Installing a Jacuzzi or other whirlpool spa pool in a garden isn’t particularly difficult and in many cases the supplier of the pool will install it for you. But there may still be some groundworks necessary to provide a flat platform and access to the necessary utilities.
Whirlpool Baths and Jacuzzi
Jacuzzi is actually a trademark for a manufacturer of whirlpool baths and spas. They were the first to market baths with jets back in 1955, selling them as therapeutic aids to relieve muscular problems. Other baths that are similar may not be made by Jacuzzi and should by rights be called whirlpool baths.
However the use of the word ‘jacuzzi’ to refer to all baths of this kind is now common, much like ‘hoover’ is used as a general name for any vacuum cleaner, regardless of whether it is made by Hoover or not.
Flat Surface
Regardless of the manufacturer, installing most whirlpool baths will need at least three things: water, electrical power and a flat surface. The flat surface shouldn’t be too taxing. Most whirlpool baths are rigid and tough so they can be placed on a lawn.
Obviously a paved surface is probably better long term, particularly if you are reasonably sure you won’t be moving it. Although they can be moved easily it can only be done when they are empty, and filling takes quite a long time. If you have raised decking see if you can place the hot tub such that the edge is at roughly the same level as the decking as that will make it easier to get in and out.
Plumbing in Water
The water does not need to be plumbed into the mains supply, a hosepipe is adequate. This isn’t as inconvenient as it sounds as most whirlpool baths will heat the water up to temperature and then be left on, keeping the water close to a useable temperature.
This is because the major use of energy is in heating the water mass up in the first place. As long as a thermally insulated lid is kept on the bath the occasional heating (controlled by a thermostat) will keep the bath near the operating temperature.
This won’t use as much electricity as heating the water up in the first place. It also makes sure that the whirlpool bath will be ready for use reasonably quickly, usually within half an hour to an hour of being turned up.
Replacing the Water
The water does need replacing every now and then but most manufacturers recommend doing this every three months. So for a typical summer in the United Kingdom you’re only going to have to get the hosepipe out twice a year, if that.
However, if it’s easy and convenient to plumb the water supply into the mains then there’s no reason not to. Make sure it has a separate tap so that the supply can be isolated easily if necessary.
Electrical Supply for a Whirlpool Bath
As far as the electrical supply goes, that will almost certainly have to be done by a qualified electrician now that the rules in the United Kingdom are so stringent. A separate supply should be run from the consumer unit (or fuse box) with a suitable circuit breaker.
The cable should be securely mounted on a wall (not a fence) where it runs outside or buried in armoured cable. The electrician will be aware of the regulations regarding this. Most whirlpool bath suppliers will give you the details and expect you to sort out the supply using a local electrician, then come and install the bath once they know the supply is in place.
Whirlpool Baths and Garden Buildings
As far as building goes, you can of course put the hot tub in a summerhouse or other garden building, but they can equally be left out unprotected. If you think you might use it a lot then you might consider erecting a roof of some kind so that you can use it when the weather is warm but it’s raining.
Or you could erect a pergola and train plants up it simply to make it a nice place to relax in your garden.
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