Hot tubs are an incredible way of relaxing at home and unlike a swimming pool, you will not have the extortionate costs of cleaning and heating. You can also enjoy the hot tub no matter what time of year it is. So, why not treat yourself to one this summer? Here is why you should get a hot tub and a handy guide on how!
The perks of owning a hot tub
There are many perks to owning a hot tub. Here are just a few of them:
- Hot tubs are easy to maintain and have low costs involved.
- If you frequently have aches and pains, this is a fantastic natural soother.
- If you are experiencing a lot of stress in your daily life, there is no better way to unwind then with a cold glass of your favourite tipple and a soak in a hot tub, taking in the sights of your garden.
- As it gets you outside more, it is naturally a great way to boost your mental health. Giving you time away from technology, and other stimulants, you are able to relax and soak. Self-care is essential, especially in this fast-paced modern world. With a hot tub in your garden, you’ll be able to meet your self-care needs.
- As mentioned above, you can enjoy a hot tub all year round, so whether you’d like to warm yourself up on a winter evening or welcome the sights of Spring; you will love having a hot tub to make the most of every season. Naturally, though, it helps to boost those Summer nights and allows you to enjoy the outdoors even more!
- It is a fantastic way of relaxing with friends and family. You will be the envy of your social group, so why not have them over and share some time in the tub?
- Although it may be a steep purchase, to begin with, the longevity will be worth it. You own the hot tub for life. Also, if you were tempted to get a spa membership for a hot tub use, you won’t need to anymore.
Hot tub options
Believe it or not, there are few options when it comes to hot tubs. Here are the main three:
- Inflatable: This is the cheapest way to get a hot tub. It is also very easy to install an inflatable hot tub and they can run off the mains. You can also get this up and ready to use on the day you get it. However, they will come with fewer mod-cons and are less attractive than other types. These can be purchased for less than £500.
- Rigid- Jacuzzi Style Tubs: These offer hi-tech mon-cons to help you to make the most out of your experience. These usually have a starting price of roughly £2,500.
- Wood-fired Hot Tub Powered By Log Burners: If you’re worried about the costs of running it via your mains, this is a fantastic option.
Handy Guide for Installing a Hot Tub
- If you’re worried about putting a hot tub together, most off the shelf hot tubs come in modular form. This means that they can be carried through your garden gate. It would be very wise to plan your route from the delivery truck to the final destination. Will you be able to avoid overhanging eaves? And avoid fences? Get a plan in place on how you will get the hot tub from A to B.
- If you think that you will struggle to get the hot tub through your gate, and if it is of the rigid style, then you may need to look into getting a company with a crane to help lift it over.
- Hot tubs should reside on a solid, flat base such as paving or decking. If the hot tub is set directly on the ground, it can cause it to sink unevenly on one side. This could potentially damage it, so it is really important to set it in a sensible viable place. If you have a surface such as decking, make sure that it can handle the weight of the tub when it is filled with people and water. Whichever surface you pick, make sure to clean it before you install the hot tub.
- When looking into the location of the hot tub, make sure you make the right decision as it could be hard to change your mind afterwards. Do you want it close to the house? Or far away? If this is the case, you will need to look into how you will power the hot tub and if you need extra lighting near it.
- You may want to consider enclosing the area, as it’ll help with heat retention, water retention, reduce running costs and, of course, give you much needed privacy.
- Inflatable hot tubs are the easiest when it comes to installation, as they usually only take a few minutes to blow up. The filling up could take a couple of hours, then you will need to leave the hot tub for up to 6 hours to heat up.
- Self-contained tubs can be running within a day, whereas non-self-contained tubs which are sunk deep into the ground or decking can take a lot longer.
- Depending on the heater and pump size of the hot tub, some can be plugged into a standard socket and need a 13-amp fuse, but others may need a dedicated outdoor socket which will need to be installed by a professional electrician. You should always ensure that the socket is protected by a circuit breaker or residual current device. Some tubs also will need to be wired into the mains on their own spur by a Part P registered electrician. You should seek guidance when it comes to this as the electrician will know how to detach the earth from the house and install what is necessary.
- All hot tubs have a filtration system and the water needs to be treated with special sanitizing chemicals. The water will need changing at least once every three months if not once a month.
- Each hot tub will have a drain at the bottom to let the water out. This means that you shouldn’t need a plumber to plumb your hot tub in or add drainage. So, once your hot tub is all set up, you can fill it with a hose and use the wastewater in your garden.
If this blog post has persuaded you that your garden isn’t complete without a hot tub, but you’re unsure of where to start, why not get in touch with a professional tradesman to ask any questions about the installation that you need? Here’s to long summer evenings relaxing in a warm hot tub, making the most of your outside space.
