Site Preparation; Above Ground Installations; In-Ground & Partial In-Ground Installations - Hydropool serenity hot tubs Owner's Manual

ABOVE-GROUND INSTALLATIONS
Where the hot tub is a "stand-alone" above-ground installation
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 dam-
aged 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
hot tub 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 hot tub we recommend the instal-
lation of sono-tubes beneath the pad to prevent shifting.
IN-GROUND & PARTIAL IN-GROUND INSTALLATIONS
For units being installed fully or partially in the ground, the type
of support will again vary based on whether or not the tub is
being installed in an area with freeze/thaw conditions. Hydro-
pool does not recommend back-filling full in-ground or partial
in-ground installations.

SITE PREPARATION

• Non-freezing climates – it is sufficient to ensure that the base
of the hole or cavity created for the tub has a dry, stable, com-
pacted 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 drain (gravel) system and/or a sump pump, to
prevent ground water flooding damage to the support equip-
ment or hot tub structure.
• 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 supplemen-
tal service labor charges not covered by the factory warranty.
Consider easily removable deck materials.
• Make sure the hot tub or swim spa is tested for 48 hours be-
fore you prepare the installation of the surrounding/finish deck
around your hot tub. Even though all units are tested in our
plant, some transport/site handling damage can occur and we
suggest you make sure the tub is perfectly waterproof before
finalizing your installation.
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