Where it goes: the base, the power and the delivery
Settle three things at home before you visit a dealer: what the tub will sit on, how it gets power, and how it gets into the yard. A full six-seater weighs about 4,340 lb and puts about 81 lb on every square foot, twice what an ordinary deck is built to carry.
In this lesson
What a full tub weighs and what it can sit on
120V plug-in or a 240V circuit
How a tub gets into your backyard
How much does a full hot tub weigh?
A typical six-seater weighs about 826 lb empty and 4,340 lb full of water. Spread over its footprint, that's about 81 lb on every square foot, all day, every day. The building code designs an ordinary deck for 40. So makers put a number in writing: Marquis asks for a deck rated for 100 lb per sq ft, Cal Spas for 150. Every size is on hot tub weight.
What can a hot tub sit on?
A reinforced concrete pad at least 4 in thick, flat and level, is what makers recommend. A deck works only if a builder or engineer confirms it carries the load. Pavers and gravel depend on the maker: Bullfrog accepts both, Cal Spas neither. Grass, dirt and sand: no.
It's a warranty question too: Hot Spring and Cal Spas exclude damage from an inadequate foundation. Get the bases your model's warranty accepts in writing before anyone pours concrete. More on what to put a hot tub on.
Can it plug in, or does it need a 240V circuit?
Most hot tubs need their own 240-volt circuit with GFCI protection, wired by a licensed electrician, usually on a 50-amp breaker: 163 of the 272 models that publish a breaker size list 50 amps as the most they need. Of the 390 that list a voltage, 86 can run on 120 volts, 74 of them sold as plug-and-play.
The trade-off is heat and jet power. A 120V tub has one jet pump and a small heater, 1 to 1.5 kW against the 4 to 5.5 kW a 240V tub usually carries, so it heats slowly and can't run the heater and the jets at full at the same time. The circuit has room for only one pump: all 74 plug-in tubs we list have just the one, so the jets are weaker. It still needs its own 15 or 20 amp circuit. See electrical requirements.
The code also keeps switches out of reach from the water: a disconnect within sight of the tub but at least 5 ft from it, no outlet within 6 ft, one outlet 6 to 20 ft away, and 22.5 ft between overhead power lines and the water. Local codes vary; the permit settles it.
How does a hot tub get into the backyard?
On its side, on a cart. So the path must be at least as wide as the tub is tall, and the median tub is 36 in. Gates, side yards, air conditioners, tight corners and steps are where it gets stuck. If there's no way through, a crane lifts it over the house. Standard delivery is often included in the price; the crane usually isn't. What that costs is in lesson 6.
What should you measure before you visit a dealer?
The spot: the length and width you can give the tub, plus room for steps and the folded-back cover.
The narrowest point on the way in, and anything overhead if a crane might be needed.
The base: what's there now, and whether you'll pour a pad or have a deck checked.
The power: how far your electrical panel is from the spot.
Ask the dealer
Which bases does this model's warranty accept, in writing?
What breaker does its spec sheet call for, and does it come with a GFCI?
Can it start on 120V and switch to 240V later?
Is delivery included, and will my path need a crane?
Next: what all of it costs. The tub, getting it in, and the monthly bill.
Remember this
A full six-seater puts about 81 lb on each square foot; an ordinary deck is designed for 40.
A reinforced concrete pad at least 4 in thick is what makers recommend. Get the accepted bases in writing.
Most tubs need their own 240V, 50A circuit with GFCI; plug-in tubs heat slowly and have weaker jets. A tub that runs on both can start on 120V.
The way in must be as wide as the tub is tall, or it's a crane.
Check yourself
3 quick questions. Tap an answer.
Can a full six-seat hot tub go on an ordinary deck?
What do you give up with a 120V plug-in tub?
Where does the power shutoff (the disconnect) go?
Want more on this?
Each of these goes deeper. They open in the library; the course will be here when you come back.
8 more lessons: how a good tub is built, what it really costs, what to ask at the showroom and how to get the best price, then your showroom cheat sheet. It opens right away.
