What Should I Do Before My Hot Tub Arrives?

If you’ve recently invested in a hot tub and you’re awaiting its arrival, then there are a few things you need to do to prepare for delivery day. You’ll want to make sure that both you and your home are ready for your spa, and that requires a little preparation and forethought. Take a look at this quick guide for all you need to know.

Preparing for Your Hot Tub Installation

Your hot tub dealer will handle much of the heavy lifting on delivery day, but there are a few things that you’ll need to do on your end to make sure you’re ready when your spa arrives. 

Choosing a Location for Your Hot Tub

There are a few important considerations when it comes to choosing the right spot to place your hot tub. Make sure the area you select checks off all the following boxes:

Electrical and Water Needs

Unless you’ve got a plug-and-play 120v hot tub coming, you’re going to need to install a dedicated 220v circuit. Hire a licensed electrician and get this done beforehand to ensure the area you choose is suitable. 

You’ll also want your tub to be within a reasonable distance of a water source, as you’ll need to add water, clean the tub, and regularly drain and refill it.

Sturdy, Level Surface

Your hot tub needs to be placed on a solid and level surface to ensure it’s safe and stable. You can potentially use an existing deck or patio, but you can also create a space for your spa by pouring a concrete pad, using pavers, or bringing in a SmartDeck. 

A SmartDeck is an easy-to-use patio system made of interlocking panels capable of supporting up to 300 lbs. per square foot. This option offers a ton of versatility when it comes to choosing an area to place your spa, and unlike concrete, it can be moved.

When choosing a surface for your hot tub, consider the weight of the hot tub and the structural requirements of the surface. A hot tub can be very heavy, so it is important to make sure that the surface you choose can support its weight.

Shade and Privacy

As long as you have electricity, water, and a viable surface, you can place your hot tub anywhere you’d like. However, you may also want to consider finding an area that offers a bit of shade and plenty of privacy. 

Laying Out a Delivery Path

You’ll want to choose a delivery path for your hot tub installation well before the delivery day and make sure that it’s clear and safe. Measure out the area (including vertical clearance) to ensure that you have the proper room, and then remove any potential obstructions that could cause issues. 

Stocking Up on the Necessary Supplies

Your hot tub requires maintenance to remain a relaxing piece of paradise. You’ll need a healthy supply of all the necessary chemicals, as well as some other hot tub accessories that can make your life as a hot tub owner easier. Make sure to stock up on the following:   

• A water test kit or test strips
• Chlorine or bromine
• Shock
• pH increaser and decreaser
• Alkalinity increaser
• Clarifier
• Algaecide
• Filter cleaner 

There are many other products out there that can help you maintain your tub, but these are the water care essentials. If you’ve got plenty of them on hand, you should have no problem keeping your water clean and clear.

Beautifying Your Hot Tub Area

There’s so much you can do with the landscaping, decor, and lighting surrounding your hot tub, and while it’s not necessary to figure it out before the delivery day, it can be a lot of fun to make the area your own, so why not start dreaming it up? 

You can add a gazebo or pergola, surround the area with some beautiful plants and flowers, bring in some mood-setting lighting, or create an enchanting stone pathway.

Hot Tubs From Great Bay Spa & Sauna

If you’d like to learn more about preparing for your hot tub installation, take a look at our in-depth Hot Tub Buyer’s Guide or reach out to Great Bay Spa & Sauna today!