Steps to Cleaning & Setting Up a Hot Tub
Hot tubs make for great additions to your home, upping the home value while offering a relaxing location for small gatherings. Most modern hot tubs are plug and fill affairs, requiring little more than a power source and a nearby hose. However, the most basic of tubs still requires a certain amount of setup and cleaning before use. The best method of ensuring the successful installation of your hot tub is preparation. From choosing a site to readying the area, if you prepare for the tub completely before delivery, the actual setup process is a simple one. Just plug it in, fill it up and enjoy a relaxing soak in your new hot tub. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Reinforced concrete slab
- GFCI rated electrical outlet
- Furniture dolly
- Hot tub steps
- Hot tub cover
- Screwdriver
- Wrench
- Nonabrasive, nonfoaming cleaner
- Sponge
- Hot tub filter
- Garden hose
Instructions
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1
Find a suitable location for the hot tub. You'll need a level surface formed of a material suitable for supporting the filled weight of the tub plus the combined weight of the tub's users. Check with the spa manufacturer for its filled weight. Create a support surface with at least 20 percent additional support capability for a safety margin. For best results, pour a reinforced 4-inch-thick concrete slab as a support foundation and allow it to cure completely before spa installation. Make sure the location is next to a GFCI rated electrical outlet. These outlet types automatically disconnect the electricity should water contact the system.
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2
Move the hot tub from the delivery point at the curb to the installation site using a helper and a furniture dolly. Lower the tub gently into place and then plug it into the electrical outlet.
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3
Turn off the electricity to the hot tub from the circuit breaker. Close the gate valves and drain valve on the tub to prevent water escaping from the unit during setup.
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4
Mount any steps and cover to the hot tub to allow for easy access and to prevent debris from accumulating in the unit. Use a screwdriver or wrench to add the stair or cover, securing them tightly in place.
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5
Clean the hot tub with a mild nonabrasive, nonfoaming cleaner using a sponge. Rinse with clean water then dry with a piece of cloth.
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6
Install the tub filter. Filter installation varies by model so consult the owner's manual for precise installation instructions pertaining to your particular model type.
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Fill the tub using a garden hose to the fill level indicated. Pour in any water additives recommended by the owner's manual at this time.
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Turn on the power to the tub from the circuit breaker and then turn on the hot tub as per the owner's manual instructions.
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Tips & Warnings
Add extra drainage from the tub in the form of drainage pipes in the surrounding ground in case of leaks that lead away from the foundation of any nearby structures.
References
Resources
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