HOT TUBS: ARE THEY THE RIGHT CHOICE?

The heat is on, so make sure you prioritize safety and you work with professionals

For most people, a hot tub is worth the money if you use it regularly — and don’t mind spending the time and energy to maintain it. Hot tubs are a great way to unwind, ease tight muscles and hang out with friends and family. But installing one is a big project with some significant upfront costs, and I’d leave the installation to the pros unless you are a skilled handyman.

When buying a hot tub, there are many things to consider. You need enough space for your hot tub, electrical and plumbing, a concrete foundation or a properly supported deck and maybe even an engineer or architect depending on your plan.

More likely than not, you will require permits when installing a hot tub. Of course, this depends on where you live and local building codes. Remember, a homeowner risks having to remove the hot tub, making the entire project a waste of time and money, if codes are not followed. Not to mention the potential risk when working with electricity and water.

Extra precaution is required when doing any electrical work close to water to prevent deadly electrical shocks. A licensed electrical contracting business should handle electrical needs for swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, ornamental ponds and water features to make sure it’s done properly and safely. Also, make sure your hot tub is not placed within 10 feet (three metres), of overhead power lines.

A dedicated GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter), must also be installed and wired by a qualified electrician to avoid any electric shocks. The distance may vary for the placement based on individual provinces and municipalities. However, the majority of the time it’s at least five feet (1.5 metres), so check!

You will also require a dedicated 30-50 AMP main breaker box, and an electrical contractor may need to trench a PVC conduit from the junction box. Remember that you need to check with your local utility provider to ensure there are no power lines underground where you plan to dig. I also think it’s better to ensure that the shut-off is placed outdoors and close to the tub, but at least five feet away, so anyone can easily access it — with DRY HANDS. At the bare minimum for safety, placards should be visible to let everyone know where the shut-off is in case of an emergency.

In reality, a hot tub doesn’t necessarily need a concrete pad. However, you need a solid level surface. Solid foundations might be gravel, spa pads, paver stones or wood decks. It is important however to ensure that moisture or weight will not make the surface unstable.

Remember, hot tubs are heavy.

Add water and people, you’ve got a significant load — about 5,000 pounds. Homeowners must ensure that suitable structures are in place to support this weight properly. A structural engineer or architect can inform you of a supporting structure’s load capability per square foot. They may also create the necessary designs to strengthen these structures to support the required weight securely. This is especially true if placing the hot tub on an existing wooden deck.

The time it takes for a hot tub to fill up is typically between 90 and 120 minutes. The time required will depend on the hose size, the hot tub and your water pressure. Typically, a full hot tub needs three to eight hours to heat up.

The average cost to install a mid-size, mid-range hot tub is approximately $7,000. However, that cost can increase if you need to build the pad or deck, add the electrical hookups and improve the landscaping. You can also expect to spend between $500 and $1,200 per year on electricity, chemicals, water and cleaning.

A hot tub is most likely to increase the resale value of your home when it is well-incorporated with the exterior landscape. A hot tub with hardscaping, such as a stone pathway, gazebo and deck, will be more attractive to potential buyers than a free-standing hot tub. Today’s hot tubs are much more energy efficient.

A hot tub cover helps prevent debris from entering and reduces the risk of drowning for kids and pets. It can also significantly reduce heat loss and lower your energy bill. A good quality hottub cover is a must and, in most jurisdictions, must be equipped with a safety lock.

And finally, call your home insurance broker to find out what your policy covers and whether additional coverage for your hot tub is required, especially in the event of a flood or repair or replacement.

I love hot tubs, and to me, they are worth it. Purchase a good quality hot tub for years of enjoyment but make sure you’ve done all your prep work and budget for the upkeep and maintenance.

Enjoy!