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If you’re wondering if it is safe and practical to recess your Hot Spring spa in a deck, patio or other landscape element, the answer is yes! And, it’s easy! Table of Contents Custom Installation Guidelines Installation Possibilities..................................7 • If you plan to recess your new Hot Spring® spa in a deck, patio, or other hardscape element, please take the time to read this guide carefully.
When investigating your options for a spa, you’ll soon find that there are two distinct types. One is a built-in spa that generally sits alongside a swimming pool. While this type of spa integrates easily into a backyard, most people don’t realize that a traditional builtin spa quickly loses heat and can take up to 45 minutes to reach your preferred temperature before it is ready for use. Many built-in spas remain uncovered and require frequent ® cleaning of dirt and debris.
Basic Spa Installation Considerations Installation Possibilities Fully-Recessed Location of the subpanel The spa is installed so that the deck or patio conceals the cabinet. These installations fully integrate the spa into the ground and provide beauty and a complete blending with your décor. For more information on a fully-recessed spa installation, refer to page 20. For spas that require 230v, a subpanel is provided with the Hot Spring® spa.
Basic Spa Installation Considerations Type of structural support For any type of installation, the spa needs to sit on a concrete slab. Drain locations of spa Ensure that there is access to the drain locations pictured below. Regular maintenance of your spa requires draining the water approximately every 4 months. The location you choose for your spa needs to allow for this water to drain away from the spa and any other structures, landscape or hardscape that could be negatively impacted by water flow.
Another option is to use an alternate exterior covering such as faux brick, faux slate rock, teakwood, aluminum, brushed steel, etc. to create your own custom look. The plywood façade provides a solid surface to which custom sidings can be attached. In addition, the vertical structure provides additional support for heavier materials (such as flagstone) that can be attached to the side of the spa.
PartiallyRecessed Spa PartiallyRecessed Spa Or, design your partially-recessed installation so that the upper, front face of the spa is exposed to provide access to the main control panel. A partially-recessed spa is one where the deck or patio begins somewhere below the main control panel or some combination of sides are recessed and the control panel is exposed. It can fit nicely into your deck or patio, allowing for easy access to the electrical equipment and drains.
PartiallyRecessed Spa Access to the equipment compartment, internal plumbing and stereo components The spa’s equipment compartment is on the front face of the spa (see diagram below). The following are several suggested options. Cover locks Cover locks or some form of safety barrier are required by law. All spas must include a locking device (typically a cover with cover locks) to ensure the safety of family, pets, and friends.
PartiallyRecessed Spa NOTE: If the base of the spa is located either below an appropriate outlet/drain or in a vault-type location, then a sump pump is necessary. If your spa is installed in a vault or your decking cannot be constructed to accommodate removal, a crane can be used to remove the spa. In preparation for removal, even if a crane is not required, it’s good practice to pour a concrete pad with removal of the spa in mind.
FullyRecessed Spa A fully-recessed spa is an in-ground installation where the spa is fully-recessed in the deck or patio, concealing the electrical equipment, drains, and control panels. This provides an attractive, fully integrated installation. NOTE: All models of Hot Spring® spas can be fully-recessed. Considerations There are two slightly different definitions of the term fully-recessed.
FullyRecessed Spa Drainage There are two scenarios for a fully-recessed spa. The first is a spa that is recessed into a raised deck, where the spa is able to sit above grade on a cement pad. The second is a spa that sits below grade and is surrounded by ground level decking or a patio. Cover locks Cover locks or some form of safety barrier are required by law. All spas must include a locking device (typically a cover with cover locks) to ensure the safety of family, pets, and friends.
Access to equipment, plumbing & stereo To assist you in planning and installing your Hot Spring spa, the following checklist can be used as a guide to help simplify the overall process. Contact your local Hot Spring dealer as you develop your plans. It may be of value to contact a Landscape Architect/Designer/Contractor to help you create your perfect outdoor solution.
General Safety + IMPORTANT: It is the responsibility of the spa owner and installer to become thoroughly familiar with the Hot Spring® limited warranty, the appropriate construction methods and techniques, as well as all governing agency codes and regulations. All builders and installers should hold current licenses for their respective professions within the state the work is being performed.
