Can You Partially Bury A Hot Tub? What Professionals Say
A hot tub is not a particularly attractive-looking product. One of the options to improve your view is to fully or partially bury the hot tub. This way, it will not block your view, and it is even easier to get in and out. But is it possible to bury my hot tub? And how do I need to do this?
Can you partially bury a hot tub?
Generally, most hot tubs can be fully or partially buried into the ground. If you plan to do this, prepare the location, check the groundwater level, ensure proper drainage, and see that you can still reach the different hot tub areas for maintenance. I recommend checking with your dealer if the model you have or plan to purchase is suitable for burying.
With that said, let us proceed to the other aspects of this article, where I'll be providing you with a more detailed answer on whether you can partially bury your hot tub. I'll also provide a detailed guide and tips to help you.
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Can You Partially Bury a Hot Tub?
One of the main reasons we like to have a hot tub in our homes, especially in our backyard, is to relax and enjoy the warm water. A lot of users also like the glowing LED lights and the soothing waterfall feature sound. A hot tub can turn any backyard into a luxury sanctuary with these features.
Despite these fantastic features, installing a hot tub often comes with different things to consider, especially if you're installing it in your backyard. It doesn't always end at making the hot tub the center of focus in your backyard. Sometimes, you'll want to enjoy the surrounding views in your backyard. The way you install the hot tub will determine whether you'll be able to enjoy all of this.
Are you wondering whether you can partially bury a hot tub? Does it mean we dig a hole and place the hot tub in it? As you might expect, that is not the case. To partially bury a hot tub, you need proper planning and preparation. You also need to ensure that you use a model that can be buried and meet your needs.
You should note that installing a hot tub in the ground is a permanent installation. It is nearly impossible to move the hot tub after it.
– Hot Tub Installation Tips
As mentioned earlier, installing a hot tub in the ground will make it a permanent fixture in your backyard. Therefore, if you intend to move your hot tub from one place to another, it may not be the best type of installation for you.
However, if you expect the location not to change, you might want to consider a more permanent installation. Wholly or partly burying it can be an excellent option. But there are some things you need to consider before you install the hot tub in your backyard:
1. Site Preparation for Buried Hot Tubs
The first thing to do is to provide and prepare a suitable site in your backyard. You'll need to create a solid foundation capable of supporting the weight of the hot tub, especially when it is filled with water. This is applicable in all cases, whether you are placing the hot tub on a platform or you're burying it in the ground.
Check the height of the groundwater. It will be difficult to bury your hot tub if it is high, close to the surface. This also applies when the groundwater level changes, depending on the precipitation, reaching a level close to the surface. When the hot tub is filled with water, there will probably be no problem. But when you empty it for cleaning or winterizing, the empty hot tub can start to float and rise.
If you are burying the hot tub in the ground, I recommend using a concrete vault to support the weight of the hot tub. Fortunately, you can also include the concrete vault as a part of the hot tub design.
2. Hot Tub Drainage for Buried Hot Tubs
Drainage is also important to consider, especially if you intend to install the hot tub in the ground. The hot tub will need a properly designed floor drain system, whether fully or partially buried in the ground. In addition to this, it is essential to ensure that the drain system is in the concrete pad. The system should be effective in removing water from the hot tub.
Are you wondering why this is important?
Ensuring that the hot tub drain is built correctly is crucial because it will help to collect water from the hot tub. This won't be easy if the drainage is bad and can eventually damage the hot tub.
3. Hot Tub Trap Door for Buried Hot Tubs
Your access to the service panel is a factor to consider if you plan to install your hot tub in the ground. It is usually best to plan for 3 feet around the perimeter. You can also use extra decking to maintain the look of your hot tub, and in addition to this, you can build a trap door. Ensuring easy access to the hot tub components is important, especially to minimize cost when servicing the hot tub.
4. Hot Tub Cover For Buried Hot Tubs
People often overlook the potential issues with the cover when burying a hot tub. A hot tub cover is needed to keep heat in and also prevent unwanted particles from entering the hot tub. The cover is also essential because it will help to keep your family and pets safe. The last applies to all hot tubs, but it is much easier for children and animals to get into it in case of a buried hot tub.
When buying a hot tub, note that the hot tub does not always come with a cover. But I recommend always using one. It will save on heating costs, keep your hot tub clean, and ensure that children and animals will not fall into it.
5. Easily Hop In Your Buried Hot Tub
Hot tubs that are partially buried in the ground are usually easy to get into. You only need to sit on the edge of the hot tub and swing your feet over to get into the hot tub. Depending on the height, you might still need to create one or more steps nearby to make it even easier.
Can You Sink Your Hot Tub in The Ground?
Generally, you can sink a hot tub in the ground. But always plan the installation well, and use the points mentioned earlier like easy access, groundwater level, and drainage. It will let you enjoy the surrounding view while you get soaked and ease stress when done well. When you choose this type of installation, you can add a custom and beautiful look to your backyard.
However, this might not be the best for every space, and you need to be sure that you are ready to spend extra on the installation process and future service. You also need to ask yourself if this will be yours forever home.
These questions are particularly important for people who intend to bury their hot tub in the ground entirely. You might want to consider partially burying the hot tub in the ground if you have any reservations. This will keep the hot tub up to 12 inches above ground level, and it also comes with other benefits. For example, getting in and out of a partially buried hot tub is a lot easier. It also creates extra room for a cover lift or traditional covers.
Another option is to install the hot tub beside a raised deck. You'll also need to include steps to this type of design to make it safe and easy to get into the hot tub.
Whether you choose to sink your hot tub in the ground or you opt for another style of installation, you'll need to ensure that there is enough space to make the hot tub beautiful and functional.
Does a Hot Tub Need to Be Level?
I get the question of whether a hot tub needs to be completely level from many first-time buyers. Their garden is sloped or uneven, and they are unsure what the best place is to put their hot tub.
A hot tub needs to be level. Even though hot tubs are designed to hold a lot of water, they are also built to distribute weight evenly. A lot of hot tubs use a wooden frame below an acrylic shell. If the hot tub is not in a level position, it will prevent the even distribution of weight in the hot tub, which can cause it to fracture due to stress.
To ensure that the hot tub is level, they are usually placed on patios, decks, or other paved locations. Surfaces are often made from wood, tiles, or concrete. In those cases, check that the floor is really level. Both concrete or tiled floor can have a slope as well. The bottom line is that the hot tub should be placed on a solid, uniform, and level surface.