Preparing for delivery and placement: base, access route, crane and connections

Short answer: a smooth delivery day starts weeks earlier. Arrange four things: a level, load-bearing, water-draining base, a measured access route (a hot tub without a crane needs at least 1.05 metres of clearance; a sauna and jacuzzi always require a crane, so a spot for the crane lorry), the connections (water within reach, power or heavy-duty power arranged in advance by a certified installer), and a clear spot on the day itself. Below is the complete step-by-step plan and checklist.

Step 1: choose the final location

• Sun and wind: a tub or sauna out of the full wind loses noticeably less heat; position a sauna with the door away from the prevailing wind direction.
• Distance from the house: close by is convenient in winter; further away offers more privacy. Consider the walking route to a shower or the cold plunge tub.
• Chimney: for a wood-fired heater, keep it clear of branches, roof edges and canopies, with smoke directed away from windows and the neighbours' terrace.
• Boundary: for a sauna, keep at least 1 metre clearance from the boundary or arrange permission from your neighbours; see installing an outdoor sauna for the permit check.
• Access to technical components: the pump, filter, heater and control unit must remain accessible without moving the product.

Step 2: calculate the weight and lay the base

How to build a solid foundation bed:

1. Excavate the area 15 to 20 cm deep, slightly larger than the product.
2. Lay root membrane against regrowth.
3. Apply crushed rubble or coarse sand and compact it with a plate compactor.
4. Finish with paving sand and paving slabs or concrete slabs, level with a slight fall for rainwater.
5. Check with a long spirit level in two directions; a tilted shell causes an uneven waterline and can bring jets or an internal heater above the waterline too soon.

An existing, level concrete slab also works. A wooden deck or roof terrace only after the load-bearing capacity has been assessed by a structural engineer.

Step 3: measure the access route and arrange the crane

• Hot tub without a crane: possible with a clear access route of at least 1.05 metres, without steps or sharp corners, along a route that can bear the weight. Measure the narrowest point: gate, side passage, alley, or the gap between a shed and a fence.
• Outdoor sauna and jacuzzi: always require a crane. A sauna cabin is delivered complete and lifted over the house or the fence.
• Crane lorry position: close to the garden, on a hard surface, with clear space for the outriggers. Watch for cables, trees, lampposts and guttering above the lifting route.
• Report particulars in advance: a narrow street, one-way traffic, a parking permit, a change in level or access via the neighbours. These are taken into account in the planning.
• Photos: take photos of the route, access and location in advance; that clarifies coordination in a single contact.

Step 4: arrange the connections

• Water: a tap for the garden hose within reach; filling takes place on delivery day or shortly after.
• Power: an earthed circuit with a residual current device for the pump, filter and lighting (always for a jacuzzi), heavy-duty power for an electric element, heat pump or electric sauna heater. Arranged in advance by a certified installer; waiting times with installers are often longer than the delivery time.
• Drainage: a spot where hundreds of litres of water can go when changing the water: a drain, flower bed or street gully.
• Wood-fired heater: no power needed, but keep clear space around the chimney and fit a spark arrestor.

Step 5: the installation service

With the installation service, the wood-fired heater, the filter system and any heat pump are connected on delivery day, so the tub is immediately ready for use. What is not included in the installation: connecting power or heavy-duty power circuits to the mains, laying the base and applying for permits. Arrange these in advance. Without the installation service, you connect it yourself according to the assembly manual; see wood-fired heater use and maintenance.

Clearance around the product

Checklist for delivery day

1. Base level, load-bearing and ready at least a week in advance.
2. Route measured and clear: garden furniture, planters, bicycles and obstacles removed.
3. Crane lorry position clear; neighbours' cars moved if necessary.
4. Power or heavy-duty power installed and inspected.
5. Garden hose and tap within reach.
6. Particulars and photos shared in advance.
7. Someone present who can confirm the final location and the position of the heater, steps and technical components.

After placement comes the first start-up: see first start-up of your hot tub, putting your jacuzzi into use or outdoor sauna use and maintenance.