Your backyard is potentially a true extension of your home. It can improve your mood and reduce stress by creating a healthy environment for you to rest in. As many people upgrade their backyards to make them cozier and relaxing, many consider installing a hot tub there. But before anything else, there are requirements you need to consider when installing a hot tub in your backyard.
When installing a backyard hot tub, you must know about the hot tub building code and, if necessary, acquire a permit for the installation. You must also secure a proper placement for your hot tub and consider the electrical and water supply. These are the main requirements for hot tub installation in your backyard to ensure a smooth-running relaxation addition.
In this article, we will discuss the requirements for installing a backyard hot tub. This guide will help you manage a safe and sound home spa feel with your outdoor hot tub.
4 Requirements to Install a Backyard Hot Tub
Right now, a hot tub is considered by many people as a necessary thing more than luxuriousness. In the aspect of physical and emotional relaxation, your backyard hot tub might be your new favorite thing! Luckily, having a hot tub installed in your backyard is very simple and uncomplicated.
However, there are a couple of things you need to know if you are planning to get one. Detailed and cautious preparation will ease the installation process and secure the continuity of your relaxation.
Here are some of the requirements you need to comply with upon installing a backyard hot tub:
1. Hot tub building code
Consult with your local building official to determine whether you need a permit to install a hot tub in your backyard. Also, ask the Homeowners’ Association if there are any rules with regards to the installation of your hot tub outdoors.
If there are any, ensure that your outdoor hot tub installation complies with all local building codes, plumbing, and electrical codes as well. Compliance with all the requirements and guidelines not only saves you from paying fines, but also ensures your safety and that of your family.
2. Proper placement of the hot tub
Different models may have different guidelines and requirements, but eventually, all hot tubs need to be installed on a leveled and stable surface. Placing it directly on the ground may cause it to sink due to its weight. So, before getting a hot tub for your backyard, you need to consult with an expert to ensure that you will set up the required foundation for your hot tub. The necessary foundation ideas include a concrete pad for quick and easy foundation and a spa pad for a temporary setting. Either way, wherever you want to place your hot tub, it is needed to be leveled.
3. Electrical and plumbing safety
To ensure that your hot tub functions properly, hiring a professional electrician is required for safety. A skilled and certified electrician will make sure that you have a safe placement and distance from your hot tub’s location to the main breaker box. An expert is necessary to ensure that there is no risk of electric shock. Additionally, a good plumber may be needed to ensure the water supply lines are up to the standards.
4. Consider your water supply
There is no need for a dedicated water supply or special plumbing fixture to fill up your hot tub. You can fill it up with a sufficiently long hose from a good water outlet and a lot of patience. However, you may encounter local or regional water restrictions, and the best way to conserve water is to use drained water to water your plants in the garden.
One of the things that prevents people from getting hot tubs is the seemingly difficult process of cleaning and maintenance, but is this really the case? Are hot tubs hard to maintain? Read our article to find out.
Do You Need a Fence Around the Hot Tub?
The physical and emotional benefits of having a hot tub can never be paid for. But in all aspects of enhancing your property, safety and security are always the top priorities. You may wonder whether you need to fence your hot tub. If so, the answer may differ depending on your location. As we always suggest, check the rules and guidelines regarding having a hot tub in your backyard with your local municipality.
No matter where you live, and even if local regulations don’t require any barrier, you need to fence your hot tub for safety. Yes, a barrier is necessary to prevent unsupervised persons, especially children, from accessing the hot tub, causing them to drown. Nothing provides the peace of mind of securing your hot tub, especially if you have little ones.
How Much Does a Backyard Hot Tub Cost?
Hot tubs’ costs vary widely depending on their location, energy efficiency, size, type, materials, and some special features. These qualities will give you a hint of what you should expect when investing in a hot tub for your backyard.
Here are the types of hot tubs you may use as cost references, including the estimated installation cost. This will help you choose a hot tub that fits your budget:
- Luxury hot tub: around $11,000 to $16,000.
- Premium hot tub: around $8,000 to $11,000.
- Value-priced hot tub: around $5,000 to $8,000. Value-priced hot tubs are made of more durable acrylic and feature extra jets, finer insulation, and more (waterfall spouts, LED lights, etc.) compared to entry-level hot tubs.
- Entry-level hot tub: around $2,500 to $5,000. Entry-level hot tubs are normally made of less expensive plastic and have lesser jets and base-level insulation.
- Inflatable hot tub: usually less than $1,000.
- In-ground hot tub: at least $15,000.
Hot Tub Installation Costs at a Glance
- Average price: $3,500.
- Price range: $500-$6,500.
- Above-ground installation cost: around $100-$500.
- In-ground installation cost: around $1,000-$5,500.
Moving from one house to another is always stressful. If you are planning on taking your outdoor hot tub with you to your new place, you need to be prepared because this is a difficult process. To help you with this challenging task, here are 11 safe and easy steps to move your hot tub.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Outdoor Hot Tub
Having an outdoor hot tub will offer both advantages and disadvantages. These pros and cons will help you make the right decision regarding the acquisition of a hot tub for your backyard.
Advantages:
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Easy delivery and smooth installation
It is much easier to install a hot tub in your backyard than inside your home. Even though you need to build a strong foundation and set up a proper electrical connection, the entire installation cost is much lower. Clearing the path for the delivery, like moving your plants and other garden features, constitutes less effort than breaking walls to bring the hot tub inside your house.
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Wonderful setting
Nothing compares to the feeling of being closer to nature. Outdoor hot tubs allow you to experience the beauty of Mother Nature while soaking in warm calming water. Listening to the birds, watching the sunset, and smelling the fresh air is more relaxing than indoor settings.
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Open Ventilation
You do not need to worry about proper ventilation when setting up your hot tub outside. The heat and moisture from your hot tub will naturally evaporate in the air. There won’t be any negative effects on the surroundings because of the excess humidity that your hot tub creates as it is in an open area setting. Plus, you will never have to worry about warping walls and mold accumulation.
Disadvantages:
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Less private
If you are a private person, an outdoor hot tub might expose your privacy. Thus, you’ll need to install a higher fence or create an elevated landscape to keep seclusion. Trees and flowers add beauty in any way.
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Attracts insects
A water feature is a very inviting environment for insects, such as mosquitoes. Likewise, rodents, like mice, discover a new breeding ground within a hot tub installation. However, these may not be a big deal and can be prevented by placing natural repelling plants around your hot tub and adding repellent gel in your installation.
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Widely open to the elements
If you live somewhere with particularly warm or cold weather, your hot tub may get damaged in the long run. To avoid this, it is highly recommended to have a high-quality hot tub cover. It will keep away mosquitoes and other debris when not in use.
Conclusion
Who doesn’t want to lay back in a hot tub after a long day? Soothing jets and warm water can take the weight of stress off your shoulder and relieve aching muscles. Whether you want to use it for hydrotherapy or pleasure, a hot tub is a positive addition to your backyard.
Outdoor hot tub settings allow you to watch birds and butterflies linger, trees and flowers bloom during the day, and stargaze and unwind under the moon at night while soaking in delightfully warm water. Your family will love hot tubs, and having one creates a fun opportunity to bond with them.
