Cal Spas GFCI manual Preparing for Your New Portable Spa, Planning the Best Location

Preparing for Your New Portable Spa

Preparing for Your New Portable Spa

Most cities and counties require permits for exterior construction and electrical circuits. In addition, some communities have codes requiring residential barriers such as fencing and/or self-closing gates on property to prevent unsupervised access to the property by children. Your dealer can provide information on which permits may be required and how to obtain them prior to the delivery of your spa.

Planning the Best Location

Here are some of the things that you will need to consider when determining where to place your new spa.

Safety First

Do not place your spa within 10 feet (3 m) of overhead power lines.

Consider How You Will Use Your Spa

How you intend to use your spa will help you determine where you should position it. For example, will you use your spa for recreational or therapeutic purposes? If your spa is mainly used for family recreation, be sure to leave plenty of room around it for activity. If you will use it for relaxation and therapy, you will probably want to create a specific mood around it.

Plan for Your Environment

If you live in a region where it snows in the winter or rains frequently, place the spa near a house entry. By doing this, you will have a place to change clothes and not be uncomfortable.

Consider Your Privacy

In a cold-weather climate, bare trees won’t provide much privacy. Think of your spa’s surroundings during all seasons to determine your best privacy options. Consider the view of your neighbors as well when you plan the location of your spa.

Provide a View with Your Spa

Think about the direction you will be facing when sitting in your spa. Do you have a special landscaped area in your yard that you find enjoyable? Perhaps there is an area that catches a soothing breeze during the day or a lovely sunset in the evening.

Keep Your Spa Clean

In planning your spa’s location, consider a location where the path to and from the house can be kept clean and free of debris.

Prevent dirt and contaminants from being tracked into your spa by placing a foot mat at the spa’s entrance

where the bathers can clean their feet before entering your spa.

Allow for Service Access

Many people choose to install a decorative structure around their spa. If you are installing your spa with any type of structure on the outside, such as a gazebo, remember to allow access for service. It is always best to design special installations so that the spa can still be moved, or lifted off the ground.

Preparing a Good Foundation

Your spa needs a solid and level foundation. The area that it sits on must be able to support the weight of the spa and the occupants who use it. If the foundation is inadequate, it may shift or settle after the spa is in place, causing stress that could damage your spa shell or finish.

Damage caused by inadequate or improper foundation support is not covered by the warranty. It is the responsibility of the spa owner to provide a proper foundation for the spa. We strongly recommended that you have a qualified, licensed contractor prepare the foundation for your spa.

Place the spa on a level foundation (preferably a 4” concrete slab). If you are installing the spa indoors, pay close attention to the flooring beneath it. Choose flooring that will not be damaged or stained.

If you are installing your spa on an elevated wood deck or other structure, consult a structural engineer or a contractor to ensure the structure will support the weight of 150 pounds per square foot.

Your Cal Spas™ retailer can help you with your foundation and more. Your retailer has a wealth of information and experience about how to get the most out of your spa and can provide you with a full line of accessories that are designed to complement your spa and increase your enjoyment.

2008 Portable Spa Owner’s Manual Page 3

LTR20081000, Rev. D