Some people look to make their hot tub the focal point of the garden whilst others decide to integrate it into the landscape of their outside space in a subtler way. Regardless of which option you choose to take, when it comes to positioning your hot tub there are four main factors to bear in mind:

CONVENIENCE: Positioning your hot tub near to the door of your house provides a quick route back into your home, which may be of particular benefit in colder climates. Temperatures inside a hot tub can be significantly higher than the surrounding ambient air, and the difference between the two can come as a surprise to some.

PRIVACY: It’s always sensible to position your hot tub in an area where you feel comfortable and at ease; preferably out of sight of any neighbours’ windows and not visible from the street. If the layout of your garden or outdoor space doesn’t offer you any naturally secluded areas, then gazebos or patio umbrellas can offer great alternative to giving you a sense of privacy..

VIEW: Where possible, orientate your hot tub in a way that allows you to enjoy a pleasant view whilst you’re in the water. Positioning your hot tub in the direction of surrounding natural landscape or simply an attractive part of your garden will enhance your hot tub experience.

SHELTER: If like many people your hot tub is destined to live a life outdoors, then it will be constantly exposed to the local weather. If so, it may be worthwhile installing your hot tub closer to the edge of the garden or features like walls and shrubs where it may enjoy a little more protection from the elements compared to a more exposed position in the middle of the garden. This may help the hot tub to maintain the set water temperature a little easier, in turn improving energy efficiency and help to reduce running costs long-term.

For more ideas on hot tub placement, view our image install gallery!

A swim spa is the perfect centerpiece, offering the best of a pool and hydromassage, exercise and recovery—all year round. Here are your foundation options to consider:

Above-ground installations: The quickest and easiest way to install a swim spa is above-ground with a structurally-sound and level concrete slab. The concrete pad should be slightly larger than the swim spa, and large enough to accommodate steps if needed. The slab can be expanded even further to accommodate space to walk around the swim spa.

Below grade installations: Having your swim spa partially or fully submerged in the ground is an attractive option. The swim spa is placed on a concrete pad, partially or fully recessed in the ground. This needs a level concrete base and concrete retaining wall to form a “bunker” for your swim spa. It is important to plan for access to the equipment for potential service needs. Proper drainage is essential in these installations to prevent damage to the equipment and the swim spa. Please consult installation guide for more details.

Specialty installations: For any swim spa installations indoors, as well as installations on the second story or above including roofs and platforms, it is imperative to work with an expert. Consult a Structural Engineer for interior and elevated installations, and a licensed architect or building contractor to consider all the needs of an indoor or second story installation. Please consult installation guide for more details.

Frame shim for all installations: It is mandatory to have full support of all gussets on your swim spa to keep it level and prevent bowing, so you may need to add a frame shim. You may not need a shim if your slab is perfectly flat and the frame makes perfect contact with the ground. Every swim spa will be delivered with a packet of shims in case they are needed.

A hot tub needs to be placed on a solid, level surface capable of supporting the full combined weight of the tub, the water contained within it and any people sitting inside. There are several options when it comes to laying an adequate foundation:

Concrete: a poured slab of concrete or concrete patio is a popular and low maintenance solution. Keep in mind that a concrete foundation doesn’t have particularly good drainage properties which is important if you live in a wet weather region.

Gravel: laying down gravel is a quick and cost-effective way to prepare a hot tub base. Unlike concrete it offers good drainage, but can be somewhat tough underfoot when getting in and out of the hot tub.

Paving Stones: not only are paving stones cheap but they come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes and finishes to match your tastes and garden style.

Hot tub pad: thee interlocking pads are made of high density plastic and are incredibly easy to install compared to other solutions. A hot tub pad is also lightweight and portable so can be easily removed if necessary.

Decking: a popular choice for use as a base and something that can be tailored around your garden. However, it is of crucial importance to consult with a qualified decking installation professional to ensure that the decking can support the full weight of your hot tub.

For more ideas on hot tub placement, view our image install gallery!

Your dealer will typically perform a site survey before delivery day to offer advice on areas such as access and positioning to ensure the install runs as smoothly as possible. An average installation will take between two and four hours, depending on the water pressure available when it comes to filling your hot tub. Installations with special requirements will take longer, during which we recommended objects like plants and outdoor furniture are cleared aside to ensure the delivery team has uninhibited access.

Positioning: for a standard installation the dealer will position the hot tub directly into the chosen location using their own equipment. Special lifting equipment such as a crane or Hiab will be your responsibility to organise for the right time on delivery day. From here, the service provider will lift, lower and position your hot tub.

Electrical Supply: once positioned, your hot tub will then be connected to your electrical supply, it is imperative that your electric supply has been tested prior to installation to ensure it is working, and that enough cable has been left to reach the isolator from the furthest point of your hot tub.

Filling & Training: after your hot tub has been connected to the electrical supply, it will be filled with water. From this point your dealer will be able to provide operating advice around features, cleaning chemicals and wider maintenance.

For more ideas on hot tub placement, view our image install gallery!