Home Pools and Hot Tubs

Location, location, location

So you are thinking of owning a spa? Have you done your homework and ensured that the spa you are buying is the right spa for you, from a reputable manufacturer and recognised supplier, someone who can provide you with after sales service.

You will already be aware of the major health benefits a spa offers, the enhanced social and family aspect, its asset towards lifestyle and of course not forgetting good all year round day and night fun - so where shall we put it?

In the corner of the garden? It is private - yes, but a bit windy! Under that tree? But then the leaves drop!

Okay how about on the new deck? What about if we set it in the deck? Oh yes, I nearly forgot the most important question - can we get it into the garden at all?

All these and others no doubt sound a bit involved, where in fact it is far from it. Just a few moments of careful thought will provide you with years of endless fun and enjoyment.

Size Matters

First and foremost - will it fit? If you have already chosen your preferred model you will know the size, shape and weight. Now check the access to the garden. Not just the first point of access - what happens to it after that?

As an example, there was a lady that, when asked the question about access, said the spa was to go through a garage, through a large door at the back of the garage which gave complete unhindered access straight onto the garden. Feeling reassured, but wanting to double check the size of the doors, a site visit was arranged only to find the doors led straight into her kitchen, the only unhindered aspect of that onto the garden was the view. She had forgotten that a recent kitchen extension meant that the path changed direction three times making it near impossible to get a bicycle round let alone a spa! In this instance a crane was ordered and the planned delivery date proceeded as normal - it could have been a disaster possibly incurring additional costs to the customer in an aborted delivery. A good spa supplier will always want to undertake a site visit.

Do not be put off by slopes and small steps as modern spa kart systems can often cope with these, especially with an extra pair of hands. Bigger obstacles, such as houses and walls might need a crane and these are usually a lot less expensive than you think.

Switched on

Power - have you got it? Spas have varying power requirements with the larger units needing 20 or 30 amp supplies. Firstly this is not done to annoy you, these manufacturers want you to get the most of your spa throughout the year and therefore need bigger power requirements.

You should be aware that these larger supplies are not likely to be found at the end of a garden extension lead! Have the power supply installed by a qualified electrician. This would be an ideal opportunity to consider additional power outlets for garden lighting to further complement your spa installation.

A five person spa, full of water and in use, can weigh as much as 2 tonnes, so the right base is very important, an existing patio should be fine providing it is flat and in good condition. A new concrete base should be a minimum of 100mm (4") thick and made a little larger that the spa.

Spas in or on decking are popular and makes for an attractive finish, but remember the weight, so make sure the decking has adequate supports. When installing a spa into decking remember to ensure that sections can be removed to allow good access to the equipment.

Perfect Positions

Most importantly the spa should be installed in the best possible place to appreciate its ongoing use. There is absolutely no need to place it next to the house with the thoughts that it would be easier to get into in the winter - get a robe! Trees or overhanging guttering can be a pain and should be avoided. A good path or walkway to the spa is definitely a good idea.

Privacy of course is something to consider. It is not unheard of to have a spa party, have respect for your neighbours, invite them and all will be well - if not expect a letter! Screening or one of the many various gazebo designs available on the market, either fully enclosed or part open-sided provide excellent privacy.

Cover Up

This brings us neatly on to gazebos that can and do make for an attractive installation and are extremely useful if the garden is exposed or for additional privacy. However do not think the a spa has to be enclosed - enjoying an open-air spa at any time of the day or evening is a wonderful experience no matter what the weather.

It is not a recommendation to be in a spa if there is a chance of a lighting storm of course. Remember the gazebo can easily be added at a later date and if it is something you are considering make sure you cater for it when laying the spa base.

If you are planning to install your spa indoors careful thought will need to be given to ventilation, heating and dehumidification. Moisture will quickly cause damage to the fabric of the building and is unsightly. Good drainage is essential to prevent surface water creating puddles.

BISHTA (British and Irish Hot Tub Association) recommends that your spa be emptied every two to three months dependent on use. This is not a difficult exercise and an be undertaken quickly and easily. What is more there is no need to provide special drainage as most spas are supplied with a drain assembly. By connecting this to a hosepipe you can recycle the spa contents by watering the plants, though it is recommended you test the water first to make sure there is no sanitiser left.

Filling a spa could not be easier - simply by means of a hosepipe. When filling the spa it is essential to follow the manufacturer recommendations for commissioning and chemicals before using it.

It is important to consider the possibility of theft and appropriate insurance cover. In most instances, a spa should be covered by your household insurance policy - though it is worth checking with your insurance broker that this is the case. I am aware of two recent incidents, one of which was a spa being stolen by craning it over the house.

In the second, the perpetrators gained access to the back garden through a ploughed field, felled three trees, cut through the power supply, drained and removed the spa all while the owner was at home! The insurance company paid out, a new spa installed but that has been bolted to the floor!