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.

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.

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. 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. 

3. Prepare the Base

When hot tubs are filled, they can weigh anywhere from 2,000 ro 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. 

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.

5. Relax!

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

Still Have Questions About Yard Prep For Your Hot Tub?

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About The Author:

Manny Brambila

Pool & Spa Expert

Manny has been in the Pool & Spa industry for over 15 years and is considered a pool, swim spa, & hot tub expert. He has been a Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) since 2009 and worked 15 years in aquatic training and development for the largest pool chemical and customer care company. He also has been an outside consultant for the Pool and Spa industry in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles since 2018. In the past few years Manny has become Director of Operations for Epic Hot Tubs with a priority of providing customers with the most reliable information and best service possible.