Spa Pads
HotTubMoves.com will build a gravel, concrete, interlocking brick paver, stamped/stained concrete, or composite/pressure treated wood spa pad for your hot tub. We also build hardscaped/ recessed pads with retaining walls and necessary drainage systems. Pond less waterfalls, streams and fountains can be constructed to add a high impact accent to your spa.
You may already have a special indoor or outdoor spot picked out for your new hot tub. Regardless, it is your responsibility to make sure the site is properly prepared, whether on the ground, on a floor, deck, patio or slab.
All spas are designed for either outdoor or indoor installation, although most people prefer outdoors. Make sure that you observe the following:
- Since a filled spa will have considerable weight, make sure it is placed on a structurally-sound surface which will support the weight of the spa, water, and occupants. Uneven and unsound surfaces can damage the spa and void your warranty.
- If outdoors, make sure that the site has adequate drainage so that rainwater will not be able to pool around the spa.
- Level the surface before filling spa with water.
- Plan in advance for proper access to power source and circuit panels.
- Leave access to the hot tub's removable equipment compartment panel for future service needs.
Preparing an Outdoor Site
Most spa owners will put their new spas outdoors. Here we describe various options to provide a firm level surface, unless you already have a suitable existing patio. Keep in mind that installing your spa on the ground without a perimeter boardwalk, paver stone, concrete sidewalk or other suitable walkway will result in an increase in the amount of debris that is inadvertently brought into the hot tub on user's feet. A perimeter walkway can of course be added later.
Gravel Base
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Gravel or crushed rock is one of the least expensive materials for a spa base. Be sure that the ground underneath is properly compacted to prevent future settling, level, and that rainwater drainage is considered. An access walkway of stepping stones is a nice finishing touch. |
Poured Concrete Slab
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Concrete is a good, long-term foundation base. Although not inexpensive, it's low maintenance and adds value to your home.
Reinforced concrete at least four inches thick, that can support a weight of at least 115 lbs. per square foot is recommended, especially for larger spas. Make sure concrete is fully cured before placing spa, and code conforming.
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Paver Stone
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Concrete pavers are a beautiful base material, available in a wide array of choices. Whether you do-it-yourself, or hire a landscaping contractor, make certain that the base is prepared according to the stone manufacturer's specifications and leveled to ensure a stable foundation. Inter-locking brick pavers come in a variety of sizes, shapes, patterns and colors. See www.paversystems.com. |
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Deck Installations
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If you plan a deck site, you must first determine the deck's maximum load capacity. Consult with a qualified building contractor or structural engineer before placing your hot tub on an elevated deck. The manufacturer of your spa can give you its filled weight. Remember to also add the weight of the occupants. The spa's weight per square foot must not exceed the rated capacity of the structure to avoid damage and possible injury. |
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Deck designs and configurations are limited only by one's imagination. Set-top deck installations are best because they allow easy access to the spa cabinet for cleaning and maintenance. If you decide to build a deck around your hot tub, be sure to allow for access to the equipment compartment panel so that future service is not hindered.
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How much does it cost to have a spa foundation pad built? It depends on the size of the pad you want. For example a common spa is 7’x7’ which is 49 sq ft. Gravel/patio stones: $200 50 sq ft Mixed/2nd Pavers* $360 90 sq ft Concrete: Broom finnish $400 90 sq ft 1st Run Pavers: $450 90 sq ft Concrete: Colored/stamped $500 90 sq ft *Homeowner must pick out and purchase a complete cube(usually 100 sq ft) on site at Paver Systems at: A paver cube will fit in the back of a ½ ton truck. If you cannont transport, HotTubMoves will deliver the paver cube for you. Paver 2nds are very limited and only available in small amounts. Usually enough for a spa pad, sitting area and a small walk 100-300 sq ft. Buy a hot tub and let us build a spa pad AND a splash pad water park next to the spa for the children. Easy low cost maintenance without all the hassles of a pool. Splash Pads cost $4000-7000. www.BackyardSplashPads.com
Indoor Spa Setup
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Indoor installations have special considerations. The room should be properly ventilated to allow moisture to escape. Using your hot tub for 15 minutes releases the equivalent water vapor as a shower of the same duration. Installation of a bathroom fan or other venting system is a good idea to prevent excess condensation in the room. Unless placing the spa on a suitable concrete slab, you will need to verify that the supporting floor structure will accommodate the filled weight of the spa with occupants. A qualified contractor or a structural engineer can help you determine that requirement. Check your spa's specifications for the estimated weight load of the filled unit. (A gallon of water weighs approx. 8.35 lbs.) If building a new room for the spa, a floor drain is a good idea since water may be splashed from the tub. Select flooring which provides a good grip for wet feet. |
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Electrical Service Requirements
240 Volt Spas
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Full-sized acrylic spas are designed for the most part to operate on hard-wired, GFCI-protected 220-240V 50 amp circuits. Some spas with multiple pumps may require a 60 amp service. Refer to your owner's manual for specifications. |
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These spas must be wired by a qualified electrician. The National Electrical Code specifies that a manual disconnect device for your hot tub be installed at least 5 ft. away, and within line of sight of the spa for safety. Consult with your local building department for additional information. |
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We recommend our easy-to-install For spa loads up to 60 amps, use our new |
Our load centers conveniently provide an additional 120V branch circuit which can be used for deck or landscape lighting... or use the circuit to add an outdoor power receptacle for BBQ rotisserie, etc. Designed for easy installation.
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Plug-n-Play 110 Volt Spas
There are quite a few plug-n-play lightweight portable spas available today which use standard household voltage of 110-120 volts.
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Note: Dedicated circuits are required to prevent overload. Read your owner's manual. |
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Getting Ready for the Delivery
Access for Larger Spas
Prior to the arrival of your new spa, you should ensure that there is clear access for moving the spa from the truck to the setup location. It may be necessary to remove a section of fence, trim tree branches or shrubs, move a doghouse, firewood stack or any other protrusions that might be in the way. Check also for overhead clearance*.
Positioning the Spa 
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If you anticipate any difficulty in moving the spa over uneven ground or lawn areas, you can prepare a smooth runway from a sheet of 5/8" plywood, cut in |
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Although rarely needed, in instances where the setup location of a spa is inaccessible by normal means, a crane service can position it. This costs less than you might expect, often just a few hundred dollars depending upon the job scope and location. |
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Startup
With your spa in its final location and wired correctly, you can begin with startup. Make sure you have read your owner's manual before proceeding:
- Turn off all electrical power to the equipment at the circuit breaker.
- Make sure that the spa's gate valves are open if so equipped (consult owner's manual).
- Check to see that drain valve is closed.
- Clean interior of spa with suitable mild, non-foaming, non-abrasive cleaner.
- Check to see that the filter(s) are properly seated.
- Using garden hose, fill spa with clean cold water to level specified in owner's manual. Low water levels can cause damage to the pump and heater element.
- Open equipment door and observe for any leaks around union fittings. Tighten if necessary.
- Turn on power at the circuit breaker.
- Operate your spa's controls per owner's manual instructions.
- Balance your water chemistry and use a sanitizer system.
Heating
Don't expect to immediately feel hot water from the jets. Initially, the hot tub may take approximately from 7-8 hours to a day to heat, depending upon its size and other factors.
