Swim spas are a popular alternative to the traditional in-ground pool. Not only are you able to swim in place but they provide a year-round space for aquatic therapy, relaxation, and quality family time.
But before you can start enjoying the benefits of a swim spa, you have to have it installed. While an in-ground swimming pool can take months to build, the delivery and installation of a swim spa can take less than a day.
Still, it’s understandable to have some questions about the installation process. This guide will help address some of the most common questions about installing a swim spa.
Planning for your swim spa installation
A swim spa is an investment in your lifestyle and backyard. And you will no doubt be excited as you anticipate the delivery.
But before you schedule the delivery with your Master Spas retailer, you want to make sure that you are prepared.
And that preparation process often begins with the site for your swim spa.
Can you put a swim spa on pavers?
When choosing a location for your swim spa, you want a flat, level surface. Ideally, it will be close to your home, making it easier to access.
And if you are a homeowner with an existing paver patio, you might wonder whether it will make a good location for your spa.
The answer? Not really.
Paver patios are not typically prepared to handle the weight of a swim spa. H2X Fitness Swim Spas range in size from 11 feet long to 19-foot models and can weigh more than 3,000 pounds. Fill the swim spa with water, and it can weigh more than 20,0000 pounds.
Any swim spa foundation needs to be properly solid, level, and able to support the swim spa when filled with water. Ideally, it’s a reinforced concrete base. Master Spas recommends a 6-inch concrete foundation that’s reinforced with rebar.
Can you put a swim spa in the basement or garage?
H2X Fitness Swim Spas can be installed outdoors and indoors. An indoor location allows you to use your swim spa regardless of the weather conditions. And, many times, you can get into the water without ever going outside.
However, when you are installing a swim spa indoors, such as in a garage or basement, there are several factors to consider, such as ventilation and structural support.
But the biggest factor is the spa itself.
H2X Fitness Swim Spas arrive as a self-contained unit and arrive in one piece. As a homeowner, you want to make sure that there is room to move the swim spa into the indoor location and that you have adequate space (and ceiling height) to enjoy the swim spa.
If you want to install your swim spa into a garage, many doors should be wide enough to accommodate a swim spa. If you are considering putting your swim spa in a basement, you would need ground-level access to the space. Consult with a licensed contractor or swim spa dealer to determine feasibility and any necessary modifications.
Do I need a permit to install a swim spa?
It’s always important to check on the permit requirements where you live as regulations can vary from municipality to municipality. Nevertheless, in the majority of instances, obtaining a building permit for a swim spa isn’t necessary.
Your new swim spa will be classified as a portable and self-contained unit. Unlike permanent structures, it doesn’t alter the landscape of your property permanently. Furthermore, the plumbing and electrical components are housed within the unit’s cabinet, adding to its convenience and ease of installation
Do you need a fence for a swim spa?
A backyard fence is about more than just defining your property. Fencing adds privacy, keeps your pets in the yard, and adds a level of safety.
But whether you need a fence around your swim spa will depend on where you live. Some areas may require you to have a fence around your yard.
Be sure to check local regulations to determine if a fence is necessary in your area.
What to expect on delivery day
You don’t want the excitement of delivery day to turn into stress. Understanding how your swim spa will be delivered can help ensure that everything is in place for a smooth installation process.
Delivery methods
One of the most common questions homeowners have about their swim spa delivery is, “How will my swim spa be delivered?” Most swim spas are installed using a forklift. However, for properties where accessibility might be an issue, a crane might be necessary.
But how do you know whether the crew can deliver your swim spa with a forklift?
One of the important things you can do is walk the route from your driveway to the installation site. Will the delivery crew have enough space to maneuver the forklift and reach the installation site? Are there any potential obstacles such as fence posts or other obstacles in the way? By physically walking through the delivery path, you can gain firsthand insight into any potential issues.
Additionally, capturing photos or videos along the way allows you to share visual documentation with your Master Spas dealer, helping them understand your property and make any arrangements, like scheduling a crane, before the scheduled delivery.
Preparing the installation site
The swim spa delivery crew is there to put your spa into place. And you want to make sure that they are able to do their job. Clear the area of any obstacles, debris, or branches that could interfere with the delivery process. If gates or fence posts will need to be removed to gain access to your backyard, you will want to do that before the delivery crew arrives.
Can you move a swim spa?
One of the biggest perks of having a swim spa instead of a traditional pool is that you can take it with you if you ever decide to move. However, just like moving other large items such as pianos, it’s essential to handle swim spas with care during the moving process.
You can contact your Master Spas retailer to get more information about qualified movers for your swim spa.
While the movers will do the heavy lifting, you want to take the same care as you did on delivery day. Be sure to make sure that the route from the spa to the street is clear, and the crew can easily navigate your space.
In addition, just as your swim spa arrived empty, you will want to drain the spa and clean it before it makes the move.
Whether you’re eagerly awaiting delivery day or considering the possibility of moving your swim spa down the road, feel comfortable that your questions about installing a swim spa are answered.
Invest in a backyard pool alternative
Do you want to be able to swim, exercise, and relax at home? Having an H2X Fitness Swim Spa by Master Spas allows you to swim on your schedule while adding a fun factor to your backyard. You can click here to find out more about the benefits of hydrotherapy and relaxing in a swim spa. Or, contact your local Master Spas retailer to learn more about swim spa ownership. Wondering how much a swim spa costs? You can request a quote here.