Technology for installing a jacuzzi indoors and outdoors: step-by-step instructions

The air-water effect of a hydromassage bath can tone, relieve tension, relax, improve well-being, and various additives can affect the condition of the skin and improve blood circulation. But its installation is quite complicated, and calling specialists will cost a pretty penny.

Agree, isn’t it bad to try to do everything yourself, saving on calling highly qualified plumbers? Do you want to install a jacuzzi yourself, but have never done it? We will try to help you - the article discusses the procedure for installing a bathtub with a hydromassage indoors and the option of installing the equipment outdoors.

The intricacies of connecting to water and electricity supply, and to sewerage are also described in detail. Useful recommendations for the care and proper use of such a bathtub are provided. The material is supplemented with photo installation instructions and videos on maintenance and installation of the mixer.

Classification of Jacuzzi modifications

The choice of design for such a bathtub directly depends on the size and shape of the room in which it will be located and used. Main criteria choosing a hot tub and useful tips for a potential buyer are discussed in detail in our other article.

It is not recommended to install a Jacuzzi in residential apartments of multi-storey buildings and thus replace a regular bathtub, since installation is accompanied by a number of difficulties, and the operation process has a number of nuances.

1. To install a hot tub, you will need permission from the housing authorities. Based on the technical characteristics of the building, experts estimate the permissible load on the floor. Even the lightest structure with water will weigh about 800 kg, which can cause the floor to collapse.
2. In some cases, to install a jacuzzi you will need to combine a bathroom and a bathroom into one. To carry out such redevelopment, permission from the above-mentioned authorities is sometimes required.
3. Jacuzzi jets are sensitive to the iron content in the water, so it is important to install additional filters for hot and cold water.
4. When taking water treatments in a hot tub, you should not use soap, shampoos, gels or any foaming substances. These products lead to clogging of the holes. Therefore, in addition to the jacuzzi, the apartment should have a regular bathtub for traditional bathing.

A bathtub with hydromassage will fit perfectly into a country house. The structure can be placed indoors, with a separate room for swimming, or on the terrace or near the house.

It is important to choose a special modification of the Jacuzzi designed for installation outdoors.

Before purchasing a hot tub, you need to make a plan of the room in which it will be located.

The drawing should indicate the dimensions of the room, and also note the location of plumbing and electrical wiring. Depending on these parameters, the choice of bath and components is made.

Hydromassage baths are installed not only indoors, but also outdoors. For these purposes, special Jacuzzi models are selected, and the structures themselves are installed on a concrete foundation or prefabricated slabs

According to the type of materials, Jacuzzi bowls are:

• cast iron;
• acrylic;
• steel;
• stone.

For installation in an apartment, it is recommended to use hydromassage baths made of lightweight materials - steel or acrylic. Cast iron and stone modifications are mounted exclusively on a solid foundation capable of supporting a weight of about a ton.

Enameled cast iron and stone hydromassage bathtubs withstand chemical influences and physical stress well, and do not deform under heavy weight.

Their advantages are silent operation, low thermal conductivity, which allows you to “maintain” a temperature comfortable for receiving procedures for a long time.

The minimum dimensions of a jacuzzi are 1.2x1.2 m. This design will fit perfectly into a small bathroom

Acrylic bathtubs are more in demand - they are light but durable, and come in a variety of shapes and colors. During operation, scratches may occur on the case, which can be eliminated by polishing.

According to the shape of the Jacuzzi bowl, they are divided into:

• oval;
• round;
• rectangular;
• square;
• corner;
• non-standard.

Rectangular and corner models are ideal for a small room. Round and oval bathtubs look good in the center of the room, so their installation will require significant space.

Square and non-standard shaped models can be installed under the walls.

The asymmetrical shape of the jacuzzi is a modern development of designers. This bathtub fits into small rooms and is distinguished by its spaciousness.

Jacuzzis can support the following types of massage:

• water;
• air;
• water-air;
• ultrasonic;
• pulsating and sinusoidal.

Most modern Jacuzzi models support water-air massage - when a jet of water and air comes from the nozzles under pressure. Ultrasonic massage is not felt by the body, but enhances the healing effect of water procedures.

The massage intensity can be adjusted using a waterproof control panel. You can also configure modes manually

The nozzles can be located in the back, lower back, thighs, legs, and sides. You can run them one by one or all at once. Advanced Jacuzzi models have software that allows you to adjust the force of impact and control the start time of a particular nozzle.

Additional functions and elements of the jacuzzi:

• support for chromo- and color therapy;
• the presence of headrests, steps, handles, sides and other auxiliary elements;
• presence of FM receiver, plasma panel;
• automatic disinfection;
• mixer set.

When installing a Jacuzzi, it is important to correctly connect the structural elements in order to be able to use all the built-in functions of the installation.

Design and operating principle

To install a Jacuzzi with your own hands, it is important to know the design features and operating principles of hydromassage plumbing.

A typical set of technical equipment for a hot tub includes:

• compressor (intake);
• pump;
• electronic or pneumatic control systems;
• nozzles;
• pipe systems.

With the help of a pump, water enters the hydromassage system and enters the compressor, where water and air are mixed.The jet enters the nozzles, after which it is supplied under pressure into the bath.

The figure shows the location of the important elements of the jacuzzi - compressor, pump, nozzles, built-in display and control system

The type of massage depends on the type of nozzles. Sewer pipes are connected to the pipe system.

Some models have the following additional elements:

• drainage system ensuring uninterrupted water circulation;
• audio or video installation;
• built-in modules for chromo-, aroma- and ozone therapy.

In Jacuzzi sets you can find several additional nozzles, which, if desired, are easy to install. In this case, a more powerful pump will be required, which should be purchased separately. A large bath volume will require a powerful pump.

The efficiency of a Jacuzzi is influenced by the number and configuration of nozzles, as well as the location of the hydromassage elements in the bathtub.

More details hydromassage bath installation and types of equipment are covered in another article on our website.

Features of installing a jacuzzi outdoors

Owners of private houses install hydromassage baths on the terrace or at some distance from the house. In certain countries, you must obtain a special permit for construction.

When choosing an installation site, it is important to take into account not only the dimensions of the structure, but also the size of the area for entry and technical work. Also, the jacuzzi should be located no closer than 1.5 m from the house and the border of the site.

Please note that the distance from overhead power lines should be at least 3 m, and from spa panels - at least 1.5 m.

Preparing the site for installation

A hot tub with water can weigh up to a ton, so it is important to build a solid foundation for its installation to avoid damage to the device during its operation.

The minimum dimensions of the site for installing a jacuzzi on the street are 3x3 meters

A monolithic concrete base is considered the most durable and reliable, therefore it is an ideal option for installing a hot tub. It is laid in a uniform layer from 7.62 to 10.16 cm. However, this solution will not allow the Jacuzzi to be transported to another location without obstacles.

Prefabricated slabs are considered the best foundation option today. They simplify not only installation, but also dismantling of the structure. It is important to choose the optimal strength of the panels.

If you want to install a hot tub on your deck, it is important to find out if the foundation can support the weight of the hot tub.

Proper power supply

The cable to the jacuzzi can be routed both above and below the ground. Its diameter depends on the distance between the disconnector and the Jacuzzi, as well as on the maximum current consumption. It is necessary to use copper wire with nylon insulation.

Additionally, you should install a 240V and 50 A RCD or a 60 A circuit for models with a multistage pump. Obviously, the required voltage for a hot tub is greater than the standard 220V, so it is advisable to install a disconnector in the electrical control unit.

It is also important to select one circuit for connection. Connecting other devices to it is excluded.

Most models of outdoor Jacuzzis do not require a water supply - water is drawn from a hose and then heated in the bowl.

Thorough preparation for use

Before using the Jacuzzi you must:

• turn off the electricity, make sure that the elements are installed and securely fastened;
• open the air valves;
• fill the bowl with water from a garden hose or using buckets;
• connect electricity, start the heating function;
• test all modes.

After checking the operation of the hot tub, you can safely use it for its intended purpose.

You can plant beautiful flowers, shrubs, etc. around a bathtub installed outside. If you use your imagination, you can get an impressive result.

Installing a Jacuzzi indoors

When installing a hot tub indoors, it is important to take care of the following points.

1. All finishing work on the walls, floor, and ceiling must be completed in the room.
2. Hot and cold water pipes must be installed in advance cleaning filters. If the water supply is from a well, then it is additionally necessary to install a mechanical filter.
3. In the bathroom, it is allowed to use only built-in sockets with grounding, connected through an RCD and having a degree of protection of 4. Read more about the rules and regulations for installing sockets in the bathroom we reviewed here. If there are no sockets in the room, the connection to electricity occurs through a network cable running through the entire room.
4. It is important to provide space for sewerage and electrical wiring.
5. You must first make sure that the Jacuzzi can be placed in the room without disturbing the design of the doorways, as well as the decoration;
6. The room must have a ventilation system.

Let us consider further the main stages of installation and connection of equipment.

Stage #1 - installation of the jacuzzi body

It is not recommended to remove the film until the installation process is completed to protect the bathtub coating.Also, when transporting the structure, it is forbidden to grasp protruding pipes, nozzles and other elements. It is permissible to hold the bathtub exclusively by the metal body.

The Jacuzzi is installed strictly along the horizon. A building level with a laser device or a regular oil flask will help you determine it. Adjustment occurs by twisting the height of the legs, so even on an uneven floor you can achieve a horizontal position of the body.

The next stage is the installation of the frame and bracket. These elements support the bowl; without them it will sag. A large number of additional supports for the jacuzzi in the package indicates that the structure is made of fragile materials.

The drain hole should be located no higher than 10 cm from the floor, otherwise you will need to purchase a stand for it.

When installing the case, it is important to reliably assemble the frame structure and install the bowl correctly, checking that there are no distortions

Stage #2 - connection to water supply and sewerage

The water supply network must have a pressure of no more than 5 atmospheres. If there are doubts that the system will be able to maintain this pressure, then you can additionally install a pressure reducer.

Water without impurities is quite rare in domestic conditions. Therefore, it is important to install coarse filters if the water comes from a well, open reservoir, well, and fine filters.

The pipes should be located as close to the bath as possible. It is also important that they do not block access to connection nodes.

The diagram shows the location of the Jacuzzi elements using the example of a corner modification. Water supply is provided from below, cold, hot water and electricity - from the side

The sewer drain should have a hole diameter of 4-5 cm, located above the drain hole at a distance of no higher than 10 cm from the floor.

Connecting faucets and water supply is no different from the procedure for connecting to a regular bath. The only peculiarity is that it is installed not on the wall, but inside the bathtub.

The drain-overflow system is semi-automatic. The valve is opened using a handle located on the overflow hole.

The drain hole is connected using a flexible water pipe. When choosing its length, you should take into account the possible movement of the bath relative to the wall at a distance of 50 cm.

It is imperative to ensure sealing of connections, using gaskets if necessary.

The sewer pipe should be located on the wall or floor, but not higher than 2 cm. The Jacuzzi siphon is connected to the drain with a corrugated pipe.

Having fulfilled the requirements, you can safely begin installing the hot tub.

After installation is completed, it is necessary to visually inspect the connections to make sure that there are no cracks and that the joints are securely fastened.

Stage #3 - connecting the hot tub to the electrical network

It is important to remember that water is a conductor of electricity, and bathrooms are areas with high humidity.

To connect the jacuzzi to the network you will need:

• standard network with voltage 220V;
• three-wire power cable (length is calculated individually);
• circuit breaker;
• RCD;
• Voltage regulator;
• grounding system;
• electrical wires with a cross section of 3 mm.

Connecting electricity is a very important and responsible part of the work, because water is a conductor of current, so it is necessary to approach the process in compliance with electrical safety rules, having knowledge, skills and experience. It is best to contact specialists in this matter.

It is unacceptable to locate sockets with a voltage of 220V in zone 1. In zone 2, the use of sockets with moisture protection class 4 is allowed, in zone 3 - with class 1

To carry out electrical installation work, the area must be completely de-energized.

The socket must be located outside the bathroom, but if it is present in the room, it must be of a European standard and comply with electrical safety requirements - it must be equipped with grounding and connected through circuit breaker and a circuit breaker for the electrical panel.

A three-core cable is used for this purpose. Typically, yellow and green colors mean ground, blue means zero, and red, brown, white means phase. When connecting the cable to the Jacuzzi wiring, ground is connected to ground, zero to zero, phase to phase.

A reliable waterproof socket should come with a cover and curtains

It is advisable to install a voltage stabilizer so that the structure does not fail during unstable network operation. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the rating of the best voltage stabilizers for the home, given in our other article. To do this, go link.

Stage #4 - connection testing and checking modes

The nozzles can be adjusted as desired using the control panel or a special regulator responsible for the intensity of the jet supply and its direction.

Before starting, the jacuzzi is filled with water.All nozzles must be under water. After this, the system is launched and its performance is checked. Then the Jacuzzi is first turned off, and only then the water is drained.

After checking the connection of all components to electricity, the legs of the bathtub are drilled to the floor, and the seams between the walls are sealed with sealant.

Having securely fixed the legs, you can begin installing the screen. Or its manufacture, if, for example, you decide to use mosaics, tiles or mirror panels

After installation, the space under the bathtub is covered with decorative panels, which are included in the kit. Only an area 2-3 cm from the floor is left uncovered for ventilation.

It is important not to cover the side with ceramic tiles, since if it is necessary to dismantle the bathtub, it will be impossible to move it without damaging the lining.

Features of using a jacuzzi

First, water is filled into the bowl, and only then it is started. It is important that all nozzles are located in the water, otherwise the pump may overheat, causing it to leak or fail. After startup, the intensity of the jet is usually adjusted and the nozzles of the nozzles are adjusted.

If the jacuzzi is equipped with a backlight, it cannot be turned on unless the bath is filled with water, otherwise the lamp may overheat and the body may become deformed. Water acts as a lamp coolant

When operating a Jacuzzi, it is allowed to use aromatic substances and essences that do not form foam. Permissible water temperature is up to +50 degrees.

It is important to remember that improper use of such a bath can lead to damage. Some of them can be diagnosed and eliminated on your own. And how to do this - we examined in detail In this article.

Recommendations for care and removal of scratches

It is unacceptable to clean an acrylic bathtub with abrasive substances, products containing chlorine, alkali, acid and other aggressive components. It is necessary to use gel-like cleaning chemicals, soft cloths and sponges.

Acetic or citric acid can remove water deposits on the surface of the bathtub.

You can get rid of hard-to-reach contaminants in injectors using the following method.

1. Fill the bowl to the top with water, the temperature of which is at least 20 degrees.
2. Add 1-1.5 acetic (7%) or citric acid to the water.
3. Start the pump for 10-20 seconds so that the water mixes with the composition.
4. The solution is left for 12 hours, after which it is drained.
5. Next, fill the jacuzzi with water, start the pump to rinse the bathtub of the previous composition, then drain the water.

The procedure must be carried out 1-2 times a year.

Small scratches are cleaned with fine-grained sandpaper, then car polishing paste is applied.

To prevent the formation of rust, wipe the bathtub dry with a dry, clean linen napkin after each bath.

If the jacuzzi does not have a built-in automatic disinfection system, then it must be carried out independently every month. To do this, use any disinfectants. To save water, it is allowed to use water after the hydromassage procedure.

To disinfect a Jacuzzi, you need to fill the bathtub with water so that its level covers the top row of nozzles. A certain amount of disinfectant solution is poured into the bath, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations, then the pump is started for 1-2 minutes, wait 10-15 minutes, then the water is drained.

Next, you need to add water again to clean the bowl of any remaining product.

We recommend that you also review the detailed instructions for Jacuzzi care.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

How to properly clean a Jacuzzi:

You can learn about the principles of installing a mixer on board a jacuzzi here:

A Jacuzzi is a bathtub equipped with an additional function - hydromassage, thanks to which water procedures become beneficial to health.

The main difficulty in installing a jacuzzi yourself is connecting the electricity. It is recommended to entrust this type of work to professionals.

Did you install and connect the jacuzzi yourself? Tell us how difficult this task was for you. Did you encounter any difficulties connecting your equipment to the power supply? Leave your comments under this article - your practical experience will be useful to many home craftsmen.