OUTDOOR LOCATIONS
For a variety of reasons, outdoor locations are a far more popular choice. Some of the reasons include:
- Limited indoor space
- Delivery complications due to door openings, stairwells, etc.
- Limited budget ( indoor installations usually also involve interior home renovations)
- Desire for an outdoor entertainment center
- Hot tub is being installed adjacent to an existing or planned swimming pool
- Concerns over splashing water inside the home
For those who choose an outdoor location, hot tub operating temperatures can be adjusted to match the season. In colder months, many owners will operate their hot tub in the range of 38-40掳C (101 -104掳F). During warmer months, an operating temperature of 36-37掳C (97-99掳F) will provide a refreshing retreat. If you should choose an outdoor location, you will find
further information as outlined in the section 鈥淪PECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR OUTDOOR INSTALLATIONS鈥
CHOOSING THE RIGHT LOCATION
In this part, we describe AMC series hot tub installed outdoors,. The following information will assist you in choosing the right location for your individual needs. When making your decision, always remember that hot tubs can be enjoyed year-round, indoors or out, regardless of the climate. Many AMC owners report that their favourite time to use a hot tub is in the cooler fall and winter months, while others praise the enjoyment of using their hot tub in the warmer spring and summer months.
OUTDOOR LOCATIONS
For a variety of reasons, outdoor locations are a far more popular choice. Some of the reasons include:
- Limited indoor space
- Delivery complications due to door openings, stairwells, etc.
- Limited budget ( indoor installations usually also involve interior home renovations)
- Desire for an outdoor entertainment center
- Hot tub is being installed adjacent to an existing or planned swimming pool
- Concerns over splashing water inside the home
For those who choose an outdoor location, hot tub operating temperatures can be adjusted to match the season. In colder months, many owners will operate their hot tub in the range of 38-40掳C (101 -104掳F). During warmer months, an operating temperature of 36-37掳C (97-99掳F) will
provide a refreshing retreat.If you should choose an outdoor location, you will find further information as outlined in the section 鈥淪PECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR OUTDOOR INSTALLATIONS鈥
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR鈥
OUTDOOR INSTALLATIONS
- Contact your local building department to determine if a building permit is necessary and for information on applicable bylaws (distance from property lines, buildings, fencing requirements, etc.)
- If you are doing any excavating, contact your local gas, hydro, and cable-company to ensure that there are no underground lines
- Locate the hot tub, where practical, within close distance of a door to the house, to maximize potential winter use.
- Ensure that your pump(s), controls, drain-valve and thermal probe are easily accessible and protected
- If possible, locate the hot tub where you will enjoy some privacy, out of the site of neighbours. If this is not possible, a partial privacy or wind partition, or proper placement of the optional WINER cover lifter should provide adequate privacy Hot tub equipment is generally designed for indoor (out of the direct elements) use. When your AMC hot tub is equipped with a factory-installed cabinet, and installed as per the guidelines of this manual, the equipment is adequately protected. If the hot tub is shipped without a cabinet, your custom cabinet or other structure must be
designed to supply protection for the hot tub support equipment from rain, snow, splash water, etc., but still designed in a manner to ensure adequate ventilation.
SITE PREPARATION FOR鈥
ABOVE-GROUND INSTALLATIONS
Where the hot tub is a 鈥渟tand-a-lone鈥 above-ground installation to be installed in regions where freeze/thaw occurs, a patio stone or pre-formed paver type pad may be sufficient if there is no abutting deck(s) to be damaged during potential seasonal movement of the ground. The drawback to this type of base is that splash water could eventually de-stabilize the ground under the pad, with the resulting support base shift causing damage to the structure.For best results, we suggest 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 In regions where freeze/thaw occurs, or where there will be custom decking abutting the hot tub we recommend the installation of sono-tubes beneath the pad to prevent future shifting.
SITE PREPARATION FOR鈥
FULL OR 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.
- Non-freezing climates 鈥 it is sufficient to ensure that the base of the hole or cavity created for the tub simply has a stable, compacted base. The side walls do not need to be supported, however where the climate permits, should you choose to backfill directly against the hot tub, a clear sand backfill is suggested
- Climates where freeze/thaw occurs 鈥 it is necessary that a proper poured concrete base, complete with sono-tubes, be installed as outlined in the section ABOVE-GROUND INSTALLATIONS
- Areas with a high ground water table 鈥 the concrete base, as well as a concrete or wood retaining wall to hold back the earth, is suggested. This forms a box or 鈥榖unker鈥, in which the hot tub is placed
- ALWAYS ensure that there is good drainage, via a properly designed French (gravel) drain system and/or a sump pump, to prevent ground water flooding damage to the support equipment or structure
- Install protective waterproof pipe to house any light, sensor, or topside control cables that could be buried
- Access for future service must be considered at the time of design and installation. Difficult access can result in supplemental service labour charges. Consider easily removable deck materials
OVERALL SUPPORT
Your AMC hot tub is equipped with a factory installed mental stand, which helps distribute the weight of the water over the entire foot area of the hot tub. The cabinet, factory installed or customized on-site, should be decorative only, and not relied on for overall support. Never suspend a hot tub from a deck or floor as the acrylic lip will crack and possibly break off.
EQUIPMENT ACCESSIBILITY
The equipment must be located in an area where it will remain dry and will not be exposed to rain, snow or ground water.The standard AMC hot tub has the equipment installed inside the protective cedar cabinet.
- When your hot tub is to be installed above-ground, the cabinet is designed for both protection and accessibility
- When your hot tub is to be installed fully or partially in the ground, if you are relocating the equipment remotely from the hot tub, or if you have ordered a hot tub without a cabinet: it is necessary that the equipment is installed in an area that is dry, protected from the elements, has proper ventilation and is easily accessible for service
- Always ensure that the equipment is mounted on a raised base or platform to prevent water damage to the motor, equipment or controls
- Ensure that any opening to the equipment and the working area around the equipment is large enough to accommodate a service person Whenever possible, install the pump below water level to ensure easy priming. Where above-grade equipment location is necessary, please ensure that your hot tub is equipped with the Remote Above-Grade Option Package. The equipment should be located as close to the hot tub as possible to maximize jet performance. Where you have ordered your hot tub with optional remote equipment, ensure that the equipment is not located more than 5 m. (15 ft.) from the hot tub. Use only suitable flex-pipe for the pipe runs from the equipment to the hot tub, with minimal use of elbows or other pipe restrictions.Install protective waterproof pipe to house any applicable cords or line extensions such as the sensor and top-side control cables, light wires or ozone tubing. In climates where freeze / thaw occurs we suggest that remote piping be buried below the frost line and that pipe insulation is applied over all pipes that run from the hot tub to the remote equipment to maintain energy efficiency.
IN-GROUND INSTALLATIONS
- When submerging the hot tub all or part way below ground level, a concrete base along with a concrete or wood retaining wall to hold back the earth is suggested. This forms a box or 鈥榖unker鈥, in which the hot tub is placed
- Where the climate permits, should you choose to backfill directly against the hot tub, a clear sand backfill is suggested
- Install protective waterproof pipe to house any light, sensor, or topside control cables that could be buried
- ALWAYS ensure that there is adequate drainage via a properly designed gravel drain system and/or a sump pump to prevent ground water flooding damage to the support equipment
- Access for future service must be considered at the time of design and installation. Difficult access can result in supplemental service labour charges or damage to your decking
REMOTE EQUIPMENT PLACEMENT
Where the support equipment is being located in a remote location, the following should be considered:
- The distance from the hot tub should never exceed 5 m. (15 ft.) of pipe length
- Piping diameter must be 2 inches with minimal use of elbows
- All piping should be insulated to minimize heat loss, and reduce the risk of freezing
- Equipment should be installed at or below water level. If it is necessary to install the equipment above grade, the purchase of the optional Remote Above-Grade Option Package will be required
- All control cables should be run through a protective pipe to avoid problems associated with ground settling, frost, etc.
- All support equipment MUST be weather protected, yet still have adequate ventilation
UNLOADING / HANDLING YOUR HOT TUB
All AMC series hot tubs are shipped with a protective combination layer of bubble wrap, cardboard and plastic film. Each hot tub is factory packed into a crate. If your hot tub is to be delivered by your local dealer, it will generally arrive on a flat bed truck or low profile trailer.Most dealers are equipped with the necessary equipment to maneuver the hot tub from the truck to the dolly or cart that will be used to move your hot tub to the installation location.Should your hot tub arrive on a common closed box trailer, it may be necessary to arrange with a local towing company for a tilt and load tow truck, with a pulley wrench system, to pull the skid from the larger trailer to the lower
profile tow truck flat bed. The hot tub can be gently slid off the low profile trailer and positioned on its side on a cart or dolly. Most AMC models require a clearance width of at least 100 cm. (39 in.) to allow movement of the unit (on its side) through alley-ways, fence openings, etc. Where this is not possible, the use of a crane to lift the hot tub from the truck or trailer over the house to the patio or yard is often a simple and economical option.
CAUTIONS
- Never roll or flip the hot tub end over end as the cabinet could be damaged
- Never lift or handle the hot tub by the plumbing
- Make sure that there is sufficient assistance to gently slide the hot tub off the dolly or cart to the support base without any damage
Your AMC Hot tub is a self-contained pre-plumbed unit, so that no on-site plumbing connections to the residential water supply or drain are required. Simply place the hot tub in the desired location and install as outlined on the following pages.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Do not lift the hot tub by the plumbing, you may cause leaks
- Your hot tub can be installed above grade, in the floor or ground, or half-and-half
- Ensure that your AMC hot tub is properly supported by either a level concrete pad, or a properly constructed deck capable of supporting 1220 kg/m2 (250 lbs./ft.2 ). If there is a possibility that the pad could shift by freezing/thawing ground movement (such as in clay regions, and/or areas with high water tables) sono-tubes extending below the frost line should be used
- Decking should be chosen and constructed in a manner that minimizes the chance of slipping or falling
- Level your hot tub using wood shims where necessary,ensuring that the tapered end extends at least 2 feet under the unit
- If you do not have a factory installed foamed cabinet, it is assumed that you are building your own custom cabinet, tiling or decking. Please consider the following:
- Your AMC Hot tub is self-supporting on its base. The cabinet should be decorative only, not for support. Never suspend the hot tub from the deck or cabinet
- Where the hot tub is not equipped with a factory installed cabinet, it is the installing electrician鈥檚 responsibility to ensure all electrical equipment is weather protected
- Always provide adequate access for servicing the support equipment
- Decking should be constructed to allow repair access around the entire hot tub
- In remote equipment or no-cabinet installations, you may add extra insulation, but the equipment area must have adequate cross-flow ventilation
- Installation of a safety grab rail or reachable support for use when entering or exiting the hot tub is recommended
- The hot tub equipment and all electrical plugs, outlets and lights within 1.5m (5ft) of the unit must be G.F.C.I protected. Consult your electrician or local electrical authority for further details
- Access to the hot tub must always be secured:
Outdoors - in accordance with local property by-laws and/or via an approved fence with a self-closing gate and a safety hardcover; Indoors - by a lockable door and a safety hardcover - A nearby garden hose connection is recommended for filling and 鈥渢opping up鈥 the hot tub
LEVELING YOUR WINER HOT TUB
After the hot tub is properly positioned on the support base,the entire unit should be checked with a level and shimmed as necessary. Should you find that the support base is sloped or otherwise uneven, level your hot tub using
TAPERED wood shims where necessary, ensuring that the tapered end extends at least 2 feet under the unit. This will insure contact with the support substructure to appropriately distribute the weight of the unit. Do not just shim under the cabinet base outside edge, as this will cause structural stress on the unit, potentially causing damage to the hot tub structure and /or shell.
GENERAL INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Your Serenity Hot tub is a self-contained pre-plumbed unit,so that no on-site plumbing connections to the residential water supply or drain are required. Simply place the hot tub in the desired location and install as outlined on the following pages.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Do not lift the hot tub by the plumbing, you may cause leaks
- Your hot tub can be installed above grade, in the floor or ground, or half-and-half
- Ensure that your Serenity hot tub is properly supported by either a level concrete pad, or a properly constructed deck capable of supporting 1220 kg/m2 (250 lbs./ft.2 ). If there is a possibility that the pad could shift by freezing/thawing ground movement (such as in clay regions, and/or areas with high water tables) sono-tubes extending below the frost line should be used
- Decking should be chosen and constructed in a manner that minimizes the chance of slipping or falling
- Level your hot tub using wood shims where necessary,ensuring that the tapered end extends at least 2 feet under the unit
- If you do not have a factory installed foamed cabinet, it is assumed that you are building your own custom cabinet, tiling or decking. Please consider the following:
- Your Serenity Hot tub is self-supporting on its base. The cabinet should be decorative only, not for support. Never suspend the hot tub from the deck or cabinet
- Where the hot tub is not equipped with a factory installed cabinet, it is the installing electrician鈥檚 responsibility to ensure all electrical equipment is weather protected
- Always provide adequate access for servicing the support equipment
- Decking should be constructed to allow repair access around the entire hot tub
- In remote equipment or no-cabinet installations, you may add extra insulation, but the equipment area must have adequate cross-flow ventilation
- Installation of a safety grab rail or reachable support for use when entering or exiting the hot tub is recommended
- The hot tub equipment and all electrical plugs, outlets and lights within 1.5m (5ft) of the unit must be G.F.C.I protected. Consult your electrician or local electrical authority for further details
- Access to the hot tub must always be secured:
Outdoors - in accordance with local property by-laws and/or via an approved fence with a self-closing gate and a safety hardcover; Indoors - by a lockable door and a safety hardcover - A nearby garden hose connection is recommended for filling and 鈥渢opping up鈥 the hot tub