Soft Spa Installation Guide

This handy soft spa installation guide will walk you through the most crucial considerations and requirements. So, if you're considering purchasing a soft spa hot tub, you'll know exactly what you need before your supplier delivers your new haven of relaxation.

1. Access to Your Soft Spa Installation Site

It may seem obvious, but when you're planning to buy a soft spa, you must think about how to get it into its intended spot. The great thing is that due to the soft spa's portability and flexibility, there aren't many installation locations that can't be turned into a soft spa oasis.

You should ask yourself some questions: Is there unobstructed access to the installation site for an item of this size? Are there any obstacles like garden gates, flights of steps, decorative arches, or similar that you'll need to navigate around? Can the soft spa be rolled through or lifted over these obstacles? If going around the house or through the garden isn't an option, is there a wide enough route through the house to maneuver the spa? Soft spas are typically designed to fit through a standard door frame, so rolling it through the house could be a viable solution.

If you're unsure, you can always reach out to your local soft spa dealer for advice.

2. What Base Do I Need for My Soft Spa Installation?

Your soft spa needs to rest on a solid and level base. Options like a patio, decking, or a dedicated concrete pad are ideal. Pebble stones or grass are also possible, but they're less recommended. Larger pebbles might be felt through the foam base of the spa, and grass can rot over time, leaving a smelly mess.

A level base is crucial as it ensures that the water in your soft spa is also level. If the base slopes to one side, you'll encounter the problem of the water level being higher at one end of the spa than the other. This not only looks unappealing but, in extreme cases, could result in the jets being above the water line at one end while water overflows at the other.

So, a level base is an absolute must!

In terms of strength, the requirements for a soft spa are less demanding compared to some other types. The empty weight of a soft spa is usually less than 80kg. However, if you're placing it on decking, the joists underneath still need to be strong enough to support the weight of the water in the spa.

3. What Power Supply Do I Need for My Soft Spa?

Soft spa hot tubs are among the most energy-efficient hot tubs on the market and operate using a standard three-pin plug, making them a convenient plug-and-play option. All you'll need is a 13amp outdoor socket. It should be positioned 2-3 meters away from the spa to prevent water splashing onto the socket, yet close enough for the cable to reach.

4. How Much Space Do I Need to Leave Around My Soft Spa?

The amount of space you need to leave around your soft spa depends on the accessories you want to install alongside it. You might consider installing a lid lifter to make it easier to open the thermal cover on your spa. If so, you'll need to decide which side you want the hot tub to open from and allow for approximately 30cm of clearance on that side for the lid lifter to function properly.

You may also want to add a set of spa steps or even a full rattan or wooden surround to your soft spa installation. This can make it easier to get in and out of the spa, provide additional seating, and offer a place to store your towel, drink, or book. If you choose to do this, you'll need to allow for an additional 40cm in diameter around your soft spa.

Most importantly, you must leave enough space so that you or a technician can access the soft spa's control system or other components. This is necessary if you ever want to disconnect it to move the soft spa to a different location or send it for servicing.

5. Do I Need a Cover for My Soft Spa Hot Tub Installation?

Some customers like to add a gazebo or pergola to their soft spa installation to gain extra shelter and privacy, while others prefer to be able to stargaze and feel more connected to nature.

This really comes down to personal preference. Your soft spa is designed to be outdoors all year round and is made from durable vinyl material, similar to marine-grade quality. So, even though it may look as inviting and comfortable as a leather sofa, it's perfectly capable of withstanding various weather conditions.

If you decide that a hot tub gazebo is the right choice for you, whether it's because you have nosy neighbors and want more privacy, your garden is exposed to the elements and a gazebo would offer protection from wind and rain, or simply because it would enhance the beauty of your soft spa installation, our team can assist you!

We offer a variety of steel as well as handcrafted wooden gazebos and garden buildings to complement your soft spa hot tub installation.