You made the decision and bought a new hot tub... Awesome! Now the wait and prep work for the big day. Let's look at what you need to do to make your delivery and setup as smooth as possible. Also, take some time to read the entire owner's manual before delivery to ensure all the requirements are taken care of be for the delivery crew shows up.
Site Selection
You've probably got the perfect spot picked out in your backyard to accommodate the hot tub you purchased. It’s a good idea to ensure that the site you selected is properly prepared, whether you are going to put the hot tub on a deck, patio stones or concrete slab. Very important, don’t forget access, last thing you want to have happen is the delivery crew show up and they can’t get it to the spot where you want it because of clearance issues, such as hydro-meters, basement window wells and gates that may be too small.
Most portable hot tubs sold in Canada are designed for outdoor installation, although some are installed indoors.
When a hot tub is filled, it will be heavy, make sure it is placed on a structurally sound surface, which will support the weight of the hot tub, water, and occupants. Uneven pads, decks or soft surfaces can cause damage or even crack the hot tub shell and void your warranty. Consult the owner’s manual to ensure your base meets the requirements.
Preparing the Site
Most hot tub owners install their new hot tubs outdoors. Here we describe various options to provide a firm-level surface unless you already have a suitable existing concrete patio. A hot tub that does not have a solid surface walkway around or at least at the entry exit area of the hot tub can result in a large of debris or dirt being inadvertently transferred into the hot tub on the hot tub bathers feet. Building a perimeter walkway around the hot tub can always be a later project when you have a better idea of what you would like..
First and foremost, check the owner’s manual for the base requirements to ensure you don't void the warranty.
Depending on the type and size of hot tub the requirements can vary. Consider a larger 6 person hard-shell hot tub can weigh up to 3000lbs or more.
Manufacturers will usually require a solid base such as: Poured Concrete Slab or Paving Stone. Check your hot tub owner manual.
Deck Installations
If you plan a deck site, you must first determine the deck's maximum load capacity. Having someone with structural building load requirements knowledge assess your deck before placing your hot tub on a deck is always a good idea. The dealer where you purchased your hot tub can give you its filled weight or it is also in the owner's manual. Remember to also add the weight of the occupants. The hot tub's weight per square foot must not exceed the rated capacity of the structure to avoid damage and possible injury.
Deck shapes, sizes and designs vary greatly and setting a hot tub on top on a deck will allow easy access to the spa cabinet for cleaning and maintenance. If plans call for the hot tub to be sunk into the deck, consider access to the equipment compartment panel for electrical hook-up, maintenance and future service to the pumps and heater.
Electrical Service Requirements
Full-sized hot tubs are typically required to be hard-wired with a GFCI-protected 230 volt 40 or 50 amp circuit. Some of the larger hot tubs with multiple pumps require a 60-amp GFCI breaker. Refer to your owner's manual for specifications of consult with the dealer were you purchased your spa.
For your safety a qualified electrician must wire a hot tub and obtain an electrical permit for the work. The National Electrical Code in Canada specifies that a manual disconnect device for your hot tub be installed at least 10 ft. away, and within line of sight of the spa for safety. Consult with your electrician or the local Electrical authority for additional information.
It's a good idea to use one of our easy to install 60A GFCI Hot Tub Disconnect Panel. This load center can handle the 230-volt load up to 60 amps (or less) for your hot tub. Always consult with your licensed electrician or the dealer you purchased your spa from for the correct breaker size requirement for your hot tub and also check the Electrical Code requirements for your area.
Access for Larger Spas
Prior to the arrival of your new hot tub, you should ensure that there is clear access for moving the hot tub from the delivery truck to the setup location. Some times it’s easier to just remove a piece of wooden fence if your back yard is fenced in, cut low hanging tree branches or cut down shrubs that are to high or any other protrusions that might interfere. Check also for overhead clearance, such as house overhangs, wires, ect.
Upon Arrival
If you are receiving your hot tub from a box store or Internet retailer, it will be shipped by truck. Normally the freight company will contact you by phone in advance of the delivery, to let you know the expected arrival window. You will need to be present for the delivery and it is a good idea to have helpers to move the hot tub.
Your hot tub will be delivered curbside. This means that you do not have to worry about unloading the hot tub off of the truck. Some companies that sell hot tubs online may not ship your hot tub with a carrier that will unload it, in which case you make arrange to unload the hot tub from the delivery truck. Unless you have hired a mover or brought a few friends over to help, it will be your responsibility to move the spa from the street curbside or driveway to its location in your backyard. There are delivery carries that may deliver it to the backyard for an additional cost, if they offer this service if would need to be arranged in advance with them.
If you purchased the hot tub from a local dealer then in most cases the dealer will deliver the hot tub and place it in its final location in the back yard, make sure to ask if delivery is included in the price before purchasing.
Start up
With your hot tub in its final location and wired correctly, you can begin with start-up. Make sure you have read your owner's manual before proceeding:
- Turn off all electrical power to the equipment at the circuit breaker.
- Make sure that the hot tubs gate valves are open if so equipped (consult owner's manual).
- Check to see that drain valve is closed.
- Wipe down the interior of the hot tub with warm water and a spa shell cleaner.
- Take out the filters inspect them then install them again to make sure they are properly installed.
- Clean the end of your garden hose to ensure dirt will not be dragged into the spa , fill hot tub with clean cold water to level specified in owner's manual. Low water levels can cause damage to the pump and heater element.
- Open equipment door and check for any leaks around the pump(s) and heater unions.
- Turn on power at the circuit breaker once filled to the proper level.
- Set your hot tubs temperature to desired level and check your owner's manual for initial programming procedures.
- Balance your water chemistry and use a sanitizer system.
Heating
After the hot tub has been filled with tap water, the water temperature may be around 55F to 60F and it will take a while to heat up so don't expect to feel hot water from the jets as soon as it starts up. It can take up to 7-8 hours or more to heat up to 100F, depending the hot tub size, water volume and hot tub heater size as well as outside weather temperatures.
Water Balance & Sanitizer
Nothing is more important in promoting long equipment life, and healthy, clean, clear hot tub water than assuring that your water is balanced and properly sanitized at all times. Once you get the hang of it, it is a simple routine. If you have questions, we can help call us: 1-877-845-1993.
IMPORTANT: The information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is neither a substitute nor a replacement for information contained in your owner’s manual. Consult with your local building department, Local and Provincial Electrical code requirements, qualified licensed Electrician and contractor, or structural engineer for structural and electrical requirements as appropriate.