Home spa or hot tub?
This guide will help you with spa installation and hot tub installation.
You might have noticed that “spa” and “hot tub” are often used interchangeably.
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This overlap in classification can be confusing.
The distinction comes down to how they’re installed and constructed.
The term “hot tub” is typically used to refer to an above-ground portable spa.
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A hot tub or portable spa also is used for hydrotherapy, but it’s a completely self-contained unit.
All hot tub components, including its plumbing and electrical system, are built inside the hot tub cabinet.
How Much Does an Outdoor Spa Cost?
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In-ground spas cost between $15,000 and $20,000 on average.
It’s often more cost-effective to build in-ground spas simultaneously with an in-ground pool.
Aside from costs, the advantages and disadvantages of portable and in-ground spas vary.
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Hot tubs are designed to fit in many configs, including the patio, yard, and indoors.
An in-ground spa can be custom-built to fit your specific design and size requirements.
Its structure is built into the ground as a stand-alone spa or integrated into an in-ground concrete pool.
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They can permanentlyenhance the appearance of your outdoor spacewhen designed to blend with your yard or landscape.
Keep in mind that the spa’s equipment is not built-in and can be bulky and noisy.
In addition, each time you use an in-ground spa, you’ll need to preheat the water.
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A portable spa’s continuous heat system keeps the water hot all the time.
Alevel concrete pador a reinforced deck are the most common surfaces where hot tubs are installed.
Installing a foundation and making the requiredoutdoor electrical connectionsis much simpler than moving a wall in your home.
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Thus, the overall installation cost should be lower than an indoor hot tub.
Also, if a hot tub is installed outdoors, there’s no need to worry about proper ventilation.
Adequate space must be available around the hot tub to allow access to the equipment panel.
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Many installation teams will deliver, fill, and wire the hot tub for you.
A hot tub is the simplest throw in of spa to install.
It requires a level, solid surface and access to a power supply.
A portable outdoor spa can be set up in a day.
In-ground spas typically receive similar zoning considerations as pools.
Be sure you and your contractor have the most up-to-date zoning and building restrictions.
Jason Donnelly
Is It OK to Put a Hot Tub Indoors?
The big difference between an indoor hot tub and an outdoor hot tub is its location.
An indoor hot tub is located indoors in the privacy of your own home.
Consider installing a drain in the floor to help you drain your spa to clean or move it.
Most portable spas don’t require external plumbing.
However, you’ll need access to water to fill up your hot tub.
Protect the room from moisture by installing a vapor barrier to protect the wall studs from dry rot.
Portable spas hold 100 to 500 gallons of water and can easily weigh several hundred pounds when filled.
Proper support is critical.
Most indoor hot tubs can be set up in a day.
It could even help to sell your home in the future.
Also, when designing a new hot tub room, allow for theinstallation of cabinetsand shelving toaccommodate towelsand chemicals.
Construction time varies by the project’s complexity but can often run several weeks.
Additional embellishmentslike fountains,wall sconces, mosaic flourishes, and color-changingLED lightingare design possibilities.
Professional installation is required for permanent outdoor spaces.
Plumbing and electrical lines must be run to the spa, and operational equipment must be installed.
Excavation is also needed.
Can Hot Tubs Be Covered By Insurance?
Coverage for portable and in-ground spas is part of some homeowners' insurance plans.
Some insurance companies raise premiums for owning a spa, and others do not.
Speak with your insurance agent before purchasing or building your spa.
Specialty safety products are available on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hot tubs last between 5-20 years.
It depends on the quality of the hot tub and how well it is maintained.
A hot tub is going to increase yourelectric billby tens to hundreds of dollars.
The larger the tub, the more electricity it will require to heat.
If there aren’t any trees in the area, you might stay shadedbeneath an umbrellaor gazebo.
How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost?HomeAdvisor.
Home Pool and Hot Tub Safety.
