Can You Put an Inflatable Hot Tub In a Basement?
Having a basement in your home is very practical since it can serve as a space for various things. Many people use the basement as a storage place, but it can also be used as a room for relaxation. If you have kids, it may be ideal as a separate room or playroom when their friends come over.
However, if you are thinking about turning your basement into something more luxurious, like a spa, you should consider all the pros and cons of putting a hot tub in a basement. Althrought it sounds like a good idea, there are some things you need to consider before doing this. In this article, we’ll talk about that. So, let’s start!
Can You Put an Inflatable Hot Tub in a Basement? Putting a hot tub in the basement is possible, but it is not recommended due to the possibility of flooding. Also, basements are cold and have a high moisture level, which is not good for human health. Other reasons to avoid this is the complexity of filling and emptying a hot tub and its maintenance.
Putting your hot tub in the basement sounds like a good idea, but there are always things to consider before doing this. If you don’t pay attention to some things, the installation process could get complicated, so now we will explain what you need to know.
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Is It Safe To Put Inflatable Hot Tub in the Basement?
Inflatable hot tubs can be installed in the basement safely. However, conditions such as a flat floor, appropriate room temperature, and a satisfactory level of humidity in the air must be met.
The dimensions of your basement must correspond to the hot tub size. If a hot tub is too big, there won’t be enough room to move around, and you will be unable to place the pump and other devices that go with the hot tub anywhere. Usually, hot tubs have a standard dimension of 94” (238 cm) by 94” (238 cm).
The great thing about inflatable hot tubs is that they don’t have any extra wiring, which means that there is no contact with electricity. You can include many additional add-ons to your hot tub once you install it. Also, if you have windows in the basement, that is an additional advantage because you will have available natural light.
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Things to Look For When Putting A Hot Tub In the Basement
Before you decide to install your inflatable hot tub in a basement, you need to consider a few things that are very important for the safety and well-function of your hot tub.
Basement Ventilation
Lack of ventilation can be one of the biggest problems of having a hot tub in a basement. However, this can be solved by installing a ventilation system in your basement.
This is very important since the lack of ventilation will raise the humidity level in the air. To avoid this, install an exhaust fan and a ventilation system to get rid of condensation.
Water Hazards
When you have a hot tub outside, it is easy to deal with splashing water since it will mostly just wash away. However, this is not possible in a closed basement. That is why it is important to keep an eye on water that spills from the hot tub. Spilling water in the basement can cause serious structural damage.
It may be good to buy rubber mats that protect your floor from water. They are easy to clean and dry. This is also good for children because it is slip-proof. One great solution is installing a moisture-proof tire to help you deal with this problem.
High Humidity Level
When you use a hot tub indoors, the room’s moisture level rises and can be a problem, especially in the basement, where it is usually humid. It can result in mold growth and also help with the corrosion of the pipes or other installations.
To avoid this, install a mechanical ventilation system, or insulate materials that may become the victims of corrosion. This, including every other possible problem, should be solved before you put a hot tub where you desire.
Advantages of Putting an Inflatable Hot Tub in the Basement
Putting a hot tub in your basement sounds like a good idea, and it actually is. There are many reasons why putting a hot tub in your basement can be great. Here are some of the advantages:
- More Privacy: If you put your hot tub in the basement, you will not have to worry about your neighbors looking at you, and you can enjoy it to the fullest.
- Ease of Use: When installing a hot tub in a basement, everything is at your fingertips. Since you are already in the house, you can easily go to the bathroom, bedroom, or elsewhere without leaving the house.
- Weather: Usually, when people put hot tubs outside, they cannot use them throughout most of the year. Weather conditions can be very tough, depending on where you live. When you put your hot tub inside, you can use it throughout the year without worrying whether it’s raining or snowing outside.
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4 Potential Problems With Hot Tubs In Basements
Although we listed some of the advantages that you can have by placing a hot tub in a basement, there are also some important things that you must pay attention to.
1. Cold Basements
Basements are usually much colder than the rest of the house since they do not have any direct sunlight. That is why having a hot tub in your basement is not convenient when you are in your swimming suit while the room is cold.
Even though it is warm inside the tub, being cold outside may ruin your bathing experience. As the hot tub runs on a motor, low temperatures can also affect its operation. The hot tub’s pump may freeze if the water is less than 50 degrees. The motor will be over-exerted, so using your hot tub in a cold environment is not recommended.
2. Filling Problems
Maybe that didn’t cross your mind, but filling a hot tub in the basement is not easy. For those who don’t have a faucet in their basement, you will need to carry water with buckets downstairs which can be time-consuming and difficult work. If you spill water from the bucket, you can easily slip and wet your basement.
Even if you have a water hose in your backyard, it probably won’t stretch enough to use it in your basement. This makes filling up the hot tub a lot more difficult than it usually is.
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3. Flooding Problems In The Basement
Putting an inflatable hot tub in a basement can be a risky move because of water. It is known that it is not a great idea to have water in your basement since even a bit of it can create mold. Therefore, be careful when filling up a hot tub because if you fill it above the highest level, you will flood your basement.
Your hot tub will be highly pressurized if you do that, and putting a lot of water inside can collapse or even break. If you do not own a walk-out basement, it will be very hard to clean up the water, and your basement may be filled with mold in a couple of weeks.
4. The Problem With Rats
Many houses have a rodent problem since they love the warmth and tend to hide in darker places. By putting a hot tub in a basement, you are creating an ideal place for rodents that may cause harm to your wires and the hot tub.
Also, when they die, they leave a horrible smell that can spread throughout the basement. It is also dangerous since the rodents may chew through your hot tub and cause your basement to be flooded.
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How to Get the Hot Tub Into the Basement?
Putting an inflatable hot tub in your basement should not be a big problem since you may easily carry it downstairs and then inflate it, but if you have a wooden tub, you will have big problems with moving it around. It is usually difficult to fit your hot tub through the basement door and carry it downstairs since most hot tubs do not fit.
It is also problematic that hot tubs are very heavy. Most of the time, it is best to call the store to see if it is possible and how you should do it. Sometimes, it is even an option to take apart your hot tub and then put it back together in the basement, but it usually must be done by a professional.
Here you can see how the hot tub is transferred to the basement.
For those who want to use their hot tubs during winter, be sure to read Are Inflatable Hot Tubs Good in Winter?
Final Thoughts
Having an inflatable hot tub in a basement adds a lot of benefits. However, for this, it is necessary to fulfill certain conditions. The advantages of a hot tub in a basement are that you can use it at any time of the day, regardless of the weather, and at the same time, you have privacy. The downside is that basements are usually quite cold, humidity is high, and there is a possibility of problems with rats. Therefore, it is up to you to assess whether adding a hot tub in a basement is worth it.
