Indoor hot tubs provide many advantages, but you might be limited as to where they can be located. Can you put a hot tub in your bathroom? Aside from basements and sunrooms, bathrooms are actually very high on the list of ideal locations for a hot tub. However, you’ll need to make some preparations to ensure you don’t run into any trouble. In this article, we’ll go over what needs to be kept in mind when installing a hot tub in your bathroom.
Size and Shape
It may seem unnecessary to mention, but experience has shown otherwise. Choosing the right size and shape is an incredibly important part of the hot tub buying process. Not only should the hot tub be proportionate to the size of your bathroom, but you need to make sure you can actually get it into the bathroom in the first place. You wouldn’t be the first to end up with a hot tub that’s too big to fit through the front door. Speak to your hot tub dealer and carefully compare the measurements of your desired purchase with the route the hot tub will have to take to get to your bathroom. Doorways, stairwells, sharp corners and low ceilings have all prevented buyers from getting their hot tub to where they wanted it. Don’t let it happen to you!
Humidity
Due to the temperature of the water and the constant churning caused by the water jets, hot tubs create a lot more moisture and humidity than your normal bathtub and shower combo. This needs to be taken seriously because excessive humidity can quickly cause major problems for your house. This can range from mold, mildew and overpowering odors to rotting drywall, wooden studs and support beams. To prevent this, you’ll need to install an effective ventilation system. A regular bathroom fan isn’t going to be powerful enough. Many indoor hot tub owners like to pair a powerful exhaust fan with an overhead ceiling fan. Dehumidifiers can also come in handy during moist and humid weather.
Flooring
You’ll end up with much more water on your floor with a hot tub than you will with a shower or bathtub. For this reason, it’s a smart idea to have a floor drain to easily whisk away any excess water. Another thing to keep in mind is that most accidents related to hot tub use involve slipping and falling. If you’re able to choose a slip proof floor surface, you may avert a trip to emergency care.
Stability
Basements are often ideal locations for a hot tub because of the stable and level surface area. If you’re planning on installing your hot tub above basement level, you’ll want to make sure that the floor will be able to withstand the weight. Depending on its size, a full hot tub can weigh several thousand pounds. You don’t want that falling through the floor! Speak to your hot tub dealer about hiring the services of a structural engineer to ensure your floor can handle the weight.
Indoor Hot Tub Covers
Hot tub covers aren’t exclusively for outdoor hot tubs. Sure, you don’t have to worry about leaves, insects and bird droppings in your bathroom, but the cover plays more roles than simply keeping contaminants out of the water. Replacing the cover whenever the hot tub isn’t being used will greatly cut down on the humidity levels in the house. It will also provide protection against small children and pets getting into the water.
To learn more about indoor hot tub installation, download a free buyer’s guide today.