Hot Tub Site Prep Checklist
Hot Tub Site Prep Checklist: Everything You Need Before Delivery Day in Eastern Ontario At Polar Springs Hot Tubs in Brockville, Ontario, we know that buying a hot tub is just the beginning — getting it set up for years of stress-free enjoyment starts with proper site prep. A little planning now means a smooth, safe installation later, so you can spend your first night soaking instead of scrambling. Whether you’re in Brockville, Kingston, Cornwall, Belleville, Ottawa, or anywhere in Eastern Ontario, this is the ultimate hot tub installation guide to get your backyard ready before delivery day.
Base Prep — The Foundation of Fun
Your hot tub’s base isn’t just a spot to park it — it’s the unsung hero that keeps it safe, stable, and happy for years.
Perfectly Flat: A small tilt won't hurt your hot tub, but not having a flat surface can stress and even crack your shell.
Solid surface: Concrete pad, patio stones on compacted gravel, or a reinforced deck.
No sinking: Avoid bare soil or grass — water weight will turn it into a spa-shaped crater.
💡 Pro Tip: In our region, a 4” concrete pad with rebar reinforcement is the gold standard for hot tub installations — especially in Ontario’s freeze-thaw climate.
2. Electrical — Powering the Bubbles
In Ontario, hot tub wiring must be done by a licensed electrician and inspected by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA).
110V Plug-and-Play: Just needs a standard dedicated outlet nearby.
220V Hardwired: Requires a GFCI-protected disconnect box within sight of the spa.
💡 Pro Tip from Polar Springs: Ask your electrician to run conduit in a way that’s hidden — it keeps your installation clean and clutter-free.
3. Water Access — Fill ‘er Up
You don’t need custom plumbing to enjoy your new spa from Polar Springs Hot Tubs — just a garden hose will do.
Check your pressure: Higher water pressure = faster fill.
Know your source: Well water may need filtration; city water is usually good to go.
Drainage plan: Think ahead about where water will go when you drain the spa — especially in urban areas like Kingston or Cornwall where you want to avoid flooding neighbouring yards.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep a dedicated spa hose — no one wants grit from car washing or garden use ending up in their tub.
4. Pathway Clearance — The Spa Red Carpet
Our delivery team in Eastern Ontario has seen it all — narrow gates in Kingston, winding cottage driveways in the Thousand Islands, and even crane lifts in Ottawa.
Width check: Our delivery crew loves 40" of clearance— measure gates, fences, and tight spaces. If you have under let us know.
Clear obstacles: Move BBQs, patio furniture, planters, and yes… garden gnomes.
Overhead hazards: Watch for low tree branches, eavestroughs, or wires.
💡 Pro Tip: Send us photos of your delivery path before installation — we’ll let you know if it’s a standard delivery or if we’ll need special equipment.
5. Creature Comforts — Optional but Awesome
Once the basics are ready, it’s time to think about making your hot tub area a true backyard oasis:
Privacy screens or hedges
Outdoor lighting (string lights = instant spa vibes)
A towel & chemical storage bench
Safe, non-slip pathway from house to tub — especially important in Ontario winters
Final Delivery Day Check — Polar Springs Style
✅ Base is level and solid (pad, patio, or reinforced deck)
✅ ESA-certified electrical work completed or lined for after delivery.
✅ Hose ready for fill-up
✅ Pathway cleared and measured
✅ Extras planned for the perfect first soak
Bottom Line
At Polar Springs Hot Tubs, we deliver and install spas across Brockville, Kingston, Cornwall and all of Eastern Ontario.
Follow this checklist and delivery day will be nothing but excitement.
We’ll handle the heavy lifting — you just decide whether to christen your new spa with champagne or a cold water.