DIY Hacks For Your Custom Outdoor Hot Tub
High in the exotic mountains of Java lives a resting volcano. Vegetation flourishes in the enriched soil. Naturally, emerging springs of hot water pool on the volcanic rock beds below, attracting visitors from around the planet. The privilege of soaking your bones in these healing waters is priceless. Now, not all of us have the time or circumstances to do that. What’s the next best thing? Install a DIY hot tub in your own backyard. Let’s discuss what’s involved in a project like this.
Hot Tub History
In addition to naturally occurring hot springs, since ancient times, man has endeavored to create therapeutic soaking baths. For example, the Greek city of Therma (founded by the Corinthians and later named Thessalonica)has had heated therapeutic baths dating back to the fourth century. They would heat stones and place them into marble tiled pools of water supplied by an aqueduct.
Historically, how do you know if a country has been occupied by the Romans? One way is their hot tubs. Archeologists have found the remains of Roman baths all across Europe. When the Roman soldiers would move in, one of the first things they did was build heated baths.
It’s not surprising that during the “Dark Ages” bathing was considered a prelude to sin. Monks took full baths only at Christmas and Easter. Fast forward a bit to 737 A.D., and Japans first Onsen opens its doors to hot water lovers in Asia. With the rise of Moorish culture in the 13th century, bathing was back in vogue across Europe. Thank you, Moors!
Eventually tiled or wooden tubs were replaced by fiberglass and a man named Jacuzzi introduced the idea of hydrotherapy pumps. Voila! The modern hot tub emerges in all its glory.
The Value of Adding a Hot Tub
One of the main thrusts behind home improvement projects is to increase the value of your property and home. When it comes time to sell your house, does adding a hot tub also add value? The answer is both yes and no.
It’s all about the context. When you embark on a home improvement project, theoretically, the cost works out to approximately ¼ of the total amount you spend. So about 75% of the money you lay out comes back to you as the increased property value. The trick is making the choices intentional, not random, perceived as a part of an overall improved design. Hot tubs that are built in the ground or as part of a deck raise value. Whereas standalone pools that need to be filled via hose do not.
The way you choose to landscape also influences the perceived value. Aim to make the hot tub feel like a natural part of the yard. In addition to designing the patio or deck around the hot tub, you may want to install a gazebo as well. If the hot tub is slightly above ground level, add some stairs. A clean, well cared for hot tub attracts home buyers and increases the value of your home. People don’t want a hot tub that’s breaking down and needs repairs.
Types of Hot Tubs
Portable vinyl-lined hot tubs are a bit cheaper and not so big. As a result, they require less power to operate. There also “Molded” hot tubs, the shape and seating are molded into the design. Built like a shell within a cabinet, these come as one piece. They may be made of acrylic or fiberglass. In-ground hot tubs are built much the same way In-ground swimming pools are built. They use concrete, rebar, and stucco. Additionally, hot tubs have been made from various woods and even stainless steel.
What You Need to Know Before Installing Outdoor Hot Tubs
Let’s review some important things to do and not to do. The plumbing of a hot tub consists of a pressure system pushing water through the jets, a suction system and drain to bring water back to the pump, and a filtration system. Additionally, you need an electrical source, a water source, and a heating system. You will also need to be able to drain the hot tub. Drainage plumbing should be installed early in the build.
Another consideration in sanitation. There are few different water care systems. Chlorine and Bromine are common methods for maintaining a sanitary water environment. Some choose to install an ozone system. The O3 combines with bacteria in the water purifying the water.
Heating and Energy Use
Hot tubs can be heated in multiple ways. The most common is electrical heating elements. Some tubs are heated using natural gas or propane. There are also solar heating methods and wood-fired options. One key to consider when heating a hot tub is the insulation. You want to keep the heat in. Hot tub manufacturers typically rely on spray foam within the unit or insulation. Another useful tool is hot tub covers. An insulated cover does wonder when it comes to maintaining the temperature of your hot tub. This also aids in evaporation. Since hot tub water is so warm, it can evaporate quickly.
Hot Tub Sanitation
Hot springs and bathtubs are constantly being drained and receiving a fresh supply of water. As a result, the conditions remain fresh and sanitary. Hot tubs, on the other hand, keep the same water. For this reason, you must filter and balance the water. Since the water stays warm, its easy for bacteria to grow. Some have chosen to rely on saltwater chlorination rather than adding chlorine directly to the water. Even with a chemical sanitation system in place you should “shock” the system every once and a while. You can do this by adding a large dose of powdered chlorine to the hot tub overnight. This will eliminate any harmful microorganisms that may be hiding lurking in your hot tub.
How to Install a Hot Tub DIY
We all like to relax in a hot tub. Sitting in the backyard sipping on a cool drink. Good planning and installation done in accord with local codes are key. Most hot tubs are delivered as a unit with most of the complex electrical systems and plumbing did for you. Typically this is a simple “plug and plays” job.
Step One: The Preparation
Do you need a permit to install a hot tub unit on your property? Always check this before you purchase one. Most cities have some requirements you must meet before installation.
Step Two: The Location
Now decide on the spot you want to install the hot tub. Be sure that you measure the area to ensure that it is large enough for the model you want to buy. Also, plan an installation route for getting the unit into place. The ability to perform maintenance on your hot tub is important as well. Think this through to avoid future headaches.
Study the local building code to learn the distance required from your house to the hot tub. You need to place the hot tub within these parameters. Most codes state the clearance between your hot tub and home or property line. Here’s another couple of interesting things to account for when placing your hot tub. The tub needs to be 10 feet from any power lines and 5 feet from the electrical junction box spa panel.
Step Three: The Site and the Slab
A fully filled hot tub can be surprisingly heavy. The foundation must be strong enough to manage approximately 3000 to 6000 pounds of weight. Why is this so important? Let’s explain. If you’ve ever used an ice cube tray to make ice, then you know what happens when you twist it. The pressure pops the ice out. If one corner of the hot tub were to sink, it could crack the tub.
One option is to pour a concrete pad for the hot tub to rest on. This is probably the most secure method. If you don’t plan on moving the tub in its lifetime, this is a good way to go. This method is also economical. Another method is to purchase pre-made hot tub pads. This product lock together in a grid-like fashion.
Placing a Hot Tub on a Deck
Should you choose to place the tub on a deck, be careful. Contact a general contractor who can give you a consultation to ensure that the deck can handle a hot tub.
Step Four: The Power
Establish a route for the electrical lines to get to the hot tub. The functioning electrical systems and controls are all built into the hot tub as a unit. However, you will be required to run power to the unit. Find out what the local codes require as far as conduit type and depth of installation.
How to Maintain Your Spa or Hot Tub
When you finally succeeded installing your outdoor hot tub, you need to maintain it continuously to keep your water clean and your spa hot tub running well. Follow these simple cleaning for your outdoor hot tub.
1. Keep your hot tub water sparkling
One of the ways to make your hot tub keep clean and sparkling by check levels of chemical and mineral. This method using test strips to detect levels of chemical and mineral in your spa or hot tub. There are spa test strips you can find in any market. It provides some of mineral and chemical level, they are alkalinity, chlorine, pH, bromine, total hardness and calcium hardness. You only need to put this spa test strips inside of the spa or your hot tub as long as 15 seconds and see the result. You need to check your chemical and mineral levels about one or twice in a week.
2. Filter and Cover Cleaning
Spa filter is something you install together with hot tub. However, you still need to clean it once in two weeks to prevent clogging. First of all, you need to take out cartridge of the filter. Run the water using a hose, and clean the cartridge from dirt. Dry the cartridge before you put it back to the filter.
3. Make Your Spa Keep Running Well.
To keep your spa and hot tub running well, you should change the water once in 3–6 months. It depends on your spa type. If your spa is the family tub, change the water once in three months. You may add flush product before you drain your spa water. Run it for about 20 minutes to help you clean your spa drain.
Following the steps above, just about anyone can install a hot tub in their outdoor space. A well maintained hot tub is inviting to enter and provides countless hours of relaxation.
Now you know how outdoor hot tub gives you relaxing feeling and also add your home value at the same time. These tips help you from preparation, tools you need, installation until the maintenance of it. No need too much space for it and you can have the best relaxing moment and be enjoying the view of nature.
Source: www.emergencyresponseplumbers.com
