We’re going to look at each of these points in more detail so that you can make the necessary decisions and choices well in advance of installation day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How many people will be using it?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/hydrofinesse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Untitled-design6-1024x524.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis can often be an afterthought but hot tubs and swim spas vary greatly in size, so give some thought to the maximum number of people you think will use it at any one time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The more people use it, the greater will be the need to test and dose the water to ensure it is safe and not harbouring anything nasty!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you do take delivery and invite family and friends over to take a dip, kindly ask them to take a shower first as body lotions, perfumes, and even fake tan can impact the water quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where will the hot tub be installed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This is the most important decision to get right first time, as relocating a hot tub or swim spa will not be easy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- What surface will the hot tub be installed on, i.e. a patio or decking?<\/strong> Make sure that the surface is completely level. You can purchase items to help you level the hot tub on an uneven surface, such as plastic or wooden shims, and flooring mats such as those found in commercial gyms, but this may not be advisable with larger, heavier spas. For more robust hot tubs and swim spas you will need to get a base built and properly constructed to take the weight.<\/li>
- How much natural sunlight will your bathers be exposed to?<\/strong> Whilst bathing in the sunshine is a lovely thought, bear in mind the levels of sun exposure<\/a> that may occur. Wearing too much sunscreen will result in excess deposits in the water, meaning that you may need to dose it with more of your primary sanitiser (chlorine or bromine). Adding a retractable canopy is a a good option to have the best of both worlds. Of course, sunlight will help to keep the water warm, which will lessen the work of the heating system.<\/li>
- Ensure there is access to an electrical supply.<\/strong> Smaller hot tubs require a 13 amp supply and a 32 amp may be needed for larger tubs and swim spas. A qualified electrician will need to carry the work out.<\/li>
- Avoid close proximity to large trees and shrubs.<\/strong> In the event of bad weather your tub may be damaged by falling debris or branches.<\/li>
- Consider the outlook.<\/strong> What will you be looking at as you sit relaxing in your hot tub? If it’s a concrete wall you may want to consider turning the hot tub slightly so you have a better view!<\/li>
- Accessing and exiting the hot tub.<\/strong> Hot tubs tend to have inbuilt steps so that you can easily get in and out, but do make sure that this side of the tub is not too close to anything so that your movement isn’t impeded. Elderly and infirm users may require more space too.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
How will you protect your hot tub or swim spa?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/hydrofinesse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Untitled-design4-1024x524.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nEvery hot tub and swim spa should be covered when not in use. There are practical reasons for this; a cover will help retain the heat in the water therefore your energy bills won’t be hit quite as hard, and debris will be prevented from falling into the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Certain types of cover are cumbersome for one person to remove and replace, so you may want to consider a cover lifter<\/a> for ease of operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat level of privacy will you want?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAs you relax and enjoy your lovely new hot tub, you may not want to be overlooked by neighbours or passers-by! Fortunately there are number of options<\/a> to help maintain a sense of privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\nScreening is one way to make your hot tub less visible, it can be constructed in timber to create an attractive garden feature. Most garden decking companies will be able to supply and build this type of structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/hydrofinesse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Untitled-design5-1024x524.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA more obscured option is to use tall garden shrubs. These can be either in pots so that you can move them around to suit, or else planted directly into the ground. Just remember to leave access around the hot tub or swim spa, and make a note of how tall the shrubs are likely to get so that you don’t mistakenly trap your hot tub in a corner of your garden!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What water treatment chemicals do you need?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYes. You will need chemicals to add to your hot tub, but this isn’t the awful prospect that some on the internet would have you believe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You will need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Chlorine or Bromine<\/a> (your primary sanitiser)<\/strong> to eliminate pathogens that will very easily make their way into untreated water. If left they will make your bathers sick or worse, in some unfortunate cases. <\/li>
- Non Chlorine Oxy Shock<\/strong> to perform a weekly ‘shock’ – read more about what this is and why it plays an important role in keeping your water healthy here<\/a>. Chlorine Dioxide is another popular alternative.<\/li>
- Hot Tub Clarifier<\/strong> to keep water clear, and inviting. Some pollutants are so minute that they pass through the spa’s filtration system, and so clarifier can catch and eliminate them. Read more about it and how it works here<\/a>.<\/li>
- pH Test Strips<\/strong> are not strictly chemicals, but you will need them to test the reading of your water – ideally this should be between 7.0 and 7.6. Readings outside of this will impact the effectiveness of Chlorine. For example, at a reading of pH 7.0, Chlorine is 70% efficient, at pH 7.5 that efficiency drops to 45% and so you will need to use more. When the water becomes more acidic (i.e. below pH 7.0) the Chlorine efficiency increases but the water will be extremely unpleasant to bathe in and shouldn’t be used.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis can often be an afterthought but hot tubs and swim spas vary greatly in size, so give some thought to the maximum number of people you think will use it at any one time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The more people use it, the greater will be the need to test and dose the water to ensure it is safe and not harbouring anything nasty!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you do take delivery and invite family and friends over to take a dip, kindly ask them to take a shower first as body lotions, perfumes, and even fake tan can impact the water quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where will the hot tub be installed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This is the most important decision to get right first time, as relocating a hot tub or swim spa will not be easy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- What surface will the hot tub be installed on, i.e. a patio or decking?<\/strong> Make sure that the surface is completely level. You can purchase items to help you level the hot tub on an uneven surface, such as plastic or wooden shims, and flooring mats such as those found in commercial gyms, but this may not be advisable with larger, heavier spas. For more robust hot tubs and swim spas you will need to get a base built and properly constructed to take the weight.<\/li>
- How much natural sunlight will your bathers be exposed to?<\/strong> Whilst bathing in the sunshine is a lovely thought, bear in mind the levels of sun exposure<\/a> that may occur. Wearing too much sunscreen will result in excess deposits in the water, meaning that you may need to dose it with more of your primary sanitiser (chlorine or bromine). Adding a retractable canopy is a a good option to have the best of both worlds. Of course, sunlight will help to keep the water warm, which will lessen the work of the heating system.<\/li>
- Ensure there is access to an electrical supply.<\/strong> Smaller hot tubs require a 13 amp supply and a 32 amp may be needed for larger tubs and swim spas. A qualified electrician will need to carry the work out.<\/li>
- Avoid close proximity to large trees and shrubs.<\/strong> In the event of bad weather your tub may be damaged by falling debris or branches.<\/li>
- Consider the outlook.<\/strong> What will you be looking at as you sit relaxing in your hot tub? If it’s a concrete wall you may want to consider turning the hot tub slightly so you have a better view!<\/li>
- Accessing and exiting the hot tub.<\/strong> Hot tubs tend to have inbuilt steps so that you can easily get in and out, but do make sure that this side of the tub is not too close to anything so that your movement isn’t impeded. Elderly and infirm users may require more space too.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
How will you protect your hot tub or swim spa?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nEvery hot tub and swim spa should be covered when not in use. There are practical reasons for this; a cover will help retain the heat in the water therefore your energy bills won’t be hit quite as hard, and debris will be prevented from falling into the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Certain types of cover are cumbersome for one person to remove and replace, so you may want to consider a cover lifter<\/a> for ease of operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What level of privacy will you want?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As you relax and enjoy your lovely new hot tub, you may not want to be overlooked by neighbours or passers-by! Fortunately there are number of options<\/a> to help maintain a sense of privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Screening is one way to make your hot tub less visible, it can be constructed in timber to create an attractive garden feature. Most garden decking companies will be able to supply and build this type of structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA more obscured option is to use tall garden shrubs. These can be either in pots so that you can move them around to suit, or else planted directly into the ground. Just remember to leave access around the hot tub or swim spa, and make a note of how tall the shrubs are likely to get so that you don’t mistakenly trap your hot tub in a corner of your garden!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What water treatment chemicals do you need?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Yes. You will need chemicals to add to your hot tub, but this isn’t the awful prospect that some on the internet would have you believe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You will need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Chlorine or Bromine<\/a> (your primary sanitiser)<\/strong> to eliminate pathogens that will very easily make their way into untreated water. If left they will make your bathers sick or worse, in some unfortunate cases. <\/li>
- Non Chlorine Oxy Shock<\/strong> to perform a weekly ‘shock’ – read more about what this is and why it plays an important role in keeping your water healthy here<\/a>. Chlorine Dioxide is another popular alternative.<\/li>
- Hot Tub Clarifier<\/strong> to keep water clear, and inviting. Some pollutants are so minute that they pass through the spa’s filtration system, and so clarifier can catch and eliminate them. Read more about it and how it works here<\/a>.<\/li>
- pH Test Strips<\/strong> are not strictly chemicals, but you will need them to test the reading of your water – ideally this should be between 7.0 and 7.6. Readings outside of this will impact the effectiveness of Chlorine. For example, at a reading of pH 7.0, Chlorine is 70% efficient, at pH 7.5 that efficiency drops to 45% and so you will need to use more. When the water becomes more acidic (i.e. below pH 7.0) the Chlorine efficiency increases but the water will be extremely unpleasant to bathe in and shouldn’t be used.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Non Chlorine Oxy Shock<\/strong> to perform a weekly ‘shock’ – read more about what this is and why it plays an important role in keeping your water healthy here<\/a>. Chlorine Dioxide is another popular alternative.<\/li>
- How much natural sunlight will your bathers be exposed to?<\/strong> Whilst bathing in the sunshine is a lovely thought, bear in mind the levels of sun exposure<\/a> that may occur. Wearing too much sunscreen will result in excess deposits in the water, meaning that you may need to dose it with more of your primary sanitiser (chlorine or bromine). Adding a retractable canopy is a a good option to have the best of both worlds. Of course, sunlight will help to keep the water warm, which will lessen the work of the heating system.<\/li>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/hydrofinesse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Untitled-design7-1024x524.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n