So, You Ordered a Hot Tub: Now What?
Choosing the right hot tub is just the first step toward a wellness ritual that will provide years and years of calm, comfort, and relaxation. But once you've taken the leap and made your purchase, what comes next? Having recently become a proud member of the "Hot Tubbers Club," I want to share some of the most important factors I considered on the road to setting up my ultimate hot tub haven.
Where Will it Go?
Finding the perfect place for your hot tub takes thought and planning. While every space is different, here are a few things to consider:
Creating a Private Oasis
For the most relaxing experience, your hot tub should be sheltered as much as possible from street noise and the eyes of neighbors. When selecting a spot for your hot tub, be sure to check all the angles - and don't forget to look up. Ideally the location you select won't be visible from the street or from your neighbors' second floor windows. If your space doesn't offer the privacy you desire, don't worry! Consider adding a pergola, large outdoor umbrella, gazebo, or take our approach by adding strategically placed trees and tall shrubbery.
Proximity to the House
When you're weighing options for where to put your hot tub, walking all the way across the backyard for a soak might not seem significant. But trust us, proximity to the house matters. We know from experience that if something isn't easy to use, you won't use it regularly. Consider that your hot tub is easy to get in and out of, without walking through wet grass or getting your feet dirty. Now, even though it might be rainy or cold outside, you don’t have to skip out on your daily ritual.
Maximizing Your View
What do you want to look at while you're soaking in your hot tub? When deciding on placement, it's a good idea to consider the seat configuration of your model. In some spas, they have a lounge seat. You will want to considered positioning your spa so that the lounge seat has the best view, looking toward the trees.
Speaking of views, be sure to consider what you see from inside your home, as you look out at the backyard. At Caldera Spas, we believe hot tubs should be beautiful! One of the reasons people love the Utopia Series is because of the EcoTech® Plus cabinet features which include a modern black header, wood grain accent, stainless-steel trim, and integrated LED light bar.
Enhancing Your Outdoor Space
Your hot tub haven can be designed to blend in beautifully with your backyard and reflect your personal style. Whether you're adding a spa to an already landscaped backyard or starting from scratch, you can be assured that your new Caldera spa will beautifully accent the space. Either on their own or with the addition of plants, hardscape and accessories, they are designed to enhance any landscaping style, from modern to traditional.
How Do I Prepare My Space?
Once you've found the perfect location for your hot tub, you'll need a structurally sound, level surface to put it on. You have some options here - you can choose a concrete slab, a deck, or a prefabricated spa pad. Whatever you decide, remember that a filled hot tub can weigh a great deal, so make sure the location you choose can support the weight. Our Pre-Delivery Guide and your local Caldera Spas dealer can help you with the necessary steps.
How big do you want the prepared surface under your hot tub to be? A rule of thumb is that it should be at least a little bigger than your spa's footprint. For a Geneva hot tub 7'5 ft x 7'5 ft and consider to pour a 12 ft x 12 ft concrete pad. This ensures that there will be plenty of space to walk around the hot tub so you can keep your feet clean.
Powering Up
While the requirements aren't complicated, there are some important safety codes that make it important to engage a professional licensed electrician. That being said, hot tub power requirements vary. While larger spas can require more power, some smaller hot tubs can run off a standard 110V source, reducing the installation requirements. For details about our hot tub electrical requirements, read page 10 of our Pre-Delivery Guide.
