This handy Softub installation guide talks you through the most important considerations and requirements so if you are looking into buying a Softub hot tub you know what you need before your supplier can deliver your new oasis of relaxation.

1. Access to your Softub hot tub installation site

This might be stating the obvious, but if you are considering the purchase of a Softub hot tub then you will need to consider how to get your new spa into situ. The good news is that thanks to Softub’s portability and flexibility there are not many installation sites that cannot be turned into a Softub oasis.

Things you would need to ask yourself are: Is there clear access to the installation site for an item of this size or are there any obstacles such as garden gates, steps, flower arches or similar to navigate? Could the Softub be rolled through or lifted over? If access around the house or through the garden is not an option then is there a route through the house that is wide enough to manouevre a spa? Softub hot tubs are designed to fit through a standard door frame so rolling it through the house may be a viable option.

If in doubt, you can always contact your local Softub dealer for advice.

2. What base do I need for my Softub installation?

Your Softub needs to sit on a sound and level base such as a patio, decking or even a dedicated concrete pad. Pebble stones or even grass are also possible but are less ideal. Larger pebbles can potentially be felt through the foam base of the spa and grass will rot and leave a smelly mess.

A level base will ensure that the water in your Softub is also level. If your base were to slope to one side you may have the problem of the water in your spa being higher at one end than it is at another end. Not the most elegant look and in extreme cases it may leave you with jets above the water line at one end while water is overflowing at the other end.

So, a level base is definitely a must!

In terms of strength, the requirements for a Softub are less daunting than they are with an acrylic. The empty weight of a Softub is less than 80kg but joists under a decking would still need to be strong enough to support the weight of the water in your spa.

3. What power supply do I need for my Softub?

Softub hot tubs are the most energy efficient hot tubs on the market and run on a standard three pin plug. making them a plug and play hot tub. All you will need is a 13amp outdoor sockets which should be 2-3 meters away from the spa to avoid water splashing onto the socket but to be close enough for the cable to reach.

4. How much space do I need to leave around my Softub?

This will depend on the accessories you wish to install alongside your Softub hot tub. You may wish to install a lid lifter to make it easier to open the thermal cover on your spa. If so, you would need to decide on which side you would like the hot tub to open and allow for approximately 30cm clearance on that side for the lid lifter to work.

You may also wish to add a set of hot tub steps or even a full rattan or wood surround to your hot tub installation to make it easier to climb in and out of your spa. offer additional seating and a place to store your towel, your glass or your book. If so you would need to allow for an additional 40cm diameter around your Softub.

Finally and most importantly, you need to leave enough space so you or a technician can access the Softub hydromate should you ever wish to disconnect it to move your Softub to a different location or to send it it for servicing.

5. Do I need a cover for my Softub hot tub installation?

Some customers like to add a gazebo or pergola to their Softub installation for added shelter and privacy whereas others prefer to be able to stargaze and feel more connected to nature.

This is very much down to personal preference. Your Softub is designed to be outdoors all year round and made from marine graded vinyl so even though it looks as pretty and comfy as a leather sofa it is perfectly capable of withstanding the elements.

If you do decide that a hot tub gazebo is the right choice for you, be it because you have a nosy neighbour and wish for more privacy, your garden is very exposed to the elements and a gazebo would offer shelter from wind and rain or simply because it would add a beautiful feature to your hot tub installation then our team can help!

We offer a range of steel as well as hand crafted wood gazebos and garden buildings to compliment your Softub hot tub installation.

Get in touch

If you have any more questions or would like to discuss your hot tub installation requirements in more detail then don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our friendly team would be happy to help and can be reached on 01904 643212 or via email on info@hottubsandliving.co.uk