How to Prepare Your Garden Space for Hot Tub Installation

The Four Different Types of Installation you Can Choose for Your Hot Tub

Choosing a hot tub is exciting, and knowing you have a delivery date makes for a great feeling as you’ll soon be enjoying a fantastic hydromassage experience. But one of the factors that’s sometimes overlooked is the installation of the hot tub. There are different ways to install your hot tub based on what you’re looking for and how you want it to be viewed in your garden or indoor space.

Here we’ll look through the four different types of installation you can choose from and explain some of the pros and cons of each type.  

in ground hot tub installation

1. In-Ground

Hot tubs can be placed in the ground, with 90% hidden below surface level. This can look fantastic; with the vast majority of the hot tub sunken, it can make getting in and out of the hot tub very easy, as the top of the hot tub is usually level with the ground for smooth access. This also makes for an impressive centrepiece or focal point of a garden or indoor space. 

In-ground installations do come with additional considerations as the hot tub is surrounded on all four sides. This means that access to the parts and plumbing requires additional planning to create accessibility to reach them should servicing or maintenance be required.

In-ground installations are a great way to show off your hot tub, but they require additional costs and time to ensure they are installed safely and will remain so long term. One of the ways this is guaranteed is by creating a vault where the hot tub is placed. 

This requires suitable drainage to be in place before a concrete vault is created around the area where the hot tub is going to be installed. This vault will house the hot tub and ensure the earth and area surrounding the hot tub don’t affect the cabinetry or plumbing by keeping it away from the hot tub. Once all this is done, the hot tub can be placed and start to be used.  

An in-ground installation can be an exciting process and means a few extra steps need to be in place beforehand, but once this is done, you can set about creating a fantastic focal point for your indoor or garden area. 

However, one of the challenges that can come with such an installation is the need for access. Having all four sides of the hot tub inaccessible makes it challenging when service is needed. Creating an access hatch will be necessary - talking about where to place this with your dealer will be the best way forward. 

 

semi - recessed installation

2. Semi Recessed

Similar to an in-ground installation, a semi-recessed one provides a half-sunken hot tub that exposes half of the cabinetry while concealing the rest. This can create an impressive piece of garden or outdoor scenery and tie a space together. Equally, if you’re looking to build around a hot tub and not have it be free-standing, this can be a perfect way to create easier access to a hot tub. 

Like an in-ground installation, a semi-recessed hot tub will require more thought and planning, with a vault created to house the hot tub and appropriate safety and drainage measures taken if needed. An access panel will also be required on at least one side for maintenance purposes. 

While having similar challenges as an in-ground hot tub installation, a semi-recessed hot tub can be a great way to enjoy a relaxing time together with friends and family. Speaking with your dealer about a semi-recessed installation is the best way to understand the complete picture of how this works and any extra time that will be needed to prepare for it.  


CHOOSE YOUR FOUNDATION

3. In decking

Having a hot tub in decking, either surrounding the entire tub on all four sides or having the hot tub fit into one of the corners, can give the same effect as an in-ground tub. But this type means there's no need for a vault system or the additional considerations needing to create an access hatch. 

The hot tub can be accessed on usually one or two sides; therefore, there’s no need for an access hatch as the cabinetry is freely available, meaning servicing can be carried out without restraint.  

In decking means you have a lot of versatility with how you place your hot tub. Many people design their decking around the colour of the hot tub cabinetry to blend in seamlessly. One of the significant advantages of an in deck installation is that you can create an amazing looking hot tub with great access and still create a social focus within almost any space. 

free standing hot tub installation

4. Free standing

Free standing installations are the easiest out of the four, as they require minimal additional considerations. As the name suggests, the hot tub is free standing in place without any support. This is the quickest installation type, as it only requires the space you’re intending to have the hot tub base placed on laid with a flat surface, such as concrete. 

The great thing about a free-standing hot tub is its complete accessibility and capability to be filled up and used within 3-5 days of delivery. While it may not look as stylish as an in-ground hot tub, it does mean it can be placed almost anywhere within reason, creating versatility in its placement. 


No matter what type of installation you choose, it’s important to speak with your dealer to fully understand what needs to be prepared before the delivery of the hot tub. They will come and do a site inspection and advise on the best location for the hot tub and explain the process from start to finish.

FINAL POINTS

No matter what type of installation you choose, it’s important to speak with your dealer to fully understand what needs to be prepared before the delivery of the hot tub. They will come and do a site inspection and advise on the best location for the hot tub and explain the process from start to finish. 

Not sure what type of installation you’re looking for? Check out our hot tub inspiration gallery. Haven’t decided on which hot tub will work best for you? Click here for a free brochure, and we’ll get in touch to help you find the perfect hot tub.