It's here! Hot Tub Delivery Day-Your Options
Tony Burnett
Today is one of the most thrilling milestones in your hot tub journey—you’re about to bring it home! We offer two fantastic delivery options to get your spa set up exactly the way you want:
Option 1: Kerbside Spa Delivery 🚚
Perfect for the hands-on owner, our kerbside spa delivery brings your new hot tub right to your driveway or kerb. From there, it’s all yours! The spa is carefully unloaded at the drop-off point, and you take the lead from there, moving it to its final spot and handling the setup and any necessary electrical connections. It’s a great, budget-friendly choice for those who enjoy a bit of DIY and want to customize the installation themselves!
Option 2: Full Back Garden Delivery with Installation
For those looking for a completely stress-free experience, our full back garden delivery with installation is the ultimate choice. Our team expertly transports your spa directly to its new backyard home, seamlessly navigating any narrow gates, paths, or other obstacles—even using special equipment if needed. Once it’s perfectly positioned, we connect it to your power source, set up any extras like cover lifters and steps, fill and test every feature, and make sure it’s ready for action. To top it off, we’ll walk you through the basics, including a quick lesson on water chemistry, so you’re all set to relax and enjoy. Plus, we'll take care of all the rubbish, removing any packaging or materials from the site, leaving you with a spotless, ready-to-use spa.
Which option suits you?
| Kerbside delivery | Full back garden delivery with installation | |
|---|---|---|
| Where the tub is left | At the kerb or on the driveway | In position on your prepared base |
| Moving it into the garden | You arrange it | Our team does it |
| Connecting to power | You arrange it (a qualified electrician for 32 amp models) | We connect it to your prepared supply |
| Extras such as steps and cover lifters | You fit them | We set them up |
| Filling and testing | You do it | We fill and test every feature |
| Handover | Owner's manual | A walk-through, including water chemistry basics |
| Packaging | Yours to dispose of | We take it away |
| Best for | Confident DIYers with helpers and an easy route | Anyone who wants it done for them, or has a tricky route |
Measurements to take before delivery day
Most delivery problems come from a route that looked fine but was a few centimetres too narrow. Hot tubs are moved on their side on a trolley, so measure:
- Every gate and opening on the route. The opening has to be wider than the tub is tall when it is on its side. Our tubs range from 73 cm to 99 cm in height. Our hot tub size guide lists each model and explains the extra height needed for the trolley.
- Clear height under arches, porches and overhanging branches. On its side, the tub's length or width becomes its height.
- Corners and turns. A long tub needs room to swing round a tight corner. Measure the width of each path either side of the turn.
- Steps and slopes. Count steps and note any steep sections or soft ground.
- The base itself. Check the base is bigger than the tub and that there is clear space around it to manoeuvre.
If any measurement is tight, call us on 01293 824094 before delivery day. It is far easier to solve on the phone than on the driveway. Taking delivery between October and March? Our guide to buying a hot tub in autumn or winter covers soft lawns, short days and the first heat-up.
Manual delivery or crane?
Most hot tubs reach the garden by hand on a trolley. A crane is only needed when there is no ground-level route at all, for example a terraced house with no side access, a roof terrace, or a garden behind a high wall.
| Manual on a trolley | Crane lift | |
|---|---|---|
| When it is used | There is a clear route through gates and paths | No ground route, or the route is too narrow or steep |
| Who arranges it | Our team on full delivery, or you on kerbside | You arrange the crane company or lift operator |
| Planning | Route measurements | A lift plan by the crane company, sometimes road permits |
| Cost | Included in the delivery option | Extra, charged by the crane company |
If a crane is needed, the crane company or lift operator is responsible for assessing and carrying out the lift. Tell us early so delivery can be timed with the crane booking.
Preparation checklist
- Base finished, level and fully cured
- Electrical supply installed and tested: a dedicated 13 amp outdoor socket for plug and play models, or a 230V, 32 amp supply with RCD fitted by a qualified electrician for larger tubs
- Route measured and cleared of bins, bikes, pots and garden furniture
- Gates unlocked and propped open; pets kept indoors
- Parking space near the property for the delivery vehicle
- A garden hose that reaches the tub, for filling
- For kerbside delivery: enough helpers and a trolley lined up
- Starter chemicals and test strips ready. Our complete chemical kit covers the first fill
Delivery-day timeline
| Stage | Kerbside | Full delivery with installation |
|---|---|---|
| Arrival | The tub is unloaded at the kerb or on the driveway | The team checks the route and the base |
| Moving | You and your helpers move it on a trolley | The team moves it into position |
| Positioning | Set it level on the base, service side accessible | The team positions and levels it |
| Connection | Plug in, or your electrician connects a 32 amp tub | Connected to your prepared supply |
| Fill and test | Fill through the filter housing to about 25 mm above the waterline, then check for leaks | Filled and every feature tested |
| Handover | Read the manual and start heating | Walk-through and water chemistry basics; packaging removed |
After delivery, expect the first heat-up to take a while. Our guide on how long a hot tub takes to warm up explains what to expect.
Your first week with the tub
- Day 1: after filling, check again for drips around the drain valve and cabinet base. Set the temperature, put the cover on and strap it down.
- Day 2: test the water. Bring total alkalinity into the 80 to 120 ppm range first, then adjust pH to 7.2 to 7.6. Add one chemical at a time with the pumps running.
- Day 3: once the water is warming, add sanitiser and bring free chlorine to 1.0 to 1.5 ppm. If the water is still below 20°C, dissolve chlorine granules in a bucket of water first.
- First soak: test again before anyone gets in, and shower first.
- End of the week: rinse the filter, shock the water and check the readings. Then settle into a weekly routine.
Leave the cover open for about 30 minutes after each dose so trapped fumes can escape. Our maintenance guide sets out the routine from there.
Delivery FAQs
Does the electrical supply need to be ready on the day?
Yes, for full delivery with installation, as we connect to your prepared supply. For a 32 amp tub, the supply must be installed and tested by a qualified electrician first.
How many people do I need for kerbside delivery?
That depends on the tub's weight and your route. Our tubs weigh from about 150 kg (Okanagan) to well over 300 kg dry for larger models, so plan for several strong helpers and a suitable trolley.
What happens if the tub won't fit through my gate?
Measure before delivery day. If the route is too tight, call us early so we can look at alternatives, which may include a crane.
When can I first use the tub?
Once it has reached temperature and the water is balanced: pH 7.2 to 7.6, alkalinity 80 to 120 ppm and chlorine 1.0 to 1.5 ppm.
Ready to decide? Call us on 01293 824 094 for a personal consultation on the best option for your setup and style!
Choosing a hot tub?
Compare our hot tubs and swim spas, or visit our showroom near Gatwick.