Q&A for How to Install a Hot Tub

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Can a hot tub go on a raised wooden deck?

Matt Daly
Landscape Designer
Matt Daly is a Landscape Designer and the Founder of Water & Earth Landscape Design, which is based in both Richmond, Virginia, and San Jose, California. With nearly 10 years of experience, he specializes in designing outdoor living spaces, including patios, pools, and fireplaces. Matt also runs a blog where he educates homeowners about landscaping topics: https://www.liveinyourbackyard.com/. He earned his Landscape Design & Horticulture Certification from The University of Richmond, where he also studied Sustainable Landscape Practices.

Matt Daly

Landscape Designer

Expert Answer

You'll have to consult a structural engineer to be sure. Let's say you want to put a 200 lb (90.7 kg) hot tub that's 8 by 8 ft (2.4 by 2.4 m) and 3.5 ft deep (1.1 m) on your existing deck. That would give you 1,680 gallons (6,359.5 L) of water, which weighs 14,000 lb (6,350 kg). Instead of dealing with 200 lb (90.7 kg), you'd actually be dealing with 14,200 lb (6,441 kg)—that's why it's so important to consult with a structural engineer.

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How do I drain the water in a hot tub?

Community Answer

Invest in a water vacuum. They drain water and can always be stored for emergency situations such as a burst pipe.

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Question

What is a whip on electrical installation?

Community Answer

Basically it's a power cord without the plug that will be hardwired into a circuit box instead of being plugged into an outlet.

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Question

Where do I put the hose after the tub is full?

Community Answer

Put it away wherever you normally store the hose.

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Question

How do I install a filter?

Community Answer

Refer to the owner's manual, every brand and model is different. Typically a filter can be found under a cover located in the body of your self-contained hot tub. A screw style plastic nut is used to hold the filter/filters in place.

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Will I need a plug to install my jacuzzi?

Community Answer

Yes, you will need a plug to install your hot tub.

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Question

If my power cord on the hot tub is not long enough to reach the electrical socket to plug it in, what can I do?

Community Answer

Use an outdoor extension cord.

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Question

How do I wire my hot tub and make sure I have enough amperage?

Community Answer

The hot tub manual should specify a recommended OCPD (overcurrent protection device) amperage. (To be safe, the OCPD must be GFCI-protected.) The manual should also help you select the wire size, based on the amperage and insulation used. If you're still unsure, consult your local building department.

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Question

What are the building codes for how far my hot tub needs to be from the home in Wisconsin?

Community Answer

The hot tub can be wherever you want, as long as its base is properly supported. The bigger problem is the outside breaker box, which in most states must be 6 feet from the spa.

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Question

Does the patio have to be perfectly level or on a slight slope where the hot tub is being installed, or are there leveling feet on the hot tub?

Community Answer

There are no leveling feet on the hot tub. All directions and other people will tell you to have it level. It is no good to pay several thousands of dollars for a hot tub if the patio/or surface is not level. Take the time and or money to do it correctly.

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