At Best Hot Tubs (Long Island, NYC areas and Catskills), one of our most frequently asked questions is whether or not a permit will be required to have a hot tub installed. So we went to our own Bill Renter to help with this.
“I wish there was a simple answer. However, even though portable hot tubs are considered a ‘portable appliance,’ with 137 different towns and villages on Long Island alone, and NY state districts all writing their own codes, there are some New York areas that do require a permit.”
Bill suggests the easiest way to be certain is to contact your local building department. Mainly, they want to see how your hot tub 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) and bring it, along with 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.
“We specialize in Bullfrog Spas, and to help with this, we supply interested clients with a PDF of the company’s 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?
When clients ask us about permits, they usually also ask whether they will need a licensed electrician to install a 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. requiring a bonded professional. Such an electrician will provide hot tub purchasers with an underwriter’s certificate indicating that it’s been inspected and approved to meet the NED (National Electric Code).”
Very often, 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.
Most find that checking on permits and hiring an electrician for the installation are easy enough when you consider the benefits of a family-size water feature. Indeed, from our personal experiences, and what our clients tell us, these steps are well worth it.
Happy hot tubbing!
Town Permits for Hot Tubs:
If your Town has hot tub codes related to safety issues, sections of the Bullfrog Spas owner’s manual can be helpful. These covers, 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.
Hot Tub Installation:
A hot tub uses a heater, filter, pump, lights etc. — so at least on Long Island a licensed electrician is required when installing a hot tub on Long Island (NY).
Hot Tubs Local Building Codes:
When it comes to hot tubs installed on Long Island, 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.
Hot Tubs and Outdoor Living:
Whether or not you need a special permit to install a hot tub on Long Island, and whether or not you have a spectacular view, the rewards are well worth it.
