Tubs: Planning
Planning your Installation
It takes the average hot tub shopper 2 months to plan and install their new Moose Mountain Hot Tub. So don't feel discouraged if things seem to be progressing slowly.
Site selection for your Moose Mountain Hot Tub is critical. Whether the hot tub should be placed indoors or outdoors is a very important decision that should not be rushed in order to facilitate years of enjoyment from your new Moose Mountain Hot Tub.
Lay out your hot tub site on paper including measurements, indicating walls, existing structures and permanent landscaping. The following list of considerations should assist you in completing your layout.
General:
Check out local building regulations relative to fences, gates, setbacks, electrical and plumbing. Anything electrical that is within 25 feet of the hot tub must be on a ground fault breaker.
Consider the view - visual appearance of the hot tub and the view from the hot tub. Appropriate drainage is also necessary to compensate for overflow and splashing.
Lighting - this should be functional, decorative, and above all safe. Keep in mind the accessibility of your house, dressing rooms, showers, etc.
How high off the ground do you want the top of the hot tub? Do you need to sink it in the ground or raise it up?
It is nice to have a small safe storage area for maintenance equipment and chemicals.
Water supply - You will want easy access to a water tap for filling your hottub and a spot to drain it. In the city of Calgary you can get a $600 fine if you drain your hot tub into the storm water system. The storm water systems are connected into the rivers. You can drain your hot tub into the ground or into the sewer system.
Cover storage - will you need storage for your hard cover when hot tub is in use? Or will a cover lifter work for you?
Outdoors
Locate buried underground utilities before digging.
Shelter - wind pattern of your yard.
If you plan on using your tub in the raw (al la nude) privacy is of prime importance.
The worst thing in a hot tub are nylon shorts. If washed the pockets catch soap and cause foaming problems. If you are going to where suits don't wash them just ring them out and let dry.
Location of barbecue, patio furniture and outdoor activities.
Peripheral decks, walkways and seating.
Is there direct sun or shade.
We recommend the hot tub be put on a gravel pad. Make the pad by screwing four pressure treated 8' long 4"by 4"s together to form a box. The box can be spiked down with steel rebar. Next fill the box with 3/4" crushed gravel. This is a simple but effective pad that will provide great drainage and if the ground shifts or slants this pad can be fixed readily. Note; for a 8 ' x 8' hot tub make your 4by4 box 9' x 9'.
Indoors:
Consider getting the hot tub into the desired location. In an existing house it is almost impossible to get a hot tub inside.
Humidity control with ventilation fans, dehumidifiers and covers.
Walls, ceiling, floors, doors, window frames and lighting fixtures should be of a material capable of withstanding humidity.
Check load - carrying ability of floor. Water weighs 10 pounds per gallon.
Note: To do the electrical hook up of all hot tubs in the city of Calgary, homeowners are required to hire a Certified Master Electrician who will obtain the required city electric permit. You cannot do your own electrical installation and get a city permit. The city will not give you one unless you are a Certified Master Electrician.
*All Moose Mountain Hot Tubs require a 220v 50 amp GFCI breaker and #6 cable with four leads (L1, L2, Neutral & Ground).
*please consult your electrician