Our hot tub is well-used by family and friends. A hot tub is not an inexpensive investment, so to make the most of it has to be conveniently located and easy to use.
There was an old hot tub located on our deck that we removed, when we purchased our house. We assumed that since there was a hot tub there previously, that the appropriate wiring would be in place. Inspection revealed that our 50 amp wiring would have to be completely replaced and 60amp installed. New wire installation can be expensive. This is something you should be aware of before purchase.
We were very happy with @purewaterottawa who installed our hot tub without a hitch and they have been available for consult regularly.
Here are a few tips that have improved our hot tub experience:
Placement of Hot Tub
We had the choice to sink the hot tub into the deck or to place it on the deck and use stairs to enter and exit. While it doesn’t make much difference either way entering the tub, but exiting a sunken tub when you are wet and really relaxed is not ideal. We have found that it is much easier to descend a few steps from our raised tub. Our hot tub is on the opposite side of the deck from the screened-in porch. We like the vantage point a raised tub gives.
Lift for Cover
In our experience, a lift for the cover is a good investment. It is no fun spending a lot of time getting the cover back on at the end, in a wet bathing suit, especially if it is cold. This is where a lift that makes it easy to take the cover off and put it on is really valuable.
Privacy
When thinking about where to place a hot tub you will want it in a somewhat private area and away from the wind if possible. Most people don’t want to be visible to others when getting in and out of a hot tub. A fence is good not only to increase the privacy but also protect you from the wind. It is also important to remember that voices travel over the water. Our hot tub is sheltered on three sides and the fourth side is open with a view to the river. My husband @Geraintthewelsh built this to make a perfect enclosure for our tub.
Lighting
While you don’t want bright lighting where your hot tub is, you want to have some lighting for your walkway and for safety. We have solar powered lights on our fence that give a light glow, as well as some twinkle lights which give a nice vibe.
Hooks
Hooks near the hot tub to hang up your robe or towel is very useful. It is nice to put on something dry and warm after your hot tub experience.
Table
It is really helpful to have a table near the entrance to the hot tub where you can place your drink or your glasses or phone. We have this nice tall one which is perfect.
When we got our hot tub, all three of our kids were away at university. We decided to surprise them and we bought everyone in our family a robe with a personalized message which I sewed on. Mine says “When the Queen is happy there is peace in the kingdom,” so true! This is the picture of the kids with their robes when we surprised them. They thought the surprise was going to be a puppy, but Lola came early the next year.
We truly enjoy our hot tub. We have made ours an electronics-free zone. I find that the conversations you have with your family and friends are some of the most deep and frank because there are no interruptions.
One of the special features that we have right beside our hot tub is this fire place. Most of the time I have it styled with logs or sometime I use a big tray of candles.
I can’t talk about the hot tub without mentioning @GerainttheWelsh who has become our resident chemical expert. He keeps the water clean and clear and prohibits, self-tanner, make-up and body creams in an effort to maintain pristine water clarity. His prohibitions generally fail.
I hope these few tips will help you if you are planning for a hot tub.
Always
Leslie
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