Hot tub spa contractors get asked about ideal locations all the time. Although hot tubs are quite often set up outdoors, many people are curious if they can be installed in the basement. The simple answer is that hot tubs are quite suited to basements as long as certain precautions are taken. If you’re looking to place a hot tub spa in your basement, you’ll need to consider some basics before you can decide if the location is appropriate. Read this article for some ideas to consider when planning to install a basement hot tub.
Is There a Ventilation System?
A ventilation system is a must when it comes to indoor hot tubs. This is especially true when it comes to tubs installed in basements. The heat and water from the hot tub will increase the area’s humidity and increase the possibility of condensation. Prolonged exposure to condensation is not ideal and can promote mould and mildew. A properly installed ventilation system will lower the room’s humidity and decrease the chances of condensation and mould growth. Contact an HVAC specialist to get suitable advice regarding a ventilation system. You’ll want something that forces the air outdoors while not being so noisy that it disturbs what should be a relaxing atmosphere.
Is There Access to Drainage?
Basements can be an ideal area for hot tubs because normally there’s already a floor drain installed. This will come in handy for the inevitable spills, splashes and drips that are associated with hot tubs. Raising the hot tub above the floor will prevent water from pooling underneath it and allow for easier cleaning. If you need to install additional flooring material such as tile, ensure the levels encourage proper drainage and inhibit pooling. An easily accessible floor drain can also make cleaning the floors a cinch. Simply squeegee water and cleaning product into the drain after using the tub and you’ll always have a clean floor.
Is the Flooring Appropriate?
You probably won’t want to leave bare concrete as the flooring surrounding your hot tub spa, although if properly sealed, there wouldn’t be any problem with doing so. But you’ll also want to make sure that your flooring is able to resist water damage while allowing its surface to offer some traction. Certain flooring materials such as carpet or untreated wood are probably a poor choice for a flooring material around your hot tub. Similarly, you’ll want to keep safety in mind and make sure the floor doesn’t become too slippery when wet.
Is There Enough Space?
Normally basements are some of the largest rooms in the house, so space surrounding the hot tub is not usually the problem. Although you should ensure there’s enough space to easily access the tub, allow for cleaning and possibly have some room for some surrounding furniture and accessories. However, you must ensure that you can get the tub into the basement in the first place. Unlike a lot of other pieces of domestic furniture, hot tubs don’t have a lot of removable parts to allow you to get around corners or through tight squeezes. Making sure you can get the spa tub into the basement before bringing it home will prevent a lot of frustration and disappointment.
Is There A Water Source?
Once again, basements can be an ideal indoor location for a hot tub due to some of the pre-installed conveniences. Most basements already have a water source installed for use with a washing machine. And although the majority of hot tubs use a self contained plumbing system, you’ll need to fill it up in the first place and top it up periodically. Having a nearby water source will eliminate the need for carrying buckets of water through the house.
