Indoor Hot Tub Installation Tips

13Sep

What You Need to Know Before Starting Your Indoor Hot Tub Project

Instead of having their hot tubs outside, as most people do, some people may decide to install their hot tubs inside of their home in a dedicated room.

On top of privacy and controlled climate, this type of installation provides a lot of other benefits. However, there are some important things you must consider before starting an indoor hot tub installation project.

Indoor Hot Tub Installation Tips

If having an indoor hot tub sounds appealing to you, here are some tips that will help you make the most of your indoor spa without worry.

Pick the Right Model

Consult with your local hot tub supplier to learn about popular hot tub models that are suitable for indoor use. Smaller 120-volt models are typically more popular for indoors since they take up less space and are easier to install. Hot tubs that can fit in the corner of a room are also ideal.

If you’re working with a contractor or an architect, make sure you have the model’s specifications handy for them to reference.

Keep in mind that the spa surface will need to support the weight of the hot tub filled with water and people. So consider building your hot tub room on the ground floor. And if you want to install a hot tub on an upper level or in a small space, consider using a two-person hot tub instead of a larger one.

Ideally, the hot tub will be installed before the walls of a new room go up for ease of access during installation. But if you are repurposing an existing room, you will need to find a hot tub that is the right size for the room.

You will also need a doorway that is large enough to fit the hot tub through. If you are installing new doors, consider French doors that provide a wide doorway.

Consider Flooring and Walls

Since plenty of water leaves a hot tub with you when you step out, the floor in your indoor hot tub room should be water-resistant, have drainage, and provide traction when wet to avoid slips and falls.

Do not use plastic turf, carpet, or wood flooring as the water will only cause these materials to mould and rot. Instead, use a non-slip tile with a matte finish or concrete flooring with a textured slip-resistant sealant.

Since plenty of moisture and steam will also reach the walls of the room when the hot tub is open, you will need moisture-resistant wall material as well, such as:

Have Easy Access to Water and Drainage Options

Your indoor hot tub will need a convenient water source for filling it up. So, consider installing a hose bib or spigot in your hot tub room in order to fill your hot tub with ease.

A drain in the floor will also make for easy drainage when you need to clean up water or drain your spa.

Proper Ventilation

To protect your hot tub room walls and structures from rot and damage caused by steam, install a quiet but powerful rust-resistant exhaust fan to remove humidity quickly. Some options include ceiling, external wall, and window-mount vent fans.

Also, consider getting a vent fan with a timer, thermostat, and humidistat. And hire an HVAC contractor to install the right-sized vent fan correctly and in the ideal location.

You may also wish to install a ceiling fan for better air circulation.

Water/Vapor Seals

To prevent leaks, water damage, and dry rot install a waterproof membrane that seals in the floors, walls, and wall joints

Benefits of Having an Indoor Hot Tub

Privacy

If your backyard is more open and does not provide you with much privacy, an indoor spa will allow you to soak in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

You can relax in a quiet space free of neighbourhood noise and your neighbours’ peering eyes. And you can play music, light candles, diffuse oils, and set mood lighting to escape the hustle of the outside world.

Convenience

Since you don’t have to step outdoors, indoor hot tubs are very convenient.

And while indoor hot tubs still require maintenance, they are much easier to use. They don’t get filled with dirt, debris, and insects that require constant cleaning. And you don’t need to shovel a path to your indoor hot tub in the winter.

Protection from Elements

If using a hot tub outdoors in the rain or the dead of winter doesn’t sound appealing to you, you’re be better off installing one indoors. You also won’t have to worry about putting on sunscreen or having allergies and a windy day ruin your relaxation.

Not only will you avoid freezing outdoors when walking to your indoor hot tub, but you can also protect your hot tub from freezing as well.

When installed indoors, your hot tub won’t get damaged from freezing temperatures. Nor do you have to shovel snow off the cover before each use in winter.

Maximize Unused Space

If you have extra room in your home that you currently aren’t enjoying, adding a hot tub is a great way to make the most of that unused space.

Examples of rooms that can house hot tubs include:

With the right space, hot tub model, and building materials, you can enjoy your very own private indoor spa year-round without ever having to step foot outside of your home.