Delivery & Installation
Foundation Requirements & Considerations
General guidelines
Select a structurally sound flat surface that is reasonably level to serve as your spa’s foundation to prevent serious damage to your spa. A foundation that shifts or settles may cause stress to the spa shell.
The foundation that your spa rests on must have a weight bearing load capability of supporting the weight of your spa, its water, and the people using it. The maximum filled weight of a portable spa can be as much as 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg), and a swim spa can be close to 20,000 lbs (9,072 kg) plus the weight of the occupants that use the spa. You can find the spa weight by visiting the spa model page on our website or by asking your spa dealer.
To prevent serious damage to your spa, it is important that the spa foundation be supported by a flat, stable, and consistent subsurface. Bullfrog Spas highly recommends consulting a qualified, licensed contractor prior to the installation of any spa foundation. For assistance, contact your authorized Bullfrog Spas Dealer.
Recommended foundation materials
Recommended flooring materials for our portable hot tubs include a concrete pad, concrete pavers or bricks, pea gravel, crushed rock (1.5” [3.81cm] or more), or a reinforced deck. Additionally, your authorized Bullfrog Spa dealer should sell or recommend pre-formed spa pads.
Concrete foundations should be a minimum of 4” (10.16cm) thick and should be reinforced with either rebar or mesh. For electrical grounding purposes, the rebar or mesh should be attached to a bond wire.
Swim Series spas-approved foundations are a 4” concrete slab or certified deck. Swim Series-approved foundations are either a concrete slab with a minimum thickness of 4” (10.16cm) thick and should be reinforced with either rebar or mesh. For electrical grounding purposes, the rebar or mesh should be attached to a bond wire. Elevated decks are another option, constructed in strict accordance with plans certified by a qualified structural engineer.
Installing a Swim Series swim spas on any other non-approved foundation or improper installation may cause damage to the spa and my void warranty coverage.
How level does a hot tub need to be?
If your spa’s pad is slightly sloped, it will not affect the performance of the spa or its structure; however, there should be no dips, sags, or unevenness in the pad. Most patios are built to slope away from the house for drainage purposes. There should be a maximum of ½” (1.27cm) slope in an 8‘ (2.44m) run. Do not use shims to level the spa, this could create tension on the spa shell which might result in damaging your spa.
Because your spa pad must provide continuous support for the entire base of the spa, you should never level it with shims. If it is necessary to level your spa, make sure the entire spa’s structure is fully supported, both in the center as well as the outer edge. When leveling your spa, there should be no voids beneath it. Contact your authorized Bullfrog Spa dealer before making any leveling adjustments. Structural damage to the spa resulting from incorrect installation, placement on an inadequate foundation, or improper leveling will void the spa’s warranty.
Electrical Requirements & Considerations
*Please see the owner’s manual for full electrical requirements, definitions, conversions, and diagrams.
You will need to ensure that you have the appropriate space equipped with electrical source. You will usually need to hire an electrician to wire your hot tub before it can be used. Depending on codes where you live, an electrician can either hook up the tub once it’s delivered, or set up the wires ahead of time. Some hot tub companies can help finalize the wiring when your tub is delivered.
The installation of all spas must be in accordance with national and local wiring rules. Always have a licensed electrician perform the electrical installation. Each Bullfrog Spa is manufactured and tested to a standard that provides maximum protection against electrical shock. Improper wiring may prevent the spa from operating safely which could result in electrical shock, injury, or death. Improper wiring could also lead to a malfunction of the spa’s equipment and risk of fire.
GFCI hot tub wiring diagram
Insert each wire into the appropriate socket of the main entry terminal block according to the color code indicated on the sticker. Use a flat-head screwdriver to tighten the screws on the terminal.
After making sure wires are securely connected, push them back into the box and replace the cover. Do not over tighten cover screws (torque to 8 in. lb max {0.9 N.m}).
Location/Space Requirements & Considerations
Your home most likely offers multiple sites where your spa may be installed. Use the information presented in this section to assist you in carefully selecting the site that works best for you. It is your responsibility to choose and prepare the site properly before delivery, so you will experience a smooth and efficient delivery as well as obtain optimal use and full enjoyment of your spa.
In-ground installations
When designing below-grade installations please note the following to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable spa ownership experience.
If you’re looking to install your spa on a deck or other elevated structure, consult with a qualified structural engineer or contractor before installation.
Be certain your deck or elevated structure can support the maximum filled weight of your spa along with the total weight of occupants that use it. You must know the deck’s weight-bearing load capacity and ensure that it is greater than the maximum filled weight of your spa combined with the occupants using it or serious injury or structural damage could result. To find the weight-bearing load requirement along with the maximum filled weight of your spa, refer to the Spa Technical Specifications Chart or contact an authorized Bullfrog Spa dealer.
Covers & Cover Lifts
When planning your spa setup, it’s important to remember that spa covers and cover lifts come in different styles—and each one requires a different amount of clearance to operate properly. Some cover lifts need extra space behind or to the side of your spa, while others are designed for tighter fits. The type of cover and lift you choose can affect how much room you’ll need around your spa, so it’s a good idea to factor this into your overall layout before installation.
Delivery Preparation & Requirements
Hot tub delivery basics
To prepare for the delivery of your hot tub, make sure the delivery path is clear and no obstructions are present. Obstacles such as overhanging tree limbs, awnings, protruding gas meters, water meters, and A/C units can prevent easy access. It may be necessary to remove a gate, part of a fence, or other items in order to move the spa to the desired location. If there are more than six consecutive stairs without a landing, you may be required to find another delivery path. Check the measurements on 90◦ turns to make sure the spa will fit through.
B – WARNING: Watch for power lines.
C – It may be necessary to remove a gate, part of a fence, or other items in order to dolly the spa to the desired location.
D – Check the measurements on 90◦ turns to make sure the spa will fit through.
E – If there are more than six consecutive stairs without a landing, you may be required to find another delivery path.
Depending on access to the spa site, your spa may be dollied in either horizontal or vertical position.
NOTE: The height of the cart used to dolly your spa into position will need to be added to the height of your spa when calculating the total height clearance required to complete your delivery. Spa carts are typically around 6” (15.24cm) in height. (If necessary, see your authorized Bullfrog Spa dealer for the exact height.)
Hot tub installation design ideas
In addition to selecting a hard surface that meets the recommended safety and maintenance criteria, consider textures and colors that will assist in enhancing the aesthetics of the area in which your spa will be installed. The decision to match, contrast, or blend the hard surface colors and textures with those of your spa should only be made after carefully researching your options.
The correct landscape around your spa will not only soften the adjacent hard surface areas, but will add life and much enjoyment to the environment. If the budget allows, you may want to consult with a Landscape Architect for expert advice.
Besides selecting the correct hard surfaces and landscape around your spa, the addition of the proper spa-side accessories will provide just the finishing touch that you are looking for. Spa steps, benches, towel racks, planter boxes, or an outdoor fireplace are just a few of the items that can be considered when accessorizing your spa.