Buying A Hot Tub - From Building a Pad to Electrical

[@visionholistica3941]

We just bought our first Hot tub, and I am trying to learn as much as possible. I am very nervous, but videos like yours make me feel more confident! Thank you so much!

[@myboringchannel]

No need to be nervous. Just jump in.

[@bigcheese467]

I've watched this video like 20 times because I'm getting ready to do t his myself. This is the best video on this topic in my opinion.

[@myboringchannel]

Hey, I really appreciate that

[@chrisyates1355]

exactly what i have been looking for - start to finish DIY hottub setup. thank you very much!

[@myboringchannel]

Glad I could help!!

[@LA-es8wo]

Thank you for this incredibly helpful, informative video!! I’ve been doing so much research trying to piece together what prep work we’d have to do, and there’s no way I would’ve realized the trench to run electric had to be 20ft deep! So glad I watched this first. I feel way more prepared now - thanks so much for taking the time to film and post this!!

[@dongarrett7595]

He said Trench is 20 Inches deep, not feet. But 18 inches is code if in conduit in a residential yard.

[@connerblah]

@@dongarrett7595 18" to the top of the conduit. So with 2" conduit, you need a 20" deep trench.

[@scottboyne8305]

Very nice hot tub. I know it's been 2 years now but I hope you still love it

[@myboringchannel]

I do. I use it all the time. I was in it last night

[@scottboyne8305]

@@myboringchannel awesome

[@stevequantie8064]

Good watch. I notice how we went from Fall to what seems to be Winter. The trees and shrubs definitely look like a whole season has passed. : ) My hot tub was ordered to be delivered by May but here it is almost Sept and still not here. Thanks Covid!

[@ahmet-zt3df]

Great video , just about to do this myself. Thanks for taking the time to share

[@myboringchannel]

I enjoy making videos. You're welcome!

[@bombsqd104]

great job! just bought one... this video will be very helplful. Thank you!

[@jackiebriggs5135]

Thank you, I learned a lot, just thinking about getting one.

[@CowboyPants-h5p]

Only one critique - I don't like conduit showing like you have where it goes into the tub skirt. I buried my conduit so that it comes out underneath the tub, so no visible conduit. No tripping hazard and it would have a much cleaner look. My two cents...;

[@myboringchannel]

Good point. And it's also a pain to mow around

[@SteveJQ]

Awesome video, cant wait for mine!

[@youravgjoe42]

I am just starting my plan to install a hot tub at my home and I found this video amongst the most helpful of many that are on KZbin. I don’t have the skill or time to DIY, but this helped me think through all the steps that will be necessary. I really appreciate it. Thank you.

[@myboringchannel]

Thank you for the kind words! And you're welcome for the video!

[@willjackson9001]

Great video! Nice detail and not drawn out like some people do.

[@myboringchannel]

Thanks buddy!!

[@heatherbilyea6146]

Thank you for posting this. Looking at installing a hot tub ourselves. Was thinking going concrete base, but this seems a little more cost effective.

[@myboringchannel]

It’s great! Solid. Concrete would be cleaner, but make sure it’s LEVEL

[@heatherbilyea6146]

@@myboringchannel yes, level is paramount , no matter what base you would use. ☺️

[@superproducerd.z7403]

Great vid. I’m looking into all of this. I’m not what you would call a handy man, but I am a perfectionist and will be doing this work, but with pavers.

[@myboringchannel]

Thanks for the comment!

[@Stugadget]

Use a tape measure corner to corner to ensure square. Much easier

[@myboringchannel]

Good idea. I'll try that next time.

[@ronaldthomas2815]

Thanks for Sharing Your Video. I just ordered a Hot Tub Today. Will be ready in 60 days. gives me enough time to get one built. any other type of wood to use. Awesome Job

[@J26-e6g]

If you want true square, you measure from corner to opposite corner. If your measurements are the same on all four corners, and your wood is the same length, you are square. True square is not necessary here. Good video and good job with your build

[@myboringchannel]

Thanks for the education!!

[@MFA-Marcelo]

Perfectly done

[@myboringchannel]

Thanks

[@DuckTape12]

Excellent video. Thanks.

[@patenglish3009]

What a great video Eric. I think I can do it now (you'll have to help!!!).

[@myboringchannel]

Sure! I’ll help!

[@mattm.7955]

thanks for this! watched it and followed a very similar method but used pavers instead of lumber to support. having the timeline outlined like you did in the video was really helpful.

[@Sam-um2ci]

What kind of paver did you use?

[@mattm.7955]

@@Sam-um2ci a line of 11x7x1.5” (approx) cheap concrete pavers all around the perimeter of the tub. the cheap ones at home depot. if you do it right you can barely see them. it’s held up well for 3 years now

[@Sam-um2ci]

@@mattm.7955 thank you. Will check it out.

[@samfrancisco8095]

You should have brought the power farther and under the spa so no exposed wires. Also the plastic conduit should have been metal. one wack and its cracked. Also should not be at ground level. under the siding edge would have offered some protection.

[@KL-qs9bn]

Great video, exactly what I was looking for! Thank you!

[@myboringchannel]

Glad it helped

[@asymmetrickmusic]

Nice shirt... Go Beavs!

[@catchercoach4918]

Nice job, really shows what is possible. Thank you.

[@myboringchannel]

You’re welcome

[@KSuleman1]

thank you for sharing.

[@dilwijay]

Thanks for the video

[@LittleMountainLife]

Great video. I'm also a fan of Josh Woodward's music :)

[@myboringchannel]

He's awesome. It's all free too. I've been using his instrumental music in family vids for years now.

[@timrosandick491]

Good job.

[@myboringchannel]

Thank you!!

[@aaronperkins4175]

Looks great! What kind of stone did you use? I couldn’t make it out. We’re trying to do this now. Did you dig out the middle? Or just the trenches for the 4x4’s?

[@myboringchannel]

I show it all in the video

[@zachjohnson8366]

Great video. Wanted to understand the process and this was exactly what I was looking for!

[@myboringchannel]

Glad I could help!

[@anek2585]

How often you have to change the water inside it? how do you drain the water?

[@DonWestphal]

Could you put building material in comments. The rock is what I’m most interested in

[@myboringchannel]

Honestly, I don't remember all the materials. I bought some grade 1 pressure treated lumber, the coating to paint the ends, some galvanized lag bolts, 4 stainless (or were they galvanized?) L-brackets, and lots of gravel. I didn't measure it all out unfortunately. I had to go back and buy multiple loads. I used 3/4 minus gravel for the majority of the base, then I used 1/8 minus for the top inch or two, so that it would look a bit nicer and really pack down. Sorry I can't be more specific.

[@DonWestphal]

No problem thanks for actually replying

[@lawoull.6581]

Great job...always best to 📞 811 before you dig...I learned a lot..ty

[@myboringchannel]

Thank you! And great tip.

[@HaasGeek]

Just bought a hot tub and needed a GOOD idea of what I was in for. Thanks for making the video. Is there anything you would have done differently in hindsight now that it’s all done?

[@alds491]

I plan on doing my pad exactly like you did. Great job! I am wondering if the water in the tub is still level after a year?

[@myboringchannel]

Perfectly level. Zero shifting.

[@joedasilva8887]

I love your video can you tell me if you have seen a bigger electric bill.

[@myboringchannel]

We definitely have. We are constantly getting notices that our electricity usage is higher than our neighbors

[@speedygonzalez2381]

man that was cool!

[@luisgeorge7059]

Great video ,do you have any video about an equipotential bonding grid on Concret tick for swim spa I’m looking for ani información or video about it (regulations of the city) Tnks Erick great job 👍🏼.

[@TnOutdoors931]

Thank you great video !

[@myboringchannel]

You are welcome! There's a thanks button if you wanna donate! ;)

[@OU8Aspark]

How do you hide the electrical conduit going into the Hot Tub?

[@jimsteinway695]

I put my hot tub on my back porch paid my electrician to wire it. Took 4 hours. Curious why in the middle of your yard. No privacy? Plus sun damage

[@myboringchannel]

My backyard is pretty private. But yes, it is out in the sun. I don't have a covered back patio.

[@jimsteinway695]

@@myboringchannel that’s a dang good answer ! Plus as an afterthought I think the sun is worse here in Idaho than Washington state

[@firehousedog27]

I don't know but how much does a hot tub like yours cost? Just the tub not all of the process. We are in the very first stages of wanting a hot tub.

[@myboringchannel]

I can't remember. I think it was about 8K.

[@DuckTape12]

Did you dig out any more dirt before laying all the gravel in?

[@myboringchannel]

I don't think I did anything that wasn't shown in the video.

[@DuckTape12]

@@myboringchannel thanks, I'm building this exact platform.

[@DuckTape12]

​@myboringchannel what type of gravel did you use?

[@myboringchannel]

@@DuckTape12 1/4" minus and 1/2" minus. There is a section where I talk about that in the video and explain why I'm using the type of gravel that I am.

[@bellbellbell15]

Still using your hottub everyday? I heard the hype dies down quick just wondering because we were considering one as well.

[@myboringchannel]

Most days! Getting in tonight. I love it. Best purchase I’ve made in a long time.

[@jbslade82]

Curious why not rigid metal conduit to keep the trench depth 6-8”?

[@myboringchannel]

I don’t think that’s an option in Washington state. It didn’t matter who I asked. Code was 20 inches.

[@mariebrown4796]

Great video. What are the dimensions of your hot tub, and the inside dimensions of your wood frame?

[@myboringchannel]

Size: 84 x 84 x 36 in. | 213 x 213 x 91 cm 7 seats Capacity: 400 gal | 1,514 L Dry Weight: 845 lbs | 383 kg The wood frame is about 2 inches longer on each side. I don't remember EXACTLY and I'm not feeling like measuring it right now. :)

[@charwynd.1949]

Great job. I'm looking to do the same thing and wanted to know why you chose 4x4 over 6x6 lumber. Most videos I see about gravel bases (for sheds granted) use 6x6 lumber. The tub I'm looking at 10x8 and I wondered if the 4x4 would be adequate.

[@larrygill3518]

Same question from me. The 6x6 seem so much heavier that the weight itself would seem to be an added benefit to strengthening this frame around the gravel. So I went ahead and bought the 6x6 (now $42 each during this lumber price spike). I also never bother to cut them so I would not have to stain the ends - by staggering the corner joins, I will get a nice square 7' 6" area inside the posts. I will have to dig a little deeper though for the posts so I can put the layer of gravel beneath them. I really appreciate this guy's professional approach as opposed to another video which didn't bother to place any framework at all to the gravel. I highly recommend this approach.

[@myboringchannel]

I did think about 6x6’s, but my frame is holding tight and hasn’t moved an iota. Thanks for the positive comments.

[@myboringchannel]

Totally adequate. Mine hasn’t budged.

[@HansKlossJ23]

Great and informative video! What type of gravel did you use and what do you think about 3/4 gravel 4'' deep?

[@myboringchannel]

I used 3/4 minus and it was about 4” deep! So … perfect!

[@The-LOTR-Gamer]

Great video. Im starting to inventory the stuff i need for my DIY. How much crushed stone did you end up requiring?

[@myboringchannel]

Oh gosh. I don’t remember at this point … but I will say it’s holding up very well. We were just sitting at watching the Perseids last night.

[@phogel1]

Question, did you wire it in then fill with water? How did they check the electrical before you filled it the rest of the way. I am assuming the electrical is in it's own watertight compartment.

[@myboringchannel]

An electrician did all the wiring for me. I didn’t pay any attention to that part.

[@Jack-iw2on]

Thank you great video

[@myboringchannel]

You’re welcome

[@robertbenthal9396]

Great videos, I’ve never built a pad for anything. I’m thinking you are an engineer. Am I correct?

[@myboringchannel]

no . . . high school teacher.

[@timrosandick491]

other than expense, why did you not pore a concrete pad?

[@myboringchannel]

Expense. That’s really the only reason.

[@davemowles1389]

What the heck is 3/4 Midas? sp? Just 3/4 gravel with a fancy name? And what's the advantage of gravel rather than concrete. And btw thx for the vid!

[@TrueBlazerFan]

3/4 minus - 3/4” is the largest size, and the minus is all the smaller pieces, including the fines that cause it to pack.

[@myboringchannel]

True Blazer Fan has it right (that's my channel too LOL). Anyway, I think concrete is probably better. But we were a bit over budget on this project and using gravel probably saved us around a grand. We could've had a pad poured, and obviously that would've been cleaner, but I'm happy with what we have. We will improve it as time goes on also. I want to build a patio around the entire hot tub at some point, and I also am thinking about a gazebo.

[@sykal]

do you not need a ground loop?

[@myboringchannel]

All I know is what I told you in the video.

[@cbrsilv15]

How are you liking the artesian tub? I’m looking at one now to get. Thanks!

[@myboringchannel]

Love it. Nice strong jets. Everything just works. It’s very comfortable for us as well.

[@newerafrican]

What did you cover the 3/4" gravel with at 5:36?

[@myboringchannel]

1/4"

[@christopher6334]

I’m so confused. So I cut the 4x4 exactly as you did. Measurements are perfect. If I measure inside edge of 4x4s it measures out to 82”x 82” . If the spa is 84 84 then how do you have so much space? I can even see gravel.

[@myboringchannel]

Can't remember but I'm guessing the base is a little smaller than the top . . . ?

[@christopher6334]

@@myboringchannel I hate to be a huge pain in the ass but could you measure the base? How do hot tub manufacturers get the 84x84 measurement is my question. I have a hot tub coming next month and I wanna make sure i have enough pad size. If not i a gonna make it bigger. sucks cause I already cut them .

[@happycats0199]

great video - I'm about to do the exact same thing (gravel pad base). Any updates/learnings since you originally installed? How's it holding up? Anything you would do differently?

[@myboringchannel]

Pad is great. Holding up perfectly. I’d probably buy a slightly bigger tub with leg jets. Love this tub, high quality, but would love leg jets. Oh yeah, and I would get LED lights behind the waterfall because I can’t see it at night! Otherwise, everything is perfect.

[@happycats0199]

@@myboringchannel we just moved from PNW (Mukilteo) to just south of Nashville, were getting a 7x7ish tub, but all the leg jets and lights and speakers we'd need. Will begin digging out the space this week. Thanks for the vid, ill be following your steps. Go Seahawks

[@xyma4038]

Great video, it is just what I am thinking to do now. I went through all comments here, the tub stays there over one year at least. My question is did you notice any uneven sinking of the tub so far, or any problem connected the base? I an in Toronto area Canada, it is much colder (-30 C ) and much more snow than Washington, do you think the kind of base good for my area? Thank you.

[@myboringchannel]

I have no settling of any kind. My hot tub is still perfectly level. I think this would work just fine anywhere. Good luck and thanks for watching.

[@KorraTheFrenchie]

Looks like you’re in the Seattle area like us. We just ordered our hot tub from Olympic and it’ll be here at the end of May. Do you mind me asking how much you paid for your electrical installation? We need to get ours done too.

[@myboringchannel]

$1800. It might’ve been less but it was quite a ways from our electrical panel. Plus I went with somebody in town that was highly recommended and who does mostly hot tub installations.

[@KorraTheFrenchie]

@@myboringchannel thanks for replying. I was guessing around $1500. I’m guessing the 20” is standard in WA state for the trench for the electrical? The good news for us is our hot tub sits on the same side of the house that our electrical panel is on, so not “too” far of a run.

[@myboringchannel]

@@KorraTheFrenchie As I said, we could have saved some $$ going with a different contractor, but I went with the guy I trusted the most. Anyway, yes, 20" is the depth needed. At least for our area. The electrician made it pretty clear that the inspector might not pass the job if I didn't go at least 20" deep. Keep me posted on your project. Would love to hear how it comes out.

[@KorraTheFrenchie]

@@myboringchannel Thanks. I don't upload to KZbin much, but I should. :) Will have to find a way to share some photos of the progress so far. We're doing a deck extension and making room for a hot tub under our pergola in the yard.

[@jeffschwartz9851]

$1800 and you dug the trench? You did the hard part.

[@ThePaperEmpire]

Great video and super helpful! We are in process of purchasing the one we want... would you still recommend yours? thanks again!

[@myboringchannel]

Love the Artesian. We use it almost every night. It took us about a month to really get the chemicals, etc., dialed in, but I think we've got it (for the most part). Haven tests our water for us for free, so we take a water sample down about once per week and make sure we're within the ranges we should be. Great pressure from the jets. The ONLY thing I wish for was LEDs under the waterfall! Ridiculous right? I want to see my waterfall at night. I can see it during the day, but at night I really can't. Such a stupid thing. Anyway, the Artesian seems really solid. Keeps temp, strong jets . . . can't think of any cons right now!

[@singinprofessor5260]

My Boring Channel Is it a swim spa too?

[@myboringchannel]

No, not a swim spa.

[@tony2hotty]

Quick Question - Should a hot tub be filled before or after inspection?

[@myboringchannel]

Hmmm. Not sure what you mean. If I remember correctly, the permitting inspection happened before the hot tub was even in …

[@tony2hotty]

@@myboringchannel got it, I had the local municipality come today and inspect the tub. I thought it needed to be in working order but he just made sure the wires were good. Appreciate the quick response

[@jesseestrada4290]

That pvc should not be touching the ground, they should have tucked it underneath the siding off the ground.

[@myboringchannel]

Hmm

[@MrBmitch7]

What size hot tub was this for?

[@myboringchannel]

I can't exactly remember the dimensions. It's been a long time since I've put it in

[@myboringchannel]

I probably say it somewhere in the video or in the description

[@discovermotivation762]

If you don't mind me asking about how much did the gravel spa pad cost ya

[@myboringchannel]

Can’t remember exactly, but I think the wood was around $80. The gravel was cheap, like $15 per load (I think) and I got two or three loads. And the hardware was around 50 bucks I think. I definitely should’ve talked about that in the video. Regardless, it was much cheaper than a concrete pad. I already had the tools (tamper, level, etc.).

[@discovermotivation762]

@@myboringchannel ya ,it came out nice . Seems like plenty of work .

[@myboringchannel]

@@discovermotivation762 Yeah, it was a lot of work. Now I'm working on putting in an above ground pool. Even MORE work.

[@FullThrottleBHP]

Do you think 1/4minus or 1/2minus would adequate for the base? I'm going to have about 7inch thick base and after seeing this video I think it's going to be a bit over kill haha. But concerned on size of gravel as I have had many people say different things.

[@myboringchannel]

It’ll be fine.

[@dimitartenev5137]

I'm not a fan of the way the conduit sticks out near the tub. With better planning you could have had the conduit come up from underneath the tub.

[@myboringchannel]

Thank you for your comment

[@motofun72]

Hey nice job. I’m thinking of doing a similar pad. I subscribed to your channel. Could you of ran the electric yourself and still get it inspected? Just wondering why you didn’t, since you seem like the type who would learn how and do it. I’m not an electrician, but I’m thinking of doing it myself. That’s why I asked.

[@myboringchannel]

I don’t mess with electricity. And I suggest you don’t either.

[@xDJerome95]

@@myboringchannel well said, please pay a licensed professional. dont mess with you or your families / guests safety. a good electrician is worth the price.

[@kevinhoward3866]

What is the size of ur hot tub

[@myboringchannel]

Have to measure. It's an Artesian . . . 4-person

[@dlewdm]

This guy reminds me of Rick moranis from ghostbusters!

[@myboringchannel]

What? The nerdy guy????

[@dlewdm]

@@myboringchannel haha! You’re just so mild mannered. Reminds me of him. Great video though, I saved it to check out later when I’m ready to put in my hot tub!

[@tmrolo]

I noticed you didn't ground the slab? Isn't that code?

[@myboringchannel]

I’m not sure I understand your question.

[@tmrolo]

I got a quote from electricians and they say I need grounding wire inside my slab? They said it's code?

[@myboringchannel]

Honestly, I have no idea what the electrician did. But the whole thing was inspected, and it passed.

[@officererwin1]

@@tmrolo they're probably talking about a ground to the concrete slab. He didn't use concrete and everything is already grounded to the earth. Electricity takes the path of least resistance to the ground.

[@Kitty909-hi]

No bonding?

[@myboringchannel]

Bonding?

[@myboringchannel]

Nope!

[@ajlovett6740]

No expansion joints in the conduit

[@J26-e6g]

So did the water department give you a deal on the $1.50 it cost you to fill up your tub? Total BS value statement from the delivery guy. I’ll bet the water department thought it was a stupid question if you called 10:39

[@myboringchannel]

No, but I forgot to tell them!

[@mo_muscle3513]

👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@AlKady678]

lost me at "my wife can do that, even my kids can do that"

[@myboringchannel]

Hm. Are you talking about the cover lifter? My kids are 10 and 12, quite small. The cover is heavy. My wife is also very small. She just read your comment and said, "Tell him I'm less than 5 feet tall." She wasn't offended. So why are you?

[@Yo_MOMMAS_MOUTH]

Sweet! So party at your place! Lol

[@TrueBlazerFan]

can I come?

[@myboringchannel]

Yep, let's party.