Site Preparation; Above Ground Installations; In-Ground & Partial In-Ground Installations; Overall Support (Non-Cabinet Installations) - Hydropool 14IX Owner's Manual

ABOVE-GROUND INSTALLATIONS
Where the swim spa is a "stand-alone" above-ground installa-
tion to be installed in regions where freeze/thaw conditions
may occur, a level patio stone or pre-formed paver type base
may be sufficient if there is no abutting deck(s) that could be
damaged during potential seasonal movement of the ground.
The potential drawback to this type of base is that splash water
could eventually de-stabilize the ground under the base, with
the resultant shift of the support base causing damage to the
swim spa structure.
For best results, we recommend the installation of a level
concrete pad:
• Dig out and level the ground 20-30 cm (8-12 in.) below
your desired base level
• Install 10-15 cm (4-6 in.) of crushed stone
• Next, install 10-15 cm (4-6 in.) of poured concrete
• Level the concrete and apply a broom-type finish
• We recommend that the pad be made 15 cm (6 in.) larger
than the hot tub on three sides, and 1 m (3 ft.) larger on
the side where the access steps and/or planters will be
installed.
• Hot tub/swimspa must be installed on a level pad
In regions where freeze/thaw occurs, or where there will be
custom decking abutting the swim spa, we recommend the
installation of poured concrete footings extending below the
frost line beneath the pad to prevent the possibility of future
shifting.
IN GROUND & PARTIAL IN GROUND INSTALLATIONS
When recessing the swim spa all or part way below ground
level, a concrete base along with a concrete or wood retaining
wall to hold back the earth is suggested.
This forms a box or 'bunker', in which the swim spa is placed.
Hydropool does not recommend back-filling full in-ground or
partial in-ground installations without the backfillable frame
accessory and installed support panels.
Recommended Minimum Concrete Pad Dimensions
With Factory
Cabinet & Steps
14IX or 14FX 259 cm x 576 cm
Models 102 in x 228 in
17FX Model 259 cm x 671 cm
102 in x 264 in
19FX Model 259 cm x 711 cm
102 in x 280 in

SITE PREPARATION

• It is recommended leaving a 61 cm (24 in) wide crawl-space
around the entire unit to ensure adequate accessibility.
• Non-freezing climates – it is sufficient to ensure that the base
of the hole or cavity created for the swim spa has a dry, stable,
compacted level base and proper drainage.
• Climates where freeze/thaw occurs – it is necessary that a
poured level reinforced concrete base, complete with concrete
footings, be installed as outlined in the section
GROUND INSTALLATIONS.
Areas with a high ground water table – a level concrete base,
as well as a concrete or wood retaining wall to hold back the
earth, is recommended. This forms a box or 'bunker', in which
the hot tub is placed.
• ALWAYS ensure that there is good drainage, via a properly
designed French (gravel) drain system and/or a sump pump,
to prevent ground water flooding damage to the support equip-
ment or structure swim spa
• Install protective waterproof conduit to house light, or topside
control cables that will be buried
• Access for future service must be considered at the time of
design and installation. Difficult access can result in supple-
mental service labour charges not covered by the factory war-
ranty. Consider easily removable deck materials.
• Make sure the swim spa is tested for 48 hours before you
prepare the installation of the surrounding/finish deck around
your swim spa. Even though all units are tested in our plant,
some transport/site handling damage can occur and we sug-
gest you make sure the swim spa is perfectly waterproof be-
fore finalizing your installation.

OVERALL SUPPORT (non-cabinet installations)

Your Hydropool swim spa is equipped with a factory installed
load support substructure, which distributes the weight of the
water over the entire foot area of the swim spa. The cabinet,
either factory installed or customized on-site, should be deco-
rative only, and not relied on for overall support. Although the
lip of the swim spa must be supported to ensure it remains
level, never suspend a swim spa from a deck or floor by the
outer acrylic edge, as this will lead to product damage and/or
With Backfillable
serious personal injury.
Frame Assembed
239 cm x 488 cm
94 in x 192 in
239 cm x 576 cm
94 in x 228 in
239 cm x 620 cm
94 in x 244 in
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ABOVE-