Site preparation and amenities can be as minimal or as elaborate as you wish. However, a firm, stable, level foundation is important for all hot tubs, as our typical 6 x 3 hot tub weighs in at 4400 pounds and a 7 x 4 hot tub weighs over 8500 pounds. In looking at the pictures that our Snorkel Hot Tub owners send us, it is clear that most spend much more time on the planning and building of their overall installation than on the tub assembly itself. The most basic consideration is where to put the hot tub. It may seem obvious, but is worth stating anyhow that, generally, the closer the hot tub is to the house, the more likely it is to be used. This is the case with either wood-fired or gas and electric hot tubs. The times that a hot tub is most appealing tends to be when the weather is rotten – cold and rainy or below freezing – and you are least likely to want to make a long trek to the tub. If the hot tub is to be located away from the house, make sure there is a nice comfortable all-season walkway access to it.

The first rule for on ground installations is that you do not want to just level a piece of ground and put the tub on it. Even with the 4 x 6 chine joists supplied, the tub is only a little over two inches off the ground. Water sloshing over the tub from getting in and out and rainwater runoff will cause dirt to splash up on the bottom of the tub as well as the staves. The acids in the soil can cause the wood to rot. Most woods commonly used for hot tub construction (Western Red Cedar, Redwood, etc) have properties that are highly resistant to rot caused by contact with water, but the acids in most soils will quickly deteriorate even the most rot resistant species. For on ground installations a concrete pad is ideal. If the bed is properly compacted and the surface level you should have a stable platform that will last the life of the tub. The pad itself should be 4” thick and reinforced with mesh to control (not prevent) cracking. If you will be putting in a concrete pad, give some thought to the need/desire for access and companion amenities such as chairs, a little table, etc.

You may want to make the pad significantly larger than the basic footprint of the hot tub to accommodate such items. There are many other types of satisfactory on ground bases that can be installed although they lack the permanent stability of the concrete pad. Many owners have opted for a gravel base, typically surrounded by railroad ties or other treated lumber. The basic approach is to dig a pit of appropriate size about 12-18 inches deep and fill it with medium size gravel/river rock. Two Seater Sofa IkeaA refinement is to use crushed rock (even in combination with sand) to fill the pit, as it will compact better and be more stable. Cheap Backdrop CurtainsThis type of base will almost certainly settle over time, but it is easy to re-level and can conveniently be done when the tub is emptied for cleaning. Hot Springs And Spa Colorado

Other on ground bases to consider are concrete pavers and patio blocks. Fitting the hot tub into or on a deck is probably one of the most esthetically pleasing and practical installations. Usually decks are adjacent to or at least close to the home making access (and use) quick and easy although many owners site their tubs to take advantage of views. The possibilities for deck installations are just about endless, but the hot tub itself is generally on the deck or recessed down into the deck either partially or completely. The support structure of the deck must be able to handle the weight of the filled tub with a safety margin. Local codes should be checked as they can be helpful and may govern your deck. If the hot tub is recessed down into the deck, make sure you plan for adequate access to the hot tub. If you are using a jet system with one of our wood-fired system or if you are using a gas or electrically heated hot tub, and if a leak or other issue develops in the plumbing, Murphy's Law will apply: it will almost certainly be in the most inaccessible location.

Also, in the latter stages of a wood hot tub's life, leaks may develop as the wood loses some of its resiliency. This is even more likely if the hot tub is allowed to go thru cycles of being wet and then drying out completely. You will want to be able to get at the hoops and lugs to tighten them and you may need to be able to pound on the staves with a mallet to further reseat them. If you are planning on putting one of our wood-fired hot tubs into a deck so that it is recessed down into the deck, your plan should situate the stove and it's chimneystack so that it is either: Available below as a pdf is an excellent article on deck design considerations from Cabin Life magazine: A number of owners opt to build either a freestanding structure or even a sunroom addition to house their tubs. The advantages and convenience of this approach include: a place to store tubbing related accessories such towels, wood storage for wood-fired tubs, a place to dry off and change into non-tubbing attire, etc.

When considering this option, remember that local building codes will apply and if you are running a wood stove chimney through a roof you will need appropriate triple wall stove pipe and related fittings. Please make sure to abide by local codes, particularly relating to wood-fired appliances. They have been developed to insure your safety.Similar to building a house, the base is the most important part!  It is the foundation that everything else will be built on.  Take you time and plan this stage ahead of time.  Having a good solid base with good drainage will give you years of enjoyment in your newly invested wood hot tub.  It is truly the difference between a tub that will last 15 plus years or a tub o a tub that will be problematic and require a complete redo of the hot tub foundation in a few years.  A BIG JOB once the tub is installed. The first thing to remember is that, while an empty wood hot tub weighs 400-700 lbs,but when full it can top 6,000 lbs. (8 tons!).  

And that's before any people are in it. With six average-size adults, your tub might push 7,500 lbs. So, you've got to make your plans with that kind of weight in mind.  Keep in mind that a wood hot tub foundation will bear more weight than that of a regular acrylic hot tub.  Of coarse building a foundation for an Ofuro Hot Tub requires much less weight support. Other important factors when choosing the location are Distance from power source.   Running outdoor wire for a hot tub or gas lines can be expensive.  Consider this when choosing the location!A hot tub is wet by nature and will overflow when too many people get in.  Make sure you choose a high ground location that does not flood when it rains and has natural drainage.  Other wise you many need to consider adding weeping tile around the foundation to move water away from the base Distance and accessibility to the house.  Hot tubbing is enjoyed in colder month so consider the distance you will need to cover to get back into the warm house!

Be sure to pick an area that is not in plain view of traffic or neighbors!  Also try and choose a location that enhances your experience with some natural beauty if possible. Once you've got these preliminary aspects in hand, your next decision will be how to support the wood hot tub. If you want to place it on a raised deck in your yard we suggest you talk to a carpenter so that the proper load calculations can be used to create a deck that will support your tub.  In most cases it is easier and more cost effective to place the tub foundation on the ground and build a deck around the tub. When placing the hot tub on the ground you will first need to mark out an area at least a foot wider than the outside dimensions of your hot tub.  Also consider where the spa pack equipment is going to be located as this should also be marked out for proper placement of the foundation. Next you will need to remove the grass and top soil and did down to the clay or at least 1 foot.  

Once you have a hole created you can then add a layer of sand followed by crushed limestone or other drainage rock between 1/2"-1/4".  The layer of sand will allow water to flow freely and the rock ontop will provide a good solid base. Next level the area and use a mechanical packer to ensure the base is tight.  We suggest adding paving stones that come in sizes ranging from 1'x1' to 2'x2'.  Place this tightly together on top of the gravel to for a top layer.   When done your base should extend about 6" above the surrounding area to give it plenty of slope for drainage. Send me More Information Enter what upper case letters you see above: need controller for Balboa VS spa heaterMessage: I need a controller (remote) for the Balboa Spa Heater, Model Number VS501Z.  I have not installed the unit yet.  I belie Read More...We ship wood fired hot tubs world wide?Message: Hi there just wondering whether shipping to Australia is available for any of your products? "We ship wood hot tubs world wide Read More...