Spa Installation & Pre Delivery Guide

Finding The Best Spa / Swim Spa Location

Safety first: Never position a spa, swim spa, or any other type of pool near overhead cables or power lines.

Make sure that if the spa  or swim spa is to be positioned near a slope, dip, trough or below ground level, there is adequate drainage for any ground water to run off. In this instance we recommend a land drain around the four sides of the spa. Damage caused by flooding is not covered under warranty.

If you are building a deck around the tub, sinking it slightly, or placing it against a wall, ensure easy access is provided to the service panel. This is almost always on the same side of the hot tub as touch pad

You must ensure that it is possible to drain the hot tub and move it to gain access to the other three sides if next to a wall or other object.

        Proper planning will enhance the enjoyment of your spa experience and protect your privacy.

Do you need quick and easy access? If so, placing spas close to the house or changing room is ideal.

Perhaps you want extra privacy by adding a gazebo? 

Do you have a view to admire from the spa?
If so; consider how the spa can be best rotated so the seating faces the view without obstructing the service panel. 

Sinking your pool into the ground or decking around it

Decking can create stunning visual effect, and by stepping down in to your spa or swim spa, you benefit from added privacy and easier access.

If you are planning to do this, we strongly advise that you read on, before you purchase the item. If this is not done properly, it can be equivalent to welding your car's bonnet shut!

  All spas and swim spas require access to the service panel (see picture above), however when the item cannot be freely moved (ie: it is sunk in a pit or decking), sufficient access for our engineers is needed for us to service your spa, and complete any work required under warranty.

We recommend you allow at least 600mm clearance around all four sides for spas and 900mm for Swim Spas . The spa below, has been installed in such a way that access can be provided to all four sides by moving the spa, if needed.

If you are decking around the spa or swim spa, we strongly advise that you do this after the item has been delivered. Swim Spas cannot be moved without a crane, so it is important that they are spaced at least 800mm from any buildings, fences or retaining walls to ensure sufficient access to all panels.

When decking around your new pool, we advise that you place upright supports at regular intervals around the spa, set back 600mm, then cantilever the joists so that the deck is self-supporting around the item (as-per diagram below). This way our engineers can access any service panels as required .

Inside or outside?

Our spas are designed specifically to be used outdoors, however some customers choose to install them inside anyway. Customers intending to do this are advised to consider the following points:

1. Will the floor take the weight of the spa? Consult a structural engineer if in doubt
2. Is the floor waterproof? A fully waterproof, sealed, concrete floor is OK, timber joists may not
3. Is there adequate floor drainage? This must be sufficient to contain a sudden escape of water
4. Is there adequate ventilation? Extractors, dehumidifiers and air conditioning reduce condensation
5. Is the flooring material chemical resistant? Most ceramics are OK, lino or vinyl may bleach or stain
6. Is the flooring material non-slip? Make sure you are creating a safe environment around the spa
7. Is the electrical supply safe for indoor use? Indoor installations have more complex requirements

Your warranty, and electrical certificate may become void if the above is ignored!

Access requirements for our delivery and installation service

Sometimes a lack of planning prior to delivery can create problems when we position the spa in your chosen location.  You must compare the dimensions of the spa (and the trolley) to any restrictive points along the delivery route used to bring the spa into your garden. 



Sometimes a fence panel can be removed and the hot tub can be delivered via a neighbours' garden (with their written permission). Alternatively, your local crane company will often be able to lift it into position for a few hundred dollars. We will gladly work with the crane company of your choice to do this, (unless specifically stated otherwise, the cost of a crane is not included in the delivery).


For normal deliveries:         (info on using cranes provided below)

1. The spa is delivered on-end using a purpose-made trolley, adding 20cm to the height clearance
2. You must add the width of your spa to the height of the trolley to work out the total height needed
3. The hot tub will generally be around 95cm wide when on the trolley (Earl is 82cm)
4. The total length of the trolley (3.2metres) must be considered for tight corners - it will not bend!
5. Because the trolley ground clearance is under 20cm over a 3m, steps or lifting will require extra men

This image shows the dimensions you should use when considering access requirements for your delivery.

The spa is moved on-end rather than flat, so you need to use the height dimension as the width and the width as the height.

 


 You must check for:

A  Lots of steps? Call us.
 
B  Corner clearance

C  Overhead branches

D  Protruding buildings

E  Gates: height & width

F  Overhanging gutters

G  Boxes, steps or vents

Remember to add 20cm to the height of the hot tub when on-end to allow for the trolley's height



Recommended foundation or base

Your spa needs a solid, flat, level foundation. The space it sits on must be able to support the weight of the spa, the water in it, and those who use it.

If the foundation is inadequate, it may shift or settle after the hot tub is in place, causing stress to the shell and cabinet, voiding the warranty.

Your spa will weigh anything between 1200kg and 2500kg (that's between 1.2 and 2.5 tonnes, the same weight as an average family car or 4x4)

Concrete Pad (100mm / 4" or thicker with reinforcing mesh)

Timber Decking (with concrete foundations)

Existing Paving (on concrete base)

Also consider the surrounding surfaces - Block paving is often laid with sand which can be a problem as the sand is trodden into the spa water and can damage internal components. Decking is a good clean surface to use, but can become slippery when wet, and gravel can be uncomfortable on bare feet.  

By minimising dirt entering the hot tub on bathers' feet, your water will look better and last longer.



Electrical Supply
  

All our spas require a mains power supply to be installed by a registered electrician. You must arrange for an electrician to install all of the power supply including hardwire connection to the spa.

We cannot, will not and are not insured or qualified to modify the electrical connection in any way . This is for your own safety and protection - It is the law.



Cranes


  
Your crane company will always visit your property to assess any potential access problems, and to ensure that the intended site is within safe reach.

While hot tubs can often be lifted without spreader bars, this is at the discretion of the crane company, although we insist that they are used for lifting swim spas. (more swim spa info below)

It is the sole responsibility of the crane company to ensure that the product is moved without damage, and it is your responsibility to ensure that they are suitably insured for damage occurring to either your hot tub or your property.

We cannot and will not be held responsible for any damage to persons or property while the product is in the air, or while the crane is operating.



Swim Spas

Swim Spas have very specific installation requirements over a normal spa due to their immense size and weight.

A Swim Spa full of water will weigh 7 - 10 tonnes, around the same weight as the lorry that is used to deliver it!

Foundation: 200mm thick Concrete, with reinforcing mesh, laid onto well compacted hardcore

Positioning: This MUST be done with a crane. The crane company MUST supply spreader bars (these bars push the lifting slings apart above the swim spa so that it is not crushed under its own weight). We advise showing this info to them

Power Supply: This is normally 40amp unless stated otherwise

Site Access: The Swim Spa is delivered on a flat bed truck. Your crane company will need to ensure that there is sufficient access for their vehicles as well as the delivery vehicle.  

Access Panel: This is always at the same end of the swim spa as the seats. The whole end panel of the swim spa should be easily removable for servicing, and 900mm access must be provided on all sides.  When decking around the swim spa after installation, care must be taken to ensure that supports do not obstruct access to the removable panels - see the decking section above.