When your wood-fired hot tub arrives, each set-up requires a different installation process. Our hot tubs come with assembly manuals that guide you through installation, enhancing your enjoyment and maximizing your hot tub's lifespan. Before you get started, read this guide to ensure that you install your hot tub properly.
How Do You Assemble a Hot Tub?
Each hot tub kit comes with everything you need to assemble your hot tub at home. No need to hire a carpenter--anyone can install our hot tubs regardless of their skill level. Our lumber is pre-cut and grooved for quick installation. All you need is a tape measure, screwdriver or cordless drill, large rubber mallet, spirit level, pilers and 15/16'' wrench. With the right foundation, your hot tub will be secure, sturdy and easy to clean and enjoy.
Choose a Site with Solid Foundations and Drainage
Since a hot tub full of water weighs several tons, a weak foundation could make your hot tub collapse or destroy the foundation, forcing you to pay thousands of dollars in repairs. Here's a weight chart for some of our popular models:
| Size (feet) | Capacity (gallons) | Weight (lbs) |
| 5' x 3' | 315 | 3010 |
| 6' x 3' | 470 | 4380 |
| 7' x 3' | 660 | 6000 |
Choose a site with good drainage so splashes and overflowing water drain away from the installation site. Keep in mind that you'll have to periodically empty the tub to clean it out. Without good drainage, water damage, mold and mildew will compromise the installation site.
Ground Installations
Concrete blocks, cement slabs, beams and railroad ties create sturdy foundations for your hot tub. Avoid other types of foundations--they may produce an uneven surface that causes leaks and damage.
Concrete Pad
A concrete pad provides the sturdiest foundation for your hot tub. Your concrete pad should be 4'' thick, reinforced with mesh, leveled and well-compacted. If your concrete pad has a single issue, it could crack underneath the weight of the hot tub, causing damage and lowering your home's value.
If you don't already have a concrete pad, build a pad that's larger than the space you need for your hot tub. This gives you plenty of room for chairs, tables, grills and deck accessories so you can relax on the patio, then cool off with a dip in the hot tub. Otherwise, if your existing patio meets the requirements, you can install your hot tub directly.
Gravel Foundation
Compact gravel provides another sturdy foundation for your tub. If your house doesn't have an existing gravel foundation, frame the area with pressure-treated wood sleepers, then dig a 6'' deep pit and fill it with crushed gravel. Avoid pea gravel because it's less compact and more likely to shift. Next, flatten the gravel with a rake and check it with a carpenter's level.
Before you install the hot tub, make sure the gravel bed is large enough for drainage. The foundation needs to absorb splashes, leaks and overflows without letting the water settle and cause damage. Build a pit that leaves at least a foot of space around the tub to absorb water.
Over time, the gravel settles and needs to be re-leveled. Fortunately, you can check the gravel after you empty the tub and clean it out. If you don't, the hot tub might tip or leak.
Deck Installations
Deck installations make your hot tub easy to access, close to your house and an attractive addition to your porch. However, you'll need a deck that supports the full weight of your hot tub. If your deck is too weak, the wood collapses, destroying both the deck and hot tub. Check the weight of your hot tub, then hire an architect or building engineer to inspect the deck before you start installation.
When you're ready to invest in a new hot tub, browse our selection online, including models with internal and external heaters. Reach out to us to learn more about each model's features. We're also happy to answer your questions about installation.