for easy water removal, but at a minimum, you’ll need a sump pump and a wet vac.
• Don’t forget the flooring! Non-slip tiles or concrete flooring are a safety feature you won’t want to overlook.

Outdoor Hot Tub

While there’s probably less for your contractor to handle if you’re installing your hot tub outdoors, there’s still a couple of things you’ll need to plan for.

• Make sure your site can support the weight. Often an existing deck or patio will work just fine for your new hot tub. To be sure, once you select the hot tub you want, we can calculate the pressure of pounds per square foot, based on the size, water capacity, and seating capabilities of your new hot tub. From that number, your contractor can determine if your deck is already capable of handling the weight. 
• If your hot tub will sit on a new site, it will need to be prepared with a thick concrete slab, gravel, bricks, or stones. We always recommend a 4” concrete slab as the best foundation choice.
• Once the site is determined, have the electrical readied. Based on the spa you select, your electrician will choose the right wire gauge for your hot tub to best operate and install a sub-panel.
• Plan for drainage. You’ll be draining and refilling your spa a few times a year, plus, an occasional overflow will happen.
• Think about privacy. Sure your patio might be the perfect site for your new hot tub, but are your neighbors positioned overlooking your backyard? Nothing will ruin your relaxing and romantic soak like a yard full of your neighbor’s friends invading your space! Clever landscaping, a garden trellis, privacy screens, or a gazebo can all provide a solution.

 

The great thing about installing your hot tub when you’re in the midst of a remodel is you’ll already have many of these components underway for other projects, meaning you can save some cash by only having the landscaper draw up one set of plans, only hire a contractor once, etc… Got other questions about purchasing or installing a new hot tub? We’re here to help! Come in and see us or call (575) 524-4633.