If you are in the process of purchasing a hot tub, you’re probably starting to daydream about where the best place you can put it. If you have a very small outdoor living space, or lack privacy outdoors, you may not be thrilled at the idea of having an outdoor hot tub. If you don’t have an extra room to put your hot tub inside, you may be wondering, ‘Can I put a hot tub in the garage?’ While this may be a good location for your hot tub, there are some factors that you should first consider to determine if your garage will be suitable.
Ventilation
Probably the most important factor to consider would be if your garage has adequate ventilation as hot tubs create moisture and humidity, which is more noticeable with an indoor installation. It is vital to have the proper mechanisms in place to prevent any damage to your garage that could potentially be caused by excessive humidity and moisture problems. Without proper ventilation, some of the issues you could face could be condensation, mold, and wood rot. Garages are typically humid places, to begin with, so adding a hot tub to the mix can drive humidity levels to their peak. Adding a proper ventilation system that includes a powerful exhaust fan is a must. It is recommended that you consult with a licensed contractor to ensure that you have proper ventilation in addition to your ventilation system being quiet. The last thing you want is to be trying to relax in your hot tub while there is an incredibly noisy fan or central air system running overhead.
Internal Structure
You’ll want to protect the internal structure of your garage from the effects of moisture and humidity as well. When hot tubs are installed inside, a vapor barrier should be placed along all the walls and the ceiling. This should also be done in a garage to protect the framing from rotting. Waterproof drywall can be installed to ensure that the woodwork is protected and you can apply a paint that’s suitable for bathrooms and reduces the risk of peeling and cracking. Again, a contractor can inspect your garage and determine if the internal structure and ventilation system needs upgrades in order to make it a suitable location for your hot tub.
Flooring
No matter where your hot tub is installed, it needs to be on a solid, stable base. Since many garages are built on a concrete slab, this shouldn’t be a problem. However, if your garage has a dirt floor you’ll need a more stable base installed to place the hot tub on. As far as the flooring goes in your garage, ideally waterproof flooring is best but at a minimum, you want to make sure that it is slip-resistant. No matter how hard you try, some amount of water from the hot tub will end up on the floor as bathers enter and exit or accidentally splashing. In addition to it being a safety precaution, you want to be sure that your flooring can handle excess moisture.
Drainage
Hot tubs need to be drained and refilled every several months, so you’ll have to consider where the water will go when you need to drain it and how you will fill it up. If your garage is already connected to a drainage system you should be good to go. If not, you’ll need to look at other drainage options. You should also ensure the floor is properly graded to allow any spilled water to run towards the drain and prevent pooling.
While hot tubs have self-contained plumbing systems, you also will want to make sure that you have close access to a water source. If there is a tap in your garage and you are able to connect a garden hose that will easily reach your hot tub, this will prevent you from having to carry hundreds of buckets full of water from the nearest water source when you need to refill your tub.
To find out more about installing a hot tub in your garage, download a free buyer’s guide today.