How to Install a Jacuzzi

The term Jacuzzi has become synonymous with whirlpool tubs that may be installed inside a home or outside as a spa. Using strategically placed water pumps, a Jacuzzi offers relaxation, may be used for hydrotherapy, or helps with soothing sore muscles. Today the presence of a Jacuzzi tub inside guest rooms makes for a marketable commodity of virtually any upscale hotel, while homes that feature built in tubs tend to fetch higher selling prices. If you are ready to add a Jacuzzi to your home, these steps are designed to help you learn how to install a Jacuzzi outside with little problem.

Things You'll Need

• Location
• Concrete
• Jacuzzi owner’s manual
• Outlet or circuit breaker and copper wiring
• Drainage
• Steps
• Filter
• Garden hose

Instructions

1. Pick out the location for your Jacuzzi. Assuming you are going to place it outside, make sure it is not located underneath power lines, next to your home’s foundation, or in a corner that bars access to the technical components located underneath the tub. Make certain that you have direct access to an electrical outlet since the use of extension cords is prohibited by the manufacturer’s warranty and will void it.

2. Level the ground, remove any debris or rocks, and mix the concrete according to the directions. Pour a concrete slab foundation that is about 5 to 7 inches thick and large enough to accommodate the circumference of the Jacuzzi. Consult your Jacuzzi’s owner’s manual for the actual perimeter measurements.

3. Decide on the wiring. Even though your Jacuzzi is equipped with a plug, more and more contractors strongly urge consumer to hardwire the whirlpool tubs and connect a circuit breaker to the item. This makes sense since it allows you to shut off the power to only the tub if service is required, but if you decide to go ahead and hardwire the tub, use copper wire only to stay in step with the manufacturer’s recommendations and not void your warranty. The company has a dedicated wiring diagram for the use of consumers setting up their connections. The wiring may be completed before you even bring home the Jacuzzi.

4. Consider your drainage. Although rare, should a leak occur, it is vital that the water from the Jacuzzi drains away from your home or any areas that may cause water damage to your property. Since water seeks out the lowest level for pooling, prepare for the eventuality by installing some drainage pipes that lead away from the home toward the yard or other area where water will not cause damage.

5. Bring home the tub and center it on the poured concrete slab. Hook it up to the electricity and the disconnect box that you wired into your home’s circuitry earlier during Step 3.

6. Construct steps that permit access to the tub or purchase some that are already pre-manufactured. Attach them to the Jacuzzi in such a manner that they are stationary and cannot be moved or tipped over accidentally.

7. Set up the Jacuzzi cover and install the screws that hold the slots through which the cover aglets thread. In the excitement this step is often overlooked but in so doing you are postponing one of the most important steps to keeping your tub clean and protected from the environment.

8. Install the filter in the side of your tub according to the manufacturer’s directions and use the garden hose to fill the tub with water. Add any water additives recommended in the installation guide.

Tips & Warnings

• It is possible to install your Jacuzzi on a deck, but prior to doing so have it checked out by an architect to ensure that the structure will not collapse. Remember that a filled tub may weigh between 2,200 and 5,000 lbs.

• Unless you are thoroughly well versed in electrical wiring, do not turn on anything until you had a chance to call a licensed electrician to come out and at least inspect your handiwork.

Resources

• Jacuzzi Hot Tubs website to download the wiring diagram for hardwiring your Jacuzzi tub to a power supply