Preparing your spa site
Location of the spa
Before you have your spa delivered to your home, make sure you have prepared the site in your backyard or on your deck. As a new spa owner, you have specific obligations regarding the installation and safe use of your spa.
First, make sure you have access to the delivery site and a large enough area to accommodate your spa. You need to allow enough room for the spa itself, but also enough space around it to accommodate a shelter, steps, leverage, and any other equipment you may want to add.
You must also ensure that you maintain safe distances from electrical wires in accordance with local safety codes and respect easement rights on your property. For more information, visit Hydro-Québec’s Making sure your swimming pool or spa meets safety standards page.
Leave adequate access on all sides of the spa. The enclosure must be easy to remove. Leave enough working space around the spa, especially on the side where the spa equipment is located.
If you have neighbors nearby, provide adequate privacy for positioning your spa. This will allow you to maintain some privacy and preserve neighborly relations, as a running spa can be quite noisy.
Spa weight and humidity
Make sure that your support base can withstand the weight, vibration, humidity of your spa. The average spa weighs between 250 and 500 kg when empty, and up to 2 tons when filled with water. This is a significant load, especially if you plan to install your spa on an elevated deck or on a raised floor.
Whatever support you use, it must be:
a) A continuous surface at ground level capable of supporting 80 psi and will not be compromised by changes in the water table or surface water at that location.
b) Support the weight of the spa, water and bathers not supported by the lip of the spa.
c) Be in complete contact with the bottom of the spa.
Finally, be aware that a spa releases a lot of moisture, which can cause damage. Make sure the spa is installed and located so that water from a potential leak or moisture can drain or dissipate without damage.
Installing your spa
Once the site is prepared, the installation of your spa will require the following two steps:
Spa Electrical Connections
All spas require electrical power to operate.
A qualified electrician must perform electrical installation, and strictly in accordance with local codes.
Starting the Spa
Once your spa has been delivered, installed in its intended location, and plugged in, it’s time to start up. Depending on your spa model, start-up instructions may vary; be sure to read the owner’s manual before you begin.
A thorough cleaning is recommended for new spas to remove any standing water contamination in the plumbing that may remain because of the manufacturers’ quality testing.
Your Sima dealer can also help you with the installation and initial start-up of your spa!
Learn more about the Spa Opening/Closing Service
