Swim spas are known for their compact size. However, size is relative. While a swim spa may be much smaller than a full-sized swimming pool or a lap pool, it can still create an imposing presence when sitting in a small backyard. For this reason, swim spa owners facing space issues sometimes opt to sink their swim spa into the ground to create a smaller profile. An inground swim spa can be more easily integrated into an area that already has limited sightlines. If you’re looking at how to install an inground swim spa, we’ve created a set of planning guidelines to help make the process easier.
Prior Planning
Installing an inground swim spa can be a complicated procedure, especially if proper planning isn’t completed beforehand. An inground swim spa installation requires a few different experts who will need to be properly coordinated to ensure efficient and pain-free progress. Take the time to fully envision the entire project before beginning. You may discover some pinch points ahead of time and reduce the possibility of delays in your aim to create a convenient at-home swimming option.
Installation Site
Knowing that you have an ideal installation site before the arrival of your swim spa is imperative. While personal preference will play a role in where the swim spa is installed, there are many practical considerations as well. For example, you don’t want your swim spa located too close to leaf-dropping trees or rainwater runoff from a nearby roof. These types of contaminations can lead to water chemistry problems and vastly increase your time spent on maintenance. You should also check if any local bylaws affect the use and placement of swim spas. You might need to build a safety fence or set the swim spa back from property lines or other structures. Another thing to keep in mind is exposure to the elements. In certain areas of the country, total exposure to the sun isn’t desirable, whereas, in other areas, more sun will make for a more pleasant swimming experience.
Conveyance
Getting a new swim spa from the dealership to the installation location is something that many swim spa owners don’t plan properly for. The process may require a crane or the clearance of obstructions that will hinder the delivery process. Pay special attention to the path between your driveway and the final installation site to make sure the swim spa can easily fit along the entire route.
Excavation
Care needs to be taken when excavating a hole for the swim spa. You need to ensure you don’t dig into power lines, plumbing systems or other utilities. Consult with your local authorities to make sure you can excavate your property safely. It’s also important to create enough space around the edges of the swim spa to allow the cabinet panels to be easily removed. Three feet of clearance around each side of the swim spa is recommended for maintenance access.
Foundation
A solid and stable foundation needs to be laid to withstand the weight of a swim spa full of water and people. Most manufacturers recommend at least a 6” perfectly level concrete pad. The foundation will need to be installed, settled and cured before the swim spa arrives, so plan ahead.
Electricity
Swim spas run on 220 volts which means that you can’t just plug them into any old electrical outlet. You’ll need to hire an electrician to install a GFCI circuit and connect it to the swim spa. Again, this will require some scheduling to ensure that the right elements are in place when the swim spa arrives.
Now that you have a better idea of how to install an inground swim spa, download a free buyer’s guide for more information.