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.
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.
The detailed design of a hot tub and types of equipment are covered in another article on our website.
Connecting a whirlpool bath
Connecting a hot tub is considered a relatively complex job that requires special skills. Manufacturers strongly recommend inviting professionals for this.
In any case, in order to be able to use a comfortable and very healthy hydromassage bathtub, you must strictly follow the installation recommendations specified in the instructions. This will be discussed in our article.
During the connection process, it is important to comply with all necessary requirements
Characteristics of the room for a hot tub
Connecting a bathtub with hydromassage is recommended in rooms that strictly meet the following requirements:
- finishing work in the room must be completed;
- easy access must be provided to the units and components of the bath so that preventive warranty maintenance and repairs can be carried out without unnecessary difficulties;
- the room must have power lines installed with the required parameters and sockets with grounding must be installed;
- Sewerage and running water are required.
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.
What do you need to know before purchasing?
If you've decided to purchase a hot tub, you're likely aware of the benefits that hydromassage provides. Despite the fact that hydromassage bathtubs appeared in our country somewhere in the 90s of the 20th century and during this time it was possible to make a unified super-technological model, bathtub manufacturers still periodically improve and improve them.
Therefore, new models are released every year with a more convenient control method, a greater number of types of massage, higher power, with the ability to create a personal massage program and various additional bells and whistles. Today, a bathtub can be equipped with all the gadgets that exist and even be part of the “smart home” system.
Without interrupting your hydromassage session, you can answer the phone or watch your favorite movie. What remains unchanged is what hydromassage baths were created for – a healing effect. The strength of the therapeutic effect depends on what types of massage your bath can offer.
The cost of a hot tub also depends on its shape. The most inexpensive option is a regular rectangular bathtub. The most expensive is round. In addition, it will require a lot of space to install it.
Almost all baths are designed to provide underwater massage using built-in jets. The power and strength of the massage depends on their number. If you need a massage of certain areas (collar or back), you can safely choose a hydromassage bath with nozzles located in this area.
When thinking about how to choose a hot tub, consider which of these criteria are more important to you personally than others:
- appearance, shape, depth, color and size of the bathtub;
- the material from which the bath is made;
- functionality of the bath (types of massage, baths with additives);
- additional functions (adjustable legs, lighting, music);
- equipment;
- manufacturer;
- price;
- provision by the company of delivery, installation, and maintenance services;
- duration of the warranty.
By purchasing a hot tub, you can regularly receive the following types of massage:
- whirpool - massage with water jets enriched with air or underwater shower-massage (6-8 nozzles working);
- airpool - aeromassage with jets of air bubbles or so-called bubble massage (10-50 nozzles are used);
- turbopool is a combined option that combines both types of massage.
More expensive models provide the ability to take baths with various additives (mud, algae, salt, honey, milk).
Lighting is not a luxury, but an element of comfort
Before purchasing, you may want to consult with your doctor about which types of massage will benefit you most and which ones you should exclude from your wellness program.
So, if you have decided on the features you need and the amount you are willing to spend, you can proceed to the next step - measuring the room in which you plan to install the hot tub of your choice. The dimensions and shape of the bathroom will depend on its size.
A round acrylic bathtub with a television display or mirror (depending on the selected mode), with a touch control system, embedded in the floor will cost you from 2500 USD
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 we discussed in detail how to do this in this article.
Choosing the “right” material
A hydromassage bathtub, like any other, can be made from almost any material: acrylic and quarry, steel, cast iron, marble, stone. Each of the materials we have named has its own strengths and weaknesses. When choosing a bathtub, proceed only from personal preferences, since user reviews for the same material can be diametrically opposed.
Option #1 – acrylic
Pros:
- affordable price;
- relatively light weight;
- variability of shapes and colors;
- easy to restore if scratches or abrasions appear;
- ease of operation.
Disadvantages of acrylic: short service life. Manufacturers usually provide a 10-year warranty on acrylic models. It is unlikely to serve you for more than 15 years.
Quaril is a material that is just becoming popular. The combination of quartz and acrylic has its advantages. Firstly, a bathtub made of quarryl weighs much more than one made of acrylic, it is more resistant to various types of damage, which means its service life will be longer.
Its disadvantages: price and weight. Installing such a bathtub will be more labor-intensive, and the cost will be higher than that of an acrylic one.
Option #2 – cast iron
The biggest drawback of a cast iron hot tub is its heavy weight. Such a bathtub is unlikely to be installed in a country house or in a small wooden country house. This material is very difficult to care for.
The advantage of a cast iron bathtub is its durability. A cast iron bathtub will not be damaged by an accidentally dropped object, whereas an acrylic surface may be scratched or scuffed. With proper care, manufacturers promise a service life of about 50 years.
Option #3 – steel
The most inexpensive type of material is steel. A steel bathtub is as light as it is noisy. Even your neighbors will be aware of the time of your water procedures. Water in a steel bathtub practically does not retain heat. Such a bathtub can be installed in the country house - it is easy to transport and easy to clean.
Option #4 – marble
Recently, hydromassage baths made of natural and artificial marble have become popular. They fit beautifully into an expensive interior, are very durable, retain heat well and do not create a noise effect.
Their disadvantage is their heavy weight. Installing such a bathtub will require a lot of effort and financial investment. The price of a marble hot tub is much higher than a model made of the same acrylic or steel.
Option #5 – combination of materials
Recently, manufacturers have been trying to combine different materials to make the most of their strengths. Therefore, you can find in the store a bathtub made from several materials at the same time.
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.
- Fill the bowl to the top with water, the temperature of which is at least 20 degrees.
- Add 1-1.5 acetic (7%) or citric acid to the water.
- Start the pump for 10-20 seconds so that the water mixes with the composition.
- The solution is left for 12 hours, after which it is drained.
- 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 also recommend that you review the detailed instructions for caring for your hot tub.
Examination
After all the work is completed, especially if you did not do the installation yourself, you need to check the quality of the connection.
First of all, pay attention to the filters and pressure reducer. Filters must be multi-stage
Compressors and pumps should be freely accessible for easy dismantling in case of breakdown. All wiring, if placed on the wall, must be hidden in a box. Check the installation of the RCD and the quality of the wire connection: phase, neutral and ground. Fill the hot tub with water and check to see if all the water goes down the drain.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=7ME4erj4OCM
If there are no complaints about the installation, you can start taking hydromassage baths with peace of mind.
Interaction with systems
The three systems to which the jacuzzi is connected are water supply, sewerage and electricity. The bath itself is designed for a water pressure of 4-5 atmospheres, and in pipes this figure is usually approximately the same. However, for your own peace of mind, it is better to install and adjust a pressure reducer.
Unlike a regular bathtub, the mixer is installed directly on the Jacuzzi itself, and not on the wall adjacent to it.
Experts advise placing water pipes as close as possible to devices responsible for water flow. You should also have easy access to the connection point between the hot tub and the water pipe. This will make life easier when you need to disconnect your hot tub from the plumbing.
Hydromassage is a separate item that imposes requirements on tap water. The Jacuzzi must be equipped with filters for coarse and fine water purification. This will avoid clogging of the nozzles - the most sensitive and demanding element of the Jacuzzi in terms of water quality.
Technological requirements
Connection diagram for a hydromassage bathtub to communications.
All repairs must be completed before installing the whirlpool tub. Electrical wiring must correspond to the power parameters of the Jacuzzi, and all outlets must be grounded.
The average hydromassage bath is designed for a pressure of 4 or 5 atm. The pressure in the water supply of an ordinary apartment rarely exceeds these indicators, but if you play it safe by installing a pressure reducer and a cleaning water filter, this will not be superfluous, because as a result of an accident at the water utility, the pressure can increase several times.
Water filters are installed to extend the life of your hot tub. Often, the color of the water in the tap varies from cloudy to dark brown, for example, after a temporary shutdown of the water supply. The sensitivity of Jacuzzi jets is very high, so even slight contamination of the water can damage them. Therefore, the water filtration system must be multi-stage, clearly and professionally thought out.
Placement of jets and lighting as standard in a hot tub.
The best location for the hot tub pipes is to be close to the water supply pipes. Please note that the passage to the pipes must be unobstructed, because it will be needed if it becomes necessary to dismantle the jacuzzi.
The first step is to decide on the place where the hydromassage bath will be installed. It is installed either on legs or using a special frame for mounting. The bathroom must be leveled, with a minimum slope allowed on the drain side. The sewer socket must be lower than the drain itself, at a distance of at least 0.1 m. The drainage system for a hot tub should be installed in the same way as installing a simple standard drain system and according to the instructions.
General information
How to prepare a place for a Jacuzzi in the bathroom
Before installing the hydrobath, prepare the room. The room must be of suitable size. The Jacuzzi should fit in the room and allow the structure to be repaired if necessary. Water and sewer pipes need to be brought out to the jacuzzi. The cross-section of the water supply can be left unchanged, which is available in the apartment, and the sewer pipeline must correspond to the size specified in the passport for the jacuzzi.
Important! Sewer pipes must be aligned towards the riser. Electrical networks must be suitable for the Jacuzzi
It must withstand three kilowatts. For a hydraulic bath, it is recommended to lay a separate line in the apartment's distribution system. The line is equipped with a residual current device (RCD). The power cable in the bathroom is laid in a waterproof corrugated pipe, all areas with connections are well insulated. The socket with the switch is installed in places remote from the jacuzzi, and they should be grounded
The electrical network must be suitable for the Jacuzzi. It must withstand three kilowatts. For a hydraulic bath, it is recommended to lay a separate line in the apartment's distribution system. The line is equipped with a residual current device (RCD). The power cable in the bathroom is laid in a waterproof corrugated pipe, all areas with connections are well insulated. The socket with the switch is installed in places remote from the jacuzzi, and they should be grounded.
The floor surface must be strong, because the jacuzzi has a lot of weight (per 1 m2 of jacuzzi there is a load of 220 kilograms). It is recommended to contact a construction company for an examination of the premises. After carrying out the calculations, they will draw conclusions about the readiness of the room for installing a jacuzzi.
The bathtub should be installed according to the instructions. It is considered ideal if the Jacuzzi does not touch the walls of the room; all pipes for connecting to communications pass under the floor surface. In ordinary apartments there is little space for this type of bath. A corner-shaped Jacuzzi should be placed in the corner of the room, an oval-shaped one in the middle of the wall.
Features of installing a jacuzzi
Before installing the bathtub, you should assemble the internal systems of the Jacuzzi. Remove the protective covers to install the filter device included with the bathtub. In some cases, the design includes coarse filters for final cleaning.
Attention! Water from city networks is highly hard and is not suitable for Jacuzzis, so purification filters are needed. Filtration devices must be replaced from time to time
Filters should be changed periodically. The service life of the devices is indicated in the instructions. If there are no filters included with the jacuzzi, you should purchase devices yourself that are installed on the cold water pipeline. The service life of the Jacuzzi jets depends on the quality of the filters. Next, attach a flexible hose to supply water from a cold tap. The hose should also be included in the kit; if there is no hose, it should be purchased separately. The hose must be of the required length and quality so that it lasts a long time.
Then they check the hoses installed inside the system, which are intended for overflow and hydromassage. The hoses must be firmly secured in place, tightened if necessary (refer to the instructions). The overflow valve is checked by touching it with a finger; it should work easily and freely. The film is removed from all parts to protect and transport the structure. Use a soft cloth to remove grease from compressors (water and air).
