Beginning today, Best Hot Tubs (Farmingdale, Westbury, Windham/NY) is offering a series of blogs that address some of the most frequently asked questions we receive on what is required for a hot tub.
What is Required to Deliver a Hot Tub?
Although we are fortunate to serve the lush, open-spaces of Windham, NY, where installations are often a breeze, Best Hot Tubs also operates in more densely populated areas, including New Jersey, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, etc., and Long Island’s Nassau and Suffolk counties. In all these areas, properties can be small and close together.
Best Hot Tubs Delivery
When it comes to delivery, large hot tubs are not a problem. Indeed, people turn to Best Hot Tubs because we specialize in one of the most comfortable and luxurious portable spas available: Bullfrog Spas. The larger of these units can accommodate eight adults, so they are not small.
However, even if a client wants, say, Bullfrog’s A8 model, and their property is a tight, small space, as long as Best Hot Tubs has a minimum of 40” of width and 9’ of height — we can simply tip the spa on its side and get it through.
On rare occasions, it may be necessary to prepare the path by removing awnings, or a few tree limbs, etc. And, if absolutely necessary, a crane can be employed to drop the hot tub in the yard. But we handle challenging deliveries all the time. We’ve not failed yet.
Are Permits Required to Own a Hot Tub?
“I wish there was a simple answer,” says Best Hot Tubs owner, Bill Renter. However, even though a hot tub is considered a portable appliance, with 137 different towns and villages on Long Island alone, some areas do require a permit.”
Renter suggests the easiest way to be certain is to contact your local building department. Mainly, they want to see how your model conforms to local codes regarding property lines (set backs) or the minimum distance between installations and the lot line. Also, it’s possible to ‘google’ one’s own Town and type in ‘building codes’ and ‘hot tubs’ to get the needed information.
In some cases, you may need to go to the Town with a property survey (if need be, ask if it it can be hand drawn, or, yes, there are even apps for that, and bring it, along the hot tub manufacturer’s brochure, to them. It’s also a good idea, before going, to ask them what else they need to know if anything. They will tell you of any other considerations might come into play.
“To help with this, we supply interested clients with a pdf of Bullfrog Spas’ brochure, highlighting relevant pages, that they can either send to the appropriate Town officials or bring along with them,” says Bill Renter.
Do you need a licensed electrician for the installation?
When clients ask us about permits, they usually also ask us whether they will need a licensed electrician when installing the hot tub.
“We can be definite about this: Yes, a licensed electrician is required. This is because a hot tub uses heaters, filters, pumps, lights etc. — and on Long Island, for example, one is required. From the electrician, hot tub purchasers will get an underwriter’s certificate indicating that it’s been inspected and approved to meet the NED (National Electric Code).”
Best Hot Tubs’ staff can recommend someone for this, or new clients can use their own electrician. In the owners manual we provide, there are clear instructions on how a Bullfrog Spa is supposed to be wired and this can be shared with the electrician.
From what our clients tell us — and our own hot tub experiences — these required efforts are well worth it. Happy hot tubbing! And watch this space for answers to more frequently asked questions.
Hot Tub Permits:
When it comes to hot tubs installed on Long Island and other NY environs, some Towns need to see how your model conforms to local codes regarding property lines (set backs) or the minimum distance between installations and the lot line.
Permits for Hot Tubs:
If your Town or Village has hot tub codes related to safety issues, sections of the Bullfrog Spas owner’s manual can be helpful. The covers we include with all our hot tub packages, for example, are very durable and include locking clips for added security when not in use. This cover locking system, when used correctly, meets the ASTM F1346-91 “Standard for Safety Covers” which may satisfy your Towns’ fencing and gating requirements.
Electrical Codes for Hot Tubs:
A licensed electrician is usually required. This is because a hot tub uses heaters, filters, pumps, lights etc. From the electrician, hot tub purchasers will get an underwriter’s certificate indicating that it’s been inspected and approved to meet the NED (National Electric Code)
Hot Tub Delivery Dolly:
Best Hot Tubs has a delivery dolly just for hot tubs. It lowers gently to the ground, and can be turned on it’s side onto attached wheels and easily moved into place. All we need is a minimum of 40” of width and 9’ of height, and easy, peasy — it’s in your backyard.
