Some hot tub enthusiasts relish the idea of soaking in a soothing hot tub, surrounded by nature. They don’t mind that the air might be chilly around them; in fact, they often love it. Not everyone finds the combination invigorating though. Some people prefer to be in a cozy interior setting when using a hot tub. They also may want the privacy that being inside their own home offers. With that in mind, here we answer the question, “What should I know about installing a hot tub indoors?”
Think Flooring
Outside, hot tubs are typically placed on a concrete slab. When hot tubs are installed indoors, the homeowner needs to give some serious thought to the type of flooring they’ll be resting on. Getting in and out of the hot tub causes more water to get on the floor than you might think. Obviously, a carpeted area is out, as the water will cause serious issues. Wood floors also don’t hold up well to the regular wetness.
Your best bet for a hot tub room is a floor that’s easily wiped. You want the texture to be non-slip so that the chance of injury is reduced. If you need to have flooring put in ahead of your hot tub installation, it’s a smart idea to have a drain added at the same time.
Consider Moisture
Hot tubs are steamy by nature. It’s one of the things we love most about them. Unfortunately, that moisture can be hard on walls. You’ll want to be sure that the walls in your hot tub room can handle the moisture. Having a quality cover locks in the steam when the hot tub’s not in use, so that’s an important part of the equation.
As for the walls, there are certain wall materials that work well in damp areas. The water-resistant type of drywall used in bathrooms is a good choice. Cedar, glass, concrete, and greenwall are also ideal choices. Vapor barriers also need to be put in to prevent rotting of the joists and studs.
Plan a Fan
Just as with the bathroom, a room with a hot tub should have a quality vent fan installed. You’ll want to find something that removes moisture from the room quickly. Due to the fact that you’ll be running it while you’re relaxing in your hot tub, you’ll also probably want to invest in something that’s quiet, otherwise, your soak might not be as calming as you’d like.
A ceiling fan can also be helpful in a hot tub room. It keeps the air circulating so that it doesn’t settle in any one area.
Keep Water Access in Mind
Of course, your hot tub will need to be filled. Having access to water close by is an important consideration. If there is a waterspout near the hot tub, it will make the job much simpler. Don’t forget you’ll need to drain and refill your hot tub every 3 to 4 months, so the more convenient the water and drain access is, the easier this task will be.
Here to Help
At Fronheiser Pools, we enjoy passing our knowledge onto homeowners who are considering their spa options. We’d be happy to discuss installing a hot tub indoors or out. No matter your preferred hot tub location, get in touch to start planning your perfect hot tub experience.
