A minimum distance of 5 feet between the hot tub and any combustible surface, such as the house or a deck. A sturdy and level foundation that can support the weight of the hot tub, including the water and people inside. Proper electrical wiring and grounding to prevent electrical hazards.
Proximity: Placing the tub near an entry door is convenient, especially during colder months. However, it needs to be at least 16 feet from power lines and 5 feet from buildings to minimize the risk of electrocution or flooding.
Receptacles, wall switches, and electrical devices and con- trols not associated with a spa or hot tub are required to be located at least 5 ft from the inside wall of the spa or hot tub. Receptacles within 10 ft are required to be protected by a GFCI.
Utility lines: DO NOT place your hot tub directly under or within 12 feet of overhead power, telephone or cable lines.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the tub will require a minimum of 24″, preferably 36″, of clearance around the entire tub. This will allow the tub to be assembled above the pit and then lowered down.
Adequate space around a hot tub ensures both functionality and safety. Make sure to leave at least 12 to 18 inches around the hot tub for easy access, and 3 feet for servicing. With proper planning, you can create a comfortable, accessible space for everyone to enjoy.
Hot tubs and swimming pools are required to be 1.2 m from side and rear property lines and may not be located in the actual front setback without a development permit. There can be no wires over a hot tub, unless it is covered by an overhead structure.
Choose a hot tub location not within 16 feet of overhead power lines to avoid electrocution. The equipment should also be 5 feet away from any other structure to reduce the risk of flooding. Many homeowners opt to place their hot tubs in-ground to protect family and guests from slips and falls.
The CDC recommends that children younger than 5 years old don't use a hot tub. Children, especially very young kids, are much more heat-sensitive than adults. At this age, kiddos can quickly become overheated by the warm water.
There must be a GFCI disconnect breaker panel at least 5′ from spa and within line of site of spa. Most spas will run effectively on a 50amp 2 pole main circuit breaker. Some spa manufacturers require a 60amp breaker.
If possible, keep your hot tub positioned in the shade. The combination of being sat in direct sunlight while relaxing in the hot water can quickly lead to you getting far too hot. So, staying shaded – whether that's by trees, a gazebo, garden umbrella, or a veranda, is for the best!
Benefits of Hiring an Electrician for Hot Tub Installation
If you hire a pro, hot tub electrical installation costs $1,900 to $4,200.
There must be at least one convenience receptacle between six and 20 feet from the inside wall of the hot tub. This must be a GFCI receptacle. All outdoor receptacles that are exposed to weather must have a weatherproof covering.
Use surge protection
Water and electricity don't mix, but that doesn't mean you can't have a TV near your hot tub. To protect your TV (and your entire outdoor space) from any potential water damage, be sure to plug it into a surge protector.
Above-ground hot tubs are considered personal property. This means they are not considered add-ons to the value of the home. An in-ground hot tub or spa may add value to a home. However, the biggest value-add in a property is for a home that has both a pool and a hot tub.
Although it may change from location to location, typically speaking, you will want to keep about 5 feet of distance between your spa and home.
Chances are, you have a water outlet or garden hose near one of the entrances to your home, making it a perfect spot for your hot tub. A few feet away from your home and a few feet away from your walkway is typically the ideal combination.
As a general rule you need two to three feet all the way around each side of any hot tub you're considering. You're going to want to have it placed as close to a door as you can. You're going to need 40” of space and eight feet in height all the way to the hot tub so you can have it delivered.
Water Chemistry Maintenance
Speaking of water chemistry, it's one of the most common issues with hot tubs - and it's usually the easiest to correct. To avoid big issues in the first place, test your water often. 4-in-1 strips are easy to use - with these, you can quickly identify the issue and take steps to correct it.
In most cases, very little to no damage will occur to the lawn when a pool, hot tub, or other chlorinated water source is emptied on it, provided it is not done frequently, dumped all in one spot, and care is taken to reduce the chlorine concentration as much as possible from the typical range for a pool or hot tub (1 ...
The alkaline chemical composition of Epsom salt may damage the hot tub equipment, interfere with sanitizers, and corrode metal parts.
Prefabricated vs. Custom
So, you likely won't need a building permit if you're installing an average-size above-ground hot tub. This changes, though, if you're having a hot tub custom-built, or are installing an in-ground hot tub. In that case, you'll probably need a building permit in order to proceed.
National and Local Requirements. There is a national standard that requires that all swimming pools must be at least 10 feet away from the house walls.
The labor cost to wire a hot tub averages between $200 and $800, depending on your existing wiring, especially its amperage, according to HomeAdvisor.