Hot tub FAQs

Yes, you can put a hot tub on your deck. The safest way is to integrate your hot tub into the deck design by supporting it on a solid concrete base independent of the deck itself. You can also set the hot tub on the deck, but this requires careful calculations to ensure the deck can support the load, so we recommend that you consult a structural engineer during planning.

The best location for a hot tub is in the backyard, close to a back entrance. This makes it convenient to get to and from the tub, especially when carrying drinks and towels. You’ll also find you soak more often during the winter if you don’t have a freezing cross-yard trek to the hot tub. Put your hot tub close enough to the house to access a garden hose and a door, but not so close that it gets in the way or creates a situation where water and steam will affect your home’s cladding and windows. Think about views from inside your home, too—don’t put your hot tub in a place where it will negatively impact what you see from your windows.

Yes, you can warm up even the harshest Canadian winters with a soak in a hot tub. Look for manufacturers that specialize in designing hot tubs for the Canadian climate, and ask about insulation and other energy saving features (think locking covers) that will make it more economical to use your hot tub in winter. Check out these winter hot tub tips to make winter your favourite spa season!

To install a hot tub you’ll need a solid, level base that can withstand the load of a tub full of water and bathers. You’ll also need an electrical supply installed by an electrician. Most hot tubs have self-contained plumbing, so you won’t need piping or a permanent water supply, just a garden hose to fill your tub.

The health benefits of hot tubs are well documented and include help with back pain, arthritis, high blood pressure, muscle pain, anxiety, insomnia and rehabilitation of sports injuries. Look for a hot tub with customizable massage programs. Use your hot tub daily for optimal benefit.

Absolutely. In fact, a daily hydrotherapy routine of 30 minutes is encouraged for anyone experiencing stress, muscle aches, arthritis, anxiety and more. Check out this wellness guide for help putting together your 30-minute routine.

Grass or bare ground are not suitable surfaces for a hot tub. The best foundation for a hot tub is a poured concrete slab or other stable, level surface that can withstand heavy loads, since a four-person hot tub full of water and people can weigh close to 5,000 pounds.

The best hot tub is one you enjoy using! Consider cost (including hidden costs such as electricity bills), features (and how easy it is to use them), maintenance (self-cleaning is a beautiful thing), warranty and the reputation of the company that makes the tub and installs it. We’re big fans of Hydropool hot tubs—find out why in our Hydropool review.

A hot tub that’s well cared for can last as long as 20 years. Proper regular maintenance, including keeping the chemicals balanced, cleaning plastic parts that are vulnerable to chlorine, and having the hot tub serviced when needed, are key to a long life. A hot tub that’s left to fend for itself may only last a few years.

A roof isn’t required over a hot tub, but it has some nice perks. If you’re in an area that gets a lot of snow, it’ll minimize the need to shovel off the cover. In the summer, it provides shade. It can also create a feeling of privacy. Protecting your hot tub from the elements will extend the life of your hot tub cover. However, a roof might block your view of the stars if you're a night soaker. 

An attractive, well-maintained built-in hot tub that is located well on the property and landscaped attractively could make your home more appealing to buyers, even if it doesn’t directly increase the sale price.

The answer to this question is very personal. How much time do you spend at home? What activities bring you the most joy? What is your family situation and how will it change in the future? How do you feel about regular maintenance tasks? If you love relaxing, crave more time with your partner and kids (teens especially love hot tubs), enjoy water, have specific health issues that could benefit from hydrotherapy, and spend quite a bit of time at home, you’ll probably love your hot tub. You can minimize time spent doing maintenance by choosing a self-cleaning hot tub.