What’s the Best Location for a Hot Tub?

We all know how much location matters. Picture it: you’ve found the perfect house, but it’s right underneath powerlines or near the city dump. Similarly, where you place your hot tub matters. You wouldn’t put your refrigerator in the bathroom or your shower in the kitchen, so why would you just stick your hot tub anywhere that fits?

A hot tub is not only a big investment financially, but also spatially. You should take some time to consider the space limitations of your yard, deck, or appropriate indoor space. With some careful thought and planning, a hot tub can not only enrich your landscaping, but can also bring added value to your home and your life.

Bring It On

Wherever you decide to place your spa, make sure that you have a path to get it there. If you are placing it outside, make sure that your spa will fit through any gates or around any landscaping obstacles that may be in the way. If this is a problem, you could consider removing sections of fencing, railings, or even trees to get your hot tub to its new home. Placing your spa by crane is also an option and can be more affordable that removing landscaping depending on the circumstances. If installation is occurring indoors, make sure that your spa will fit through any doorways before you finalize your purchase. We have spas of every size and will be more than happy to help you find the right fit for your needs.

Good For Your Joints, Bad For Your Deck’s Joints

While your hot tub may look light sitting in the store or even on the delivery truck, it is a different story when it’s filled with water and excited guests. Therefore, it’s important to also consider the weight implications on whatever surface you plan to put your spa. For outside installation, we recommend the foundation be a four-inch concrete slab that is level and structurally sound (meaning no large cracks). While you could also consider gravel, bricks, railroad ties, or paving stones, we always stress that your hot tub needs a solid foundation that won’t shift. If you are planning to place your hot tub on a deck or inside your house, you should consult with a building contractor or structural engineer to make sure that the weight of your unit doesn’t exceed the recommended capacity. The last thing you want is to be relaxing in your hot tub and then fall through the floor!

I’m King of The World!

Before you can plug in your new spa and get to relaxing, you should consider one important question: where will all the water go? Eventually, you will need to drain your hot tub to clean and perform routine maintenance and that water will need to go somewhere else. Also, you are extremely likely to have splashes and overflow while using your hot tub, especially if you’re planning to use it to entertain. Water can wreak havoc on wooden surfaces like decks and floorboards and if there is not a drain already present, you should install one that sends the water away from the unit’s equipment compartment (noted in delivery instructions). If your spa is sitting on wood, pre-treat it with an oil-based sealant that will help prevent mildew, mold, and rot.

Location, Location, Location

Where you put your spa is a lot more important than just considering where it will look the most attractive or get the best view. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures (in either direction) and your hot tub is too far away from your house, you may be less likely to use it. Trudging through a backyard full of snow and ice or in boiling temperatures may not be appealing, leading you to waste valuable time that you could be relaxing. Placing your spa closer to your house or on a patio or deck may be a particularly attractive option, depending on your space. Additionally, if you have small children you should consider how easy it is to keep an eye on both your spa and your children’s safety. Being unable to quickly see what is happening in your hot tub may create stress instead of alleviating it.

Mr. Clean

Every hot tub owner must perform routine maintenance and cleaning. It is important to consider these tasks when selecting the location. Will it be difficult to reach every side of the hot tub in case there is a necessary repair? Are there trees or other obstacles that will make reaching the access panel more complicated? Will nearby trees drop leaves and other items into your spa, causing you to clean it more often? By planning for these eventualities before you place your spa, you can save yourself valuable time and money later.

What Happens in Your Backyard, Stays in Your Backyard

Evaluating your backyard for privacy should also be a key factor when deciding on hot tub placement. If you are planning to use your tub for relaxation and rejuvenation, the last thing you want to see is your nosey next-door neighbor’s face staring at you over your fence. If you know that your neighbors throw loud parties, perhaps try to position your hot tub away from the noise where you can still find peace. You will be soaking in your tub for years, so make sure that you can enjoy the view.

There is no perfect location that will magically suit everyone’s needs. But if you take the time to consider what you experience you’d like with your hot tub, you can make an educated choice for its location, increasing your enjoyment and decreasing the potential for problematic complications.

If you’re located in Longview or Tyler, Texas, or anywhere in East Texas, give us a call at East Texas Spa for a delivery consultation!