How to Prep Your Yard for a Hot Tub

Congratulations, you bought a new hot tub! But, before you can enjoy your new spa, you need to ensure your yard is prepped and ready to go. There are a few steps involved in the yard preparation process that we have broken down into an easy to follow guide. Or course, if you have any further questions, you can contact us or talk to your hot tub dealer directly. Now that we’re ready, let’s discuss how to prep for your hot tub delivery.

Table of Contents

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2. 11. Choose a Location
3. 22. Prepare the Base
4. 33. Can You Put a Hot Tub on Grass?
5. 44. Clear a Path
6. 55. Schedule an Electrician
7. 66. Relax!

1.Choose a Location

Choosing a location for your hot tub is the first step in this process. There are many things to consider when deciding where to place your hot tub. Many people initially want to place their tub further from the house for better views and peacefulness, but often this leads to more infrequent use. Especially in colder climates, consider how frequently you will actually want to walk through the snow and cold to get to and from your hot tub.

When planning your hot tub site prep, consider accessibility and privacy. Ensure the location allows easy access for maintenance and emergency situations, with a clear path to your home’s electrical panel for the electrician. Privacy is also key for a relaxing hot tub experience—choose a spot shielded from neighbors’ views, perhaps using fencing or landscaping. Proper hot tub preparation means balancing convenience, aesthetics, and functionality to create an inviting backyard oasis.

Being closer to the house also makes the electrical hookup easier and cheaper as it is less distance to run the wires. It is also important to ensure that your hot tub is within reach of a hose. The tub will need to be drained and refilled throughout the year, so check that your hose can reach. Make sure that the area you are placing the hot tub has sufficient room for steps and a cover (if you are getting a cover lifter, ensure there is clearance to open the cover as well) and room to open the tub’s access panel.

2. Prepare the Base

When hot tubs are filled, they can weigh anywhere from 2,000 to 8,000 pounds plus the weight of everyone in the tub, so it is crucial that the ground can handle this load. If a hot tub is put on grass or soil, it risks sinking or creating a muddy mess. It is recommended that your hot tub goes on a deck, concrete pad or pea gravel. If you are planning on putting your hot tub on a deck, first have a contractor inspect the site to ensure it is structurally sound. If you choose to have a concrete or pea gravel base, it is recommended to be 4-6″ deep. Pea gravel offers better drainage than concrete, but risks shifting over time.

Base Type	Pros	Cons	Best For
Concrete Pad	Durable, stable, low maintenance	Higher cost, permanent	Long-term installations
Pea Gravel	Affordable, good drainage	May shift over time, less stable	Budget-conscious homeowners
Reinforced Deck	Aesthetic, integrates with home	Requires structural inspection	Homes with existing decks

3. Clear a Path

Make sure the path from the road to where you will place your hot tub is cleared. The hot tub will be standing upright when it is moved in which usually requires about 36″ to 48″. If there is no way to clear a path of this width, it is possible to use equipment like a crane to lift your hot tub into place. Speak with your hot tub dealer beforehand to confirm the width you will need and discuss other options if necessary.

4. Schedule an Electrician

The final step is to schedule an electrician to hook up your new hot tub. Most hot tubs run on 220V, so an electrician is required to safely install your hot tub. Your hot tub dealer should be able to recommend a good electrician.

To streamline how to prep for a hot tub, coordinate with your electrician early in the process. Discuss your hot tub’s voltage requirements—typically 220V—and ensure your electrical panel can support the load. Prepping the site includes marking the path for electrical conduit to avoid future disruptions. This step in hot tub preparation ensures your spa is powered safely and efficiently, letting you focus on relaxation.

5. Relax!

The hard work is done and now it is finally time to enjoy your new hot tub! Relax, you’ve earned it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Put a Hot Tub on Grass?

Many homeowners wonder, “Can I put a hot tub on grass?” While it’s technically possible, it’s not recommended without proper ground prep for a hot tub. Grass or bare soil can’t support the immense weight of a filled hot tub, which can lead to sinking, uneven settling, or a muddy mess after rain. For proper hot tub base preparation, you’ll need a stable, level surface. Options like a concrete pad, pea gravel, or a reinforced deck are ideal, as they distribute weight evenly and ensure longevity. If you’re set on a grassy area, consider laying a temporary base like interlocking foam mats, but consult a professional to confirm it can handle the load. Preparing ground for a hot tub correctly prevents costly repairs and ensures a safe, enjoyable experience.

Still Have Questions About Yard Prep For Your Hot Tub?

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