Hot Tubs Archives - Johnson Pools & Spas

6 Things to Consider When Planning a Hot Tub Installation

Written by vksorpdq-ca on September 13, 2022. Posted in Blog, Hot Tubs, Outdoor Living. No Comments on 6 Things to Consider When Planning a Hot Tub Installation

These days, owning a hot tub is considered by many to be a necessity more than a luxury.

Because of the physical, mental and emotional benefits soaking in a hot tub daily provides, it just might become your new best friend.

While hot tub installation is a straightforward and generally simple process, there are a few things you need to know as you prepare for your new hot tub.

We’ve outlined six things you should consider when having a hot tub installed.

1. Placement

Choosing that perfect spot for your new hot tub may not be as simple as you think. When it comes to hot tub placement, there are a few things you need to consider.

You’ve probably already decided whether you’ll be installing your hot tub inside or outside. Hopefully, you made this decision before choosing your hot tub model, as indoor installations can be trickier and may require more work to meet engineering and safety requirements.

If you plan on installing your hot tub indoors, you’ll have to take extra steps to ensure adequate ventilation. Exhaust fans will have to be installed to circulate air around the hot tub and control humidity. Too much moisture can damage your home’s walls and flooring.

2. Electrical Supply

Your hot tub will need to be hardwired to a dedicated power supply that has no other lights or appliances connected to it. Your hot tub configuration requirements will be determined by the model you choose.

A skilled and qualified electrician will need to install the power supply and adapt your breaker box.

3. Space

There must be enough room not just for movement or getting in and out of your tub, but also for maintenance. You’ll need to choose a location that allows for easy access to the inner workings of the hot tub.

We recommend leaving at least 30 inches around all sides and back panels of the hot tub.

4. Privacy

Most people want their hot tub to be a relaxing escape. It may be hard to unwind with your neighbor’s 5-year-old making faces at you from their upstairs window. Choose an area of your yard that offers some barriers (built or natural) from the sounds and views of surrounding homes.

Common choices are arbors and hedges. Just keep in mind that overhanging vegetation can be a nuisance when it falls into your hot tub.

5. Safety

Plan for additional fencing or safety locks on gates to keep local kids and small animals from wandering in. Covering your hot tub not only improves safety but also helps keep your water hot and water clear.

6. Foundation

Your hot tub must be placed on the leveled ground with a strong foundation. An inadequate foundation may pose a safety hazard and can damage the hot tub. Damage caused by inadequate foundations may not be covered by a warranty.

Quick Tip: Don’t Forget About Local Permits and Regulations

Not all cities require building permits when installing hot tubs in a backyard. However, it is best to check with your local government and comply when necessary. Our hot tub experts can help familiarize you with local codes and ordinances that may have an effect on the installation process as well as any permitting required.

You may also have to follow certain rules when choosing a location, such as the space between your home and your hot tub clearance from overhead power lines and the spa panel.

Your Huntsville Hot Tub Experts

Choosing the right place for your hot tub is a big decision to make. Taking the time in selecting the perfect spot that provides adequate support, shelter, and access is important to ensure that your new space is the backyard oasis that you want it to be.

Give the hot tub experts at Johnson Pools & Spas a call or stop by our hot tub showroom in Huntsville today to choose the best model for your needs.

About the Company

Since 1977, Johnson Pools & Spas has been providing Huntsville, Madison, Decatur, and the surrounding areas with all of its pool, spa, and outdoor living needs. From inground pool design and construction to hot tub installation, pool and spa service & maintenance, pool renovation and much more, our certified pool and spa professionals have the experience and knowledge to create and care for gorgeous poolscapes throughout the area.

In addition to the best pool and hot tub chemicals, Johnson Pools & Spas also carries energy-efficient equipment, patio furniture, grills, Big Green Egg, and more. We offer FREE computerized water testing and expert advice for the easiest water care possible. Stop by our Huntsville pool supply store today for all of your pool and hot tub care needs.

For more information from the pool care experts at Johnson Pools & Spas, be sure to like us on Facebook or subscribe to our YouTube channel.

How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost to Run?

Written by vksorpdq-ca on February 14, 2022. Posted in Blog, Hot Tubs. No Comments on How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost to Run?

There’s nothing like slipping into a hot tub at the end of a long day. It relaxes you and helps all your stress simply melt away. If you have a new hot tub, or you’re considering getting one, you might want to know how much it will cost to maintain and keep it running.

So are hot tubs expensive to run?

The actual dollar amount you’ll invest in hot tub maintenance is based on a variety of factors. We’ll explore some of the common elements that impact the cost of running your hot tub, but we bet you’ll find the relaxation is well worth it!

The Size of Your Hot Tub

How much will you pay for water and electricity to keep your hot tub running? The biggest factor is the size of your hot tub. You can get a small tub that will seat two to three people or a large one that seats seven or more.

The larger tub will need more water, electricity, and chemicals to keep everything in balance. The good news is that with today’s energy-efficient models, a large tub doesn’t use that much more electricity than a small one.

Energy Efficiency

Speaking of energy efficiency, it can help you save a lot of money. If you plan to maintain an outdoor hot tub during very cold winters, you’ll want to ensure that you pick a very energy-efficient model — otherwise, you’ll be paying a lot to keep your spa running!

Look at the level of insulation in the hot tub cabinet and select a model with a dedicated circulation pump. This will help circulate the spa water using very little energy. You’ll also want to make sure your model includes a foam cover and LED lights to really tap into its energy efficiency.

Choose Your Water Care

The type of water care program you choose is the last factor for the cost of maintaining your hot tub. Traditional bottled water care is good and has done well for spa owners for many years. But if you want to up your game a bit, you might consider a combination of ozone, silver, and MPS. While this will cost a bit more, you won’t have to do as much maintenance over time.

Finally, the top-of-the-line treatment is an automated saltwater system. This requires less from you but does cost more to purchase upfront. It’s up to you to decide what kind of water care makes the most sense for you in terms of time and money.

Your Huntsville Hot Tub Experts

Having a hot tub can make spending time at home much more enjoyable and relaxing. Regardless of the model you choose, you’ll have some costs when it comes to running and maintaining the hot tub.

The good news is that hot tubs provide enough value in terms of at-home entertainment and fun that they are well worth the cost of running the equipment. Plus, today’s energy-efficient models are far less expensive to run.

If you’re interested in a hot tub, give the hot tub experts at Johnson Pools & Spas a call or stop by our hot tub retail store in Huntsville today.

About the Company