INSTALLATON & SET UP - BEFORE YOUR SPA ARRIVES  

 

Call 2 Wire Electric Inc. and get an est on how much it's going to cost to have the hot tub wired where you intend on placing it.  This can get expensive and if your not aware or prepared for these extra cost of installation  above and beyond the hot tub itself you'll need to budget for them and may reflect on how much you spend on the tub.

 

You will need a little preparation in advance which should work out well since most individuals will have a 4-6 week waiting period before the spa arrives at your curbside. You will also want to make sure to read the owners manual prior to installation as this will have specific details regarding your specific spa items.

Selecting a location
Choosing a site for your spa is a personal decision based on your intended use and the existing features of your home and property. When choosing an outdoor location, consider that the closer to the home the spa is located, the easier it will be to go back and forth when it's used. Also, think about how you plan to use your spa. 

You'll want to consider things like accessibility—is it convenient to get to? Privacy—will you have to screen your neighbors? And general aesthetics—will the spa look good in the location you are considering? Also, where will users change? How is the location of your spa in relation to the entertainment area of your home? If your home has a scenic view or a secluded grove of trees, you many want to create a special area so that your spa makes the most of this environment. When choosing a location for your spa you don't have to place it on a concrete surface, although this is highly recommended to keep it solid and level for proper filtering and use. If a concrete slab isn't available or not appropriate for your needs, verify that the floor structure beneath the spa is strong enough to support the full weight of your spa when it is filled along with the maximum number of adults inside the tub. The number of gallons the spa can hold can be multiplied by 8.3 pounds (weight of one gallon of water) plus 175 pounds per adult.  Your local contractor or building inspector can help you with this determination for your placement.

You will need to have a level surface firm enough to support your spa when full. It is recommended that a concrete slab be used for both support and to keep the spa from excess moisture on the ground. This will maintain the wood and other components for a longer period of time. You will also find that if you place your spa on dirt, grass or small gravel, you will track in excess debris into your spa causing more frequent cleaning. Make sure if you do place your spa in these types of areas that you provide pavers or a brick or other type of walkway to reduce this problem.

 

NOTE - IF YOU USE YOUR SPA INDOORS
If you choose to place the spa inside some special considerations need to be taken into account. Because spas are heated, more water will emanate from the tub requiring ventilation especially in smaller rooms. The room should contain a ventilation fan or vent to allow the extra heat and moisture to escape. A bathroom fan is often used for this purpose

 

Getting your location ready:
Unless you are placing your spa on a patio or other concrete surface, it is time to prepare your location. Here are a few tips on preparation that should make life a little easier for you.

We will discuss several foundations that you can choose from to place your spa on. There are no "best" ways of doing this. . .just preferences and how much you want to spend will most likely determine your choice.

First you will need a firm level surface. It does not have to be perfectly level, but get it as close as possible. If you are laying the spa on a grassy surface, you will need to first remove the sod to get down to the soil. Check the dimensions of your spa and call us if you have any questions. Remember measure twice, dig once.

Foundation Options:
Gravel: Gravel is commonly used as a foundation because it is cheap, easy to find, effective, and good for keeping water away from the outside of your spa. The easiest way to prepare a gravel surface is to shovel the
gravel into place and use a 2x4 and a level to obtain a good surface

 

Concrete Stepping Stones or Bricks: Another foundation choice is pre-cast concrete stepping stones and/or bricks. Available inexpensively at any home center, they are simple to set up. Depending on the size of your spa and the stones, two rows of four (8) or three rows of three (9) is usually enough, if evenly spaced. Make sure they are well seated and level.

Cement Foundation: Although more expensive, a poured concrete slab is good choice for a permanent installation, and can be made a little wider than the spa to provide for a clean walkway and storage area
 

Other points to consider

  • If installing your spa below grade, ensure that there is sufficient drainage for rainwater runoff.
  • Check the location and setup of your spa for conformity to local building and electrical codes.
  • If planned location is to be on a deck, consult your local building department, licensed contractor, or structural engineer for advice or assistance on load requirements.
Delivery Access: Clear the way...
Prior to the arrival of your new spa, you should ensure that there is clear access for moving the spa from the truck to the setup location. It may be necessary to remove a section of fence, trim tree branches or shrubs, move a doghouse, firewood stack or any other protrusions that might be in the way. Check also for overhead clearance.

 

 

 
 
INSTALLATON & SET UP - AFTER YOUR SPA ARRIVES  
 

Some local companies handle the delivery and set-up which is usually in the cost of the tub.

However if you did not purchase a hot tub locally:
If you are receiving your spa factory-direct, it will be shipped by freight 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 on hand for the delivery.

Curbside delivery, what does that mean?
All spas are delivered curbside. All spa companies deal with this same issue of delivery and setting up the spa. The driver who is usually alone cannot lift the spa out by themselves, so the responsibility rests on the owner to provide this labor. It works out best if you can arrange to have 4-6 friends come over and help you lift the spa (sometimes off the truck however many of the trucks have lifters to lower it to the curb for you) and get it on a dolly to move it to it's final location. This seems awkward, but this piece is worth saving over $1,000 in costs that you would pay a local retailer for purchasing a spa and having it delivered.

 

Positioning the Spa:
With the spa is off the truck, it's usually not difficult to move it to the designated location is with a simple furniture dolly. Nothing more than a wheeled wood frame with carpeted pads, they're available at rental shops for about $5 - $10 a day.

A dolly with bigger wheels will be less likely to get hung-up in sidewalk cracks or other obstructions.

Moving your spa on sidewalks and other hard flat surfaces should be easy on the dolly. If the distance is short, some people carry the spa, but we recommend a dolly.

Electrical Connection:
It is important to note that for the warranty to be in effect, the electrical connections must be wired in accordance with all applicable local electrical codes, by a
licensed electrician. You can save some expense by doing any necessary trenching required for buried cabling yourself, if you so desire.

Drilling of spa cabinetry is usually not necessary for a clean electrical installation. Some models may require some cabinet drilling, or restrict the connection to one location. Consult your owner's manual.

Electrical considerations:
The National Electrical Code requires that a manual disconnect device for your hot tub be installed at least 5 ft. away, and within 15 ft. (line of sight) of the spa for safety.

 

We recommend you call 2 Wire Electric Inc to set this up for you.   The warranty also specifies that the electrical must be connected by a professional to be in valid.

Electrical service must be a dedicated GFCI protected circuit.

Proper grounding and bonding must be provided.

Circuit must be rated at appropriate amperage per spa power requirements and electrical codes.

All electrical connections to be provided by a licensed electrician in accordance with local codes.

Completely read and understand your owner's manual prior to installation or operation of spa.

 

Startup: Filling your spa for the first time...

With your spa in its final location and wired correctly, you can begin with startup. Make sure you have read your owner's manual before proceeding:  & ENJOY!

Heating
Do not expect to immediately feel hot water from the jets. Initially, the hot tub may take approximately 7-8 hours to heat, depending upon its size and other factors.

 

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