PRE-DELIVERY GUIDE
Please review this information thoroughly before your spa arrives. It contains all the essential details you’ll need to ensure your new hot tub is installed safely, securely, and without delays. This guide covers: choosing the right site, delivery access, ground preparation, and electrical requirements.
Be sure to also read the Owner’s Manual provided with your spa and complete your warranty registration within the stated timeframe after delivery.
⚠️ Important: Hot Tubs Sale cannot be held responsible for any property damage that may occur during delivery.
Table of Contents
- Delivery Options
- Failed Delivery Attempts
- Payments
- Site Selection & Preparation
- Location of Hot Tub
- Outdoor & Patio Installation
- Decking
- Sinking Your Hot Tub Into Decking
- Delivery Methods & Access
- Indoor Installation
- Electrical Information & Requirements
- Air Source Heat Pump Requirements
- Hot Tubs Sale Circuit Breaker Specifications
Delivery Options
If you choose our installation package, please ensure all required electrical work is completed before delivery.
Failure to provide suitable access, completed electrics, or payment will result in a failed delivery charge. Charges are calculated based on distance from our warehouse. Alternatively, we can leave the hot tub at your property, but a return visit for installation will incur an additional fee.
Failed Delivery Attempts
We may request photos or videos of your access route before delivery and offer guidance. However, we are not responsible for failed delivery attempts caused by:
- Limited access
- Weather conditions
- Time restrictions
- Obstacles preventing positioning
It is the customer’s responsibility to confirm the hot tub will fit into its final location under all conditions.
Payments
- Card payments: must be made in full at the time of order.
- Deposit orders: remaining balance must be paid by bank transfer on delivery before unloading.
- Cranes, Hiabs, and sunken installations: must be paid by bank transfer only.
Deliveries Requiring Lifting Equipment
If a crane or other lifting device is needed, it is the customer’s responsibility to arrange this. The crane/lift operator is fully liable for any damage or safety issues during the lift.
Site Selection & Preparation
Choosing and preparing your site is the customer’s responsibility. Please read this section carefully.
⚠️ Note: If an existing hot tub needs to be moved or incorrect cabling must be replaced, this will incur extra costs. Always inform us in advance.
Location of Hot Tub
Whether indoors, outdoors, on a patio, or a deck, keep these points in mind:
- The base must be solid, level, and structurally sound (a filled spa is very heavy).
- Ensure water drains away from the equipment compartment to avoid electrical damage.
- Leave easy access to circuit breakers, RCDs, and at least the front access panels for servicing.
- If sinking your hot tub, make sure drainage is adequate.
- Protect surfaces that may scratch during use or installation.
Outdoor & Patio Installation
A strong foundation is essential. Improper installation or inadequate support can lead to structural damage, which is not covered under warranty.
- Best option: a reinforced concrete base at least 4 inches thick.
- Temporary placement: stepping stones may be used, but this is not a long-term solution.
- Dirt or grass bases are unsuitable — spas must be moved to a permanent surface promptly.
Hot Tubs Sale will not install a spa on a substandard temporary base.
Decking
Before placing your spa on decking, consult a structural engineer or qualified contractor to ensure it can support the weight.
If surrounding your spa with decking:
- Leave removable access panels large enough for servicing and repairs.
- For sunken or indoor installations, allow space for panel removal.
- Build the base and position the tub before completing decking. If a deck hole is already cut, we cannot guarantee successful installation.
If decking must be removed for repairs, it is the customer’s responsibility to remove it beforehand.
👉 Note: Decking can amplify pump noise due to vibration.
Delivery Methods & Access
Your hot tub will arrive on its side using a trolley system.
- Minimum pathway width: 10cm more than the depth of the spa.
- Minimum clearance height: 10cm above the longest dimension.
- Obstructions must be removed in advance.
- Corners require wide turning space.
- Steps and narrow areas may prevent successful delivery.
Indoor Installation
If placing your spa indoors:
- Ensure flooring is non-slip when wet and has proper drainage.
- Provide adequate ventilation to manage humidity and avoid rot, mildew, or condensation damage.
- A floor drain is recommended in new spa rooms.
Electrical Information
All electrical work must be carried out by a certified electrician and comply with:
- Part P building regulations
- BS:7671 wiring regulations
General Requirements
- Most hot tubs require 230V single-phase supply.
- Small models: usually need a 16A supply.
- Larger models: often require a 32A supply.
- All outdoor supplies must be protected by armoured cable or conduit.
- A dedicated circuit with correct breaker and RCD protection is mandatory.
- A rotary isolator switch must be installed at least 2m from the spa.
- Leave a coil of spare cable next to the base for final positioning.
Air Source Heat Pump Requirements
- Power: Requires a 13A outdoor socket.
- Installation: We will connect the pump to your spa’s heating system with inlet/outlet pipes.
- Placement: Needs at least 450mm clearance at the inlet and 1500mm at the fan outlet.
Our air source pumps remain efficient even in sub-zero temperatures, providing a cost-effective and eco-friendly heating solution.
Hot Tubs Sale Circuit Breaker Specifications
Most of our hot tubs require:
- A 32A RCD-protected breaker at the consumer unit.
- Armoured cable or conduit to a waterproof outdoor isolator switch (2–3m from the spa).
- Sufficient cable length to reach the spa’s furthest corner.
For 13A rated tubs installed outdoors, you’ll need an IP65 waterproof socket. We supply up to 6m of cable from the spa.