Summer is in full swing which means you’re likely spending more time in a hot tub. If you don’t currently own a hot tub but are considering getting one in the near future, there are some important things to consider before purchasing. It’s a no brainer that water and electricity don’t mix; therefore, adhering to proper safety and electrical protocol with hot tub installation and maintenance is imperative. Listed below are Expert Electric’s 5 tips for hot tub safety:
1. Consult a licensed electrician
You might consider yourself to be quite the handyman; however, setting up a brand new hot tub is an entirely different animal. Wiring a hot tub is no easy task and it’s far more complex than setting up your average home appliance. Consulting a licensed electrician for a hot tub installation will often save you time, money, and a trip to the hospital. A licensed electrician will minimize any costly mistakes you would make that could result in permanent damage to the hot tub and a void in the hot tub manufacturer’s warranty. Additionally, they will ensure you’re getting the best value in all of the necessary accessories that need to be purchased for installation.
2. Ensure your current electrical service can manage
Although this usually isn’t a problem if your home was built within the past 30-40 years, it’s always a good thing to look into before adding an additional appliance to your home. This is another area that a licensed electrician can help with. It’s also crucial to understand what type of voltage your hot tub is running with. Smaller hot tubs usually require 120 volts whereas larger hot tubs will often run on 240 volts. Understanding the different requirements associated with your specific hot tub’s voltage and how it relays to its power source is key.
3. It’s all in the wiring
When it comes to hot tub installation, it’s all in the wiring. Using the proper wiring is critical to the functioning and safety of your hot tub. It’s important to use wiring that is able to handle the heat. A licensed electrician will be able to answer any questions you have about wiring and determine which type of wiring is necessary for your hot tub.
4. Electrical codes must be followed
Did you know that Canada has a set of electrical codes that must be followed when installing and maintaining any type of electrical equipment in Canada? These codes must be followed accordingly during the installation. The Canadian Electric Code is a handbook that can be purchased online; however, it’s a long read and fairly expensive. Hiring a licensed electrician will save you the chore of reading it and void its additional cost.
5. Location is key
Before installing a hot tub, it’s imperative to consider its location. You’ll need room for the hot tub as well as extra room to get in and out. The hot tub should be at least 10 feet away from any overhead power lines and 5 feet away from the removed spa panel. It’s also important to consider how the tub will connect to its power source.
For further information on hot tub installation and the necessary electrical requirements, please visit our contact page for a local number near you or to fill out one of our online forms. Our team of licensed electricians are here to help ensure your hot tub gets installed safely and efficiently.
