1. Spend a little time planning the best location for your hot tub or spa before purchasing it. Keep in mind that the average hot tub weighs about 5000 pounds when full of water, so be sure that it has the proper support. Concrete pads, gravel, paver stones, and decks all can be used as a base for your hot tub.

2. Depending on your hot tub, you may need to have an electrician install GFCI-protected 220-240V 50 amp circuits. Many hot tubs, though, operate on standard household voltage of 100-120V, so all you’ll need for them is an outdoor electrical outlet near where you plan to locate the hot tub.

3. Before the hot tub is delivered, make sure you have access to get it into your backyard or wherever it will be located. Most companies deliver the hot tub to your curb but that’s it, so you’ll need to have helpers ready to move it into its final location.

Two people can typically move a hot tub if it’s positioned on a piano or furniture dolly, so most of the muscle is needed to lift it on and off and position it correctly.

4. Once your hot tub is in place, turn off all electrical power to the equipment at the circuit breaker. If the hot tub has gate valves, open them, then make sure the drain valve is closed.

5.Check to see that the filters are properly seated, then use a garden hose to fill the hot tub to the level recommended in your owner’s manual.

6.Open the equipment door panel and look for leaks, tightening any connections that are leaking. Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker.

7. Follow the directions in your manual to balance your water chemistry and use a sanitizer system.

Congratulations, you just installed your hot tub!